Struggling through Chemo

Well, my radiation treatment has been delayed until Monday as they are still settling my treatment plan. The treatment will be over the left side of my right breast, and they are concerned about my heart and lungs. They may have to treat me the same as left sided radiation, so possibly back for another CT holding my breath. Happy for a few more days rest, and that they are taking so much care.

@CeeCee, follow what the breast surgeon suggested. Both options—using the chest or the arm—are good to avoid needle pain and save veins and the time for nurses to find them. I opted for the arm to avoid general anesthetic for the chest port. We all are looking forward to the end of this journey. 

@GorgyS Thanks for that info, will see if they can take blood from the line as well. I’m getting the line put in my chest, I’ve heard that’s better than the arm. My surgeon said he would do it low enough so it would not be seen. Just another thing to add to the list hey. You’ll be glad to have it out and finished with Chemo. I’ll be done by Christmas and while I don’t want to wish my life away, can’t wait for that.

@CeeCee, I have had PICC line from my second AC infusion. I am close to the end of Taxol and they will remove it on the last day of chemo. I am so glad that I had PICC line, but I was not happy that they did not take my blood for test from the PICC line. Apparently, the Pathology team was not trained for that. One of the nurses from the Pathology team advised me to insist on having blood test from the cancer clinic where I was getting infusion. I asked and they agreed. Therefore, for the last 3 Taxol infusion and had a blood test a day before form the same place and will continue to the end. The insertion for PICC line was also painless. 

Hi @CeeCee, glad you are doing ok. My husband buzz cut my hair for me. When it started coming out my scalp was tender and buzzing it off really helped reduce that feeling. My first shower with my buzz cut felt like a spa on my head, a strange but nice sensation. Most days I use coconut oil on my scalp, it stopped it getting dry and smells nice as well. Look Good Feel Better run a session on wigs and scarf tying which is worth attending. Definitely have fun with the hats and scarfs, I wish I was more crafty and could make my own, I like a bit of sparkle and I haven't found a sparkly cap I like yet.

Thanks for thinking of me, I am having some good days now and cooking up a storm and walking lots. Today I saw the surgeon about putting the PICC line in which will happen next week, the day before I get my 2nd AC. Also my hair started coming out today in clumps, while we know it’s going to happen, it still hits home. My husbands giving me a buzz cut tomorrow and my surgeon got his wife to ring me about some great sleep caps from America, apparently they’re not available in Australia. She has been on the same journey as us and swears by them so I ordered a couple. Attempting to make this journey fun which is not always easy. Sending lots of good vibes to you all.

@Coastiejas @Katie46 good to hear that there is a new normal forged after the chemo, that your bodies are healing up and you have rad plans in place.  @Rona hope you are going ok with radiation and conquering the snorkel.  I am down 2 Taxols now and just like you all and @GorgyS find the Taxol less full on than the AC.  I was told Taxol has a cumulative effect to be felt around round 7  rather than the big upfront whack AC gives and then you recover.  I am getting the taxol over longer time to minimise reactions.  Love having the clear head and know my limits find day 4 the fatigue sets in and I sleep for a couple of hours - the cooler weather also helps to stay in bed.  The nails changed day 1, end up with a rash on the face day 2 and the joint aches and pains set in week one but the Panadol oesto helps keep at bay, also taking magnesium, Vitamin D and shares in hydraltye 😂 - am determined to get through these weeks and keep moving on.  @CeeCee hope you are also going ok moving through AC.  Stay warm and keep your strength and spirits up warrior women!

@Katie46 it's strange isn't it that we get these issues when the chemo stops..... I thought that would be the end of all the side effects but apparently not! At least my sense of taste and smell is very gradually starting to come back...

Hi @Coastiejas, I've found the same thing, my muscles have tightened up since stopping chemo, but stretching in the morning and yoga seems to sort it out. It does sound like you're going to a retreat rather than radiation therapy, a relaxing retreat would be lovely right about now! 

Hi Ladies 
I had my radiotherapy planning session yesterday . It took a couple of hours. They made my bean bag and I was drawn all over with texta (it's come off in the shower). I found the breath holding no problem at all..... but I have a background as a musician and also have been doing breath work with both meditation and qigong so all of that might have helped me. I didn't get a snorkel or tattoos which was disappointing, they said it was because of different types of machines.  They have a treatment room called the ocean room so continuing on with the holiday theme! I am going to be in the rainforest room apparently. @Katie46 I have my first fraction as they call it 2 days after you on 13/6. @GorgyS I had one of my paclitaxel rounds delayed too due to liver issues, then I had a reduced dose from then on and managed to soldier on for 12 rounds , hang in there!. I thought I'd got away with no nail issues but I noticed one of my big toenails has started to go black in the corner. Also I've got muscle pain in my legs like I've run a marathon,  it actually gets better with movement which sounds counter intuitive. 
@Rona how are you going with the radiation?  @CeeCee and @Paris_24 I hope you are both going ok.