very emotional

steff5163
steff5163 Member Posts: 56
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Everyone,

New to this sight. I'm 47 and had a bilateral masectomy 4 weeks ago. I will be having 4 treatments of AC and 4 treatments of Taxol. Ihad one treatment 2 weeks ago and will be having second treatment tomorrow. So far I have recoverd great form surgery and my first treatment went ok except for being tired. I have been lucky ( Iwill keep my finger crossed) THe thing I really notice is I cry at the drop of a hat. Anyone else? I will also take any tips anyone has to give thanks
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Comments

  • arbojenn
    arbojenn Member Posts: 118
    Hang in there
    I am so sorry you have to go through this! You have been through a lot and it is no wonder you cry at the drop of a hat! Please mention this to your doctors. There could be a lot of reasons, but you want to be sure to rule out ones caused by medications.

    Your body is under stress right now. This period of emotions WILL pass, but it will come back again several times I fear. (I am talking about the emotional roller coaster: there is every reason to believe your cancer will be sent into permanent remission and NOT come back: but you do have to weave the emotional response into the fabric of your life. That will take time and heartache. ) I cried a lot ten years ago when I was first diagnosed and again with the recurrence I have now. But once I knew exactly what my treatment was going to be and had the hope of my prognosis, it got better.

    What is the hormone status of your cancer? Are you able to get your rest? Is your sleep fitful or restful? Please write and tell us of your emotions and thoughts. It does help to get it out and not worry if your words will be mistaken. You have so much to react to right now and I am sure it all happened very quickly. Your brain has hardly had time to process much less react to everything. We all cry with you and feel your pain. Please keep us posted.
  • ladydi1
    ladydi1 Member Posts: 120
    It's okay to cry
    ((steff))
    Just wanted to send you a big hug and say again, it's okay to cry. We become so numb when first diagnosed and sometimes just sleepwalk through the initial tests and surgeries as our minds try to process and take in all that is happenning. At some point it all seems to hit at once and your body needs that emotional release that crying brings. Don't keep your emotions bottled up, you have been very strong, but now it is okay to cry. Sending you a prayer and many hugs,
    Ladydi1
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    arbojenn said:

    Hang in there
    I am so sorry you have to go through this! You have been through a lot and it is no wonder you cry at the drop of a hat! Please mention this to your doctors. There could be a lot of reasons, but you want to be sure to rule out ones caused by medications.

    Your body is under stress right now. This period of emotions WILL pass, but it will come back again several times I fear. (I am talking about the emotional roller coaster: there is every reason to believe your cancer will be sent into permanent remission and NOT come back: but you do have to weave the emotional response into the fabric of your life. That will take time and heartache. ) I cried a lot ten years ago when I was first diagnosed and again with the recurrence I have now. But once I knew exactly what my treatment was going to be and had the hope of my prognosis, it got better.

    What is the hormone status of your cancer? Are you able to get your rest? Is your sleep fitful or restful? Please write and tell us of your emotions and thoughts. It does help to get it out and not worry if your words will be mistaken. You have so much to react to right now and I am sure it all happened very quickly. Your brain has hardly had time to process much less react to everything. We all cry with you and feel your pain. Please keep us posted.

    Thanks so much for your
    Thanks so much for your reply. I am sorry to hear you have to go throught this again. My mom like yourself had a reoccurence after 20 years and god bless her she is strong as a bull and 72. I have a great role model. I am er positive, I have 1-lymph node out of 14 positive stage 2 and had my other breast removed because of what happenned to my mother.(which turned out to have pre-cancerous conditions.) I am sleeping pretty good but do take anxiety med to do so. Since you metioned it I am wondering if it is a side effect of anxiety medication. I will metion it tomorrow. Thank you for all your support you sound like a srong women. It is so good to talk to people who have had or are going through the same thing. How are you doing?
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    ladydi1 said:

    It's okay to cry
    ((steff))
    Just wanted to send you a big hug and say again, it's okay to cry. We become so numb when first diagnosed and sometimes just sleepwalk through the initial tests and surgeries as our minds try to process and take in all that is happenning. At some point it all seems to hit at once and your body needs that emotional release that crying brings. Don't keep your emotions bottled up, you have been very strong, but now it is okay to cry. Sending you a prayer and many hugs,
    Ladydi1

    Thank you for the hugs and
    Thank you for the hugs and prayers. I feel better already. :)
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    Steff, first I want to say
    Steff, first I want to say welcome to the site... the people here are incredibly supportive, a wealth of information, similar and different perspectives on treatment due to the differences in our journeys... you will find comfort, friendship, acceptance and humor...

    I am new on this journey myself, and though my treatment plan is yet to be defined, I understand the emotional rollercoaster ride that goes with the process... Tears are good...the bodies natural way of releasing the stress that we try so hard to keep in check... so please, allow yourself your tears, and do not be too hard on yourself.. yes, there is a possibility it could have something to do with the meds.. but I also think it just may be the bodies reaction, to so much happening in such a short time...

    Come here often... share your thoughts, feelings, and questions... that is what we are all here for.. I am sorry for the reason you are here, but so glad you found this group of amazing people!

    Gentle hugs to you,

    ~T
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    Hello......
    Hello and welcome Steff. I'm sorry for your dx, but very glad that you have found us.

    Cancer and it's ensuing treatments are very emotional things to deal with. And crying is quite alright. Cathartic.
    I think we all have experienced crying at the drop of a hat.

    I'm very happy that your recovery is going so well. And I truly hope that you get through your chemo with little or no problems.

    Just try and take one thing at a time, and before you know it, you will be finished. Just be good to your body and try and get lots of rest.
    We will be here fo ryou.

    Hugs,

    CR
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    Hi steff
    ...and welcome. Sounds like your treatments are exactly like mine. Good that you took the first one so well, it is usually the hardest. I never did get sick, just a little queasy, hopefully you will be the same. The emotional side is, of course, different for everyone, but if you feel like crying, bawl your eyes out. Anything that helps you cope is a good thing. And since we all react differently to these life saving, but life changing drugs, anything that happens to me may not happen to you. But if you have any questions, I will be glad to try to help. Hang in there, and cry cry cry, if that helps.
    =^..^=
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    taleena said:

    Steff, first I want to say
    Steff, first I want to say welcome to the site... the people here are incredibly supportive, a wealth of information, similar and different perspectives on treatment due to the differences in our journeys... you will find comfort, friendship, acceptance and humor...

    I am new on this journey myself, and though my treatment plan is yet to be defined, I understand the emotional rollercoaster ride that goes with the process... Tears are good...the bodies natural way of releasing the stress that we try so hard to keep in check... so please, allow yourself your tears, and do not be too hard on yourself.. yes, there is a possibility it could have something to do with the meds.. but I also think it just may be the bodies reaction, to so much happening in such a short time...

    Come here often... share your thoughts, feelings, and questions... that is what we are all here for.. I am sorry for the reason you are here, but so glad you found this group of amazing people!

    Gentle hugs to you,

    ~T

    Taleena,
    Thanks , It sure it

    Taleena,
    Thanks , It sure it a rollercoater ride. Its' a terrible way to meet great people. When do you expect to get your treatment plan?
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    CR1954 said:

    Hello......
    Hello and welcome Steff. I'm sorry for your dx, but very glad that you have found us.

    Cancer and it's ensuing treatments are very emotional things to deal with. And crying is quite alright. Cathartic.
    I think we all have experienced crying at the drop of a hat.

    I'm very happy that your recovery is going so well. And I truly hope that you get through your chemo with little or no problems.

    Just try and take one thing at a time, and before you know it, you will be finished. Just be good to your body and try and get lots of rest.
    We will be here fo ryou.

    Hugs,

    CR

    What type of chemo did or
    What type of chemo did or are you having? If I break it down I guess 8 treatments are not that bad it could be worse. I'm hoping to keep the same symtoms from the first treatment. I know everyone is different but. how is or waas you experience thanks.
    Steff :)
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    steff5163 said:

    Taleena,
    Thanks , It sure it

    Taleena,
    Thanks , It sure it a rollercoater ride. Its' a terrible way to meet great people. When do you expect to get your treatment plan?

    I met with my first
    I met with my first oncologist and he left my treatment decision up to me without giving me "his recommendation or professional opinion" all he would say is that yonger women tend to have the chemo (prementapausal (sp?)_... which I am... and menapausal women tend to have just Rads.. seems my case falls right in the middle of "grey". I didn't care for the fact that he would not commit to an opinion.. I feel he should have said.. "I recommend x, but it's your decision" but he didn't.. I had to request a OncotypeDX, and he did it reluctantly stating, that he would do it since I was on the fence about which treatment option to go with... Needless to say I am getting a second opinion.. on the 7th.. my oncotypedx test results will be in by then.. (I hate to call it a second opinion.. because he never gave me the first).. I'm changing doctors...

    So, to sum up your question... the 7th... sorry so long winded but the more I think about it the angrier I get!!

    Hugs to you!

    ~T
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    taleena said:

    I met with my first
    I met with my first oncologist and he left my treatment decision up to me without giving me "his recommendation or professional opinion" all he would say is that yonger women tend to have the chemo (prementapausal (sp?)_... which I am... and menapausal women tend to have just Rads.. seems my case falls right in the middle of "grey". I didn't care for the fact that he would not commit to an opinion.. I feel he should have said.. "I recommend x, but it's your decision" but he didn't.. I had to request a OncotypeDX, and he did it reluctantly stating, that he would do it since I was on the fence about which treatment option to go with... Needless to say I am getting a second opinion.. on the 7th.. my oncotypedx test results will be in by then.. (I hate to call it a second opinion.. because he never gave me the first).. I'm changing doctors...

    So, to sum up your question... the 7th... sorry so long winded but the more I think about it the angrier I get!!

    Hugs to you!

    ~T

    I don't blame you for being
    I don't blame you for being mad at a time like this a little professional guidance would be nice. I dont think it should up to you alone. GOOD LUCK ON THE 7TH. I will get back to you to see how you make out.
    Hugs to you Too!
    Steph
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    cats_toy said:

    Hi steff
    ...and welcome. Sounds like your treatments are exactly like mine. Good that you took the first one so well, it is usually the hardest. I never did get sick, just a little queasy, hopefully you will be the same. The emotional side is, of course, different for everyone, but if you feel like crying, bawl your eyes out. Anything that helps you cope is a good thing. And since we all react differently to these life saving, but life changing drugs, anything that happens to me may not happen to you. But if you have any questions, I will be glad to try to help. Hang in there, and cry cry cry, if that helps.
    =^..^=

    Hi Cat,
    Are you all done

    Hi Cat,

    Are you all done with your treatments?? My first one was O.K. I'm getting a little anxious for tomorrow ( my 2nd treatment) Hope it goes just as well. How did you do? Did you also do radiation and Tomoxifen and how was the Taxol part, My Dr. told me it is usally more tolerable than the AC. How did that work out for you? Sorry for all the question.
    Steph
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    steff5163 said:

    What type of chemo did or
    What type of chemo did or are you having? If I break it down I guess 8 treatments are not that bad it could be worse. I'm hoping to keep the same symtoms from the first treatment. I know everyone is different but. how is or waas you experience thanks.
    Steff :)

    I had.....
    I had 4 rounds of A/C, done two weeks apart. Then 4 rounds of Abraxane (a cousin to Taxol) and Herceptin, done two weeks apart. Then Herceptin every three weeks for a year because I was HER-2 positive. I will finish that in late Fall.

    CR
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    CR1954 said:

    I had.....
    I had 4 rounds of A/C, done two weeks apart. Then 4 rounds of Abraxane (a cousin to Taxol) and Herceptin, done two weeks apart. Then Herceptin every three weeks for a year because I was HER-2 positive. I will finish that in late Fall.

    CR

    How are you doing through
    How are you doing through your treatments? Have you taken any vitimans through your treatments?
    Steph
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    CR1954 said:

    I had.....
    I had 4 rounds of A/C, done two weeks apart. Then 4 rounds of Abraxane (a cousin to Taxol) and Herceptin, done two weeks apart. Then Herceptin every three weeks for a year because I was HER-2 positive. I will finish that in late Fall.

    CR

    How are you doing through
    How are you doing through your treatments? Have you taken any vitimans through your treatments?
    Steph
  • steff5163
    steff5163 Member Posts: 56
    CR1954 said:

    I had.....
    I had 4 rounds of A/C, done two weeks apart. Then 4 rounds of Abraxane (a cousin to Taxol) and Herceptin, done two weeks apart. Then Herceptin every three weeks for a year because I was HER-2 positive. I will finish that in late Fall.

    CR

    How are you doing through
    How are you doing through your treatments? Have you taken any vitimans through your treatments?
    Steph
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    steff5163 said:

    Hi Cat,
    Are you all done

    Hi Cat,

    Are you all done with your treatments?? My first one was O.K. I'm getting a little anxious for tomorrow ( my 2nd treatment) Hope it goes just as well. How did you do? Did you also do radiation and Tomoxifen and how was the Taxol part, My Dr. told me it is usally more tolerable than the AC. How did that work out for you? Sorry for all the question.
    Steph

    Just saying hi Steph and
    Just saying hi Steph and welcome to the site! I didn't have chemo, so, I can't be much help to you there. But, I am wishing you all the best!
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    steff5163 said:

    Hi Cat,
    Are you all done

    Hi Cat,

    Are you all done with your treatments?? My first one was O.K. I'm getting a little anxious for tomorrow ( my 2nd treatment) Hope it goes just as well. How did you do? Did you also do radiation and Tomoxifen and how was the Taxol part, My Dr. told me it is usally more tolerable than the AC. How did that work out for you? Sorry for all the question.
    Steph

    steff
    just wiped out my complete post. dummy.
    The Taxol is easier, some bone pain, but can usually be relieved with meds. Radiation was 35 regular and 5 boosters. Finished by the end of December 2007. Now on Arimidex for 5 years. Yes it gets easier as you go along, and never be sorry for asking questions. That is what this board is all about.
    Let us know how it goes
    =^..^=
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    steff5163 said:

    Hi Cat,
    Are you all done

    Hi Cat,

    Are you all done with your treatments?? My first one was O.K. I'm getting a little anxious for tomorrow ( my 2nd treatment) Hope it goes just as well. How did you do? Did you also do radiation and Tomoxifen and how was the Taxol part, My Dr. told me it is usally more tolerable than the AC. How did that work out for you? Sorry for all the question.
    Steph

    Welcome from another Stef.
    Welcome from another Stef. I hope all your treatments go well for you. This is a great group and very imformative. They will answer any questions you might have.
    Stef
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    fauxma said:

    Welcome from another Stef.
    Welcome from another Stef. I hope all your treatments go well for you. This is a great group and very imformative. They will answer any questions you might have.
    Stef

    Just wishing you good luck
    Just wishing you good luck today Stef on your treatment!