Time to process
Comments
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@JenD, you’ve mentioned there is a positive node (shown on PET scan and biopsied in chest). Any idea how will that be treated?
p.s. my PET scan showed there was ‘something’ in my chest as well. But the doc says they can’t biopsied as it was in a challenging position, she told me rads should treat that area). Hence, keen to hear what your doc has recommended.
p.s, I am hormone positive and Her2- . Have completed 15 rounds of chemo (4 dense dose AC and 11 Taxols) , just completed 15 sessions of rads last week.2 -
All the best for your rehearsing and the national comp @JenD!! That's good to get help setting up your Tuba and that it is comfy enough to play, sitting down xx
My uke group has been suggested for the local Eisteddfod next month .... but we are happy just playing for local aged care centres ....
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@JenD I can really relate to your comment ‘how was I not aware that all this is happening inside’.
I’ve seen the comment many times about how our fellow troupers have said how amazing they feel. I am in the best shape of my life, eating very well, super fit, looking after myself, then BAM!I’m looking at it telling myself that I am in the best position to beat this mother f&*$%. We got this.3 -
@GinGin As I understand it, the process of both chemotherapy for all over body elimination of cancer cells and then targeted radiotherapy after is the treatment for this node. Surgery immediately removed tumour and local nodes to this, so next is cellular level mop up. Radio Dr explained they will complete further scans for comparisons, along with info from initial scans for targetting areas.
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Started chemotherapy last friday, so one week later, after 2 days a little off but ok mostly functioning (on strong antinausea tablets), then 4 days nasty riding through dizziness my brain is a little back now, mainly tired/fatigue will be ongoing I can see.
For me, treatments infusions are fortnightly (dose dense ac) x4, then weekly a further x12. (Paclitaxel) . Followed by radiation therapy. Full cellular reboot! Nothing can quite prep for that first dose of fluid infusion. But 1 down, 15 to go. Big breath, I can do this!
Taking it slow and careful, one day at a time, relishing what may be my last few days washing my hair (cliche shampoo advert moments), and have a basket of headwear caps ready to go.
Thanks for reading.....
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Hi @JenD, I found my AC treatment settled into a pattern, a bit weird feeling, for the first 4 days (steroids kicking in), severe fatigue for the next 4 days, and then felt almost normal the 2nd week. I was lucky to not get any nausea. My hair started to fall out on day 13, your scalp can get a bit tender, and my husband buzz cut my hair a few days later (which I had already cut short) and i had almost immediate releif. Mine took a few weeks to fall out and I was left with a bit of fuzz which never fell out, and never grew any longer. It felt like a long road at round 1, but now I've done 8 rounds of paclitaxel and I can see the end in sight! Take each day as it comes, be kind to yourself.
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Another three months... update time.
Hanging in there 😃, gosh its a long slog. Got thru AC chemo (red devil) x4 fortnightly dose dense, and have completed 7 of 12 paclitaxel. Side effects were hard but manageable around fatigue, brain fog, internal upsets bowels, low blood pressure as red blood cells dropped, but its all a bit easier now on 2nd chemo.
I had a week off on a trip to NZ (booked before diagnosis, combo tourist and music competition), so dodgedly aimed toward it through treatment, and was managing chemo effects well enough that medical oncologist was fine I went with precautions. It was scarey to "get off the couch" and be away from home, but I did do a lot of walking, and it definately kick started my brain to knowing Im "over the hump" so to speak and will make it through the rest of chemo. Then next onto radiotherapy! The week rest also recovered red blood cells a bit so eased dizziness/low pressire drops, and reduced risk of needing blood transfusion). Just a cough still lingering (about 14 weeks now) that I cant quite shake.
Ive had to go to a picc line, after 4 attempts at a vein was all to hard (poor right arm was so bruised, as the only one able to be needled due to lymphnode removal left arm), but again, manageable and a relief not to be multiple jabbed.
Have some wigs that Im getting used to, and its nice to swap out the chemo caps. Not the same as own hair, but again, tricks the brain to a bit of "normal" and the compliments on my new blonde look have been good mental positive (never been brave enough before so why not, matching my current paler skin and thinning but just still there eyebrows).
Thats about it for now, thanks for reading. And hang in there... one day at a time!
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@JenD Yes, going from healthy one day with no symptoms at all, to this news is like being run over by a truck.
Reading everyone's comments makes me feel less alone. I am so terrified. My first appointment with breast surgeon today and discussing it still brings me to tears (34 mm tumour, hormone positive, Her2 negative). She was lovely and calming but the fear of the unknown is debilitating. I am so anxious about finding out it may have spread. I am tentatively booked in for a lumpectomy (depending on MRI and PET scan results tomorrow) on 13 August.
You inspire me to just keep putting one foot in front of the other.7 -
@LJS I was a forward planner so stopping to take in one bit and not getting too far ahead was a big challenge. The first two months was very stressful, getting info needed and taking it day by day, test result by result and getting all the medical info on what might be the best way to tackle your diagnosis is first step, and it will all just start to flow from there.
I figure thats the idea of this chat forum, if one persons post helps another person, its a great thing. Good days, bad days, its all ok as long as you can get a positive mindset in there. Keeping things achievable in the short term, as its all a bit out of control, which is hard.3 -
All the best for your scans for tomorrow @LJS - your surgeon sounds like a keeper! Make sure you stay away from Dr Google - ONLY ask your Surgeon and breast care nurse (when given one) any of your queries (or put them up here) and we'll do our best to help you xx
take care & all the best
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October Update.
Chemo done, 5 months... got through to 11/12 of the pactlitaxal, but neuropathy creep in feet long term risk, was time to call it. Med Oncologist was happy that I made it to this and I am going to be hopeful the foot nerves settle in time, or better still go away (tingly/numb, particularly left foot).
Radotherapy finished...15 sessions all done (this changed from an original 25 sessions, to a new protocol of higher dose but less sessions). Only very mild skin irritation underside of breast fold, so far no redness or burning yet showing otherwise, but I am feeling quite fatigued. I also have a very sore/hard to swallow throat due to area of targetted radiation. Happy thats all completed though👍.
Bone density scan done, and see oncologist later this week to start hormone therapy drug.3 -
Well done, @JenD! It’s such a relief to leave chemo and radiation behind and move on to the next stage of treatment (hormone blockers). I went through the same treatment as you and have been on Letrozole for two months now. I still experience tingling and numbness in my feet, but my oncologist didn’t seem too concerned and mentioned that there isn’t much medication for it, except for antidepressants.???? I spoke with my GP last week, and she recommended taking Magnesium and Vitamin B, which I have already started. I’ll see how it goes. I’m still feeling fatigued, which could be a side effect of Letrozole. Either way, it's manageable. I was tired even before the breast cancer diagnosis, and being 65, it’s not surprising. The bone density scan also showed osteoporosis. There’s a lot to manage, but it’s all manageable
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Terrific that you are thru your 'active treatment' @JenDand can now look forward to getting your life back xx Maybe mention issue the throat to your Onc/Breast Care Nurse ...
I found that Difflam anaesthetic throat spray (with a long nozzle, so the spray gets to the back of the throat) REALLY helped me when I had a killer sore throat when I got Covid early this year.
https://difflam.com.au/product/difflam-plus-anaesthetic-sore-throat-spray/
Rest up - Recover & Recuperate xx
Jen & @GorgyS - Consider contacting https://www.otisfoundation.org.au/directory to see if you are able to have a bit of a break in your state (there is often a few months wait - so it could be next year) ..... Wonderful philanthropic people make their holiday homes available to those recovering from their BC treatment, for a special break - you only need to take your food & clothes! You can take as many family &/or friends, depending on the number of beds available
take care all the best for your scans & AIs xx0
