Forum Discussion
Starting retirement with a bang/crashSo here I am
Hi everyone. Firstly, what a lovely group this is. It has really helped me already <3
I retired early May ,and had a beautiful trip with my husband to celebrate. “What are you going to do now?” said almost everyone. Well, I was going to do all the things in my life I had never had to time for!!! So many things!!! Lucky me..........can you see where this is going?
So I had my routine breast screen check in July. By the last day in July I had been diagnosed with early breast cancer. Invasive ductal and 2 nodes involved.
Honestly this was one of the few diseases I wasn’t expecting as It is about the only one we haven’t had in my family. And, I feel so stupid. After the mammograms my boob was sore and I realised I could easily feel the lump. How could I have missed it ? #idiot
My medical team is great and I feel supported and informed. My fam has been great too. I feel them. I have 3 kids at uni.so there is usually someone around to help. Doggy hasn’t left my side.
So fast forward to now. One week ago I had my first chemo session. 2 months of dose dense AC then 12 weeks of Taxol. One month off, surgery, radiation then hormones. One of everything thanks! :|
I was lucky to avoid vomiting, only a bit of nausea, but wow, those steroids were a wild ride! Didn’t sleep , THE HUNGER, and the mood swings! I was BUZZING for a week. My family did have some laughs about it which was good they can see a funny side. But frankly it was possibly terrifying for them to watch at times!
Honestly it wasn’t too bad..........could have been worse I imagine.
There are a few average symptoms I wondered there any good tips for?
I had real trouble swallowing- the food really hurt going down my oesophagus. Any suggestions? I’ve been mashing/NutriBulleting my food
Dry mouth- I’m rinsing twice a day with biotene but it’s still YUKKY
Thanks everyone. Rant over.
Caz
I retired early May ,and had a beautiful trip with my husband to celebrate. “What are you going to do now?” said almost everyone. Well, I was going to do all the things in my life I had never had to time for!!! So many things!!! Lucky me..........can you see where this is going?
So I had my routine breast screen check in July. By the last day in July I had been diagnosed with early breast cancer. Invasive ductal and 2 nodes involved.
Honestly this was one of the few diseases I wasn’t expecting as It is about the only one we haven’t had in my family. And, I feel so stupid. After the mammograms my boob was sore and I realised I could easily feel the lump. How could I have missed it ? #idiot
My medical team is great and I feel supported and informed. My fam has been great too. I feel them. I have 3 kids at uni.so there is usually someone around to help. Doggy hasn’t left my side.
So fast forward to now. One week ago I had my first chemo session. 2 months of dose dense AC then 12 weeks of Taxol. One month off, surgery, radiation then hormones. One of everything thanks! :|
I was lucky to avoid vomiting, only a bit of nausea, but wow, those steroids were a wild ride! Didn’t sleep , THE HUNGER, and the mood swings! I was BUZZING for a week. My family did have some laughs about it which was good they can see a funny side. But frankly it was possibly terrifying for them to watch at times!
Honestly it wasn’t too bad..........could have been worse I imagine.
There are a few average symptoms I wondered there any good tips for?
I had real trouble swallowing- the food really hurt going down my oesophagus. Any suggestions? I’ve been mashing/NutriBulleting my food
Dry mouth- I’m rinsing twice a day with biotene but it’s still YUKKY
Thanks everyone. Rant over.
Caz
13 Replies
- Dear @Caz1,
for your treatment plan. I am two years post treatment (lumpectomy, radiation and on-going hormone control). And guess what - I can hardly remember the details! I have been lucky with side-effects on the milder side, and hormones going OK. - I would have your mouth / throat checked in case you have thrush which is not unusual and can cause many issues with pain and swallowing. Easily treated normally but it can be harder to treat when immune system is down.
This article might be helpful also.
https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/common-side-effects/mouth-health - Oh dear - how good that you had your lovely holiday before diagnosis, @Caz1 - and SO sorry to see you here! But you're in the right spot for asking questions & getting honest advice from those who've been before you!
Melbourne has a HEAP of specialise BC support areas - I am sure our members there will jump on & point you to them.
Great that you have strong family support - it all helps. All the best with your remaining chemo & surgery et al ....
You should be able to access a dietician re your swallowing problem - I hope you get some assistance quickly! I didn't have chemo, so didn't experience that - but my husband lost most of his stomach to cancer, so was on a special 'high protein/sloppy' diet for ages, til he could tolerate 'normal food' and now he eats whatever I do! Not bad for an old fella (he was over 70 when diagnosed!) He also got back to international Triathlon Competition as well - so pretty amazing, all round!
Take care, all the best for your ongoing treatment xx
