A new journey!

Question

This is my first blog post for this "journey". &nbsp;After discovering a large lump in my L breast at the end of July this year, I was soon diagnosed with invasive DC. &nbsp;A week later I had a lumpectomy and 4 lymph nodes removed, but had to return 2 weeks later for mastecomy (which was now 2 weeks ago). &nbsp;Most of my discomfort is coming from the lymph node site, and have since developed a few seromas and cording - working with physio to manage these. &nbsp;I start chemo in a few weeks and have felt very encouraged to read other people's stories of how they have managed/are managing their treatement.&nbsp;
It has certainly been a wild ride over the past 6 weeks, but I'm very grateful for the wonderful specialists and treatment we have available to us. &nbsp;Am happy today as I've just bought a few crop top bras (with shaped inserts) for only $10 each and finally feel that I look nice and balanced again. &nbsp;The free bras that were received didn't really suit me, and the soft form insert kept riding up! &nbsp;
Look forward to being a part of this network, as I've never been a blogger before. &nbsp;Best wishes to you all travelling on this challenging path!

robyn_w · Answer

Welcome to the online network.I had never posted on a blog before this,however it was the best thing that I ever did.Throughout your journey,you will get so much support and advice here.I am 12 months part my mastectomy and chemo,and I feel better than I ever have.Treatment for BC is so advanced these days,and most ladies go on to live long healthy lives.I was fortunate,in that I found chemo not too bad.Some ladies struggle through it,and I believe it's a combination of several things that determine how you will manage.However,there are many things you can take now to alleviate the side effects,so remember to ask if you need something.Stay in touch,and please ask for help when you need to. Cheers xxx Robyn

alpal · Answer

Thanks for your encouragement Robyn. Wonderful to hear that you're so well 12 months on. Any ideas you have for preparing for chemo treatment would be great. I know everyone is different, but I'm happy to try things if they may help. I start the 1st of 4 treatments (doxetaxel and cyclophosphamide) on 7th October. Regards, Alison

tashybyrnes · Answer

Hi Alpal, I started chemo on 4 sept and due to return for my second round this coming thursday, I seem to be very lucky as I only suffered from headaches for 4 days after and the only time I felt a little off was with motion sickness in the car but I took the pramin tablets prescibed for me and felt ok again, the only side effect that really bothered me was the chemo brain I was a little confused and forgetful for about 5 days after treatment so keep pen and paper hand. I also talked to my local chemist who is an absolute fountain of knowledge on treatment and symptoms and other drugs available to control side effects, but always talk to your doctor first. I also found out that being well hydrated would have eased my headache as I was very stressed and terrified of the possible side effects so plenty of fluids. After my first session I found my body craved fresh fruit &amp; vegies, cold things like ice blocks and just plain water, and stay active. I really hope everything goes well for you, so follow doctors advice and try to relax (I know easier said then done) stay positive you have a lot of support and love backing you all the way.

robyn_w · Answer

I had the exact same chemo as you.From my experience,these are the things that I noticed the most.Firstly,be prepared to be at the hospital each time for a long time!!! By the time you see your oncologist,then have your blood test,then have chemo,it runs into hours.I just wiped the whole day off the calendar.I bought a bag just to take to chemo.I took my iPod ,a book,magazine,snacks(cause you get so hungry) water,and anything else you can think of.It is really quite boring! For the first 5 days after chemo I felt pretty normal,because they give you Dexamethasone ,and it keeps you 'up'.When that finishes,you start to feel tired.Mayb till about day 10,then you come good.Keep away from crowds the second week,cause you don't want to risk infection.Then the 3rd week you feel normal again! Then it starts again:). I had some skin rashes,food cravings were incredible,bit of nausea,bit of constipation,but nothing too terrible.All the best and stay in touch.CheersxxxRobyn

susan_linda · Answer

I had a double mastectomy one week ago and am a bit uncomfortable but ok. I think having the double is ok because I just wear a nice, soft singlet now. I bought a bra liked you described from Best and Less in case I wanted some boobs. I also checked out 3 specialist bra shops in Western Sydney and although I have to wait 8 weeks before a fitting I was heartened by the range of pretty but practical bras. In one shop the lady explained that I could bring in my favourite old bra and they would make inserts to fit! I also bought 2 lovely cossies for mastectomy ladies which can be worn with or without a prosthesis or my case 2. It made my day!

It takes a while for everything to settle. Keep up the bio oil and gentle massage.

Good luck

Sue

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