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.

ah Sister .... do you see the sequence .... I am before you on the ride, when you join the ride I inspire you,,, then you come along on the ride and you inspire someone already on the ride and those joining it after you....

@Sister good luck for Thursday - I will be thinking of u. U got this girl - last one!! Xoxoxox

Thanks, everyone. Fingers are crossed and I will do everything I'm able to make sure that I ride this one out the best I can

@kezmusc I've been the same with the 2nd and 3rd (except I know I overdid it on Day 4 last time and I was a bit knocked out by Day 5 & 6 but it was manageable) as far as getting back on my feet quickly but the 1st one was an absolute nightmare. I'm going to try to take it really easy in the first few days but I'm really dreading it. And yes, I do go onto 12 weeks of Taxol after that.Thanks for the good wishes @kmakm & @duxx1234 The first words I said to the surgeon on my follow-up visit when he asked me how I was going were "Chemo is crap" - he reckoned that he's just waiting for someone to come in and say it's okay but doesn't think he'll ever hear it so I know I'm in good company.

Sister, a few housekeeping rules for you.... stop expecting to be at your peak when going through chemo whatever one it is .... be gentle on yourselfKnow this roller coaster ride also builds resilience in your kids and hubbyEyes straight ahead look at the goal .... Cancer free and living life to the fullest, yes chemo is bl**dy crap hydrate hydrate hydrate.... maybe with the melatoin you will sleep better and breeze through this last one... You inspire me I couldn't walk around the house let alone go for a walk alone while on my chemo, I would pass out when standing up or be throwing up or gastro nothing in between those 2 extremes... You have stepped up and you support anyone on here who needs support you will listen and point in the right direction then they are looking for help. You have come to the last AC chemo and you will have that then it will be Taxol so much easier than AC .... yes you will continue to get tired as the chemo progresses through the stages, but you are doing this so that you can have a long life with memories of all the good things that you have all learnt through the Ride from hell.... Breathe in and slowly breathe out and let it go .... now in retrospect my kids(note adults now) recall the funny things and they tell me of the things I have forgotten about my Ride..... They also remind me of what they learnt through that time.... They tell me I am their hero I fought the bitch called BC and kicked her to the kerb.Big hugs Soldiercrab

AC Chemo | BCNA Online Network

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@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.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
@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.
jennyss
Member
7 years ago
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)
Annabee
Member
7 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.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@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... ;)
Finch
Member
7 years ago
and hugs from me xxxxxxxxxx
Sister
Member
7 years ago
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!
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Big hug @sister xox
Sister
Member
7 years ago
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!
Sister
Member
7 years ago
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.