New to forum, feeling a bit low and start chemo next week

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Hello. I'm 48, diagnosed with grade 2 IDC which had spread to my lymph nodes. Had a bilateral mammoplasty in Feb which has healed fine. I've got my first of 16 chemo sessions next week which just seems such a lot. Am I riddled with spreading cancer that I don't know about? I swing between this and not believing that I actually have cancer as I feel so well. After chemo (which doesn't seem possible to picture somewhere so far in the future) I have to have radiotherapy.  My sick pay runs out at 26 weeks (way before I finish chemo) so I've applied for voluntary redundancy which may or may not be accepted. I'm all over the bloody place. I don't like speaking to my nearest and dearest as it just seems to bring everyone down and I'm very much a show must go on / no fuss person. 

Wobbling from Aberdeen 

    1. Hi, I’m sorry you find yourself in the club nobody wants to be in.  I’m glad you are healing well but sorry you are now starting your chemo journey.  Keep a note of how you get on after each treatment as the team can prescribe things to help make side effects easier on you.  Bring a good book or download a few movies.  Regarding your sick pay, if you contact MacMillan Support on 0808 808 0000 they will advise you if you are entitled to any benefits.  You may be eligible for Personal Independent Payment.  They can fill the form in for you.  You may get turned down first time but they also help you appeal the decision.  If you enjoy your job and the terms and conditions are good, you may want to hold on to it.  You are covered legally under the disability law.  Your workplace has to be flexible with you. Best wishes for your treatment. 
  • Hi there, hope you’re ok. I’ve had a mastectomy in January and I have a total of 21 weeks of chemo. I’ve had 3 x ecs and I’m having 12 weekly Paclitaxal. Everyone has different plans and they’re unique to you and the cancer type. So don’t worry about the length of chemo. I’ve had 2 ecs and last one is next week before going over to weekly, it does feel like I’m in the thick of it. But I am crossing off the weeks, just like you wlll be x

  • Hi. I hope you are ok. I completely understand how you feel. I thought this also when they told me I’d have to have 12 sessions. Such a lot but they are the experts and know what is best for us, we have to trust this decision. 

    Please don’t worry about work, you may still be able to work. I have still been working and doing my weekly Pilates class and daily walks.