finished AC, just starting taxol

Hi Chris You're definitely right, IBC is a big journey. It's hard enough explaining to people that you have a Cancer that they've never heard of and convincing people that yes you have Breast cancer, but no I don't have a lump is a chore. It seemed to me that most Breast Cancer treatment doesn't cover chemo, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment regime that is vital to beating IBC. I looked at the completion of each stage as a milestone achieved and that we were closer to beating the beast. I should have said that, for me, chemo and Taxol particularly did its job, with the post surgery pathology saying 90+% of the tumour had been resolved through chemo. So whilst taxol was the hardest thing I did, in hindsight it was also the best thing I did. As I was unemployed at the time of diagnosis, I was referred to the Austin Hospital (I'm in Melbourne) and then had all treatment including the reconstruction through the public system. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience in the public system and all my doctors filled my with confidence from the first appointment. I have a theory that the difference between public and private (Cancer-related) is basically a lot of money. All my doctors also work privately and are all at the top of the tree in their fields. Where are you based? If Melbourne, I cannot rate or recommend Caroline Baker highly enough. She works privately in East Melbourne. But having said that I'm sure you be located elsewhere. Stay as strong as you can, exercise if you have the energy and listen to your body (and your doctors). Stephanie