Struggling through Chemo
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@CeeCee, I have had PICC line from my second AC infusion. I am close to the end of Taxol and they will remove it on the last day of chemo. I am so glad that I had PICC line, but I was not happy that they did not take my blood for test from the PICC line. Apparently, the Pathology team was not trained for that. One of the nurses from the Pathology team advised me to insist on having blood test from the cancer clinic where I was getting infusion. I asked and they agreed. Therefore, for the last 3 Taxol infusion and had a blood test a day before form the same place and will continue to the end. The insertion for PICC line was also painless.0
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@GorgyS Thanks for that info, will see if they can take blood from the line as well. I’m getting the line put in my chest, I’ve heard that’s better than the arm. My surgeon said he would do it low enough so it would not be seen. Just another thing to add to the list hey. You’ll be glad to have it out and finished with Chemo. I’ll be done by Christmas and while I don’t want to wish my life away, can’t wait for that.1
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@CeeCee, follow what the breast surgeon suggested. Both options—using the chest or the arm—are good to avoid needle pain and save veins and the time for nurses to find them. I opted for the arm to avoid general anesthetic for the chest port. We all are looking forward to the end of this journey.1
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Well, my radiation treatment has been delayed until Monday as they are still settling my treatment plan. The treatment will be over the left side of my right breast, and they are concerned about my heart and lungs. They may have to treat me the same as left sided radiation, so possibly back for another CT holding my breath. Happy for a few more days rest, and that they are taking so much care.1
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@CeeCee I have the chest cemo port, my oncologist suggested it and it was a good move! I remember the anaesthetist saying to me that I was about to get my new best friend just before they knocked me out to put it in...I'm needle phobic too so it helped me a lot. You still feel the needle going in when they access it but I was given local anisthetic cream to put on before I left home to numb it, I'd recommend getting that. I'll get my port out after I'm done with the radiation.
@Katie46 that's disappointing that your radiation didn't start but good they are looking after you! I start it tomorrow so I'll let you know how it goes.
@Paris_24 good to know you're going ok.0 -
@Coastiejas thanks for that info. I had the Port installed today in the chest, I’ve just read all of the info and still not sure how it’s going to work. I have my 2nd AC Chemo tomorrow so will find out all about it then, they’ve left bits hanging out for this purpose. My surgeon gave me the numbing cream but not sure if I should use it for tomorrow as it’s a bit raw. Guess I’ll find out more.
@Katie46 Love your positive energy. Wishing you all the best for your Radiation.0 -
Hi everyone, nice to read you are all going well.
Cee Cee, Christmas seems forever away but when I think about it, I’ve had treatment since beginning of December so that makes sense. Time has truly flown with all that we are enduring….. thank goodness.
Katie that’s a bit of a setback for you and yes, definitely enjoy your time off of treatment.I have just had my 9th round of radiation…… don’t ask me where the time has gone…… I wasn’t even counting and now number 10 tomorrow!
I really struggled with the breath holding, just pure panic took over and I couldn’t control it. I had to push the button (which is there in your hand if you need them to come in) twice. It’s a very strange feeling to breathe in an amount of air they have programmed and then feel it cut off, as in no more air with a mouthpiece in my mouth and my nose pegged off, I didn’t do so well the first few sessions. I tried relaxing prior but when I was left alone I couldn’t. Having said that, I’m a bit of a pro at it now and my advice for anyone going through the breath holding technique is to ensure you expel your lungs prior to taking the deep breath (easier said than done when the shallow breathing takes over). I have to do this 7 times per session and there is quite a long pause after the initial breath hold to Aline the bed prior to the radiation.
Ive got friendly with another lady going through the same thing, it was her last day today and she rang the bell….. very loudly 😂, yep, there’s more bell ringing to come!The fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks today, all normal according to the nurse.
Look forward to hearing what your Oncologist decides to do Katie.
Take care everyone ♥️1 -
@Rona good to hear from you!
I had my first radiotherapy today. After the chemo it's a breeze!
I had no problem with the breath holding, I didn't get the snorkel but a screen with a line on it that I had to keep in the middle with my breathing, a bit like a strange sort of game!
I did go bright red afterwards but that's partly my paclitaxel tan and just what I do when I'm nervous or stressed...
Onwards and upwards ladies!1 -
Congratulations Coastiejas, the end of the road is near. I have 14 to go! My skin hasn’t changed yet, no pain, just the chronic fatigue yesterday but I’m fine today.
I’m still working full time and have Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. It is a 2 hour round trip to radio on my days off, I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally be home for 2 days when my treatment ends!I eyed off the bell today 😂
Keep us up to speed with how you are going.0 -
Thank you, lovely ladies, for sharing your experiences with radiotherapy. My last Taxol treatment is next week. I have planned and scheduled my 'tattoos' for June 27, with my first radiation session on July 15, for three weeks. I saw my oncologist yesterday, and he was very happy how I went through chemo although I reported all the side effects. Anyway, my appointment lasted less than five minutes. He gave me a prescription for Letrozole to start after radiation and a referral for a bone density scan. He wants me to start an exercise program with a personal trainer during or after radiation. I'm very happy to do this. My next appointment with him is in eight weeks. The journey continues, but it is what it is.
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You’re almost at the end of chemo, congratulations Gorgys! I hope you have a bell to ring there. I’m feeling so much more comfortable with my radiation now….. almost look forward to it 😳.Whilst I was waiting for my treatment yesterday, the lady before me was having her last treatment. Here they play loud (whatever you want) music to take your mind off of it. They played Celebrate Good Times for her….. very fitting. My turn came and they played “She’s a Man Eater” 😂😂. I pointed that out today to the staff and we had a good laugh about it. I didn’t choose that song btw….. it was just the next one on the playlist 😊0
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Good to hear you are all doing well, congratulations @Coastiejas on starting your radiation. I haven't been called back for another CT scan, so hopefully they've been able to settle a plan for me and can get started on Monday. I was originally told I'd be given 3 weeks of radiation, but they told me it will more than likely now be 5 at the lower dose, which is a little disappointing, but it's only 2 weeks extra.
You're almost there @GorgyS! I hope you have a bell to ring 🔔
After almost 4 weeks of no treatment I'm feeling pretty good, I'm walking more and have been doing yoga. My hair is growing and I now have a soft fuzz, it looks blondish, but I think the roots are getting darker. My fingertips are feeling better, but still have a slight change in sensation, and my taste is almost back to normal.
Next week I can eat the Meredith goats cheese waiting for me in the fridge 🥳🥳🥳🥳🐐0 -
@GorgyS you're almost there! It's a great feeling (mostly relief!) when you finish chemo...I also hope you have a bell to ring! 🔔
@Rona I had a chuckle about your music....I got music yesterday too but can't remember what it was...nothing memorable.... I'll have to ask if I can bring my own play list, not that you're there for very long! Have you managed to have your chinese meal yet?
@Katie46 enjoy your goat's cheese next week! We have to celebrate all the wins!
I'm still a bit stiff in the legs but it's very gradually getting better.... I'm getting a bit more energy and have been working a bit more (had my first day back on site this week). I'm keeping up my qigong and meditation,
Have a great weekend ladies! 😀0 -
The muscle stiffness was a bit of a surprise for me as I got very little of it during treatment, but now wake up in the morning and need to do some stretching, I can almost hear the creaking as I get out of bed 😬. My lower back is particularly tight, an old injury making itself known again. Once I get moving I feel ok again. I dread to think what I'd be like in the cold weather.0
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@Rona, @Coastiejas, I do not know how I will react to my last chemo. I may scream from relief, but I have to focus on thanking the wonderful team at the cancer clinic. They were absolutely amazing, skilled, and confident. Regarding the songs, I am fine with any, hoping they will help me hold my breath and "save my heart". Is it 20 seconds for holding the breath?
@Katie46, enjoy your break between chemo and radiation. I am looking forward to it as well, to go out, catch up with friends, and do some shopping for extra cotton and linen clothing to prepare for the menopausal symptoms again under letrozole. It is good that they are reviewing your plan for radiation to ensure the best treatment.
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