Experiences of chemo

hi

welcome to the online community, sorry you've had to come and find us

some doctors like to give the facts, some like to sugar coat things

I have experience of all types.

I could do with a bit more info about what you've been told so far, why a their op? Is it because they didn't get clear margins ?

So far you've probably been putting a brace face on the whole wretched situation and now you've just had enough and need a good cry. 

In my experience, and probably the reason why people refer to is as a roller coaster, is that the teams try and be upbeat and positive but then the results come back and suggest it's not quite as simple and they tone down the enthusiasm and then they sort of temper their initial good prospects and that was exactly how it seemed, for me each meeting was either it's great news or it's not so good news.

If you're going to have chemo I'm not going to sugar coat it, it's not pleasant. 

But when I think back now it wasn't terrible, I remember being tired and sleeping a lot but I also remember that I went to work. 

Food tasted horrible, or had no flavour, my hair fell out and I had to wear a wig.

But I'm still here.

I had surgery in mid 2015 and chemo from then until Christmas Eve.

the link under my name should lead you to a bunch of positive stories. 

have a good cry

then let's look at your actual situation and I'll try and give you a positive spin to offset the Onco's attitude 

what does your post surgery report say ???

Carolyn

xxxxx

Hi ......

Carolyn is quite right.....we can't promise you an easy ride although as she also says....there will be days when it doesn't seem as bad you expected.... Like Carolyn I had my cancer in 2015 and chemo early in 2016 and I too am still here to tell you about it. That is what is going to get you through any bad days.....there is hope at the end for so many after breast cancer these days. Also even since Carolyn and I had our treatment, treatment has developed and improved and will be adapted more to your responses to make things a little easier.

• The most important thing you have done is find this site. The monthly chemo thread will give you enormous daily / hourly support. You will be able to share your feelings/ reactions with others who are experiencing the same problems as you or ask questions which someone who has been there already may be able to answer or advise on. But this is a site where we will also understand your down days.... tears....anger.....excitement at positive results. There will always be someone here to listen ( cyber style!) and even at night you may find people awake like you on the Awake thread. If you feel like being cheered up you will often find a laugh there too. In addition if you need to see what might happen when treatment is finished browse the Walking Back to Happiness. The photos you find there are certainly up lifting as well as the posts encouraging.

I wish you a sucessful treatment. If there are unpleasant days remember they all work towards a hopeful ending.

Take care. Love Karen

Hi , some great advice from Carolyn and Karen. Sorry you came away from oncologist so upset but try and remember they have to tell you worse case scenarios so you are prepared.  Some people have very few side effects and there are lots of medications etc to counteract them. I was very worried because I have history of hyperemesis,  travel sickness you name it but have been reasonably well controlled.  One thing my oncologist said is that you only hear about the people struggling because they ask for advice, and people who not too bad dont want to make the others feel worse so dont always post.

Taking a bit longer to bounce back from number 3, and yes it is going to be a long job but trying to stay positive, allowing myself a good cry/duvet day if need to. Planning a week in London after surgery/radiotherapy to give myself something to look forward to. Do keep posting,  everyone has been so supportive to me xxxx