Research radiotherapy, handling AC chemo, taxol, head care
Hi all, hope things are good with you today.
I haven't posted for a while, but have a few questions that may get answered here. I can't believe it's been 3 months since my diagnosis, man - how life can change! Have had wide local excision, bilateral mastectomy and partial lymph node removal, portacath surgery, slight lymphoedema, bad cording, 2 AC chemo treatments and my hair has fallen out. I've got fake boobs to put in my bra each day and a wig that doesn't look like a wig plus a fringe and lots of beanies and hats as part of my new wardrobe. Headspin material if I stop to think about it for too long! Huge thanks to the Cancer Council wig library for the wig, fringe and a few head scarves - all free! Check them out if you have access to one.
I feel a bit bad saying that I'm one of the lucky ones with chemo - I've had hardly any side effects and have felt really good. Some minor stuff - constipation and slight tummy problems mainly, but I live with a bit of reflux normally, so doesn't feel too different. Chemo week seems to be bad sleep week too, but again, that also happens sometimes normally, and life goes on. I've gone back to one of my jobs, although unfortunately my hours have been cut, so next week, I'm hoping to get back to my other casual job. No point sitting around waiting for something to happen, but kind of tired of everyone telling me to rest up and look after myself - I'm sitting around going stir crazy with nothing to do! Time to get back to a bit of normality, if that's possible...
So my questions are - does anyone know how I could do some research on radiotherapy? I'm discussing with my doctors etc, but I also want to do some of my own research, but need reputable sources. I feel like I'm on the borderline of whether to have it or not, and if I opt not to have it, I want to be 100% confident in my decision.
Also, does anyone moisturise their scalp? I've still got some sparse hair, but if I rub my head, I seem to have something like dandruff on it so I'm wondering whether to put some sorbelene or something on it? Or does anyone have any other suggestions for scalp care?
I'm also curious about people's reactions to AC chemo vs Paclitaxel. I'm worried that I've handled AC so well, maybe the taxol will knock me for 6!? Of course, everyone is different and I will have to wait and see, but if anyone has handled AC well, I'm hoping you also handled taxol just as well!
Thanks for your support and comments
Donna
