Fibromyalgia, depression and now breast cancer...

Hi everyone, 

I did post in the Pre-Diagnosis section but obviously things have moved on and I've now been diagnosed with DCIS and a large tumour. I'm due to have my left breast removed on Sept 15th plus the sentinel node biopsy then radiotherapy, possibly chemo depending on what they find.

I'm 44 with a son about to start Year One at school.  He's 6 end of September.  I have a supportive husband but he's finding it all too much at the moment.  He lost his Mum to breast cancer in the 1990s so it's bringing back some grotty memories. 

I already have quite a limited life due to pain and fatigue from Fibro and other musculoskeletal issues. It's already not the life I thought I would have because of this and I'm not always able to be the Mum I want to be for my son.

  I've had a variety of traumatic life experiences- as have many of us- but I just feel like this is a whole new level of horrid. I've been left to get on with my chronic stuff for so long I don't feel I have any fight left in me for anything else. 

I am feeling sorry for myself tonight but I also just struggle to find the meaning to it all.  I am already depressed and am having an initial counselling session ( after months of waiting) next week. 

Does anyone else have Fibro and cancer? How are you coping?  Any comments- positive,  tough love, kick up the bum etc gladly received!

I thought reaching out would be better than it all going round my head for another sleepless night.

Nat xx

  • Hi Nat I don't have fibro. But I do have breast cancer. I couldn't just scroll past your post. You will find the strength and you will be able to handle what they have to do to get you better. Because some how we just do. I've been told to take things day by day even hour by hour if need be. I'm not sure how your pain is managed. My mom has fibro and she is saying pain management isn't the best. But if you need help or reassurance I find my breast care nurse amazing. All the best with your treatment 

  • Hi, I too felt like I couldn't just scroll past your post. I have stage 2 breast cancer but I dont have fibro. I was diagnosed in July but had to have a ct scan to find if it had spread anywhere else. I got the results of my scan a week later and they spotted something on my lung so had to have a PET scan, the results came back another week later and they diagnosed me with lung cancer. My whole world has been turned upside down as having 1 type of cancer is terrible but being told I had lung cancer too just scared me. I'm going in for my mastectomy on 8th September and I'm having part of my lung removed at the same time. I'm just trying to take 1 day at a time but it still scares me. I'm finding that this site is helping me a lot and my cancer nurses are brilliant. 

    Good luck and best wishes to you xx

  • Hey, I have just been diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer and I also have fibromyalgia. I'm concerned on how this will effect me... have your fibromyalgia symptoms gotten worse with treatment ? I hope your doing okay xx

  • Hi cherryredlips!

    So sorry about your diagnosis. It feels like such a lot on top of already having Fibromyalgia.

    I am currently day 6 of my first EC chemo cycle and feel absolutely dreadful. Hate to be truthful but.... However I am learning what I need to do i.e. don't get constipated! Rest a lot. Drink. 

    I've been in bed past 2 days. Missed my PICC line dressing appointment cos I just couldn't get to the hospital.  Chemo Unit are lovely but they don't get chronic stuff.

    I'm stage 2 er/pr+ and HER- .

    Surgery was actually easiest bit! Had left mastectomy in September and that has healed nicely. 

    I'm not very coherent at moment but will try and post again when brain works. 

    Take care xxxx

     

     

     

  • Hi Nat, 

    im sorry to hear you suffering at the moment... I M still waiting for my chemo schedule, have my first oncologist appointment next Wednesday so will hopefully know more then. 
    I have someone close to me who was diagnosed 7 years ago with the same cancer so she has become my main source of support and comfort. 
     

    hope you're feeling better soon xx