Hi all,My nurse has just introduced me to this group.I’m hoping to connect and share my story and hopefully somehow feel better.After being diagnosed and a short time later having a mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed, chemo started just before Christmas and I am struggling with it!Ive got another 2 months of chemo before 5 weeks of Radiation…… would love to hear other stories.I have a fantastic support group of family, friends and colleagues but they just can’t possibly understand what I’m going through.Looking forward to connecting 😊

Hello Rona, I've done 3 of 4 AC then on to 12 rounds of paclitaxel, then radiation. I'm lucky too to have a good support group around me, and my side effects have been relatively mild, but the fatigue floors me the first week after treatment. I flop about for about a week, before getting a 'good' week where I feel almost normal, catch up with a few people for hot chocolate (coffee now tastes musty) venture into the supermarket, just to get out of the house. Then into the next round. I'm hoping I might have a bit more energy with the paclitaxel, and maybe work from home a few days a week. Some days it feel like a very long road, but I keep telling myself it's for all for the greater good, and look forward to the beginning of June when the chemo side of things should be done. Katie

Hi, First time replying or posting anything here! I feel like I could have written your post! I am however behind you in timeline. Had a mastectomy, node clearance and recon on 14 December and started chemo last week (fortnightly AC x4, then weekly for 12 weeks). I just wanted to reach out and say hi and you are not alone. I coped amazingly with surgery but fear chemo will be a bumpy ride (it already has been). I am also struggling emotionally as well. Before all this happened, I had a trip to Hawaii booked and would have been leaving Sunday. Wow how life has changed. I also get having a great support system that can't possibly understand how this all feels,. I can't imagine doing all this without them, but they get to have a break from my hell hole while I have to live with it everyday. I feel guilt that I make them worry too. Anyway, I know I have not helped, but what I take comfort from is that many sisters have been in our shoes before and have made it through. I refuse to let this be anything more than a chapter in my otherwise fantastic life book.

Hi Gorgys, yes I have the injection 24 hours after. No side effects for me so far and I've had 3.

Today is my fifth day of the first AC session of the total four. Not bad but feeling very tired. As you all, we just want to go through this journey with all ups and downs like all the amazing women in this network. I hope too that the paclitaxel will be easier on my body. What really helps me is the rest, eating small meals frequently and drinking water. I also do not want my family to worry, so I am really trying to listen to my body and try to recover for the next chemo infusion. Just wondering if any of you are on Pegfilgrastim PEG) injection, and if so , did you have any side effects? I have not although I was told to expect chills and joint pain.

I'm off work at the moment, but hoping I can do a few days a week when I start paclitaxel. On a bighter note, for now, I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes 😄

Struggling through Chemo | BCNA Online Network

331 Replies

PV123
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6 years ago
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Good luck with your surgery @Winetime. I had bilateral mastectomies 4 weeks back. It was easier than I expected.
Nefertari
Member
6 years ago
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Sending you a big hug. Hope all goes well and you are able to keep that positivity going, reach out if you need help. I like Winston's quote by the way <3
Blossom1961
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6 years ago
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My glass was completely full until I laid on the prep table for surgery. Then my glass smashed to smithereens and I nearly jumped off the table and ran. However, I bounced back with a repaired glass half full the next day and now, sixteen months later, my glass is nearly full again and I got a lovely tattoo designed by hubby and crafted by a lovely Brazilian lady in Sydney. This whole BC thing is not in anyone’s agenda, but we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Sending you a huge hug.
Tinks
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6 years ago
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You’ve got this, you can do this, one day at a time. Some days will be better than others, it’s ok to feel all kinds of reactions as you work through this. I have had a single mastectomy and axillary node removal in September, no reconstruction was advised, finished chemo and am just in radiotherapy, it’s surprising to me how quickly I have started to adjust on being flat on one side. It’s starting to be !how I look! instead of supremely challenging to see myself In the mirror. Your glass half full attitude will support you. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Xx

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Struggling through Chemo

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