Struggling through Chemo

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  • GorgyS
    GorgyS Member Posts: 137 ✭
    My six month mammogram is at the end of October. I had one three months after surgery. When I look back at the last 12 months since my diagnosis, I think, 'What on Earth was that?' Two surgeries, chemo, a PICC line, radiation, lymphedema, a seroma, and now I'm on letrozole. I’ve gone back to face to face office work with my new curly hairstyle. I’m not complaining, I feel really good. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I take it day by day and enjoy each moment.
  • Suziw1957
    Suziw1957 Member Posts: 1 ✭
    Hi lovely people,  I have only just joined the forum and I am sure that it will be another wonderful tool in my journey with Breast Cancer.  I was diagnosed 28th August, had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal x 2 at Tweed Valley Hospital on 26/9.  I received the results of the pathology last Thursday 17/10 and I have Grade 3, Triple Negative invasive carcinoma.  My Specialist who is a truly wonderful surgeon and human being has referred me to the Oncology team at Tweed Valley Hospital - I should hear from them in the next week. It is likely that I will need chemo and radiation so I am looking forward to seeing the journey and experiences of other wonderful women in this forum to help me to understand and to be able to make more informed as I embark on my own journey with breast cancer. 3 
  • Katie46
    Katie46 Member Posts: 200 ✭
    Hi @Suziw1957, welcome to the group. I finished my chemo and radiation at the beginning of July, I found this group very helpful for advice and support along the way. 

    I think there is a private group for triple negative bc which you may want to join. 

    If you haven't contacted you local McGrath nurse you should, they have been wonderful throughout my treatment with help and advice. You should also take someone with you to your appointments if you can. The information can be overwhelming at times and an extra set of ears can be helpful. 

    There will be lots of tests and appointments between diagnosis and when you start your treatment, which is normal, it can also be overwhelming and pretty fast paced, so don't forget to breath and ask lots of questions if you need to.

    Once you get your treatment plan things settle down and become more routine. 

    Best wishes for your treatment journey. Katie 
  • Coastiejas
    Coastiejas Member Posts: 94 ✭
    Hi @Suziw1957
    Great advice from @Katie46. Make sure you are kind to yourself through all of this. Treat yourself each day, even if it's just something small. You will get through it and surprise even yourself with your own strength!  I finished chemo and radiation in July too and am now on hormone therapy.  I had my first proper haircut on Wednesday which was exciting after 12 months! 
    Check out look good feel better if you haven't already,  they have lots of great workshops on  dealing with the impacts of your treatment lgfb.org.au. 
    Best wishes for your treatment. 
  • Katie46
    Katie46 Member Posts: 200 ✭
    Hi @Coastiejas, congratulations on your first haircut, another milestone reached! I've been putting mine off and waiting for it to get a little longer before I get it styled a little. I'm keeping it short for now, it's so much easier than the long mop I had! I've been very lucky that it's grown through into a fairly tidy pixie cut, and other than getting my husband to tidy up the back of my neck, I haven't had to do anything, I've just been using his styling wax to style it a little. 
  • Coastiejas
    Coastiejas Member Posts: 94 ✭
    Hi @Katie46
    Yes another milestone indeed! I am finding short hair a revelation and think I'll keep it,  it is so much easier than longer hair! I had my mum tidy up the back of my neck a few times before my first haircut!. I was also using my husband 's hair wax to style my hair!! Next milestone will be my mammogram in early November and 12 months since surgery! 
    Have a good weekend! 

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