NEED ENCOURAGEMENT

peverson · September 2010

After I finished chemo, I began to develop a bad stomach ache. I had scans and scopes done (stressful in themselves), and it is apparently a muscle tension problem. I have trouble eating and have now lost about 10 pounds since the start of treatment. Prior to that, before the breast cancer diagnosis, I was sick with a stomach virus that took about 20 pounds off. I have tried just about every treatment for the stomach and nothing provides lasting relief. I am at the end of my rope, down, down, down in the pit of despair. I wanted to be strong for radiation, and I am not. I have trouble eating because the thought is unappealing when my stomach hurts.

I have been stressed out for over a year. Last summer, my son had treatment for cancer,and I was his main support person. I then became sick with a variety of minor illnesses, then the stomach virus, then the breast cancer diagnosis. I am completely depleted. The radiation has begun, and now the side effects are kicking in, especially the fatigue. I don't see how I can do this. Help.

Patsy

Houndmommy · September 2010

Wow! You have certainly been through a lot and I can understand why you are completely depleted. I am sorry BC is part of what you are having to deal with. I can't really offer any advise except to say rest and sleep as much as you can. Also, have you tried supplements like Boost? As long as food doesn't make you sick (ie. vomiting, etc.) maybe you should force yourself to eat many small meals during the day. Protein is important during rads. I hope someone can jump in and give you better advice. I am thinking about you and sending cyber hugs! Hang in there! Kim

Lowrider54 · September 2010

Patsy...it is going to take a bit after chemo before anything tastes good...you just have to force food that doesn't feel bad in your mouth and get it down...you can do it! I would recommend something like Ensure to be certain your body is getting all the nutrients it needs if you simple cannot tolerate food.

Did they check your gall bladder? I had issues and ended up finally having it out and the stomach problems went away for the most part - of course, without the gall bladder, some things bother me.

Is is imperative that you do the rads right now? Perhaps a talk with the onc could determine if you can take a break to regain some of your strength before the rads. And there is no weakness is asking about taking something for anxiety - it may help with the muscle tension too and give you a chance to relax a bit and the stomach may improve.

I wish you the best and also for your son...Hugs....LowRider

CT124 · September 2010

Patsy,

so sorry to hear that u are having a rough time. Don't know if you are on the sept or oct rads group-there is a lot of good info there and a lot of people who are just finished chemo and begun or will begin rads. I am 2 weeks from last chemo and thought I would feel normal now, but SEs are taking longer to go away. I think our bodies have been through so much and we expect them to bounce back too quickly. I have also made an appt to work w a therapist-got hit with sev other things in addition to BC. Join the rads groups-great support there from people going through many things. my thoughts are with you.

NEED ENCOURAGEMENT

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