Life goes on

Hello 

In June 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer age 34. I had all the treatment, chemo, RT, injections and now on tamoxifen. 

I returned to work in May 2015 and I am a police officer. I have tried to get back to normality as much as possible however there have been some struggles along the way. 

Are there any other officers that can relate and offer me any advice. 

I have been struggling with fatigue, headaches, feeling dizzy and sick. Having low moods and low self esteem, which I think are side effects to treatment. 

I don't know what is best going forward and wondering if there are any practical changes that will make things easyier. 

I try to go the gym regular, eat well and generally look after myself. 

I'm considering a change of role or maybe different shifts etc....would this make any difference or help 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks 

  • Hello hello hello oficer

    Please exuse my sense of humour ... but on the serious side There are a few of us ladies on tamoxifen after our cancers ... I myself had really bad emotional problems for a while .. crying at everything .. and although been on them many months , my energy levels have gone right down .. like a battery.  .. on fully charged , great for couple days .. then 3 days average to low levels .. then 2 days laying on the bed ... 

    I've just got used to doing what I can , when I can, and don't feel guilty about the lazy days ... I just listen to my body .. the other ladies get Simerla too ... and they've done well with knowing the effects too .. one is rilleyroo and hopefully she may pick this up, and give you her take on it ...

    Well don't know if that helps .. but your not alone .. Chrissie x

  • Thanks Chrissie that helps a lot and nice to know I'm not alone. 

    I'm currently having a lazy day today as my battery as ran out this week.

    Do you know if these effects ever go away or is the case of learn to live with them ? 

  • Hi there ...

    Got a feeling it's go with the flow ... maybe some get back but most I've talked to, say it effects their work, and have to cut down hours ... but I look on it like, hay wer still here, so take each day as it comes .. and at first i felt guilty having my jim jam day , but felt so much better after .. so now i do catch up t.v .. go on here ... or watch a film .. and I quite enjoy it now ...

    So if I were you , let your body tell you when you feel good, or tired ... as it is telling you what or how much to do .. but exercise when you feel o.k and hopefully your get there slowly.. if not enjoy the relax time ... I think I've been busy all my life .. probly the same with you .. if it ever gets you down, the alternative is far worse ... Chrissie x

     

  • Hi Ell82. 

    As Chriss says, I’m also on tamoxifen. Have been for exactly a year. I do agree that the effects of cancer treatment never really leave you. Yes, the active phase is done and over with but for most of us the tiredness doesn’t seem to end completely. I’m OK for a couple of days, can go for a couple of weeks then it’s like being hit by a train. 

     

    I’ve had my doseage amended as, like you, I was very emotional and seriously considering stopping taking it. When I saw the Onc he said that as I seemed to be able to cope better with taking two smaller doses in a day rather than one larger one, he would prescribe that rather than me coming off it. Registrar was not amused but she needs to get back in the field with the rest of the herd!

  • Thank you very much....enjoy your relaxing 

  • You can also try different brands of the same drug, the components in a tablet vary from brand to brand you might find one suits better than another. 

  • Thanks rileyroo I feel better already knowing it's not just me going mad. I'll have a chat with the DR on next app. 

  • It’s definitely not you. This can seriously mess with your head and various other bits of your anatomy as well.