I thought turning 40 was huge!

Hi Vicki

I was diagnosed with early breast cancer Nov 2011.  I had a wide local excision (lumpectomy) and sentinel node biopsy on 22/12/11 (Merry Xmas).  The lump was bigger than was originally thought and they weren't able to get a full clear clearance due to it being too close to the chest wall.  They found micrometases in the 2 nodes removed.  I then had a total axillary clearance (17 nodes removed) on 19/1/12.  No further cancer was found in these nodes.  I went home from hospital next day after surgery with a drain attached and this was removed on day 7.    I have had a full body scan, full body CT scan and due to a heart murmur I also had to have a heart gait test.  I had an infection from either the second surgery or the drain of which I was on antibitiotics right up to the day of my first chemo which was on 2/3/12.  I am now day 12 of first chemo and feeling fine except scalp is itchy and tender.  My next chemo is due on 26/3/12.  I am having a total of four cycles of FEC and 2 of Taxotere.  I live in a rural area of W.A. on the coast.

I have my wig I purchased already (4 my daughters wedding on 7/4/12) plus one from the Wig Library for day to day wearing which is more natural and doesn't look like I just walked out of a hairdressers cause it is very windy town we live in,  plus some turbans and bandanas from them also.  I have had 2 hair cuts so far to make the transition a bit easier, next one will be the full Monty which I will have in 1 week when I go to Perth.  I think I will try and buy some MOOGOO cream for my scalp as other girls have suggested.  I am also rinsing my mouth on a regular basis due to ulceration and cocky cage feeling.  I have also had some major aching which I found corrective massage and some reiki healing etc. helped dramatically.  I have some trouble with hand shaking/control but the body aching has been my main problem other than major fatigue.

I hope you are going well on your journey and wish you all the best.  I am very happy to chat with someone who is in a similar place on this rolla coaster ride so just put your fingers to the keyboard if I can be here for you and vice versa.

Mich x LOL