The first 24 hours

I'm a nurse, now working in GP land. I work Monday,  Wednesday, Friday. I have a really supportive workplace. I take the days off when I need, but my managers are trying to find things that I can do from home, when I feel up to it.  Each cycle my reaction has been a little different, but this 3rd cycle has been the worst with nausea & fatigue. Good to hear from Tracey that the docataxel sode effects aren't as bad. Take care

Lyn

Keep posting Old duck, you will get lots of support on here ??

Someone told me to paint my nails with glossy varnish. Holding up well so far!????

Yes, the book was very helpful. Tells you just about everything, right down to the different drugs and their side effects. I am on TAC. It has definitely reduced the tumour on the first treatment. I don't get much nausea but feel drained. On the last week when I was feeling my old self, hubby and I went for a walk. 4km along the river. I was totally drained by the end of it. I am at the moment on long service leave from work for a couple of months but don't feel I could return to work as I have to stand all the time and be chatty and upbeat (I'm a newborn baby photographer). How have other people coped with work?

Hi Lindyloo, I've just finished 3 rounds of FEC and 3 rounds of Docetaxel. You're not as nauseous on the Docetaxel, but there is a bit of boney pain that you'll need panadol. Keep your fingernails and toenails to protect them as well. I wore ice gloves during chemo and this saved my nails. Hope this helps, Trace ????

Hi lindyloo, I too have had 4 cycles AC, I'm on my 5th cycle of Taxol with 7 more to go, lymph node removal in October followed by radiation treatment, all treatment should be finished by just before Xmas so looking forward to that, yes it is a roller coaster of a ride, best advise I received was take it day by day and stay positive, glynnis

Good luck Lindyloo!  The responses from strangers has been great. It makes you realise you are not alone. Thanks

Hi Lindyloo, I too, am having chemo 1st, before surgey, then radiotherapy. Have just had my 3rd cycle of FEC. Next cycle Docetaxel. See what that brings. In the meantime, I also go for an ultrasound d & review with my surgeon to see how things are going. I'm going to have to look in to that book. Did you find it helpful?

Lyn

When I was first diagnosed I felt the same as you. What? Why? When? I had many people offer advise who had been through the same thing. However we are all slightly different and will all have slightly different treatments. I am having chemo first (only one other person I know had this first) then surgery then radiation. Someone suggested I get from the library a book by Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. It is very informative. I would also get the 'my Journey Kit' from this site. Again good information. I wanted to know as much as I could, so that when I saw the specialist I knew what he was talking about. Because believe me it is a lot to take in! Make sure you take someone with you too.

this site has some amazing people who will help you through it all and don't be afraid to ask anything. 

I've just had my second chemo yesterday. I have four more to go. I think I'm doing ok. Lots of support always helps.

best of luck to you. Let us know how you are getting on. ?? 

Thanks Rowdy.  I guess it takes the mind a few days to go through the stages of anger, denial, resentment and  now I think I've accepted the diagnosis so it's putting all my energies into the fight ahead.  I'm hating the thought of telling people. I know they will be lovely and supportive it's just having to retell my story.  Ok maybe I haven't really accepted it yet!