Well Vanessa, I am so glad I got onto the Website this morning as I obviously needed to, just to try to make you feel a bit better. Here goes:
I didnt want a choice about what chemotherapy I should have - as I havent been to University and Im not an Oncologist. I had FEC, and discussed all my symptoms constantly with the Drs, nurses, and Breast Care Nurse to get my best possible advice and results. I went to the Cancer Council and borrowed books when I was well enough, on "What to Eat" etc. I had the Neulasta Injection following FEC, and rang the Community Nurses, and they came and guided me through my injections to give me peace of mind. They are free, and happy to answer questions, (they are upbeat and great to chat to), and have phoned me once a months to talk to me to see if Im ok. They arent linked with any other group though, you have to find them as your local Community Nurses. Each time I had a side effect, eg. scalp infection, mouth ulcers, indigestion, aches and pains, and nausea, I saw my Dr. or got something from the Pharmacist. I went on a radical diet, based on highly nutritious, low acid, some juices, and no sugar, no salt, no red meat. I eat fruit for my sweet hit, lots of grapes and watermelon when I had nausea. Week one following chemo was a different regime to the rest, but I couldnt digest difficult foods, (pasta, bread, meat some-times) so thats why I lost 8 kilo's, not because I felt overly sick. Panadol Osteo is about 665 mg of Paracetamol, the normal amount is 500mg of Paracetamol per tablet. I took 2 of the 500mg every 4 hours most of the way through FEC and then Taxotere. Read the packet because youre only allowed a certain amount in a 24 hour period. dont take any NDSAIDs (unless approved via your DR), as they are rough on your gutt. Your vital organs wont take more than 8 paracetamol in 24 hours. I have learnt to recongnise the active ingredient, which is written at bottom of packet in small writing. As general community we get hooked up in the company who made them : :Panadol, Nurofen. Look for the small writing and read back of packs. If not sure ask Dr or nurse before you take anything. We are all different, and it always depends on your liver and kidneys too.......But I found all advice given via Medical staff the best to go with myself. They say ginger helps with nausea, eg the biscuit. Or via a drink. I just drank soda water and lemon. Try not to chose sugary option though. (up to you of course). I also went on a low acid diet (swear by it). They are all the things I stuck by, and it worked for me. Some people thought I went OTT with it, but hey, it all worked for me.
I spoke to an Oncologist Social Worker at the Cancer Council the other day, and she explained so much to me about why I am so tired from Chemo and Radiation. It really helped to get educated and solid information from a lady who had worked with my Drs and Rads staff in her past. I walked away relieved, and finally able to sleep better at night, just by admitting my fears, and asking the right person the right questions. I have been very emotional for the last month, but its because the 90% of the information I didnt understand in the beginning has just sunk in!
Perhaps some of the ladies on the BCNA can advise you about how to handle you lovely children during this most challenging experience of your life, as I cant imagine how tricky it is to have that to deal with as well.
Stay strong, and be kind to yourself Vanessa, we will all get through this wiser women, with kinder hearts. Calm your mind and repeat after a deep breath "I am in the here and now, one day at a time" LoveXXX Bel
