Oncologist

I came home yesterday Leonie feeling a bit of numbness under the arm but otherwise not too bad.

Hope the rest of your chemo treats you kindly.

Eileen xx

 

So frustrating isn't it when they can't just knock the horrid surgeries off the list in one go.  Hope the clearance went well, and you're heading home if not already then soon.  I had to wait a couple of weeks post clearance for the port too.

Take care, 

x

Leonie

Thank you Leonie I have to go in at 7.30 today for the Axillary clearance, Its a shame they cant put the port in today while I am in theatre. 

Eileen xx

 

Hi - I had my port (vital power port that sits fully under the skin) put in in November, and I am now through my AC, and 6 out of 12 down through the paclitaxel.  Soooo glad I had the port (they put me under general just for quick day surgery, and I had my first chemo the next day - they left the needle in the port for me so I could zoom straight into chemo).    Its the benefit of also being able to have the blood test take from the port - they leave all the fittings in, then I see the oncologist and head straight into chemo post that meeting if the bloods look OK - so no need for 2 needles, and once you get used to it, it really is a breeze (especially if you're likely to have vein problems).  Seemed scary at the first run, but a smooth run for me after that - and with the paclitaxel, given it's weekly, I'm just so glad I don't have to face the needles. It gets a little sore the day after chemo (probably the nasty chemicals) but post that all smooth running.   Bonus for me it's also meant I can get in the pool and swim with the oncologists blessing, which with other options that wouldn't have worked for me -  Good luck with the fitting and the chemo!  Radio next for me, and then the port will be removed (shame they won't leave it in just in case!!) 

Big Hugs

Leonie

 

Thank you Anne I think the port will be the way to go for me.

I have been told I will have 3 stitches  when they put the port in so hope they give me something for the procedure before hand.

Eileen

Thank you Cate I am so glad you are having no problems & it is great that you are able to work & do the 5 K runs.

You have put my mind at ease about the chemo & I will try & think positive about the outcome.

Eileen

 

Hi Eileen,

I have had 5 or 6 cycles of AC chemo so far. My last cycle is 22/03.

I have suffered none of what I expected.

I have not been sick at all & so have not needed to take anti nausea medication apart from the Dexamethasone they give me to take with breakfast & lunch the first 2 days after chemo. They also give me a dose straight into my vein before starting the chemo drip.

Yes, my hair fell out but I have to say, I dont hate that (though I thought I would), it makes getting ready for work so easy - just put my hair on & off I go, no washing & styling/straightening.

I do get a little tired around days 4/5/6 after chemo but having chemo on Tuesdays means that happens over the weekend.

I still go to parkrun & do my 5km on a Saturday morning though at the moment the 1st Sat after chemo I volunteer instead of run, I still usually manage to walk/trot about 2km those Saturdays though.

I still get up & go to work - full time - each day, its my 'happy place' & they have been great, closing a toilet for 7 days each cycle for my use. I go to chemo Tuesday morning & work straight after.

I have a port & apart from about the seat belt annoying it for the first week I have had no pain or drama from it. Definitely a good thing to have.

I have to say, I have coped well & that it has been nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.

My own motto is - I am in charge of my life not cancer & not chemo!!!

Cate

Hi, I had a port put in and it was a simple little operation (I did have it at a private hospital where I was given a few different sedatives - my friend had it at another hospital and didn't have as good an experience). My port has been great for chemo, IV antibiotics (which I had to go into hospital for) and blood tests (I get it taken out 30 mins before chemo - rather than having to go to a pathology centre and do it a day before). 

I've had no issues with my port. I think it is worth it. 

I haven't had your chemo. I've just had taxol (& herceptin) for 12 weeks.

Thank you ladies for you help. I will definitely go with the port. I think the 1st 3 months of chemo is known as AC. I have read up on the side effects, but just wondered how other ladies coped with this type of chemo.

Eileen xx

Hi Eileen

Go the port!!   After the intial discomfort you nearly forget about it. I put numbing cream and a tegaderm over my port an hour before treatment so I normally don't feel the needle.

Best Wishes xx