Post stroke chemotherapy

Hi

I don't have the experience you're looking for but I noticed that no one had responded to your post yet. This might be because no on else has been in this position or just that the person who has hasn't seen your post yet. By replying to you it will 'bump' it back to the top of the page where it will be seen again.

It might also be worth your while posting this to the chemotherapy thread that's running in the group. If you'd like to do this clicking on the link I've created will take you straight there.

x

Hi May 

I too have TNBC Grade 3 after a stroke in 2014. I have had a mastectomy and chemo - 4 rounds- and am now on Zolendronic acid infusions. I did not have radiotherapy because of the stroke but I got through the chemo taking each day as it came and by telling myself that each side effect was temporary and would pass. So I slept a lot and whenever I needed, I got organised before and assigned tasks to helpers. I eat a bland ‘white diet’ of porridge,potatoes, fish, rice pudding and ice cream with stewed apples and fruit smoothies to sip when my taste bud were affected. I posted about this in ‘End in sight’ while I was doing chemo. I had ‘chemo fog’ and still find it difficult at times to recall dates and details but it is getting better as am I. My best advice is take each day as it comes and deal with what that brings. Phone Macmillan if you are worried as they are great and keep you right. I also got tablets and creams from my chemist delivered for when I needed extra or my skin was very dry. Chemo is not easy but I felt it was my best chance. I felt things like more sensitivity on my right side than my left which had been more affected by the stroke. You too will know having recovered from the stroke that sometimes you must find a way to deal with things that are issues for you and don’t affect others so much. For me that meant getting someone to agree to change the bed and hoover the carpets and planning microwave dinners for when I was too tired to cook especially at night. I also stocked up on Bottle green juice which is good when you can’t even drink water as it tastes metallic. I let the house go to pot and took each day one at a time. 
i hope you are ok and I wish you well. Contact me anytime and I will share how I got through. 

Thank you Flora21.  My stroke was in 2014 also!  I have been left with a neurological disorder called dystonia and have painful muscle spasms on my left side which particularly effect my arm and hand.  I am trying to keep the mindset to take each day as it comes and am trying to get organised in advance and as you say am used to living life to my own limits.  Thank you so much for your helpful response xx

Hi MayD

I am stage 2 grade 2 ER. (See my profile for more) I too am facing the decision whether to chemo after my stroke in 2017. I made a very good recovery from the stroke and only found out last week that chemo carries a stroke risk. I also found I had undiagnosed AF (fluttering heart) when I went for my pre op! I'm waiting for the onco dx score and if it comes back high, I don't think I've got much choice and will have to have the chemo. If it comes back low, I will be guided by my oncologist..

It's a difficult decision. Keep talking to your oncology team and explain your concerns.

Wishing you well.