Another member for the group

Hi Tammy

I am yet to read one entry where we are on the same treatment.  There are so many drugs out there that I think many of them do the same job and are just called different "trade" names.  My treatment is aggressive and  "intense" because of the size and speed of the lump.  I had  my doctor do a breast check 2 months prior and there was nothing. So I went form 0 to 30mm in 8 weeks.  Although my nodes were clear, the structure of the tumour indicates there may be "radicals" getting around in my blood, another reason for the intensity.

Because of my sensitivity to steroids (unknown prior to treatment) I couldnt feel anything from the inside out and it was scary.  It also meant I couldnt leave the house, drive, type etc which was frustrating.  An imposed quarantine which is probably not a bad thing.  I went from well to invalid in a couple of days - that was confronting.

I couldnt return to work because of the numbness, so I have negotiated sick leave without pay until my treatment levels out. I work for the government and my contract is up at the end of June. It seems that there may not be a workplace after that anyway (new QLD govt directives) so I may get my wish of not working during treatment.

I found I was able to keep the nausea down with arrowroot biscuits, weak green tea with a slice of ginger, weak apple cider vinegar with a drop of honey and small meals every 2 hours.  So I didnt need the maxalon that was sent home.  I have it in reserve though.

My hair started shedding instantly.  It has thinned but it still hanging in there :) .  I am booked into a look good feel better class in 10 days time.  Hoping that will help the transition.  And I have ordered some merino skull caps from "ice breaker". My husband has one for winter which is really soft.  They have no seams and are washable in the machine so I am going to try them. 

I also found my skin got really dry really fast so I have switched to a goats milk soap (as suggested by my breastcare nurse) and I have some moisturiser coming from a company called moogoo which is supposed to be for chemo patients. 

My post chemo regime included a self injection (Neulasta) on day 2 to help with my immune system.  It seems to have worked.  My bloods on day 5 were ok.

With regard to gene testing etc, my oncologist spoke to me about a series of tests to be done after my first 4 sessions of chemo.  I think because they are big ones he wants me to concentrate on staying well during these and then we will look at the testing etc.    As there is not much known about TNBC I volunteered to participate in whatever tests they would like if it assists the research.  I also volunteered to sign over my tumour pathology if it helps. 

As you say, not a great place to be, but it is doable.  I am reading as much as I can and am changing my diet to a more "cancer fighting" diet.   I take heart when I read of people who are 4 and 8 years out from chemo and doing well.  It means there is light at the end of the chemo tunnel :) Just need to remember that when I am padding around the house unable to sleep.

Be gentle on yourself over the next few months.

Take care

Toni