Hello,
I was dx in December 2011 I had wle in dec and then anc in jan. I had chemo only 4 sessions and then 20 rads i was signed off from onc in Sept and since then I’ve heard nothing.I’ve rung but couldnt get through so I emailed my bcn who said they were a bit behind. Its not very reasurring!
I’ve been taking tamoxifen since July and i thought I was doing ok. I’ve been having really bad flushes, and my whole body is aching all the time. My head is itching all the time and generally I’m exhausted by 5pm I’m ready for bed and I’m not even working at the moment. I do have two little children 8 and 4. I got so fed up of being ill after chemo I’ve avoided the drs but my other half is getting on to me to make a drs appointment. I’ve made the appointment but i’m afriad I’ll sound like a hypercondriac moaning on,.I just feel terrible all the time when I should be elated that I’m still here.
Anyone else feel the same.
Love fran
Hi Fran,
In my area first mammo after diagnosis is 18 months, I think I’m lucky as see BCN once a month or I can phone, had a couple of worries and was “sorted” very quickly, so support is excellent.
I would phone doc or BCN again, make an appointment asap, tell them what’s wrong. You are not a hypochondriac you are just worried.
Remember your body has gone through a lot and it does take time to heal physically and mentally, phone today, take care and lots of hugs to you xx
I understand that frequency of mammograms does vary in different units/hospitals around the UK. However, if you were told you’d have another one at 1 year post-diagnosis it’s definitely worth chasing it up by ringing the breast screening unit. Unfortunately admin backlogs and oversights do occur. If you can’t get through to the breast screening unit you could try to clarify the situation using the PALS service at the hospital. If I’ve learned anything through all my treatment and other health-related issues it’s that sometimes you have to be persistant and insistent.
It’s a shame that you’re feeling so grotty. I hope your appointment with your doctor is useful and he/she is supportive and understanding.
The people on the Helpline at BCC are great, ditto MacMillan and Maggie’s. If you feel in need of a moan, they will listen and try to help.
Hi Fran
I remember reading your posts over the last year, I was a little behind you and staarted chemo in March. I wonder if you have tried switching the brand of tamoxifen you are on? It might make a difference if you could try another brand.
I have felt guilty that I havent been doing cartwheels after my treatment ended and can totally understand how you are feeling. Guilty almost, that you arent as happy as a sand boy?! I think its a normal way to feel. For me, this part of my treatment has been harder on my brain and emotions that the pro-active part of chemo and rads.
You have been through a lot this last year. I remember you having lots of problems along the way, so try to be kind to yourself and dont expect too much or beat yourself up if you are not feeling 100% yet. You have 2 young children to care for and had to look after them during treatment which cant have been easy. I do think that maybe you should chase up your mammo appointment, I had mine a year after diagnosis. You are not being a hypocondriac, its probably best to tell your GP about how you are feeling, so try not to feel as if you are wasting their time.
Wishing you all the very best and I hope things improve for you soon.
Joan xxx
Hi Fran,
We were dx at the same time but I didn’t start chemo until March. Ito started Tamoxifen in July and initially I had some mood swings, achy joints and mega flushes. Now the aches and mood swings have settled down though I still get the hot flushes, generally at night, I have been lucky in that I have always had the same brand of Tamoxifen.
You are not a hypocondriac these are all real problems I would get an appointmnet with your GP to discuss them and also ask if they would do some blood tests, as you may be anaemic, which would explain alot.
I to am awaiting my first mamogram I have first follow up next month and was led to believe that I would have mamogram prior to that. Ihave not heard anything, I had to take a friend to the breast clinc this week so while I was there I asked the receptionist if she could check to see if I had one booked, nothing showed up on the computer. I have keft 2 messages with surgeon’s secretary but not had any replies. I am going to phone my BCN next to see if she can clarify the situation.
It is just so frustrating and stressful when we have to chase things that should be routine.
Hope you get sorted.
Jane