Brick wall

Hello i was diagnosed with breast cancer May 2023 had lumpectomy and lymphnodes out which was tested positive i had radiotherapy and now take medication one for 3 years one for 10 years I recently returned to work full time doing well walking eating well but all of a sudden got pains jn shoulder under arm round breast etc and seemed to have hit brick wall not wanting to do anything phoned my nurse who says can be side effects of both radiotherapy & medication so im just having few days off work to try and bounce back i have a super family around me so i need to bounce back but find it difficult being positive all the time   Thank you for listening x

  • Hi there Louise54

    I am sorry to hear you are feeling a bit low and not quite yourself at the moment. It isn't unusual to be feeling the way you are so try and be kind to yourself and allow yourself this time for some rest and self care.

    As your nurse has said it is possible this new pain is a side effect from either the radiotherapy or hormone treatment or both. However there could be another reason so see how it goes and if it continues or worsens do get back to your nurse or GP, so they can assess you.

    Going through cancer treatment can take it's toll on both the body and the mind. For some patients it is only after treatment has finished and they start returning to work and the routine of everyday life that they feel the effects of all they have been through. Some patients find moving on groups or some type of talking therapy helpful in process what they have gone through.   

    There is information from Breast Cancer Now about moving on courses here and emotional support here that you may wish to take a look at.

    It is good to hear you have a great, supportive family around you but sometimes it can also be useful to get support from others as well.

    Please get back to us if you want to.  You are very welcome to call our helpline on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekday 9-5 if you would like to chat any of this through.

    I hope you are feeling brighter soon

    Take care

    Naomi