Forum Discussion
AC Chemo
I only realised this morning when I was out on my walk, just how anxious I am about having my 4th and last AC Chemo treatment on Thursday. I've got it on the list to question the oncologist about but I know that a number of women have said that this can be worse than the first treatment and if that is what I can expect, I'm packing it. I know that I haven't had things as bad as some on this forum but I honestly don't know how I could go through anything like those first few days again, let alone if it's worse. I know that no-one can do anything to help - I just needed to put it out there as I don't want to get everyone else anxious before it happens. Worse still, it'll be the start of the school holidays and I'm really, unreasonably, angry about that. I love the kids being home and I hate that, yet again, I probably won't really be up for making the most of the time with them.
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- @Sister I did moderately fast walking for over 5kms each time for three days in row this week. Normally this would be nothing for me, but halfway through the third one I knew I had waaay over-extended myself. I was wrecked for the rest of the day. It was suggested to me to do day on day off. The anaesthetist says moderate intensity exercise will help with recovery from the operation so I will persist for the next six days anyway, in moderation! I'm really looking forward to my oncology exercise rehab programme in June.
- @jennyss Did a bit of fruit-picking in my younger days - hard yacka. And Port Elliot has to be one of my favourite places in the world!
I had my appointment with the Rehab place today and spoke to a psychologist for ages - cried, of course. Also saw the physio for tests to devise a gym program to get fitness and cardio levels up, which will be 2 sessions a week for 8 weeks to get on track. Unfortunately, my resting heart rate was too high to test me on the exercise bike - not sure what that's about but I feel like it's been racing a bit this week since the last chemo. She had to test me by walking instead and I aced that! I also had a cardiogram this morning to check how my heart's going so I guess that's fortuitous. - Dear @Sister , Best wishes from jennyss
ps I am from SA too, although I have lived in NSW for many years. My parents come from Port Elliot and Victor Harbor, and I have lived in Adelaide and the Riverland (fruit picking and factory work many years ago) - Hi @Sister oh I was so happy to be done with the AC!!! Your body is probably fatigued form the treatments, and AC is tough. I just thought no more red wee, no more smelling sick (I swear I could smell the chemo for 2 weeks after!)
I didn't find any dose worse than the others, but was definitely more tired come round 4. I did have the sads big time by then as all my hair was gone incl eyebrows, lashes so I think that contributed to not feeling myself.
Take it easy on yourself and maybe look for inside activities (blanket forts, make your own movie theatre, maybe even kill 2 birds with one stone and get them cooking??) with the kids so you can enjoy quality time without running yourself ragged and stay away from all the germs!
Wishing you all the best with it and the journey ahead. - @Finch @Sister Thanks womyn. I'm hobbling about this morning with a couple of speccy bruises but I'll live!
Unfortunately the servants have the day off... ;) - and hugs from me xxxxxxxxxx
- And I hope your foot is feeling a bit better @kmakm , or at the very least everyone is waiting on you hand and foot (!) Sod's law!
- Big hug @sister xox
- And again, thank you to everyone for support - I needed reminding that this happens and I will get to the other side. I don't think anyone here even noticed how low I was feeling - perhaps that's how I present all of the time!
- Yesterday went on for bloody ever... But the sun did come out which was nice to see. Off to the physio this morning for more work on this cording and hopefully that will free up the stiffness too from the little bit of light raking I did on Tuesday (honestly, only leaves and the kids did almost all of it - I was really just getting in the way). The nausea seems to be easing, too which helps.
I need to take my own advice @kmakm - one step at a time. I can usually find something positive to focus on to get me through things but yesterday I was in a black, black box and couldn't get out of it. This morning, I think there's maybe a tiny chink of light showing through.
