Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Views 360 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Struggling

Tootsweet74
Offline

Hi

I was diagnosed with TNBC a few weeks ago. I'm having chemotherapy first and then surgery. I started my chemo last week, my second session is tomorrow. The first session of treatment was fine. No side effects or hair loss yet but I know its very early days. I have good days and bad days about the whole situation. I'm absolutely worried sick but I try to put on a brave face, keep busy and try to put it to the back of my mind but obviously it never goes away. At the moment I'm really struggling. I feel very tearful and anxious. I have a long way to go but I just want the treatment to do it's job so I can get rid of this vile disease. I know no one can tell me what's going to happen but I'm so scared. 
 

x

  • Hello Tootsweet74

    I am sorry to hear that you're struggling so much at the moment. With everything that you're dealing with at the moment, it's understandable that you're feeling tearful, anxious, and scared. You're on a really physical and emotional rollercoaster at the moment and it's natural to have good days and bad days. Recognising that you have these peaks and troughs can help to get through the lower days. 

    Talking and reaching out for support to those around you is important. Have you spoken with you're breast care nurse to let her know how you're feeling? If not then please do get in touch with her. It may be that she's able to put you in touch with local services that can offer some support. 

    Hopefully some of our members who have been through this will post to share their experiences with you. In the meantime, you might want to have a look at the Someone Like Me service that's run by Breast Cancer NOW. Or you might want to get in touch with your local Maggie's centre or Penny Brohn to find some support. 

    Here at Cancer Research UK, we have a team of nurses that you can call to talk things through with if you would like to. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any information, advice, and support that they can. 

    This is undoubtedly a difficult time Tootsweet74. Just take things a day at a time and try not to look too far ahead as that will leave you feeling more anxious. If a day feels like too much, take things hour by hour. We're here to support you so keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi I am on cycle 6 of 8 dose dense chemo so I do a treatment every two weeks. I am also doing chemo before surgery but I am ER+.

    It is ok to be scared. I am scared all of the time. It is normal it is the brain trying to protect you, it doesn't know it is making things worse!

    I am cold capping, although I was told it wouldn't work on my treatment plan. But here I am at cycle 6 with most of my hair, bar a thinning patch up top and a little bald patch by my ear. It is different for everyone but I found the shedding really hard and scary, but for me it slowed at cycle 4 and 5 if that helps. 

    No one does know what will happen, but reach out to people and tell them how you feel as they may be able to help. My nurse sorted some medication for my anxiety and I go to a cancer charity for mindfulness classes. A very wise lady I know told me to build a toolkit for the days I don't feel happy; listening to music, playing games, doing puzzles or just going down to the bottle bank to do the glass recycling helps me. I love hearing the bottles and jars SMASH, so satisfying. She also said it is ok not to be ok which I repeat to myself when I feel low. 

    I hope this helps, it might not but if not then please remember that you aren't alone and stay away from dr Google. I really struggle with that one! 

  • Offline

    Hello I'm so sorry to hear but let me try and put your mind at rest,I also have TNBC I had chemo then the op and after I had radiotherapy.We all worry and get anxious you have to keep strong and tell yourself you can get through it all.I'm now glad to say I am cancer free so it's not all doom and gloom the treatment is great I know it's horrible when we have to go through it all,take care of yourself and just try not to worry x

  • Offline in reply to SunflowerHC

    Hi, thank you for your reply.

    I had my second treatment yesterday. Again it when absolutely fine. I feel no after effects at the moment, which is great! I also use the cold cap, I still have all of my hair at the moment, hopefully it stays that way.

    Yes it does help to hear your advice and tips. It's good to know I'm not alone. I do have lots of support from family and friends and I talk to them a lot! It's such a long journey and hard when you don't know what the outcome will be. I'll just take one day at time. You're right about Google, I know I shouldn't look things up but when you have so many questions going through your head it's hard not too. But I will try and steer clear because it really doesn't help! 
     

    I hope your treatment is going well. Thanks you, take care.

    x

     

     

  • Offline in reply to fifa

    Hi

    I'm so glad to hear you're cancer free! That gives us all hope. It just a very worrying time and a it's going to be a very long journey. I have good days and bad days but I do try and stay as positive as I can and I do have great support at home. 
     

    Thank you for getting in touch, it's helpful to hear how people deal with various situations and to hear good news! 
     

    x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.