Cancer Support Thread

Gigervamp

Hope it goes well Juliethemuse. x

JadedAngel88

Didn't know where else to go to with this but really worried about my daughter. She had her last chemo at the end of January and past few weeks shes been not feeling too good, to be honest she hasn't been since the end of chemo, really hoping its just her recovery being slow, they do say its time and a half for recovery, so 9 months and we are just shy of 6.

I really don't think I can do this again, I will obviously, but she's so young, she doesn't deserve this.

Gigervamp

Sorry to hear that Jaded, I'm currently in hospital myself as I had an infection in my working kidney.

I hope your daughter pulls through, chemo is hard going as you know. I'm due to start another round soon, once my kidney can take it. Not looking forward to it, I have to say, but needs must.

Take care of yourself and send my best wishes to your daughter. x

Dill

I'm sorry to hear that Gigervamp (and JadedAngel)

It's hard to know what to say in situations like this, but wish you both well

candlelight_2013

I am sorry you are not well Gingervamp. Hoping for a speedy recovery from the infection and good luck with the next chemo, will be thinking of you.

Hugs

Candlelightx

elisebutt65

I finished my chemo in May 2013 and then went back to work until the end of term, then had my radiotherapy in July. We went on holiday in August and I was back at work in September. About 6 months later I had a real slump and felt awful and had loads of time off.

Even now, 3 years on, I have really bad days. Work were pressuring me to work more hours so I had to get a fit note from the GP to say I could only work 3 days a week as I need the time off to recover. 3 days teaching is still tough though and I spend my time off planning etc.

However I managed to get by with only 3 days off sick this year,mans I've signed up to do my Masters part time (got my loan approved). I've just this week had my biannual check up from the surgeon, who is an amazing woman, and got the all clear again.

Bad news is I've got to be on Aromasin (Exemestane) for another 6 years. I thought Tamoxifen was bad, with all the bladder problems and hot flushes. OMG; I have osteopenia now, my hair falls out if I sneeze too hard, my joints are so painful and my scar hurts like a b @stard. Hot flushes are slightly better and I only have to take 3 other pills to deal with the side effects (wry smile).

And the very worst thing is that I havent had sex for about 5 months. I can't do it. My libido has gone. I really want to for OH, but I just can't face it and the thought of it makes me feel ill. I'm frustrated because I want to want it again, IYKWIM? I want to talk to the gp about it but there's hardly any female docs at my surgery and it's so hard getting an appointment as it is. I just can't talk to a male gp about wanting to want sex.

I just want me back.

Dill

elisebutt65 wrote: »

I finished my chemo in May 2013 and then went back to work until the end of term, then had my radiotherapy in July. We went on holiday in August and I was back at work in September. About 6 months later I had a real slump and felt awful and had loads of time off.

Even now, 3 years on, I have really bad days. Work were pressuring me to work more hours so I had to get a fit note from the GP to say I could only work 3 days a week as I need the time off to recover. 3 days teaching is still tough though and I spend my time off planning etc.

However I managed to get by with only 3 days off sick this year,mans I've signed up to do my Masters part time (got my loan approved). I've just this week had my biannual check up from the surgeon, who is an amazing woman, and got the all clear again.

Bad news is I've got to be on Aromasin (Exemestane) for another 6 years. I thought Tamoxifen was bad, with all the bladder problems and hot flushes. OMG; I have osteopenia now, my hair falls out if I sneeze too hard, my joints are so painful and my scar hurts like a b @stard. Hot flushes are slightly better and I only have to take 3 other pills to deal with the side effects (wry smile).

And the very worst thing is that I havent had sex for about 5 months. I can't do it. My libido has gone. I really want to for OH, but I just can't face it and the thought of it makes me feel ill. I'm frustrated because I want to want it again, IYKWIM? I want to talk to the gp about it but there's hardly any female docs at my surgery and it's so hard getting an appointment as it is. I just can't talk to a male gp about wanting to want sex.

I just want me back.

I think a lot of people will appreciate this post, and your honesty, elisebutt. I am not sure if, or to what extent, patients are made aware beforehand that they will need to take these strong drugs for a long time after treatment, or how the side-effects of these drugs will affect their life.

candlelight_2013

I had the dreaded Tamoxifen for 5 years and I had trouble with my waterworks for a lot of the time. I don't take it anymore but I had to see a renal specialist 2 weeks ago because my kidney function isn't what it should be. It makes you wonder doesn't it. He doesn't know what us wrong and I have to see him again in 4 months.

Candlelightx

oldandhappy

My sister had breast cancer over 5 years ago now and was prescribed meds which she is still on...side effects have not been good.


My daughter had breast cancer..aggressive so her treatment matched the illness and about to have consultation on Monday about another mastectomy because of the higher risk to her. She will be having a bone scan as a precaution soon as well. My point is having told you some family connection re cancer...I wanted to say are the drugs you have to take just worth all the side effects as some are Very Serious.. I do realise if a doctor directs the treatment because of long time trials showing this is the best options for you it seems the right thing to do...Its just I am not sure if its something to question or not I do question it myself but would not be able to say that to my dearest ones......BW Dianne

JadedAngel88

Gigervamp, thank you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

I think that my daughter is trying to push her recovery, trying to do too much too soon, but we all know what teenagers are like .

She is due to go back to college to finish her course in September and I don't think she is going to be able to cope, particularly as she really suffers with extreme tiredness.

My gut instinct does say that this is not a relapse or cancer of any other kind (but then it was wrong the first time) and other than the pain and tiredness she does seem to be well in herself.

Hopefully we'll know more Wednesday.