Chemo over, now nervous

[SusanC]

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if I am crazy. I just finished 6 months on chemo. 4 cycles of A/C and 12 of Taxol/Herception. I am so happy that chemo is over but now I have anxious thoughts and feelings about cancer returning. Am I crazy? I couldn't wait to be finished with chemo but I think it was like a safety net. Does this make sense?
I would love to hear from someone who has been through this or understands.
Thank you,
Susan C

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi Susan!

I felt the same way too at first. 3 X Adria. and Taxotere, 8 X Taxol, Carboplatin and Herceptin, and then 8 X Navelbine and Herceptin. But now I really like it. I think this ol' body needed a rest from the bombardment every other week. I'm feeling great and believing "it worked"!
Hope you feel great soon and that all is really good for you.

[Hopeful]

SusanC, Here is a link to a thread from the board a few months ago where some good information about what you are feeling was posted: http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25471&referrerid=1173


Congratulations on completing your treatment! Have a wonderful New Year and best of luck.

Hopeful

[Patb]

SusanC

I felt the same way after chemo, then after radiation but I still have the herceptin for a year. I can't imagine doing nothing even though that sounds
crazy. I also am taking Arimedix for 5 years.

patb
Stage I, Grade III, Lumpectomy, Clear Margins, no nodes. Er+Pr-Her2positive.
Four A/C, 33 rads, Hertceptin every week for one year.

[Mary Jo]

HI Susan,

Perfectly normal response to finishing chemo. Afterall, at the time we are "treating" ourselves and feeling as if we are in control. When it's all said and done we are left with out that "control" and learning to live with it.

Congrats to you on being finished. It's been 1 year this Nov. 30 since my chemo has ended and I am learning to live within my new normal.

God Bless you,

Mary Jo

[Chelee]

Susan, What your feeling is very normal. I know I DREADED chemo...was scared to death to start. Once I got through my first trt I felt like I was going to get through this. Then as much as I wanted to be finished with it...I was so shocked when I went for my last and finally chemo. I *thought* I was fine. But right towards the middle of my *last* infusion I started to tear up and I did NOT know why? (I was sitting there trying to hide my face hoping my chemo nurse and the others did not see me.) I composed myself some how...but then I realized...I was emotional because now I WASN'T doing anything to fight my bc. I was afraid now it can come back.

So believe me...most women have feelings like the ones your having right now. I don't think any part of this is easy. But you do get through it. So let me just say, "No, your NOT crazy". Its so true when they say to just take one day at a time. During this entire ordeal/nightmare...thats what I have had to do. So hang in there.

Wishing you a Happy New Year.

Chelee