Struggling through Chemo

Hi @Rona, it really has been a journey, I look back and it all feels a bit unreal now I'm feeling more my old self.

I've partially ditched the hats and revealed my GI Jane look, although I do still wear them during the day as I'm afraid of burning my head up here 😆 and I want the coverage to be a bit more solid before I completely do away with them. I had long hair too, so it's a bit of change, but a lot easier to manage!  

That is a lot of veg! I love broccoli and cauliflower, and ate lots while I was on chemo. Do you use it all yourself? I lost about 5.5kg, and then stabilised, hopefully the dietitian can get you sorted out.

Best of luck @Alfie, it's overwhelming at the start, but you will get through it 🙂

Hi Unicorn 3, so happy to read we have all helped here. I told my Breast Care Nurse that I started a page here and she often asks how it’s going. It certainly has been great for me, making me feel a sense of normality and being able to vent when I’ve exhausted family and friends 😂. Of course they all care but we are the only ones who truly understand.
Hope Unicorn 3 has helped you with your questions Alfie 😊.
For me having all my lymph nodes removed has been challenging with pain, but I have learned to keep up the exercises for the cording and keep using my arm even if it’s uncomfortable. 

@Alfie I agree this is the best thread. I’ve been following it since it started even though Ive never commented. It’s been so useful as I go through my own chemo, surgery and radiation path 
in answer to your question yes the oncologist usually plans the post surgery treatment or in my case I had chemo before surgery then now I’m nearly finished radiation 
you will see radiation oncologist separately, likely after surgery and chemo if you are having it.  

Hi Rona
Had my first op Monday 17 th of June so nearly 2 weeks.

No chemo yet, Oncologist Monday and the rest of the Lymph nodes the following Monday.

I am aware that the Oncologist has a trial for early breast cancer and still recruiting. Who knows what she will say.

So my question..does an oncologist plan the treatment post surgery with the rest of the medical team.

Is there also a radiotherapy oncologist involved.

Oh and congratulations on the eyebrows and eyelashes Coastiejas! 😊

Hey Katie, great news! We are all so close to the finish line now, what an experience 😊.
Hairy legs again 😩, mine have come back with a vengeance! I caught myself looking at the small hairs starting to grow on my hands today 😂. Chemo was almost worth having smooth legs.
My hair is looking buzz cutty too. I’ve decided to have a “coming out” party at work where I lose the hats for good. I look like a totally different person without my long curly locks. I truly look like Annie Lenox now. 

Hi
I just want to say what an amazing group of ladies you are and what great banter.

I have an oncologist appt on Monday and the rest of my lymph nodes out the following Monday.

I feel having someone who knows how you feel plus added humour must help you all 

Stay positive and keep up the laughs..

Happy Friday! Another week of radiation done, no discomfort and a very faint pink blush. 1 week to go. My hair is starting to look like a very close buzz cut, and I'm probably going to have to start shaving my legs soon 😔 

Hope everyone is doing ok 🙂

@GorgyS well done on finishing chemo!!!! 👏 🥳 it's so good to be finished isn't it!?
I'm 7 fractions down , 18 to go with the radiation. So far so good, it's a bit like a sicfi experience...you get loaded into the alien mother ship / starship enterprise and then do some breathing while it makes whirring and clicking noises, then you pop out again, all done!! Sent home to lather in cream 3x per day...apparently you can't overdo the cream!
@Katie46 the hair never grows back where you want it to.....I had to buy a lady shaver to deal with my face fuzz!
My eyebrows are starting to come back very slowly and in exciting news I am getting small eyelash hair stubs too!
It's like being Doctor Who...we're regenerating...
Glad you're enjoying that goat cheese 🐐 and sushi 🍣 @Katie46
@Rona did you have your chinese meal yet? 

Congratulations @GorgyS, it really is a relief to get the chemo over and done will 🥳