Living with Primary Breast Cancer and side effects

My name is Abir - having Primarily Breast cancer diagnosed back in October 2023 surgery end of 2024.  I am on active treatment now Abemacicilib and Letrozole lost with managing mood swings. Hence I am also Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia since 1998 on active Targeted therapy treatment Asciminib.  Yes I am on two types of Targeted treatment.  

I appreciate the different support at hospital, different resources at cancer research, MacMillan and breast now.  I am just tired trying to find myself again.  Feeling a bit sad as writing this post and despite trying everything that I could gym and volunteering, joining cancer groups, classes discussions.

Juggling in between of every side effect of the three treatment.  Both team oncology and Haemotology thinks I am doing great.  It’s funny when it comes to mood swings and fatigue since despite of resources and research for nhs patients a lot of delays to get into places like pain management,  or to get into a trial with restrictions to guidelines typically if done radiotherapy twice in life.

Yet the best advice I can give to someone undergoing cancer it to have good connection with their team and to communicate with their team CNS specialist nurse who may liaise us to relevant available facilities.  Please liaise to relevant links or information to deal with fatigue and coping these medications side effects.  Thank you for reading my post

  • Hello Abir and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm so sorry to hear all that you have been through, and that you're finding it difficult to find yourself again. This is something so many of our members can identify with as they have experienced this too, so you are not alone in feeling this way Abir, and I hope you will receive some support and advice from them soon.

    As you say, life after cancer and living with the side effects of treatment can be very tough but I'm glad you are getting the support you need from your medical team. We also have a team of cancer nurses you can talk to on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all they can to support you and address any other questions or concerns you may have playing on your mind at this time.

    This journey is a hard one, but we are here for you Abir and wishing you all the best as you continue moving forward.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator