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Jane_Elizabeth's avatar
Jane_Elizabeth
Member
10 years ago

Things I don't miss about ac chemo

I was just thinking last night, lying awake after round 2 of weekly Taxol and stewing in a soup of double steroids due to an allergic reaction as well as all the other usual drugs, whether it was better on AC chemo. I made up the following list of things I don't miss about AC chemo:

Red urine: as much as they tell you it will happen, it is still freaky not to associate the look of red urine with infection. And it happens so quickly following the infusion! Urinary system, you are so efficient!

The Red Devil: seeing that vivid colour coursing into my arm always felt wrong, and always gave me a sick feeling when I thought of it in between treatments. And the way it is cloaked in the little black plastic vampire cape on the IV pole? Evil personified!

Week 1's: "How are you feeling?" Tired and sick. Tired. Sick. Sick and tired. I hated week 1's.

Hair loss: Right on the dot 14 days after starting AC. I am usually late for everything else, but I happen to be punctual for this? I "rock a bald head", so they tell me, (in a Peter Garrett way? I mean I like him but I don't wanna look like him). So why do I still have trouble meeting people's glances when out in public? It will grow back. It had better grow back.

Salty cravings: Smiths crinkle cut plain salted in the blue bag. Yes I know they are bad for me and I haven't had them since I had a school lunch order in grade 3. Pull over. Now! Give them to me!!!

AC chemo I don't miss you at all. You did your job, now rack off I don't want you in my group anymore! (As I also used to say in grade three.)

Jane

 

 

 

chemotherapy

7 Replies

  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Couldn't have said it better myself! 

    I just finished my chemo regime ... FEC-D, every 21 days... 3 of each, on Tuesday and I can tell you I will not miss it one bit! 

    I now have one more week of yuck before I gather my strength for my double mastectomy in July.....

    You have endured so much already, be proud!!

    Wishing you all the best with the rest of your treatment Jane...

    stay strong|breathe|believe

     

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    Ditto. I hace found my taste spuds a bit off for a day on taxol though. I'm  still losing hair but no definite day..and so much more mental and physical energy. Kath

  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jane,

    I do think you rock your bald head!!! And not in a Peter Garrett way more of a Sinead O'Connor!!!!

    Hoping that your allergic reaction settles and you start feeling fantastic.

    Xx Cath

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hey Jane, chemo does suck, we all hate it, however it's better than the alternative I used to tell myself. For those salt cravings, try a boiled egg, it used to help with the cravings and for some reason, with the nausea.

    The big thing that helped me was to go to a "Look Good, Feel Better" workshop. They teach you how to apply make up, and give you free cosmetics. They also teach ou about wearing scarves and wigs, and can put you in contact with your nearest wig bank. 

    Heres hoping that you're feeling better very soon. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????

  • jd48's avatar
    jd48
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oh Jane I have only had 1 AC Chemo thus far (2nd this coming Monday) and I know exactly what you mean when you say you hated seeing that pink sludge....

    The closer I am to having it the more anxious I get remembering those 2 huge syringes filled with what looked like pink cordial. I hated them as seeing them hooked up to my canula with the nurse slowly administering them. I could not being myself to watch - just tried to look away and ignore the feeling of fire spreading through my body.

    If it was clear maybe would not freak me.out that much but the mere though od the pink cordial like sludge coming back at me gives me the shivers. It feels so unnatural ??????

    I am really happy for you to have had AC Done and dusted ?

    Jel.

  • Debza's avatar
    Debza
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello Jane I got officially diagnosed yesterday 1st of the month pinch punch!

    A huge punch.I have grade 2 breast cancer,lucky I suppose.I am to have the tumour removed and some lymph nodes, then Radiotherapy.However I need the Gene test. As I have my mother,and x2 cousins who have had breast cancer.Then I may have to have a bilateral mastectomy.I like your honesty about chemo and the struggle.I hated Grade 3 too.I hope you feel better and face the challenges,you have done so far.Best of luck.