Looking for confirmation that I am not alone.

You wouldn't be normal if you weren't scared and anxious but you aren't alone.  I was diagniosed at the end of July and even now find it hard to believe the speed at which things happened as a result.  Initially you don't have time to think I found I was going from one appointment to the next.  Once I started chemo that all changed and I had time to think.  I found that trying to keep your life as normal as possible helped.  

I have had 4 lots of AC chemo and start Taxol in 2 weeks and guess what Hazel? I am scared, but I also realise that this is the next step in my journey and eventually it will be over and life can get back to normal.

The most important thing I have learnt so far is that you can't always be strong and once in a while you will feel sorry for yourself and noone will blame you if you do. 

 

Janey sorry. I'm on my phone xx

Hi Hazel, You're certainly not alone my dear. This is THE most supportive site and the best place to be when going through all this I believe. I wasn't expecting to go through chemo at first. When I was diagnosed, my surgeon told me I'd need a lumpectomy to remove the two lumps and then 6 weeks of radiotherapy and that was all. I thought wow that doesn't sound too bad. But the results of my lumpectomy showed extensive DCIS abutted the margins so my plan was changed to 15 months of treatment. 6 months of chemo followed by a mastecomy and a further 9 months of Herceptin. 5 to 10 years of targeted hormone treatment after that. I was devastated! I cried and cried and felt like my world was ending. It was even worse than the initially diagnoses which was bad enough. I had this debilitating fear of chemo and no idea how I was going to cope. The messages of support from the wonderful Pink Sisters and my family got me through though and I found that I could do it. It was hard at times but I kept coming back to this site and received my 'fix' of courage. It wasn't long before I then became one of the 'encouragers' and am so happy to give back what I have received to new Pink Sisters like you. You will be amazed how quickly things will turn around for you too and you'll be encouraging other newbies after you. Just like Jodie who was so petrified with fear only a few weeks ago and now look at her. Number one of her chemo is finished and it looks like she breezed through. We are all so proud of her and we will be of you too. Welcome to our Pink Family. Love to you. Janey xxx

You will be feeling drained tonight.The first time is the worst I think.I hope that over the next few days,things remain good for you Jodie.I have been thinking of you and wondering how you have been.Remember to drink your water for the next 2days,to flush out the chemo drugs.All the best Jodie.xoxoRobyn

Thanks Robyn xxx I'm feeling ok. Bit drained tonight though. :-)

You did it I see Jodie!Well done!It wasn't so bad was it.I reckon you can do anything.xoxoxRobyn.:)

Welcome to a network that nobody wants to belong to. You will get lots of support here. I have been on this roller coaster for 7 years but still remember the initial feeling of being scared, unsure, anxious and just plain unfair, why me. It does get easier as you start doing something proactive like chemo and a routine starts to develop. Take each day as it comes and whatever you are feeling is right, there are no wrongs. Side effects will vary depending on drugs and you. But expect to be tired, I had a really foggy head for a few days after treatment and taste buds will probably be just plain wrong. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. If side effects too bad talk to oncology nurses and they will try to find something to help. They are amazing. But know you are not alone and won't experience or feel something that someone else hasn't. So if unsure or have questions just ask. You are stronger than you think. As Patria King says " Sending you Rainbows" Hugs Gaylene (Tasmania )

Welcome to a network that nobody wants to belong to. You will get lots of support here. I have been on this roller coaster for 7 years but still remember the initial feeling of being scared, unsure, anxious and just plain unfair, why me. It does get easier as you start doing something proactive like chemo and a routine starts to develop. Take each day as it comes and whatever you are feeling is right, there are no wrongs. Side effects will vary depending on drugs and you. But expect to be tired, I had a really foggy head for a few days after treatment and taste buds will probably be just plain wrong. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. If side effects too bad talk to oncology nurses and they will try to find something to help. They are amazing. But know you are not alone and won't experience or feel something that someone else hasn't. So if unsure or have questions just ask. You are stronger than you think. As Patria King says " Sending you Rainbows" Hugs Gaylene (Tasmania )

Hi Hazel,

I hope you managed to get some sleep last night and today is looking a bit brighter. As you will see from some of the responces you will not feel alone in this network of women who have 'walked in your shoes' - if you need a hand finding your way around just shout.

Good luck next week and beyond. :-)

Thank you Robyn, i will try to stress less, and i should probably start with getting more sleep, 3am and still up. The reading material they give out explaining all the side effects is startling. I know they have to do this, but it's a shock to read it. Thank you for your big hug and i'm sure i will be visiting this site with a few questions in the near future.

Hazel xx