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helen_anne's avatar
helen_anne
Member
14 years ago

Here's to my journey!

Sunday 10th December Hello everyone I'm finally back! I've had my mastectomy and axcillary clearance and I have to admit I've had a rough time. I was in hospital for close to a week and had some trouble with the drainage tubes as I kept clotting. Then I Had to have 2 needles a day in the tummy to stop that and then more needles in the thigh for nausea. Yuk! Had some tests as well incl a CT Scan which showed up a 2 cm growth on the liver which is currently being investigated. The hospital, staff and of course my specialists were and still are fantastic. Also my husband, family and friends were awesome. My room was like a florist shop and I have numerous get well cards. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful support! I've been to the oncologist and got a start date of 29th Dec for chemo but in between I have a barrage of tests and appts to attend, the main one being a MRI of the liver as its important to establish what we are dealing with in case they have to adjust the chemo. Anyway apart from finding it difficult to sleep either because of the pain or swelling I can't complain. I do apologise for not adhering to my daily blog but I was simply too sick. Hope all is well with everyone reading this. Cheers and love. H

4 Replies

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Glad you're back and asking questions. I had 3 X FEC and 3 X Taxotere, but weathered the course with no major problems. Had the usual side effects, lost my hair, taste and my get-up-and-go. However it was very doable, allow yourself to have "off " days where you are a blob lying on the couch watching DVD's or listening to music. Allow other people to help you, my friends wanted to help, but I felt I could cope. Now realise I should have let them do minor things eg. I'd love you to make my bed, or sweep the kitchen, or unpack the dishwasher. Small things but it makes your friends feel that they are supporting you and that they are there for you.

    Do you mean Taxol? This is usually given weekly for 12 weeks and has less side effects than Taxotere.

    Good luck with your EB investigations.

    With love

    Joy K

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Glad you're back and asking questions. I had 3 X FEC and 3 X Taxotere, but weathered the course with no major problems. Had the usual side effects, lost my hair, taste and my get-up-and-go. However it was very doable, allow yourself to have "off " days where you are a blob lying on the couch watching DVD's or listening to music. Allow other people to help you, my friends wanted to help, but I felt I could cope. Now realise I should have let them do minor things eg. I'd love you to make my bed, or sweep the kitchen, or unpack the dishwasher. Small things but it makes your friends feel that they are supporting you and that they are there for you.

    Do you mean Taxol? This is usually given weekly for 12 weeks and has less side effects than Taxotere.

    Good luck with your EB investigations.

    With love

    Joy K

  • helen_anne's avatar
    helen_anne
    Member
    14 years ago
    Thanks everyone for the positive messages and your concerns. Still have many more tests to undergo but keeping positive. Now that the date for chemo has been set my surgeon ( who I saw today for more aspiration of fluid) is set to see me the day before so he can check how I am traveling as I've had such a rough time). I also have to see a dermatologist to determine what type of EB or "cotton wool" syndrome I have ( which is a huge complication particularly with surgery and healing) because one of the side effects can be a skin rash. I am having 6 sessions all told - 3 x FCE ( I think that's what it's called) and 3 of taxomol. Has anyone experienced these agents before? What were they like? Did you suffer side effects? I realize of course side effects differ from person to person but I'm curious to know... I'm writing this whilst sitting outside my GP's office as mum and dad (both in their 80's) are having a consult. Mum is getting more fragile and now dad has trouble with his kidneys so it's all a but of a worry. Still we Soldier on and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to Christmas and the end of this lawful year! Hope this finds you all well. Luv H
  • sillysam83's avatar
    sillysam83
    Member
    14 years ago

    Welcome back, I was getting worried !!!! Xxx Not good that you have had such a bad time... my thoughts are with u regarding ur liver... let me know whats going on & how u r feeling... thats all i can write for tonight i am very tired... but was so excited to see u back had to say HI...