Newbie

Hi Jen, I was 45 when diagnosed in April this year. I've had a lumpectomy, all 18 nodes removed from left armpit (cancer in two). Had three cycles of 3 weekly FEC and now I am 4 weeks into 12 weekly Taxol treatments. I am one of the lucky ones who has remained functional through chemo. For me it is very much like my pregnancies; weight gain, fluid retention, constipation, nausea, fatigue and weird aches and pains everywhere though not bad enough to really have a big impact on my life. I am working, going out for dinner and seeing friends. My physical symptoms have been quite mild but for me the mental and emotional symptoms are worse. It is such a long journey through treatment and it is hard to wake up every day, look in the mirror at ths fat, bald image, try to find some clothes that fit my swollen figure, put on an itchy hot wig and leave the house feeling positive and confident. I'm on antidepressants but I still need to try hard to keep my mood positive. Jen, I don't want to scare you but for me, it was good reading all the horror stories and then thinking wow, I'm lucky I don't feel that bad! As others have said, it is different for everyone but I hope I have given you anther aspect to prepare for. I am not a very vain person but I underestimated how much my changing looks and size would affect me. Best of luck and I hope you look back on my story and say, wow, it wasn't that bad for me! Xox