Struggling through Chemo
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Hi Ladies
I've been reflecting on 2024, it was a really tough year but also a good year as well. I had chemo and radiation but was also given the good news in November that the cancer is all gone ! Just so lucky that they randomly found it, lucky I had that mammogram, I still can't explain what put the thought in my head to get it done! Higher powers at work or someone looking after me, not sure!
I know what you mean @Katie46 about feeling a bit reborn, I also have curly hair now and have lost about 7kg, I even bought a dress the other day and wore it yesterday which is so not me! I bought some other new clothes that were also really different to my usual style.... I am like a phoenix rising from the ashes!
This time last year had just had my second AC chemo, so have come a long way since then. I am working almost full-time again and still a bit tired but almost back to normal (whatever that is!)
@Paris_24 good to hear you are going well and congratulations on your new grandson.... how lovely!
Wishing all a fantastic 2025 hopefully it's a year filled with good health and bedtimes ahead for all!3 -
That should be better times ahead not bedtimes LOL damn auto text 🙄1
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@Katie46 and @Paris_24 firstly big virtual hugs and happiness - it’s so wonderful to read your reflections and inspiring words of gratitude and determination! 🌸🌻🥳🎉 I too reflect back on the year(s) since my diagnosis and how remarkable it is to have this amazing quality of life after treatment. I remain in awe of everyone in the health, allied health and caring professions. Feeling very grateful ☺️1
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Hello 🙂 I'm wondering how everyone is getting on.
I'm travelling ok, the abemaciclib 100mg x 2 a day has settled ok, with very minimal side effects. The reduced dose made a big difference for me, I've been on it about 4 months now.
Other than the usual aches, stiffness and hot flushes from the zoladex and letrozole I'm feeling fine. I think the hot flushes have reduced a bit.
My oncologist has referred me to a gynaecological oncologist to discuss ovary removal, I'm just waiting for an appointment, it's not urgent so I'm happy to wait. I'll be getting zoladex injections for at least another 3 years, so it's something I'm seriously considering.
I'm also waiting for the results of my BRCA tests, which is available on Medicare now. I have a very low chance of having it, but it's worth knowing.
I'm finding stretching and light weights most mornings have helped with the stiff muscles. I've also booked myself in with a physio as my shoulder muscles and under my arm have started tightening up a bit, I assume from the radiation. My range of movement it pretty good and I want to keep it that way. Has anyone tried acupuncture?
I'm having fun with my new hair, I'm trying to tame it away from it's natural 1980s look at the moment.
All the best Katie2 -
Great to hear from you, Katie, and thank you for your update. I am doing well, taking the following into consideration:
Lymphedema – Manageable; wearing compression sleeves and doing some exercise.
Neuropathy – A nuisance, but manageable.
Abemaciclib – Almost three months on 150 mg twice daily. No side effects, and blood tests are good
Letrozole – No side effects, although I am tired most of the time.
Zoledronic acid – First dose tomorrow and then every six months.
Hair – Curly, and I am avoiding my hairdresser, who wants to blow-dry and straighten it. I love my curly grey hair!
BRCA – Negative.
Oncologist appointments – Every three months.
Next mammogram – Scheduled for October.
I hope everyone is doing well (at least managing well)
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Hi everyone and thanks for checking in @Katie46
It’s uplifting to hear about the things that are working well for you and @GorgyS 🌻
I’m going well - it’s 10 months since my last round of Kadcyla; fortunately my energy and physical strength has found its way back to me. I can take a lot more “people” engagement in my stride and stay focused and energised - to a much greater extent now compared to 3 or even 6 months months after treatment.I’m back on Letrozole and managing the ankle aches. Yoga has really helped with the joints.
After an initial roller coaster with my liver function tests and cholesterol all the numbers appeared to be going in the required direction in December- I will find out my latest next week.I had a massage for a treat yesterday and for the first time since the lumpectomy (July 2023) could lie face down comfortably.I’ll see my oncologist in March (6 months intervals)
My biggest surprise is my reaction- I still cannot get used to having white hair - but that’s just a minor problem, I am really very glad to have hair.
All the best to the network friends still attending for their treatments - sending lots of energy and hugs your way. 🌸1 -
@Katie46 @GorgyS @Tri great to hear your updates and things are tracking well. I am on the letrozole (5 yrs), Abema (2 yrs) dose adjusted to 100mg and being tolerated. Seeing the oncologist every 3 weeks. Recently had ovaries and fallopian tubes removed surgery went well, healing up and no more zoladex (was told would have for 10 years). On the Veoza for menopause symptoms which stopped overnight. Still have significant lymphoedema see the physio weekly, compression garments and an arm pump for an hour each day. I have had accupuncture sessions, bye bye brain fog after the first session and also improvement with finger and feet neuropathy. Hair is short still and little curls. Not back at work yet will come later this year. Trying to get back to a new normal and love hearing how you all are. 😊1
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Great to hear you are all doing ok. I think this chat started around a year ago as well.
@Paris_24 I'm waiting for an appointment for ovary removal, was there any difference with the menopause symptoms? I've been getting hot flushes since I started chemo, and other than some muscle aches and stiffness, I haven't really notice much difference since I started the zoladex and letrozole, although maybe the hot flushes have reduced slightly.
One thing I have noticed is my eyelashes, which survived most of chemo, have come back really short, I have to turn my head sideways to see them in the mirror 😆. They were never long to begin with, and I thought they might come back better 🤣 on the plus side I only need to shave my legs every week or so.2 -
@Katie46 the menopause symptoms hit harder straight away - multiple hot flushes, bit of insomnia and needing to pee more. I was prescribed Veoza (not on the PBS, health fund gave some money back, I think it has been out for a year or so) and all symptoms ceased straight up. Amazing really because the hot flushes were constant. My eyelashes are short too and very fine, eyebrows recently did the full change over again think it’s the acupuncture. What a journey and gotta take the bonuses like shaving less 😂1
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I had my first dose of zoledronic acid yesterday. A few hours later, I was knocked down with a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, headache, joint pain, and loss of appetite. On the second day, my temperature was back to normal, but I still feel worn out
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