Calling all Back to Front girls

I got really sick near the end of my radiation - my own fault.   The fact is my immune system was impaired and I get on going - madly.  This time I have been much better looking after myself but I am still a little under the weather.  Don't worry I am really looking after myself prior to my husband arriving on Saturday - otherwise I will "get blasted" for misbehaving.  It's all about putting yourself first - which I find really hard as I like to help everyone.  You are probably the same - us women are NUTS.    I am so sorry to hear about your little grandchild.  I hope all the following tests prove okay.  My brother-in-law's brother was born about 62 years ago without his hand.(no known reason)  He is an extremely intelligent man who has achieved much in his life.  He has two beautiful young adult children who have no problems.  I had to wait for a long time to get my little granddaughter.  She was born through IVF and is so special.  Her little brother "just came along by himself" 10 months ago.  We still find it hard to realise that we have these two special little beings in our life. Take care and I look forward to good news from you. XLeonie

Hey there again Leonie,

So pleased my message reached you at a time when u were feeling down but on the countdown now ur husband will be with you in Brisbane in no time and reunions are always so much fun don't you think, I am happy for you.I will be thinking of you on 23rd March and thinking of me this Tuesday hehehe.

I t was so nice you were able to surprise your husband with the trip home last weekend. It seems we all react differently to the radiation. Another friend of mine had no skin reaction but was extremely tired all the way through. You mentioned you got quite sick at the end of previous radiation and I am curious about the time frame after and what you felt.

I had some sad news at Friday night dinner my son's wife Natalie had her 20 weeks ultrasound and it seems the baby is missing his/her left hand. They are seeing a neonatal specialist tomorrow morning so praying no other abnormalities. They are such a beautiful couple who are always so giving of their time to others and are so humble. As I stated prior, this will be our first grandchild. I guess god gives us all what he thinks we can cope with we are all the special ones ha. Tomorrow I am shoping with my middle daughter Natasha for her 23rd Birthday. I always enjoy a day with my girls we have lunch and coffee in a nice cafe/restuarant its a real special bonding time. Anyway I am now rambling hope your week goes well and until next chat take care Jennifer

Hi June

It must feel good to be finished your chemo.  Even though you still need to have the Herceptin it seems to be much easier.  I have some friends who "line up" each 3 weeks and sometimes weekly without much bother.  Unfortunately the bc treatments tend to make us put on weight.  I too am much heavier than I would like to be.  My friend keeps telling me not to even think about losing weight until after chemo.  My Physio told me that it is very beneficial to exercise whilst on chemo as it seems to help with some of the symptoms.  I hope that I am well enough to exercise - even if it is a little.  Apparently I will stop Arimidex during chemo treatment so that might help a little with the weight gain as well.  Take care XLeonie

Hi Leonie

Well you are nearly there with your radiation treatment. It is very time consuming for that short zap.

I have finished my chemo and pleased to have it done with. I feel today that my foggy brain is starting to clear and I feel more alert instead of being a zombie!

I am still having Herceptin every 3 weeks and this will go on the rest of the year but very little reaction after treatment.

I have started going to an exercise group for ladies who have had bc and finding I am enjoying it greatly as I hadn'd had much contact with other bc sufferes except on this network. I have put on alot of weight  since diagnosed so hope to start with tackling that battle now.

Enjoy your next month at home before chemo starts.

Cheers    June

Hello Leonie,

Hope to find you feeling better. I have to agree with Shirly what a lovely family photograph. I have just completed 6 weeks of radiotherapy and seeing the Oncologist next week to clarify treatment plan to follow. I worked throughout the radiotherapy as was not feeling too tired however my skin started to react after first 9 days and continued to date. I am using the solugel dressings and my skin appears to be healing slowly, most annoying aspect of treatment thus far even over bilateral mastectomy, particularly under the arm pit and left breast (ouch-very sore). I consider myself quite lucky though as I have met some wonderful men and women having treatment who have all been inspirational. I am now on two weeks leave from work which is wonderful and relaxing. On 26th March I am going to a fundraiser for Cancer Council and am thrilled to be part of it. Well tomorrow night is Friday night family Dinner, my married son and his wife Natalie who is expecting their first baby in August is coming over together with my other daughter Natasha's fiance is coming over. We play games, play cards and simply over eat but great fun. Good luck and keep in touch. Jenniferxx 

Hello again Leonie

I had just one month between radiation and chemo. Had to have 25 treatments of radiation. Managed to see the medical oncologist before finishing this and had a starting date with treatment set out etc so knew where I was going. Hope all goes well with you. Keep in touch   June

Thanks for replying.  Trust us to be different but I suppose there is always a good point - we have hair for radiation treatment!!.  My cancer is a reoccurance in the axilla (one little lymph node was hiding from my previous bc over 4 years ago) and it is still hormone receptive.  This of course means that I don't need Herceptin.  Not sure what chemo mix I will be having until I see the Medical Oncologist at end of radiation treatment.  At this stage it will be 6 sessions.  What period of time did you have between finishing radiation and commencing chemo.  I have been told about a month.  I like to have a plan and it is frustrating me not "having it all in a neat box". XLeonie

Thanks for replying.  Trust us to be different but I suppose there is always a good point - we have hair for radiation treatment!!.  My cancer is a reoccurance in the axilla (one little lymph node was hiding from my previous bc over 4 years ago) and it is still hormone receptive.  This of course means that I don't need Herceptin.  Not sure what chemo mix I will be having until I see the Medical Oncologist at end of radiation treatment.  At this stage it will be 6 sessions.  What period of time did you have between finishing radiation and commencing chemo.  I have been told about a month.  I like to have a plan and it is frustrating me not "having it all in a neat box". XLeonie

Hi Leonie

I have also had back to front treatment and apart from you have only heard of one other lady to do so.

I started radiation treatment in October. My HER test results got lost and when it came back positive I was half way through radiotherapy. Started Chemo in December and had my 4th and final this week so that bit is over. Now only  Herceptin to contend with. Haven't been too bad with the chemo apart with  problems with neutropinia after the first which saw me having five days in hospital before Xmas. Very tired and will be pleased to get my energy back. Have started going to an exercise class and enjoying that. My weight has gone up so hope to start walking again soon.

Cheers   June

Hi Shirl

I'm in Brisbane doing the radiation thing.  I have just finished week 1 with only 20 treatments to go.  They are "cooking" me on the neck, upper chest, under armpit, over the shoulder and around the back of the shoulder.  The "hottest" bit is the neck area.  To ease it I have to hold my head up and the underarm stuff needs me to put my arm on hip - I feel like a strutting chook!!!!  I am pleased to be having the weekend off.  I am staying with my sister and her husband but will go to my daughters and children next week for a couple of days whilst her husband is away for work.  I forgot how much time needs to be spent "tending to myself"  ie moisturising and cooling the radiated area.  I haven't been having a daytime rest and have been reading until late so I better start "chilling out" otherwise I might fall in a heap.  The treatment does make you very tired especially towards the end.  We are celebrating my little granddaughter's 3rd birthday next Sunday.  She is such a little sweetie and loves me to bits.  A very good distraction.  I was her "show and tell" at childcare yesterday.  Anyway will keep in touch.  Love to hear your stories.  XLeonie