Positives of Treatment (chemo , radiation and hormone therapy )

Well said @melclarity love ya work xx 

Hi @Chipo

It is a tough question and Im sure you've heard the old thing of everyone is different but so are peoples treatment regimes, I went in with an amazing attitude, planned my next 6 months work wise but none of it for me was as the Oncologist said it would be. I was unlucky absolutely and turned out drug sensitive which I never really knew, so this was difficult. 

Whilst I was very ill on Chemo...I can't say anything positive about that LOL BUT there were many other positives to come out of it. It was easier to get ready bald and toss on my wig which was brilliant!!! I learnt that when I lost my eyelashes if I popped eye liner across the top of the lid you actually couldnt tell you didnt have any LOL. I learnt to put ME FIRST, work is work even if youre passionate about it, so I will never kill myself over it ever again and don't :) life is balance. My life is testament to what a strong loving woman I am, I have nothing to prove to work or anyone. My kids are my world, my partner who stayed when many wouldnt is awesome. I take joy in the smallest moments now because thats what lifes about...not how much money you have or material things...Ive never cared for those things. 

From bad things come good...you will lose friendships but you will gain some REAL friends in an unexpected circumstance. So many blessings on a different level I guess....and this path is NOT about being POSITIVE. I've always been relatively...but like a Psych at a rehab I did post treatment said to the Group...how youve always dealt with things in your life is who you are and you will deal with this...being positive or having bad days makes no difference whats paramount is how YOU are as a person and being true to how you deal with things...and thats perfect for you! 

Oh yeah there are threads on cold caps here, some ladies are successful though my Oncologist didnt recommend it for a few reasons, one was as @zoffiel said to do with the blood flow to the scalp and being on FEC he said it will not be successful. I had friends who did it, but didnt like it and still lost alot of hair anyway. For me I figured Id sooner have control and lost it all than try and manage a half head on top of what youre already going through.

Even with all the support in the world, its an isolating time in moments but thats when you really get to know yourself too I found...big hugs Melinda xo

If anyone wants any tips or has any questions regarding the cold caps just send me a pm and I would be more than happy to help where I can.
Cheers.

A few other things. Don’t google anything. Take any help that’s offered to you. People don’t offer to help if they don’t want too. You will find your true friends that way for sure. Be kind to yourself. Listen to your body, take advice from your team but also trust your gut instinct as well. Margie xx

This is my “go to” metaphor for all the lovely newbies. 


So I’m giving you a big virtual hug and I’m standing at the top of the shit covered mountain that you are about to start slowly crawling to the top of with champagne in one hand vodka in the other and when you’re  finished everything you can run up there in the nude and show me the biggest set of Hairy balls that you have had to grow to get through all this and be proud that you have slapped your breast cancer in the fucking face and sent it screaming down the shit covered mountain you’ve just climbed and let it lie there to die in its own filth where it belongs. 

Hang in there love. You can do this. 

Margie x

Dear @Chipo ,
I too have had chemo, radiation and hormone therapy after a lumpectomy.
Positives:
*fantastic staff at chemo unit, even more fantastic breast care nurse, 
*this network for information,laughs and support,
*finishing each stage of treatment,
*support from family and friends.
As other network members have said above, everyone is different in their reactions and experience. I found the booklet 'guide for women with early breast cancer' very helpful at the beginning. But I did not think ahead too much. It was good to have the info when I needed it. Write down your questions for your doctors, clinic staff and breast care nurse. Do not worry or suffer in silence!
Best wishes from jennyss in Western NSW

I will too if the cold caps don't work.  I was offered them at no extra charge so giving it a go but wouldn't go to any extra lengths to do it.  I'm more concerned about my eyebrows and eyelashes.

I embraced my bald it was so much easier in our hot summer.... with hot flushes.  :smile:

Bald is a passing thing, I swear if I ever had to do it again I'm getting a sea green wig and playing it for dramatic effect! 

I did the same Chipo. Embraced bald! Big earrings!!

each to their own. Xx