Emotional state

Hi Rach123. Sorry you are having a rough go of it—I just logged on for the same reason. I had my second AC 2 days ago and I just feel out of it. It’s very strange- I feel a little queasy, fatigued, and definitely really down. I want to go out and distract myself but the idea of pulling myself together and moving around seems impossible. I wish I had some good advice for you- all I can say is that you aren’t most definitely not alone!! Hang in there- I’ll be thinking of you

Hi Rach, I definitely felt that AC twisted my body and mind. i had strange cravings for food, a lot of food tasted differently. I couldn't stand those fragrance from soap, hand gel, deodorant ……my body smelled awful for a few days after each AC infusion. It felt like AC took me for a ride in a dark world. Hang in there. You are not alone. We are here for you and each other.

Hi Rach-

I think Moth could be right that the steroid crash could be futzing with the body and mind. My dark days on AC were day 3 and 4 after infusion. My steroid amounts were cut in half what a “normal” person would receive. I received steriods at time of infusion only. I would be up all night and then crash on day 3 or 4.

Make sure you report how you feel to oncologist. In my case I would need to scream really loud to get her attention sometimes. Don’t be shy.

It’s so hard to get out there during this time. But even if it’s taking a walk with one trusted friend it can help immensely. I thought people would want to avoid me during chemotherapy, but your real friends come shining through. All they want to do is see you.

Please let us know how you are doing and keep reaching out!!

You will get through this and be stronger than you ever imagined.

hi Rach123 and welcome to BCO. I had TC chemo and got IV steroid (dexamethasone) with infusions. Was buzzed for a couple of days then crashed. Definitely talk to your onc nurse tomorrow but there should be someone on-call 24/7 if you have concerns. I found that exercise lifted my mood. Some days all I could manage was a slow slog to the mailbox and back, and some days I surfed the couch. So I bought a cheap pedometer and started keeping track to motivate me to move. Eight years out and I've walked nearly 7,500 miles (see sig line). Eat what tastes good and know your taste buds may change. What tastes good one day may not the next. Water - really cold - tasted good to me, it doesn't for some people, and I bought some crystal light flavor packets as well. Remember liking peach iced tea.

If you haven't found it yet, check out the June 2018 chemo thread. There's nothing like the support from people who are going through it at the same time as you. ((hugs))

Hi there,

I just finished my last of 6 cycle of chemo. From the very first treatment, I've experienced the side effects you're having. The "meh" feeling, as I call it, comes about 3 days after treatment and lasts anywhere from 1-4 days. The nurses speculate the crash comes from weaning myself off the steroids every week. I would take them for 5 days, but my MO said that if I'm feeling really bad I could take a steroid on the 6th day as well, to take the edge off.

Some of the crash days were really bad. I felt fatigued, depressed, hopeless. It didn't help that my boyfriend of 5 and a half years broke up with me the day I was diagnosed.. thinking about that made my bad days even worse! But every week post chemo, there would be a day I would wake up feeling alright. I got out of bed at a reasonable time and got going with my day, actually managing to do something productive and socialise. If you do find yourself experiencing these bummer moods, know that you're not alone. It feels terrible for the time being, but the mood goes away and you'll feel like yourself again.. you just need to ride out the storm.♡

Hey there Rach123 - I did AC 2 of 4 last week. We're past the half-way point! Hang in there; we'll get through it.