Does anyone else feel abandoned?

Hi Louisewomble welcome to the forum and hope that you feel better for having got that out onto the paper. Its ok to vent and like you no one of us likes the words be brave nor do we feel like warriors, so you are not alone in feeling how you are.

You are right, it feels like we get cast adrift after all is done for us but we then have other issues that developed as a result of what has happened to us and for us so the need to for them is ongoing but they don't always realise that.

Thats good at least that you are being treated for High Blood Pressure but hey if you have an arrhythmia you need to speak to the GP so maybe the receptionist needs to understand that this is urgent and that you need to speak to the GP to resolve this and don't let them put you off.If this persists I would take myself to the A an E department. 

Hi Louisewomble, I know how you are feeling. I have been having a very fast heart beat, shortness of breath and feeling generally unwell for weeks. I called my chemo team on the emergency number but they didn’t have a doctor available that day so ended up in A&E where, I have to say they were marvellous. Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray and CT on my lungs. All came back clear, just tachycardia which they put down to the Docetaxel and Filgastrim injections. I spent a night in hospital but was discharged the next day. I could barely walk back to the car. I really thought I was going to collapse. That was The Thursday. By the following Monday I felt no better so I called the chemo unit. I was told someone would call me back. They didn’t. I called again Tuesday. I did the start to get some help. My chemo nurse prescribed Bipoprolol and requested a 24 hour ECG. I’m due my final chemo tomorrow but this will be delayed as a cardiologist is going to look at the results tonight and I will find out what is going on tomorrow. I did feel in limbo until I got someone to take control. It’s a horrible feeling when things don’t go to plan. Keep phoning, keep bothering people. Really if the heart problems are caused by your drugs, then they should be sorting this out for you and getting you tests and a cardiologist to look into it further. Don’t give up. It is the hardest part of your journey, I feel, when you have to make a few noises to get heard, but it will happen. Sending hugs and strength to you x

I spoke to my bcn last week and she referred me to the well being department at our hospital.  She is is going to refer me for councilling could take a month but at least it’s someone to talk to about my feelings.  Does your hospital have a similar group xxxx. I know how you feel xxxx 

Hi Louisewombie, yes I am feeling abandoned. I last saw a BCN in May at the only time I have met my oncologist face 2 face. I have now had 3 cycles of chemo since then, it’s a different chemo nurse every time in a very busy unit, I wouldn’t feel I could ask her anything, especially with 10 other patients sitting around you. The last nurse that administered my EC drug didn’t really speak to me at all.  I don’t even know if I am still under a BCN, they are always in a different part of the hospital with the surgeons. I think it’s a shame the consultations are done on the phone, my oncologist wouldn’t have a clue what I looked like. I don’t feel I could ask anything minor which I am sure I would do if I was in clinic. My last consultation was less than 3 minutes. I finish chemo mid September, maybe I’ll be asked to go back in then. Seems a long time since May, especially as he said I was high risk. Would just like the reassurance of being poked occasionally to check no recurrence. 

I am so sorry this is your experience. I too feel abandoned! I have left messages on answer phone and emailed my bc nurse direct but no response! My mastectomy was six months ago and I have had no follow up, I feel like I am a pain in the neck and I should just be glad things are not worse! I do hope your situation improves soon. Xxx