I had surgery for breast cancer 4 weeks ago I’m on my 3rd week of tamoxifen I start radiotherapy on the 10th may I’m going though hell with tamoxifen hot flushers and even worse night sweats I’ve sat on the edge of my bed for 3 nights now from 2am going though hell and I’m dreading the radiotherapy I’m getting to a point were I just want to give up now I can’t handle my life right now I don’t think my body can do it anymore …
Oh Lynne, you poor thing - I really feel for you. It’s so hard coping during the day, when you’ve not had a good night’s sleep. Just thought I’d let you know, that you’re not on your own and that hopefully, it’ll improve.
I’m taking Anastrazole and it’s exaggerating the effects of menapause - which I’d gone through a few years ago. Like you, I’m getting hot flushes and finding it all a bit exhausting. I’m now 6 weeks in, and either getting used to the side effects or they are calming down. If it continues, chat to your ‘team’ they may suggest a different brand of the drug, which might help. M & S do a range of cool fabric nightwear, which may be helpful - haven’t tried it myself.
I’m halfway through radiotherapy now - and it’s completely doable. It takes longer to take your clothes off than the actual zapping. The staff go to great lengths to make sure you are comfortable too. I’m a bit tired, but genuinely think that has more to do with the journey each day than the treatment. My appointments are 8:30. I leave home at 7:00. Each session takes approx 10 mins. I’m back home by 10;00. I’m still able to run around after my two, 18 mth old, grandchildren three days a week.
Hi Lynne
Wanted to send you a virtual hug x
It’s still early days for you both physically and mentally. Your body is still trying to recover from the surgery and your head will be trying to process it all, so no wonder you’re exhausted, and then that makes you feel worse.
You may find that the side effects of tamoxifen wear off after a few weeks but speak to your BCN who will be able to help.
Radiotherapy is completely doable and certainly not as bad as you think. Drink plenty of fluids and rest where you can. But try and take one day at a time otherwise it just feels all too much.
Sue xx
Thanku Sue I am truly trying to cope with it all and at the same time trying to be strong for my kids and grandkids I really don’t think havin cancer has hit me yet tbh each day I relize I have cancer and that’s wen I’m at my lowest x
Awww thanks Hun I called my breast nurse today and she said try taking half in morning and half at night until I see the doctor on Wednesday xx