1 more chemo to go!!!!!
Hi Ladies
Well I had my 2nd Taxotere yesterday so only 1 more to go and then I am done and dusted with chemo!!!!!
Had another reaction to the taxotere but not as bad as round 1. The first time was horrible and scary - tight chest, like and elephant was sitting on it, I was red, red, red all over and thought my head was going to explde. This time they gave me heaps of pre meds so my reaction was a milder version of the 1st. Each time a nurse was sitting with me and had everything on hand so it all settled within minutes.
Today - day 2 I am feeling good apart from a slight headache. Last time it hit me day 3, 4 & 5 so I am going to enjoy my day today.
It's a funny feeling knowing chemo is nearly done. I am so over it but I also feel a little anxious. I have that little voice in the back of my head wondering if it has all worked. I never thought about this early in the journey it's just begun to creep in. I need to get my head back into a more positive thinking, kicking butt mode.
No radiation for me but I will be on hormones and be having reconstruction in oct/nov so hopefully all this crap will be done by Christmas.
So I guess my questions for you lovely ladies today are ...
How do you stay positive or get back to being positive after a low patch? What works for you? Any good authors, websites, meditations, gentle exercise, positive affirmations all tips welcome.
Thanks for listening.
Keep smiling
Ann-Marie xxx
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The old elephant on the chest trick!!!! When I read this it brought back recent memories from my chemo. I actually felt like it was a huge boulder landing on my chest. Quite scarey. It was in the middle of the night for me and my first thoughts were to find a pulse to see if I was still alive..... Still now, six weeks later I still feel a "little funny" in the chest - mostly indigestion I think. Now tips to get over the low patches. (the low patches come for me when I feel like doing something and have no energy to achieve it) Rest, rest and more rest. It really all takes time and you need to go with the flow of it. I had my first "real" walk yesterday and have signed up to join a cancer survivor walking group to commence on monday 1st August. I need to have things to look forward to. I arranged a family and friends holiday for when my chemo finished. You might like to do something like this too. Just remember to give yourself a couple of weeks "getting over the chemo" before you head off. When I have things to look forward to it makes the low times disappear faster. I have made a big list of "things to do" and when I feel like it off I go - it is a sense of achievement for me to cross off the items on the list. Doesn't matter how long it takes to achieve them. For short-term chill outs - I just sit on my sunny verandah and listen to the birds - bit like meditating. I have lots of dreams and goals so I "dream" about these too. I am just enjoying the time of not having to worry too much about anything and not being "locked in" to work and other commitments. (no doubt I will be a bit different next month when I have to have my CT scans). I hope this helps you a little - stay chilled. XLeonie
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Hi Ann-Marie,
I too have only one chemo to go and I agree it is a very strange feeling! I don't ever want to go through chemo again but I find myself wondering how my life is going to be after chemo - I have gotten so used to being sick!!
I am a primary school teacher too and I have been trying so hard to get back to work . Last week I was planning to go back full time this term but I ended up in hospital. Trying too hard!!!!! That was my signal to tell me I need to just keep going two days a week.
How have you managed with work?
Good luck for your last chemo!!
Mel xx
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I was alllergic to the Taxotere too but they took me off it. I had to wait and then got started on the old fashioned chemo..Of course my hair grew back just in time for me to lose it again!! seriously though....It is important to listen to your body and react accordingly. I found that when I overdid things I'd get emotional and the doubts crept in. Once I accepted that I needed to rest a lot, eat wierd and wonderful etc I found myself better able to cope. I was like you too...anxious at the end of the chemo but you won't be abandoned, your docs will still be keeping an eye on things but you'll be able to get back to normal again. I actually joined a craft group and learnt how to crochet and knoit afew things I'd never tried before. It was something I could do easily with my level of energy.try to make sure you get out in the fresh air at least for a bit every day. It helps too.
I'm nearly up to my 1 yr anniversary and I'm feeeling great.I have all my energy back and except for a few balance problems (I was big breasted so I'm now a bit lopsided LOL) I'm doing gret. You will too
cheers Sheila
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Hi Leonie
I am resting this week - not much choice. Just like you when I have no energy the low patches come. I think your list is a great idea. I resent not being able to do things in my bad weeks then when I am feeling good day to day life gets in the way, time flies by and I don't do any of them. Next thing I know I'm back having chemo and feel like I have wasted my good weeks. I agree it doesn't matter how long it takes to tick them off but the sense of achievement with each tick will give me a boost.
I've just started to entertain the idea of a few days away after chemo. I think I would like some sort of retreat, I need a peaceful place where I can have time to rejuvinate as well as get a bit of pampering. We are thinking of a family holiday next year once I am done with my reconstruction.
I'm trying to get some short-term chill outs while my kids are at school - that's in between well meaning family and friends dropping by or ringing to 'check in'.
Thanks for the tips. Keep enjoying your time without work commitments and keep ticking things off your list!
Ann-Marie xx
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Hi Mel
I have taken the rest of the year off teaching. I only teach 2 days a week - specialist ICT - so 9 classes/250 kids in 2 days is just too demanding for me and I don't think at the moment I can give the kids my best. I also work 2 days a week in my husbands business doing the bookwork and payroll so that keeps me busy enough and I can set my own hours.
You are doing so well to still be going 2 days a week. Do you job share a classroom? I hope your collegues are being really supportive and helping you out.
I am constantly wondering how my life is going to be after chemo too. I will be having my reconstruction next term (if all goes to plan) I would love to be done with everything by Christmas and begin next year fresh and healthy.
Good luck with your last chemo too.
Ann-Marie xx
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Hi Sheila
Thanks for your message. It's always good to hear from ladies who are further on and feeling great. Good on you!!!
It's funny I know I need to rest, I know I get down and out when I overdo things, I know chemo week is a real downer but it still shocks me each time. Obviously I am a bit slow in accepting all of this - but I keep trying and keep soldiering on.
Take care
Ann-Marie x
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glad it helped. I saw my oncologist today for my first check up after a while. I made sure I wore my brightest clothes because I wanted everyone else in the waiting room to see that there is life after cancer. Some times things get too serious LOL
I think a sense of humour is also what helped me get through things. I got my diagnosis whilst I was in hospital recovering from a knee replacement so my body got quite a battering for a while. I left hospital after the knee op and had to return after 2 days for the mastectomy...but in the meanwhile I dyed my hair shocking pink! There was no missing the lady with the pink hair on crutches!
once the chemo is over it starts improving really fast , keep your spirits high
cheers Sheila
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PINK HAIR on crutches! LOL.
it is good to find things to laugh about, even though we may experience anxiety / fear over treatments and when they finish too.
take time to get back to life. everyone is different. listen to your body, rest, eat well and try and do something nice each day for yourself.
kathy.
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