New to the group and in a bit of a pickle…. really don't want to carry on with my EC chemo. It's just too much

Hi, 

I have Triple negative breast cancer. I’ve already had 12 paclitaxel 4 Carboplatin chemo. I have suffered quite a lot from various things going wrong like high blood pressure, low blood pressure when standing causing me to nearly faint, 3 blood clots along my picc line, my picc line coming out to far and having to redo the whole thing. Then the side effects from chemo. I then changed to EC every other week for 8 weeks but had my first Ec and quarter way in had an allergic reaction quite bad which meant I couldn’t continue on that day. It’s now coming up to my consultant appointment and I actually don’t want any more EC. I’ve literally had a mental breakdown because I can not take anymore. I’ve got surgery and radiotherapy to go as well, my breast care nurse said my consultant is keen for me to have the remaining chemotherapy, but I just can’t do it, I’m not living I’m existing, I can not do anything due to side effects and my fainting episodes. I go from my bed to the sofa every day and feel like I’m in a prison. I feel I’m going to be bullied into doing the treatment and my family are already saying if I don’t have it what will my daughters do if I’m not here anymore. I am in a massive black hole  

sorry for waffling on but I just need some reassurance or guidance 

  • I'm so sorry to hear how difficult things have been for you whilst having treatment MyNan.

    It sounds like you have been through so much and if the EC has had this much of an impact on you, it's completely understandable why you want to stop.

    I know you're worried about being pressured into continuing the EC, but just be honest with your consultant and breast cancer nurse about how this is affecting you and ask if there are any alternatives. You have to put yourself first and do what's right for you MyNan, so don't be afraid of relaying this to your medical team and your family.

    Hopefully some of our members who have experienced similar issues during their treatment will stop by soon to offer their thoughts and advice but you're very welcome to talk things through with our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all that they can to help.

    Be kind to yourself MyNan and remember that we are here for you, and sending all our strength and support to you at this very difficult time.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator