Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and had gone through the whole lot (surgery, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy). I was told I am on remission but it doesn't feel that way because I still have to go through monthly injections, 6-monthly infusions, blood tests, still taking Letrozole tablets and Abemaciclib. I am experiencing really bad bone and joint pains due to the tablets I'm taking and it's taking a toll on my mental health. I don't enjoy family trips as much because of the pain and this is frustrating me. I easily get angry, and feel sad when I'm alone. I am no longer my old happy self.
I am considering stopping the tablets but I know that I might regret it eventually. So I want to know, have an idea when it gets better? Does it get better?
Hello woolfe38,
My name is Lizzie, and I’m part of the Online Community team.
I’m so sorry to hear about the pain you’re experiencing and the impact it’s having on your mental health. It sounds like you’re going through a really difficult time, and I can only imagine how exhausting and overwhelming things must feel at the moment.
Have you been able to speak to your GP or hospital team about the pain you’re experiencing and how it’s affecting your mental health? If you haven’t already, I’d really encourage you to reach out to them so they can understand what you’re going through and explore how best to support you.
Please also make sure you speak to your hospital team before stopping any medication, so they can advise you on the safest way forward and discuss any concerns or side effects you may be experiencing.
I also wanted to let you know that our Macmillan Support Line teams is here for you. The team can offer a listening ear and emotional support, as well as answer questions about treatment, medical concerns and other issues you may be facing. They’re available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, and you can get in touch by phone, email, or via live webchat.
You may also find our Ask an Expert forum helpful. If you have a question you’d like a Macmillan professional to answer, simply visit the relevant forum group and start a new thread. A member of the team will aim to respond within 1–3 working days.
We also have information on our website about cancer and mental health, including advice and support for when things feel particularly difficult.
Hopefully other members of our community will also be able to offer some support and share their own experiences, particularly if they’ve been through something similar. Sometimes, talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be a real comfort, and they may have some helpful advice to share.
I hope you’re able to get some support to help ease the pain and the emotional toll it’s taking on you. Please remember that you don’t have to manage everything on your own, and you’re very welcome to reach out to us whenever you need to.
I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Lizzie
Macmillan Online Community Team
