29, chemo before surgery, having a rough time with chemo

Hi,

I’m in a really similar situation to you, although a bit older at 41. Currently on round two of six and am really struggling mentally. 
I’m in the process of accessing support but finding it tricky to plan around chemo and feeling poorly from side effects.

Have you accessed any support from your local Maggie’s centre? They’ve been brilliant so far with me. 

Hi,

I haven't reached out to Maggie's yet, I absolutely should do though. I'm finding it impossible to plan around it, every time I feel like I'm getting better something crops up which puts me back a few steps again.

The mental side of it is hard. A lot of people say that keeping positive is a big part of the treatment, I can't help but feel a little frustrated being told that a lot by people who don't have cancer.

Have you got people around you for support?

HiTheFox27

i am sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. After cycle 2 of chemo I was exactly the same, I experienced very low mood, crying which is unusual for me and just felt really down. The IV affected my speech and walking so I am dreading the next round. I found not going out and about was really depressing as I was so worried about catching infections, I think it is a fine balance to try and lead a normal life as much as possible.  I have started to go out more but wear a mask. I have found at around day 10 I start to feel better from the infusion and I try to get out walking everyday. You have to go with how you are feeling and when your body tells you to rest. Diet also plays an important part to keep strong and healthy as possible. I haven’t been to Maggies as don’t live near it but there is a local Aurora Cancer Center that provides beauty treatments and I had a massage this week to help with my mood. You get 6 free treatments so if you live near one I would recommend it. 

Hi,

I’ve got a fantastic husband and my mum who are a great support for me. I’ve got friends checking in on me too but finding it hard because they’ve got their own lives and don’t want to be too much of a downer on them. 

Hi!

It is cycle 2 that I've just finished. It was looking so positive to begin with, I was eating and drinking the next day and after round 1 it took me 4-5 days to be able to face food and drink due to the sickness/nausea. On day 4  of cycle 2 mother nature called and my energy levels absolutely plummeted - I was really worried as my other half and I were signing our civil partnership papers and going for dinner with friends on day 6. Thankfully I felt alright for this but the next day I had an awful throbbing in my left leg. I was given the awful blood thinning injections over the weekend and then had an ultrasound on the following Monday to check for a blood clot. No clot as far as they could see, but my leg is still in agony and I'm really struggling to get around. It seems Oxali loves messing with my nerves, I get a lot of the muscle spasms. I'm hoping to get out more once my leg improves as it really does get you down staying inside all day especially when the weather is nice.

Diet wise I'm doing pretty well. I follow a plant based diet, eat a LOT of veg and plenty of protein through pulses, nuts and seeds. I was craving junk food throughout cycle 1 once I could eat again, but cycle 2 has me craving healthy and lighter food for sure.

I don't seem to be anywhere near an Aurora Center which is a shame. We're also part way through buying a house so money is very tight, as much as I would love to go and get some treatments that's not quite on the cards.

How many rounds do you have left to go?

That's great!

I agree it's hard not to feel like a downer to people, but I also think it's important to remember that they're there for you and would probably rather know how you are feeling rather than you bottle it all up. I guess that's also what we can use this platform for? Mentally I was at the end of my tether earlier, I'm feeling a bit better now though. :)

Hi Fx 

I don’t have colon cancer, mine is ovarian which has spread to the dodgy bits covering my organs. I was preparing myself for a massive op but today my consultant called to tell me they won’t operate until they can shrink some of the tumours. Another 3 week wait and a biopsy before this can happen. I’m older than you at 45 but I can understand being on the younger end of things. I live alone which is terrifying me a little thinking about how I’ll manage. I too keep holding my emotions and then slipping when I see other people out enjoying life. I have exactly the same worries as you about chemo working. Even the thought of lugging this melon about in my pelvis any longer is doing my head in. 
The other ladies here give good advice. One day at a time. Try to take pleasure in anything you love no matter how tiny. We’ll both need it to keep going. ️

sending lots of love and I hope things ease up for you on the pain front. 

Keep in touch 

N xx

What chemo are you having? 

I think that’s one of the hardest parts of all this- the not being in control, the thought of planning for something and then it being taken away. 
Hoping you get your op sorted x

Yeah it’s the waiting, I’ve been chasing doctors for over a year then went private. Nobody was talking cancer then boom. My private consultant has been great pushing things for me. I’m exhausted with all the symptoms and that’s before I start chemo. Don’t know where to find the strength from to be honest x