Bumpy Road

Hi Keryn

Yes I have to admit the thing that got me about Herceptin was that I thought I would be restricted to travel (still have to do all the rest of chemo and radio yet) but I thought it was going to 'stop' me going any where.  From what you have said and another friend in town, it sounds like this might not be the case - could be just a 'planning' thing.  Today we went to church - I am not a churchy sort of person, but I really felt like it.  My husband came with me, and we walked up to the church together and realised it was Palm Sunday.  It was a lovely service and the priest is a big fellow with an equally big heart.  It is such a beautiful autumn day, I went home and got my camera and started snapping  - who couldn't resist such beauty, made me feel so much better.  I guess you could call that 'me time' as it made me feel so relaxed.  I haven't been walking for a while, and the muscles are a bit taught, but other than that it was great.  I would post a photo (all the trees are changing and the mountains look gorgeous) but I don't know how to work it on here.  Take care and talk soon x x x  Josie

Hi again, I have finished my 12 months of herceptin in January.  Apart from having to be at the hospital every three weeks I had no bad reactions to it and even was able to have a treatment in Hobart while I was away on holiday.  Once the chemo gets out of your sustem you will start to feel better and start looking to what you want to do next.  Myself, Im still relaxing after closing my business just 12 months ago.  I miss the people but not the hours.  I thought Id go nuts but its nice to just relax and let life go on around me for once.  Take a bit of me time for yourself and who cares if the kitchen needs cleaning!  Live some, I am, and loving it.  xxxx.

My run of bad luck started back in 2003 with the first bout of breast cancer. Once back on my perch we decided to plan for a holiday to Canada and usa. Well one week before we leave I go and break my ankle slipping on the bath mat.Needless to say we didn't go.Was in a boot for 4weeks before dr decides to operate-got pin and plated-shear agony,can't walk without crutches for 5mths! dr put wrong pin in!-more surgery to take it all out.-accidentally leaves a pin behind-pain for 8mths so have ct scan to find offending pin-change doctor! More surgery to have pin out and clean mess up from 1st doctor! This went on over 2yrs.Somewhere in the middle we got to have that Canada trip which was good but I had alot of pain.Anyway,just started to improve anklewise when I got breast cancer back again last May. The rest of 2010 was a right off with all the treatment.I managed to keep working part time all through these crappy years. I know just how you feel Josie-it's like you just come up for air and then you get pushed back under water.How sad for you to lose both parents.I lost my dad to cancer 2 yrs before I got my first cancer.I wonder sometimes if stress and holding in grief can make you prone to getting cancer.Josie once you get through your treatment it will be like a big black cloud lifting and you can plan that trip. I've often wondered why me as well.But then I feel so lucky that I've survived it twice.I'm glad you and your daughter are communicating-you need family harmony to get through these hard months. Yes,the positive about losing your appetite is weight loss.I dropped 2kilos with round 1 chemo. But I put it back and more some on Tamoxifen!

                      Tonya xx

My run of bad luck started back in 2003 with the first bout of breast cancer. Once back on my perch we decided to plan for a holiday to Canada and usa. Well one week before we leave I go and break my ankle slipping on the bath mat.Needless to say we didn't go.Was in a boot for 4weeks before dr decides to operate-got pin and plated-shear agony,can't walk without crutches for 5mths! dr put wrong pin in!-more surgery to take it all out.-accidentally leaves a pin behind-pain for 8mths so have ct scan to find offending pin-change doctor! More surgery to have pin out and clean mess up from 1st doctor! This went on over 2yrs.Somewhere in the middle we got to have that Canada trip which was good but I had alot of pain.Anyway,just started to improve anklewise when I got breast cancer back again last May. The rest of 2010 was a right off with all the treatment.I managed to keep working part time all through these crappy years. I know just how you feel Josie-it's like you just come up for air and then you get pushed back under water.How sad for you to lose both parents.I lost my dad to cancer 2 yrs before I got my first cancer.I wonder sometimes if stress and holding in grief can make you prone to getting cancer.Josie once you get through your treatment it will be like a big black cloud lifting and you can plan that trip. I've often wondered why me as well.But then I feel so lucky that I've survived it twice.I'm glad you and your daughter are communicating-you need family harmony to get through these hard months. Yes,the positive about losing your appetite is weight loss.I dropped 2kilos with round 1 chemo. But I put it back and more some on Tamoxifen!

                      Tonya xx

When you are on a high -enjoy it! The lows are just around the corner.I'm an artist too Josie but put my creative side on hold for many years- too busy working and bringing up kids.But I have a plan in place for this year - move house-retire-travel-creativity back.When cancer comes back a second time it really makes you take stock.So it's time for change and some "me"time. This might sound weird but ever since I went to the Oprah concert and got the pearl necklace,good things have been happening to me.After years of looking,I found the perfect single level house and paid a low price.Now,without even going onto the market.a couple want to buy our house at top dollar.     I got a pay rise.After a year of nothing,my husband got asked to join 2 bands.And the list goes on.So I'm riding a high too Josie- just hope my bubble doesn't burst!

                                      Tonya xx

When you are on a high -enjoy it! The lows are just around the corner.I'm an artist too Josie but put my creative side on hold for many years- too busy working and bringing up kids.But I have a plan in place for this year - move house-retire-travel-creativity back.When cancer comes back a second time it really makes you take stock.So it's time for change and some "me"time. This might sound weird but ever since I went to the Oprah concert and got the pearl necklace,good things have been happening to me.After years of looking,I found the perfect single level house and paid a low price.Now,without even going onto the market.a couple want to buy our house at top dollar.     I got a pay rise.After a year of nothing,my husband got asked to join 2 bands.And the list goes on.So I'm riding a high too Josie- just hope my bubble doesn't burst!

                                      Tonya xx

Dear Keryn

Thank you for your post.  It is comments like yours that gives us 'newbies' a lot to look forward to - I mean it really is so much of a help.  Quite frankly I don't know how I would have done without this site.  Each of my children have had different reactions to this - not all to my understanding to say the least - and as for some family members - honestly! I tell you I just don't know what goes through their heads!  People say some really strange things and it is hard to react like water off a ducks back.   My husband has been a rock too - he doesn't say much but he is there to give me a hug, hold my hand and reassure me - that as you know is not just important but imperative.  You keep in touch, x x x Josie

Hi Tonya, I had a quick squiz on the net and I think it's a reaction from the chemo - I have had hot flushes for a number of years, and this is entirely different.  I don't feel hot and my temp is ok - its just my skin looks bright red! A pen friend in America sent me a couple of photos the other day, saying this happened to her, and I just realised I think this is the same thing.  Well if I have any other reations I will ring the hospital.  Thank you for responding, I appreciatte it x x x Josie