Breast cancer in the lungs, lymph nodes,sternum and brain!

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Sorry, I'm feeling sorry for myself, I'm lucky in that I don't have any pain and I'm on targeted therapy, palbociclib and letrozole, the tablets make me feel unwell even though they are keeping me alive, I keep thinking of stopping the tablets and letting nature takes it's course, but I have 3 beautiful daughters and 6 gorgeous grandchildren and don't want to let them down plus my oncologists who are looking after me. I feel trapped, I'm not allowed to drive because of the treatments I've had to my head! Although that is better than it was, I still wobbly a bit when I walk, I have had to give up my beloved dog, which still breaks my heart, my family don't come near me while there's coughs and colds about as I'm vulnerable,  I wish I didn't feel like this! I try to be positive and don't let people see me like this, so I thought I would write it down

  • Bless you, that’s not a nice position to be in. This time of year (mid-winter) is not always helpful. I am not in the same position as you, but I do sometimes feel very downbeat. I don’t know if it might help, but when like that, I write a daily gratitude list. I jot down nice things, acknowledging the existence of these little sparks of light in my day. It might be something as simple as seeing a bird in the garden, or a pretty flower, or a nice cup of tea and a biscuit. Or it could be a friendly face, or an email from someone who cares. 
    I have just discovered the U3a online interest groups and I am grateful to the friend who told me about them.  https://www.u3a.org.uk/learning/interest-groups-online

    Some of them are very relaxed (there is a ‘coffee and chat’ group) and also a huge variety of interest groups. I have found people to be friendly - you don’t have to show your face online, you are in your armchair, and  there is no chance of catching nasty germs! Maybe you know of other online groups that you might like. Whatever, they can add some structure, purpose and interest to a part of your day. 

    I hope this is helpful a little bit. Xx 

  • Thank you, I did find that helpful, someone listening, I'm just having a bugger it day! My oncologist said I would, I don't feel like talking to my daughters as I know they worry about me, so I keep pretending I'm fine. I am palliative, so my cancer won't be cured, but my oncologist said, I have years yet, which is nice to hear, but obviously only if I keep taking the tablets! Which make me feel rubbish,  I didn't know I had cancer, I thought there was something wrong with my head,as I was feeling sick and dizzy and kept falling over, the gps decided I had vertigo, but I wasn't convinced, so I paid to have an mri scan, which showed a tumor! I knew there was something wrong! Anyway at the same time I was invited to an age related ct scan and that's when they found the rest of my cancer! I didn't expect that! Anyway I'm being well looked after,  and I'm going to get my positivity back, thank you for listening x

  • Hey Marleymoo, I'm not surprised you have some down days when you feel a bit fed up, you're dealing with a lot and it must be hard when things have to change and are out of your control.   Don't forget the lovely folks at Macmillan are at the of the phone, on 0800 808 0000 if you need to chat or want some extra support. Best wishes 

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