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Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Sep 24 10:31am | Replies (447)Comment receiving replies
Wow. I'm amazed that the very topic of concern for myself is the first one that popped up! I was absolutely certain God had healed me of triple-negative breast cancer of overlapping sites after eight rounds of AC and Toxil followed by a double lumpectomy and removal of seven lymph nodes. At my one year check-up, another lump was found in my breast so I had a mastectomy. Now my Medical Oncologist is suggesting five more rounds of Taxene (almost same as Taxol). Taxol made my lupus and Sjögren's flare severely and caused horrific bone pain. I'm so depressed I can barely get out of bed. I postponed my port surgery and am having a horrible time agreeing to this horrid chemo. Second opinions suggested a different chemo agent but my Oncologist refuses anything but CT. Can anyone relate or have any suggestions? I hate, hate. Hate having more of this chemo! I went to a Psychiatric Hospital but they wouldn't admit me because I wasn't Suicidal (yet).
Replies to "Wow. I'm amazed that the very topic of concern for myself is the first one that..."
Hi @djanthony, I'm glad you found this discussion group and appreciate that @sushilady1 shared her experience with you.
You are not alone.
Like @sushilady1 said, you can take a bit of time to consider your decision. Have you considered talking to a oncology social worker or therapist at the cancer center?
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I had 4 rounds of AC followed by 16 round of Taxol a year ago. While on Herceptin I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am still on Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab. I found the Taxol and the AC to be the worst chemo to tolerate. I honestly regret having the AC and Taxol and wish I just had the mastectomies and target treatment. Too late now. I had my port inserted 48 hours prior to my first round of chemo. That surgery was more painful than the mastectomies. My intention is not to scare you but rather be up front and honest. I wish knew what I was in for and was in a position to make a better decision. My suggestion is take an extra day or two to think about this. You are right the chemo is horrible.