Unable to have Chemo due to Heart Condition

Hi everyone

Its been a while since I last wrote and so much has happened.

My cancer was confirmed as stage 3 and I have had surgery to remove my right breast and lymph nodes.  I was referred to oncology for treatment and after waiting 4 weeks they planned my chemo.  I was sent for an echo of my heart just to check as i have cardiomyopathy.  Unfortunately the results were poor and my chemo was postponed until they had spoken with my cardiologist.  another couple of weeks went by and I went back to see my oncologist.  He has decided to give me hormone treatment as my cancer is hormone based but they dont know if i can have radiotherapy.  

I really dont know how to feel right now, ive gone from being told to have chemo, hormone treatment and radiotherapy, to just hormone.   The treatment plan im on will go on for 5 years!   I was hoping for 1 year and then its all over!

The hormone treatment im told makes you feel as if you are going through the menopause, I think i am so my poor husband will get it even more!

To make matters worse my right shoulder is so painful, I am trying to do the excercises but it is difficult.

All i seem to want to do right now is cry and im trying to keep positive but its so hard.

Thanks for reading this and helping me to get it off my chest, (half of one anyway!)

Tracey

  • Hello Tracey. 

    It's good to hear from you and I'm pleased to hear that you've had your surgery. Recovery can be a painfully slow process so keep on with your exercises but be kind to yourself too! 

    I'm sorry to hear that your Consultants decided your initially planned treatment would have to change. It's understandable that this has caused you some upset and worry. Do you know when the oncologist will know if you're able to have radiotherapy? I hope that you won't have to wait too long to find out. 

    I know that we've a number of breast cancer ladies here on the forum who have had hormone treatment. I'm sure that they'll be happy to share their experiences and tips for managing any side effects. 

    I'm glad that it helps to get things off your chest by posting here on the forum. If you'd like to talk everything through with one of our team of nurses them please do give them call. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. In the words of a famous advert - it's good to talk! 

    Keep in touch Tracey and let us know how you're getting on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi there ...

    I had a grade three... also oestrogen positive too .total right masectomy.....  my lymph node was clear .. so didn't have chemo .. and declined radiotherapy... so all I've had is 2 years hormone treatment tablets for 5 years ... yea there's a few side effects .. but mine didn't last long ...  just emotional for a few weeks .. and I'm still here ..

    I had lots of health problems too .. but yea life will never be the same .. but in some ways it's better .. l look at life differently now .. take nothing for granted .. cancer wants us to give up without a fight... you've done the masectomy... so you can't have chemo .. sometimes it only gives a small % of chance of beating it ..so we do what we can .. and taking a tablet once a day , isn't too hard ...

    Chrissie x