Here we go again!

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I’ve got my 8th round today, after a bit of an enforced break because my white blood cells were too low. The last session they had to replace my picc line which was traumatically. I wasn’t ready for it and couldn’t stop crying which in turn made it all a bit more difficult for the nurses to do, but they were excellent, calmed me down and it was eventually all done with no problems. I’ve also had the vaccine which did comprise me for a few days too.

I had such positive results with my scans after my 6th round of chemo showing significant shrinkage, I was over the moon. On the flip side they wanted me to continue chemo.

For some reason I was expecting to breeze through the last chemo round, because everything was so positive. I didn’t I had an awful post chemo week. I got quite depressed. I live with my 85 mother (who I’m meant to be looking after, but she’s doing her best to look after me) and at times it feels like we are just both waiting to die.

I know each time I have a round it gets worse my side effects seem to last longer and are stronger. My mum gets so upset and I feel terrible for her. She’s been through it not once but twice before with my dad and my brother.

I know I’m rambling and I’m not even sure what I’m asking for! I’m just not looking forward to the next week.

thanks for reading, Susan x

Kareno62 over 4 years ago

HiSG007. I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling but please try to hold on to the news that the chemo is causing such brilliant shrinkage. Chemo is a struggle and the last 12 months have been so strange with the lockdown and everything it’s not surprising that you’re feeling a bit depressed. Please tell the nurses what you’re struggling with? If it’s something like nausea then there are several different tablets and if one doesn’t work, then ask to try another? If your white cells are regularly too low then maybe you could discuss a doseage reduction with your oncologist? Do you feel up to getting out for a walk on your good days? I know it can feel like an effort but I’m sure the fresh air and all the lovely plants that are popping up will lift your spirit?

Hope next weeks session goes a bit better. Don’t forget you can always ring the nurses on here for a chat if you’re struggling

0808 808 00 00

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

court over 4 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi SG007

Significant shrinkage is fantastic news and I am sure your team are really delighted . With results like that I can understand why they want to keep going when they are achieving such excellent results . They will be delighted . My mum was the same but she had to reduce her dose the second time and what a difference it made .

I think talking to your team as Karen suggested would be really beneficial. My mum actually got similar outcomes on a very slight dose reduction although I must add everyone is individual. But I think your team would want to know how you are feeling to .
The way we looked at it by your stage , was more of a chronic condition and keeping a balance .

My mum could only ever do six cycles in one sitting so can I just say I think you have done incredibly well but it’s ok to reach out and tell your team how you are . In a stage 4 setting it’s a marathon not a sprint and they will want to keep it working well for you .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000