Forum Discussion
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
22 Replies
Liana, wereabouts are you in Sydney? I am in the St George area.
If you are after headwraps I have not even used most of the ones I got (Used just 1 as I find caps easier to handle) and I have finished my Chemo so exoecting hair will be growing back soon enough so do not see myself ever using the unused ones.
If you wanted them I am happy to pass couple of those never worn wraps onto you... Still in their packaging in the bag thry came in and would hate for things to go to waste if someone could use them so if U R interested and not to far so able to get together just message me.
Jel.
Jel you made me laugh....thank you for your info...very helpful...I'm going to check the wig library as my chemo will start in a few weeks. Hugs, Liana.
Thanks all
This is the link to the eBay shop I used - they are plain colors and only $4 each.
ROFL...Kath that is such abargain I can see your comment will have me hitting KMart tomorrow. I have no will power and soo boored at the moment that $4 tag is hard to resist ??
Jel
LOL, Adrienne my love - got to laugh... So.much happens that every now and then the irony of some.of it realy does crack you up...
I documented my initial 4 weeks on AC Chemo daily so feel free ro go to my profile and read my AC blogs (hwadings will state AC Chemo and day Number) as it will give you a lot of info on what can happen.
I must admit my sideffects were rather extreme (according to my Oncologist who threatened to even cancel my chemo after the 1st riund because I had all these unorthodox reactions never mentioned in any literature) but even with those shitty sideffects that had him freaked out I reckon it is bearable... I mean you may feel a bit moserable sometimes than whatever was wrong oasses and it is kind of an instant light shines birds sing ttpe of a moment... and you forget it was misrebale and then will pretty much laugh at the previous situation and being a "sook".
All in all - can be done and I swear what we fear and imagine it will be like before Chemo starts is way worse than the real thing.
And you keep record of any sideffects then discuss it with the Oncologist and they help you manage and avoid them come next round.
And some.women have hardly any sideffects at all so tou never know your luck - headcover choice may turn out to be the the buggest worry for you...
All in all - a bit yucky but can be done and you will LOVE not needing to wash moisturise or dry your hair .. so freeing....
Hugs
Jel.
I hot some great cotton sott scarves from Kmart for $4 each.
Here is a link to the headwrappers discussed above.
http://www.hatshow.com.au/multifunctional-seamless-tube-headwraps-headwrappas
Kath x
Beautiful post
Hello and thank you for the comments.
I like the idea of the softer headband things and will do an Ebay search in my lunch break. I saw some tee-shirt material ones that I like the look of - but then Im going to need lessons on how to tie them!
cheers Adrienne :)
Hey there Jel
Im learning so much from your comments.. and have even had a laugh!!
thank you
Adrienne :)
