Hi KarenD,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to read about what you've been through recently, but glad to see some of the positives such as being able to return to work and having good friends around you. This is always important.

My reply here will boost your post so more people will see it and hopefully others with similar experience will be along soon. There are others on this forum who have been through or are going through something similar, so do feel free to also browse the forum.

I hope you're able to find Cancer Chat a help and I also hope that some of the side effects you mentioned ease soon.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Karen,

no it’s not just you, but I know what you mean...so many people say they bounce back to normal after cancer. Maybe they are genuinely back to their old selves and good for them. Personally, I’m like you...the cancer journey as they like call it, was life-changing. I’m on year 4 post breast cancer and something tells me that the aches, pains and new me (not a ‘me’ I would ever choose) is a result of the war wounds from the battle we’ve endured. At first when I returned to work I was physically exhausted and didn’t think I could do it. After a year back at work, I still get pains and fatigue, but your body will hopefully adjust as mine has. (I don’t like my job, but that’s a different issue.) I take painkillers for severe joint pain and pain from mastectomy and reconstruction, I also have a berroca in a glass of water every morning, which boosts my energy. Total respect for you working as a single mum, do you have the option  to reduce your hours or not work if it gets too much? My husband works away from home for long periods, so I know it’s tough when you have to do everything. There are cancer support groups in most areas, I go to a group once every few months and it does help to have people to talk too. Your gp or online search should help you find out about groups. Although life is different after cancer, you will adapt because you are a survivor and I hope it will get easier with time. You may have changed, I know I have, but I try and take pleasure in the little things, as they really are the big things. My kids, the dog, the sun shining. Seeing family or a barbecue with friends can really lift your spirits, I did that recently and it helped me. I still have low times and it’s hard when you’re living with pain, (I can relate to that) but I’m hopeful there are always solutions to every problem. For you and for me. Just remember, you are not alone. Wishing you all the best. 

Hi Karen,

Your not alone with this hun. I was diagnosed with bc in Oct 17 - double mx with immediate implant recon, chemo x5 (supposed to be 6 but caught sepsis!) And Hetceptin. Now on tamoxifen.

For me the fatigue is still really bad. I'm back at work full time now due to being a single mum (my ex left shortly after my treatment finished) but I find everything so exhausting still. My go suggested if it doesn't get better I may need a referral to consider if it's chronic fatigue triggered by my illness.

 I'm also taking venlafaxine as a way if managing menopause symptoms (I'm 38, but chemo triggered early menopause) the hot flushes and night sweats were shocking!

I also struggle emotionally. You mentioned your struggling with anxiety? Does your cancer centre offer therapy? I'm struggling with symptoms if depression and possible ptsd relating to aspects of my treatment and have therapy at my local Macmillan centre which is good.

So long and short - your not alone with this. Some people seem to be back on par in no time, for others it seems to take a little longer. Just take one step at a time. Practice self care, and listen to your body. 

Sending hugs lovely lady xx