In a good place
I haven't posted a blog for a while only because I have been enjoying getting back into my photography and working on enjoying myself.
I have had my second round of chemo and due for my third on 20th of Feb. Yay, I will be half way through this tunnel.
I found my second round a lot easier to deal with because I knew what to expect in terms of down days. I have always been a very independant person and in first round I really struggled with not being able to do housework, not going to work, not being able to go out, and when my hair started to fall out I fell apart.
Now I am happy to say that I feel relatively normal now. I have created some structure and a routine. Accepted that my first week following treatment will be my worst, I just go with it knowing that in my 2nd and 3rd week I will be able to achieve the things I want to do. I am living just for today and I refuse to take my self to scary places.
Exercise has definitely helped with fatigue. I walk for 45 mins every day except one day where I was too fatigued and had a lot appointments to attend to. I also swim most days too if it is hot enough.
For the new ladies who have joined us recently, this journey is doable. Be kind to yourself, take each day as it comes, challenge any scary thoughts, find pleasure and satisfaction in something that you enjoy doing and above all else stay connect and interest in your family and friends. You will be renewed and uplifted by their love for you.
Joy xx
Comments
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You sound like you have certainly got it all together, and I'm so pleased for you. It's difficult to find a routine, I know. I also like the way you are refusing to go to the scary places. I'm starting to feel a bit more positive as well. I'm sure we will still have our off days but we will get there, take care, big hugs,
Hazel xx
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You are doing so well!Its so true,that once you actually get started,you do manage things so much better than you ever thought you would.Exercise is so helpful,and throughout the last few months,it has been my saviour.Your outlook on things is wonderful Joy,and I'm sure any new ladies on here will look to your blogs for guidance.We all come to this journey so afraid of the unknown,and before we know it,we are helping others! What a great network:) Take care.xoxoxRobyn0
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Most days I feel like I have it all together although still fairly fragile. It doesn't take much for me to be reduced to tears but not about BC just emotionally not as strong as I used to be and little things will set me off. We have all been through a huge shock, surgery and now chemo. I am still grieving, I know that, but step by step I am reclaiming some normality. I am not waiting until I have finished treatment to do so but having said that will not be returning to work any time soon. When I do it will be for less hours. Don't want to be working such long hours and under so much stress ever again.
How are you going Hazel with the Doxetaxel? You must be due for your next round by now? How is your partner going with his health?
Hope you are feeling much better than when we spoke last time.
Love
Joy xx
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Thank you so much. You are one of those ladies that I look to for inspiration Robyn. We do all come to this journey so afraid. Even before tests or diagnosis we are all afraid of a ever hearing the "C" diagnosis. It puts the terror in everyone. However, there are so many of us who have "been there and done that". Women who have been so courages and survived so I have to ask myself "Why not me". "Why not me" to be diagnosed with BC, and "Why not me" go on to survive?
You are right about this being a wonderful network and I hope that I can inspire others not to be afraid, trust in their medical team and have as much peace of mind as is possible during their journey.
Take care of you to Robyn
Joy xx
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Well I'm going to repeat what I've said before and say "you've put the 'joy' back in Joy
Love that you have got things together and you feel you are coping well. Remember though that this is still a roller coaster ride and you may find you hit that wall a good few times now and then so don't get upset with yourself. You're doing the right thing by taking things one day at a time.
Lots of love
Janey xxx
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You are funny! Yes! Very true, it happens for me around day 3 or 4 following treatment. I just hope it doesn't happen again this time when I go to the hospital for my next treatment. Last time I was a basket case. Couldn't even tell them who I was I was sobbing so much. Thank you for reminding me that it is a roller coaster and I will expect to have a few rough days but won't be mad about it.
Love Joy xx
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Yes, I had my 2nd last Docetaxol last Tuesday, Being very pro-active with the side effects, going on the offensive, instead of waiting for them to overwhelm me. My partner is slowly improving, they are working on getting his medication to the correct level. So, we have our fingers crossed that his heart muscle is working to a better capacity. We are currently waiting on some results, but he is feeling better so I'm encouraged. We are still working together and finding comfort in each other. So all good, I'm trying and achieving somewhat a more positive attitude. Take care, Joy,
Hazel xx
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You are sounding a lot better and more positive. That is very encouraging. Yay! One more to go and your done. That is so good. Very good news too that your partner is also feeling better and that you are both finding comfort in each other.
I hope you both continue to strengthen each other and that this round is not as bad for you as the last one.
Take care of yourself.
Love
Joy xx
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Hi Ladies I am just reading all of the comments on this blog and you are all truly inspirational women. i have never belonged to a support group before, never needed to, or at least didn't think it would be worth it. However, this experience has turned me around, opened my eyes and I can see the sharing of information and the care and concern for one another is incredible. kudos to you all. Xxxx0
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Hi Ladies I am just reading all of the comments on this blog and you are all truly inspirational women. i have never belonged to a support group before, never needed to, or at least didn't think it would be worth it. However, this experience has turned me around, opened my eyes and I can see the sharing of information and the care and concern for one another is incredible. kudos to you all. Xxxx0
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Wow, you girls are doing great! Big hugs to both of you. Tonya xx
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So happy for you Joy! It is so great to read the stories of those who go ahead of us on the treatment journey! Such good advice too! Thanks for sharing your positive spirit.
Tanya xo
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So happy for you Joy! It is so great to read the stories of those who go ahead of us on the treatment journey! Such good advice too! Thanks for sharing your positive spirit.
Tanya xo
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So glad you are feeling good now and have settled in to your routine. I too am going really well, at the same stage of the chemo journey, but my routine now has a totally indulgent weekend away before each treatment. I am doing that now and will again next cycle as I am having such a good time. I will post about it on my own blog in a couple of days, hopefully with a photo of me in Tasmania paddling down the Derwent river in a dragon boat which I am doing tomorrow. Viv xxxx0
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You are right Gypsy sharing of information and experiences with each other is so helpful and supportive. We are very fortunate to have this network. Thank you for your lovely and encouraging words.
Have a happy day.
Big hugs.
Joy xx
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