The sx's have humbled me

[Astrolady]

I'm in week 7/24, my first 4 wks of tx were a piece of cake a little fatique but do-able, the last 3 weeks have been a such a drag.  I was waiting for a profound in your face type of sx instead everyday seems to awaken an old injury or nausea or other type of pain, plus dry itchy skin, restless sleep and fatique (and yes I am trying to drink a lot of water).

There has been a lot of talk about riba rage, I'm not one for raging, however I am prone to crying and depression, I had a stupid altercation with a girl friend of mine (at least I thought she was a girl friend) last Friday and I couldn't stop crying all day, I'm still having a hard time letting it go.  I'm thinking that the tx intensifies our negative emotions whether it's rage, saddness or hurt feelings.  Are there are others that relate to this (especially females).

[Astrolady]

I thought I read a post a few days ago, where you referenced some herbs associated with Chinese Medicine, and you're right if I remember correctly that the skin is the first order of defense before the disease goes deeper into your other organs so has your body heals your skin will be the last to heal.

[Califia]

Yup, it's like THAT.  A thousand pinpricks.  And there is medication building up in your system, don't forget.   It takes at least 6 weeks for the riba to reach full saturation, which could explain why the transition at 7-8 weeks is such a big one.  (Fairly Plutonic, eh?)  But remember, you may be a little humbled but you'll never be defeated.   Just monitor yourself and be that squeaky wheel.  You can do this!    (Loving every minute of it is a whole nuther matter.)

[PhilaGuy]

Oh my, it all sounds so familiar...especially the part about how it sneaks up on you.  I was always considered (and consider myself) one of the most even-keeled people around...until combo therapy camwe along.  A couple of incidents stick out in my mind and both were ONLY atributable to the meds.

Once when I was painting a door frame, I dropped the paintbrush, splattering paint on a nearby wall, the floor and the doggie dish.  I WIGGED out and practically had to be put to bed.

Second, I found myself being wildly emotional at the weirdest, sappiest times - like during TV ads for long distance, predictable movies, and the like.  Real tears just rolling down my face.  Also:  Not me.

It's true, don't underestimate the meds impact on your mind.  Many people seem to focus on the physcal, but the mental was more acute in my case.  Watch yourself and be sure to talk to your doctor if things become unmanageable.  Good luck - it gets better!!  I'm 5-weeks post treatment and feel almost back to normal in every way.

[woodbeegood]

i can't really add much to the already good advice given-i do agree with you that feeling good or bad can be intensified dramatically-i have always thought of myself as pretty level headed-but this has been one heckuva rollercoaster ride emotionally-i have started arguments with my best friend for no good reason-fortunatly she lets me rant-then i call back & apologize when sanity returns-lol-keep your eye on the prize "SVR" and don't hesitate to call to your dr for help if you feel things are getting to be too much for you-that's what they get paid the big $'s for right?

[jonihs]

I don't like being a pill pusher, however, there is no reason to be that mentally miserable if you don't have to. And you don't have to. If you are on an anti-depressant, get your Dr. to change it. If you aren't, then get on one. Talk to your doc immediately, as they take awhile to start working. My Dr. put me on AD's 4 weeks prior to starting tx. His reasoning- We know how devastating these drugs can be, and on top of the depression of the dx., better safe than sorry.  Joni

[texasgal]

I can totally relate to the over emotional state.  Even before I started the meds, I cried at every long distance commercial, dog commercial, Zales commercial, but NOW, it is 10 times worse.  Thank goodness I live alone, because people might think I am totally losing it.  But here is the way I look at it...Emotions need to be let out somehow and if crying is it, the consider the alternatives and consider yourself lucky.  Rage is not good on the body.  Frustration takes a toll on your whole system, but crying is like a release and I know that after a good cry, I feel as though 10 pounds have been lifted from my shoulders.  So, cry everyone.  It is totally natural and hey, let's face it.  That is what the advertisers want us to feel.  Strong emotion is a sign of a very beautiful soul.  Good luck to all you criers out there.  I definitely admit that I am one.  Texas gal

[Astrolady]

Thank you very much for the responses this forum has become my lifeline.  Even if I don't post I still read the threads daily.
I'm going to Las Vegas tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving and I wont have access to the internet until I return Friday night, I've become so dependent on this forum I started searching e-bay for a used laptop so I could stay in touch, however I can't really afford those kind of purchases right now and if I were to get one -- of course I'd want a really nice one.

Scruffy, Jonihs & Woodbeegood I've been on AD's for a few years but I'm going to see my dr on Tuesday and see what kind of adjustment should be made as far as my meds.

Califa -- how are you?? are you still the lobster lady??

[Califia]

Yes!   I'm waving my ragged claws in hello!   But the intensity has gone down somewhat.  Everything seems to happen in waves, or cycles.   First one thing gets center stage, and then the next act is on.  At least there's all this interesting variety.  But underneath all the drug effects, I feel great.   Honest, I can feel my liver healing and my core energy surging back.   No more feelings of inflammation.  It's out of my liver and into my skin, working its way out.  I am not regretting a minute of this, as challenging as it can be.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and take it as slowly as you need.  People will understand, and if they don't....   you know the rest!   Hang in there.

[scruffy]

Do Not- Repeat-Do Not underestimate what these drugs can do to your mood and your thinking! They can be dangerous. I was depressed, confused and lost confidence in myself while undergoing tx. Many choose antidepressants for this reason. Idid'nt-my choice. Try to avoid making any major decisions if possible and determine from the start that you definitely will not harm yourself while under the influence of tx drugs. These sides passed quickly after the tx ended but are unforgettable. If I scared anyone-it is only to caution you- not to prevent treating.