CellyK
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Re: To chemo or not to chemo
@au0rei Thanks for the feedback, it is helpful to get a picture with other people's stories. There are so many aspects to it. I appreciate that my oncologist is very straight talking and certainly doesn't skip any harsh details. She really put me in the picture about chemo and recurrence issues. When I asked her about the possibility that I could kinda contribute 2% odds myself by things like exercise, stress management and boosting immune system via nutrients - she agreed that it is possible. She said that the only reason they can't quantify the effects and it's difficult to study, is because people just don't stick to it, and it's hard to measure consistently across individuals. I've started reading some scientific journal articles in biosciences and oncology - and there really is a case for 1) stress management - its a real factor in cancer progression, 2) plant compounds like those in garlic, turmeric, ginger, herbs etc etc. (just reading one paper about cancer rates being much lower in India, due to diet). It's certainly not just hippie stuff. But the challenge is getting enough - and really being consistent. Of course even that doesn't stop some cells, that are madly intent on mutating. I just finished a degree in evolutionary biology, so I'm well aware of how random DNA behaviour can be. But I'm not aiming for miracles, just a slight improvement in odds that at least matches chemo results. Nothing is certain. Well, one thing is... a smoothy made with apple juice, ginger, fresh turmeric root and pineapple is delicious!9Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anti-werewolf pep talk?
@LucyE No probs. Your just being honest. If I want to worry about something - literally there are hundreds of things to choose from, quite aside from cancer, there's weird, fat little men trying to blow up the world and - maybe climate change will get us first - if the Caribbean is anything to go by! But seriously, waiting for tests - is the worst - especially over a weekend (all my first tests seemed to be done that way!). Don't feel that you must be cheerful - or not be on here. There are plenty of ladies that have rants on here and nobody judges them, because sometimes that's just what we need to do. The BIG challenge with breast cancer is living with the unknown. I don't know for sure if I really am okay (my surgeon would slap me for saying that) but it's true. I don't know what will happen, whether I'll stay clear for 3 months, 3 years or 30 years. None of us know that for sure. I've decided I won't try and be 'fear free' - I'll let it be - but not let it tell me what to do. The fear is a handy 'but-kicker' that reminds me to focus on what is really important - and on what I really need. It will also get me outside exercising when I don't feel like it. So it has benefits. Maybe some people don't need that motivation - I do! I can't fix anything for you our even help you feel better. I just hope that by relating - where I can - you feel a bit less alone. XXOO take care of yourself and enjoy the much improved weather tomorrow! :)6Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anti-werewolf pep talk?
@LucyE - Ah yes, I just saw one of your previous posts where you mention the endometrial hyperplasia. My surgeon was straightforward about the increased risk of uterine cancer - but put it in perspective. Although it happened to you, it's super rare. I told her about my cramps, but she said they'd probably settle - and they did. We have follow up scans planned (just in general - not because of cramps). I hope you got the support and treatment you needed with the pre-cancerous changes you experienced. That would have been a scary downer. It sounds like they picked it up early. Are you okay now? I take it you had to change therapies?11Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anti-werewolf pep talk?
@Romla Hi there! So - it's 3 weeks today that I've been on Tamoxifen. The advice I got on this forum was really helpful. I got a non-generic brand, and have taken it late night, before bed (also the easiest time to remember). It's been fine. At first a few cramps as though I was going to have an early period, but then nothing. Period still hasn't shown up - looks like I might skip it. Whoo hoo! Another bonus is I haven't had even a shadow of a migraine (hope I'm not speaking too soon!) - which is quite unusual. Would be crazy if Tamoxifen actually stopped them! Early days - we'll see. Downsides - but really minor, are drier scalp & hair. But overall my skin is no drier than usual, so that's weird. A few 'warm' flushes at about 4 am, but getting up for a large, cold glass of water does the trick. I expected to need to get up for a pee in like an hour - but no! I seem to sleep well after that. Maybe I need to hydrate more during the day. My brain is 'all over the place' - but I put that more down to delayed shock than hormones (or maybe it's both?). I have literally let go of the idea of having a reliable memory at the moment. I just use lots of post-it notes (everywhere!) and electronic reminders. I can't blame chemo brain, because didn't have chemo. A counsellor says it's my brain telling me it needs a break from solving problems and just dealing with major shiz. It sounds like your brain is pretty exhausted too! And quite understandable. I hope you get a chance to have breathing space. I'm reserving blocks of time in my diary for 'mental recovery' time (like bush walks, reading or drawing - or having a facial!). Otherwise it will seem like a good idea - that I never get around to.7Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lifestyle and Diet Changes After Cancer.
@au0rei - Great to see that you're enjoying your new choices. I didn't mention that since my new focus on healthy eating, my skin looking great, I'm really regular and am losing weight. All pleasant 'side effects'. Only thing is - I didn't have much 'meat on my bones' to begin with - so now have to look for more energy rich foods to keep the weight on! Which can and does include cheesecake :p @Summerhill38 is right that chronic stress is a major factor - and yes us women are prone to run around 'carrying the load'. I was under a huge amount of stress in the 2 years leading to my diagnosis, a relationship breakup, moving house, money stress, a child with extra needs, and family court to boot. I'm totally convinced that stress played a big part. Having said that - really nutritious food (which can taste great if you have good recipes) gives your body a better chance to cope with the strain - and to heal. Stress depletes our bodies of nutrients - and toxins can build up too. So exercise is a big part of it as well. I used to think I had kinda healthy habits. But really looking at it seriously - I was getting pretty lazy on a day to day basis. Always too busy to get something fresh. Now it's like a daily 'devotion' - in actions - I remind myself that I matter. (And others can wait!!) That it's worth stopping - and putting something better into my body.6Views0likes0CommentsRe: Having trouble just coping
Hi @Shorelle, Big hug. <3 Getting enough rest would be a magic trick in your situation. But if there's some way you can wangle that - more rest will help you regain not only physical, but some emotional energy too. I hope you have some options there - like occasional babysitting or the girls having a sleepover with someone you trust etc. Whether or not that's the case, your surgeon, oncologist or GP could refer you to a clinical psychologist. I don't think any of us should try to get thru this without that level of professional emotional support. I and a colleague who also has bc are both seeing psychs. Wouldn't be without it. A psych will also help with some practical tips for easing your responsibilities too. I'll go out on a limb here and guess that despite your diagnosis - you still have too much on your plate. Your lovely daughters will need you to be more 'selfish' for a while - they will thank you in the long run. I get that fear you have. My daughter really only has me (except some clueless relatives who's values make me cringe). So we just have to keep believing that these girls will have us 'bossy mums' around for years to come! If the fear starts sucking you down into that 'sh*!t - scared' horrible place - try to breath deep and remember whatever stats and facts are in your favour (then let go of the rest) - it seems to help me. My surgeon is really good at reassuring me when I'm having a mini-freak-out. I hope you have someone - or find someone who can do that for you!4Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lifestyle and Diet Changes After Cancer.
We all have different approaches which is totally fine. For me, my approach has been - like @au0rei - to research info (and have found similar results) and focussing on really nourishing stuff as a way to 'love' myself. I have less meat, and a lot more fruit & veg (saves $$ too). It's not just about cancer, nor punishing myself with 'rabbit food'. I'm actually learning to cook a range of new, delicious fresh foods that are full of flavour. I don't feel like I'm missing out. I had a Magnum ice-cream yesterday, no drama - because most of the time I'm eating healthy stuff. Not only have I had some of the yummiest smoothies I've ever had, but I'm actually feeling better and sleeping better than before the diagnosis! My hands and feet keep warmer (probably all the ginger & garlic - good for the circulation) and actually my appetite is just better. So I plan on staying with the changes - for all the other benefits. In a surprise additional benefit - my daughter is starting to experiment with more healthy food - following my example I suppose - and is getting over her phobia of leafy greens! It must be really hard with family members that don't want any changes though. I remember trying to eat less meat when I was still with my X - he reacted as though I was asking him to donate a testicle to science.3Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anti-werewolf pep talk?
Update: Well I had my first tamoxifen pill last night. Nothing, not even a stray fart. But I guess it takes a while to 'get going' in your system (?). I did wake up at 5 - but that was more likely because I was curious to know if I felt different, than from actually feeling different. And it is a new moon, maybe in 2 weeks when the moon is full, I'll start scratching at the back door at 3 in the morning. @InkPetal - having less hair in Tazzy, sounds okay - isn't that the trend now? Is that from hormone or chemo treatment tho?6Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anti-werewolf pep talk?
@HarleyB - yeah, may be switched to the others later - but what I mean is 'hormone therapy' per se for long term. I definitely wouldn't stop, since the research is showing less recurrence for those who take hormone therapy for longer. I feel it a privilege in a way to actually have 'long term' as a likelihood. But for someone who's even been uncomfortable taking panadol, it feels big.3Views0likes0Comments
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