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Erica_Shadiac's avatar
12 years ago

Her#3 Taxol#7 plus.....

First time the oncologist has had to jab a second vein - inside of forearm. Twas OK. Not a worry once it is in. 3 hours of drip feed. Tim is getting a lot of reading done! Egg and lettuce sandwiches are a favourite although my taste buds have gone on strike! Everything tastes sooo bland. My tongue feels a bit like it has been burnt. My voice gets hoarse. The dry/drippy, bloody nose continues to be annoying. But these things are minor. I do not feel like my everyday life is being affected by the treatment.

Went back to see Dr Jim Kollias, my surgeon and case manager, on Tuesday. He is soooo lovely. I have heard others call him the Greek God! Good looking AND a great bedside manner. He makes you feel really positive about your journey. He reminded me that he removed my cancer and as far as he is concerned I am cured! I love his faith! He said though that there can be cancer cells that go undetected and hence the precaution of chemo. He also explained again that the chemo works on the whole body generally whereas the radiotherapy focuses on the area where the original cancer was, including the lymph glands under the collar bone.

Rang Adelaide Radiotherapy Clinic at St Andrews to book in for the planning/simulator pre treatment session. This involves a CT scan and some tattoo markers to set the scene for the radiotherapy. This session is booked for a week after Taxol finishes and the same day I have Herceptin #5.

The next day Tim a nd I fly out to South Africa! Back again 3 weeks later for next Herceptin dose and start of daily radiotherapy.

Once in a life time opportunty I cannot pass up. My daughter is a ranger in a wildlife park south of Johannesburg and this will be my only opportunity to have her as my guide on safari before she heads back to Oz! Can't wait!! Special treat - end of chemo!!

 

1 Reply

  • What a way to celebrate the end of Chemo, Erica. It will give you a wonderful opportunity to do something special with your daughter and also to leave the other 'journey' behind you for a while. Certainly the worst should be behind you by then! Well done on getting through the Chemo so well. You have kept positive and obviously prepared yourself well each time to have so little trouble with finding veins. Enjoy South Africa and all the best with radiotherapy. I am told it is a breeze compared to Chemo! I am sure you will follow their advice with preparation and maintenance of the radiation area. I have been taking care with this area throughout Chemo as it is important to have the skin in as good condition as possible, my surgeon and radiologist have recommended. Take care and enjoy the trip! Deanne xxxxoooo