Hi, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September 2024 and started chemotherapy in November 2024. My tumour is reducing in size, from 27mm to 12mm, treatment is going ok, side effects aren’t great but they are bearable. I had a difficult time at work when I got my diagnosis, my employers ignored me and wouldn’t discuss my situation or how they could support me, until I told them I was considered disabled. It’s been a real roller coaster getting to the point I am at now. But now I am in such a low mood nearly every day, I have insomnia, I am tearful most of the time, I have spent the last 2 months laying on the sofa watching tv, I have no energy to do anything at all, some days I can barely get dressed. I have a very supportive family and husband. I just feel miserable all the time. I had to suddenly stop taking hrt, so I realise I am coming to terms with a lot, the diagnosis, the treatment by my employers, the lack of hrt, the side effects of chemo. Buy I just cannot shake this off. Some days I just think what is the point in having treatment. Who would I go to for help with this? I did burst into tears in one of my chats with the chemo nurses and I tell them that I feel low but they just say I should be making an effort to do things. Can my usual GP help me?
I sympathise with you,my treatment has knocked my sideways, I am into my second of 2 year, 6 monthly hormone injections for prostate cancer after 4 weeks of radiotherapy.
My consultant and GP tell me I have to deal with it which is very hard for me to do. Mood swings, depression and the loss of weight and muscle mass, falling asleep anywhere, instantly is a problem as well.
I have been going to Maggie's meeting which has helped me understand the journey I am on, the people there listen, don't judge you in anyway, leave me alone if I just want to sit quietly on my own.
Everyone tells me it will get better, here's hoping the sooner the better.
Keeping my mind active though, doing anything that takes me away from my thoughts helps me a lot, walking our dogs, chatting to anyone that will listen, helps a lot.
Is it worth it? Almost certainly, life is a gift but for many,at times it can be hard going.
I look out of our windows at the changes as the year progresses, at the wind and rain, snow and night skies and think life is worth it.
Cyril
