Despite finishing chemo and radiotherapy over 2 years ago and taking medication for the menopausal symptoms, my mood swings and irrational behaviour just seemed to be getting worse. I am currently taking a 4 week break from tamoxifen to see if this helps stable the situation before my medication review.
Depite only being off the tamoxifen for 2 days, I don’t think my husband and friends understand how these drugs make you react because they seem to be more concerned about how my behaviour makes them feel to the point that one friend said she didn’t want to be in my company while I was like that. It was a real wake up call and it has really taken my low mood to whole new level and I am so upset by the situation.
I am off work due to stress and the impact on my mental health and I have now given up all my extra volunteer roles I carried out. I no longer want to go out or be around anyone. Is it just me? am I going crazy?
Hi C Bear18
You're not going crazy. Treatment affects everyone differently and there is no right or wrong way to react to treatment. It can be hard for family to know how to react when a loved one is going through treatment sometimes, they really can't know how it feels unless they've been through it themselves.
One of the best ways to deal with the how you are feeling is to talk it through with someone who knows what cancer treatment can be like. If you haven't considered it already why not try and see a counsellor. If you ring the helpline on 0808 808 0000 Macmillan can arrange some counselling sessions through BUPA. The sessions are free or if you prefer if there is a Maggie's Centre or another cancer centre near you why not call in and they can arrange free counselling sessions for you as well as well as other therapies.
I went the counselling route when I was struggling because of my diagnosis and I found it a big help. I've also doing Reiki at the moment which is also helping and I've had Reflexology which I loved.
Wishing you the best of luck with your break from Tamoxifen.
Best wishes
Daisy53
