We're part of a really shitty little group, but we're tough too!
Feel free to email whenever you like if it's easier. samtay@bigpond.net.au
Hi Jen,
I am also another who was 41 when I found my Grade 3 TNBC. Lumpectomy and Auxillary Clearance followed by Chemo and Radiotherapy. I had 5 girls at the time 10 months - 8 years and live in Bundaberg. I only had to travel to Brisbane for my first two Chemos and could have the rest in Bundaberg. I found eating before Chemo really helped and also I know I probably shouldn't but Coke was the one thing I could drink that tasted ok for the first couple of days, with alternating water and it also helped with my small amount of nausea. I was petrified for my first Chemo but when it was over I was shocked that I felt quite o.k. and normal. I don't know what I was expecting. Everyone is different, do you have a Breast Care Nurse in Airlie? We are blessed with a McGrath Nurse in Bundaberg. What about Radiotherapy? I am glad you have found this group and BCNA are a wonderful support with loads of resources. Good news I am 46 now and will be having my five year scans next month. Be kind to yourself, seek support and vent here anytime. xx
I was really nervous before chemo too, but I did learn a few tricks. One is make sure you go for a walk beforehand so that your circulation is working - that will make it much easier for the nurse to find a vein. Lots of water is good too. Chemo is individual. I found it really hard going but a friend of mine going through it now is coping really well. She is very fit. I was overweight and really tired, and I just needed lots of time out. I suffered really bad constipation but as long as I prepared for that (enemas, the right diet) it was okay. Put yourself first; don't plan to do much. It is now two years since my lumpectomy and 20 months since I finished chemo. I didn't think it at the time, but you do get through it and life does return to nearly normal. A big breakthrough for me has been to join Dragons Abreast. I have never done much exercise; now I regularly paddle and whilst still unfit I am improving. We all never thought we would have to go to such dark places. But there are good things that come out of all this. Good luck xx
I was really nervous before chemo too, but I did learn a few tricks. One is make sure you go for a walk beforehand so that your circulation is working - that will make it much easier for the nurse to find a vein. Lots of water is good too. Chemo is individual. I found it really hard going but a friend of mine going through it now is coping really well. She is very fit. I was overweight and really tired, and I just needed lots of time out. I suffered really bad constipation but as long as I prepared for that (enemas, the right diet) it was okay. Put yourself first; don't plan to do much. It is now two years since my lumpectomy and 20 months since I finished chemo. I didn't think it at the time, but you do get through it and life does return to nearly normal. A big breakthrough for me has been to join Dragons Abreast. I have never done much exercise; now I regularly paddle and whilst still unfit I am improving. We all never thought we would have to go to such dark places. But there are good things that come out of all this. Good luck xx
I was 46, diagnosed Oct last year, TNBC, same stage as yours, aggressive, but found in time, removed, 15 nodes removed, chemoed, radiated, and in recovery and repair stage. I look back at all the pictures now of being completely bald, and how I felt at each stage over the months, and think, wow, that went quick. My hair is growing back, I am thinner than I was, and I feel well. Just fatigued. Every fear, every question was controlled, answered and supported on here, and by all the strangers called, medical staff and counsellors. Dont be shy, ask every one and cry when you feel like it, I did. We are all different, and we all have our own story...... so take one day at a time. I still do. You will get through, like we all have, try to take deep breaths and get ready to make lots of new friends, youve just joined a big club! XX Bel
