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Higgsy's avatar
Higgsy
Member
8 hours ago

Very confused

It is interesting reading everyone's journey's and trying to understand what's ahead. I tried going prepared to appointments with questions I found online but I'm always feeling pushed out the door and there is also an accent barrier so I'm still not clear. I have a bit better understanding in that it is the same cancer type er +, pr-and hre2- as last time,  when I had  lumpectomy,  radiation and oestrogen blockers. 2 years later it has recurred in the lymph nodes. I had 32 removed, 2 with cancer and 15 with cluster cells ( don't really comprehend that). The oncologist said that the odds for chemo stopping it coming back was low but as I haven't had chemo that is the only option to halt it. I couldn't understand the sort of chemo as I was reading all the info on types but now I'm more confused. I thought he said DC and the information sheet says TC but then the drug names as docataxel and cyclophosphamide. I'm having 4 cycles 3 weeks apart.  

Everyone mentions hair loss, eyebrows etc but is it useful in making leg hair go away? I'm in an admin role so don't know what to tell work as to what I can/can't do. 

Sorry,  lots of questions.  I don't personally know of anyone with cancer to quiz. 

chemotherapy
work

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  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    3 hours ago

    HiHiggsy​ I am so sorry about the state of uncertainty you are experiencing- that’s unhelpful for you and your preparation for treatment. My breast cancer type was different to yours so the chemotherapy drugs and their side effects might vary. 
    Could you ask the doctor’s rooms and reception team to check and clarify for you, or possibly obtain a referral to a McGrath Foundation nurse to help you advocate (for absolute clarity)? 
    I was pleased with my GP’s foresight - he suggested I see him after my appointment with the surgeon and oncologist, in case I had questions that I was unsure about. Might you be able to chat with your GP so you can get clarity? 
    With side effects, it’s interesting how there’s a lot of variation in how different people experience side effects of chemo even if they’re getting the same results.

    Having said that my impression is most people who have side effects (maybe jet lag type tiredness, dehydration, loss of appetite, gastro or other conditions) experience it as a peak and trough  - with more heightened side effects coming upon us about 2-3 days after chemo (that might continue for five or six days) with these effects sometimes reducing by the middle week, and by the time you feel “normal” it’s usually time for the next dose. Work wise I decided to reduce my hours and worked part-time and worked my hours mid-morning to early afternoon. 
    Sending you all the best wishes for the information you need.