Chemo Just Around the Corner ....

Thanks Linda.  I think I will try to have someone stay with me, just in case.   I agree with you about not wanting the kids to see us sick.    They are so protective of me at the moment.  They are only young (9 and 6) but they are so smart, they can sense when there is something wrong, even if I say I am fine.

Jo xx

Thanks Dale.   I'm sure I will be okay - I think it's the anticipation of how I may feel that is getting to me.    It probaby won't be as bad as I am imagining it to be.

 

Jo xx

Good luck with your chemo Jo, us women are made of very tuff stuff and you will deal with it a step at a time and you will get through it as well.

Good luck, Dale xx

Thanks Alison.   It seems you have had quite a journey.  I'm hoping to be able to continue working, but will just take each day as it comes.    Congratulations on finishing your chemo.   You did it!!!    I'm sure I will get through it as well.   

Jo  xxx

Thanks Tonya.    I did receive some good news from the surgeon today.    The margins from my second surgery were all clear, so no more surgery for me.  YAY!!    Trying not to worry about chemo too much.  I will deal with whatever comes when and if it happens.  

Jo xxx

Hi Jo,

Your treatment sounds identical to mine. I've just finished Taxol which was weekly for 12 weeks. The AC knocked me around more than the Taxol ( My taxol was combined with herceptin). After my second round of AC I had a neutrapenic episode. My neutraphils dropped dangerously low and my temp went up to 38.6.I was admitted to hospital for 8 days. As a result my oncologist shaved 15% off both drugs and kept the treatment at 3 weekly - it was supposed to be 2 weekly. I had fatique, mild nausea for 3 days and mouth ulcers. They do dope you up with at least 3 anti-nausea meds before the chemo drugs are given. The A (adriamycin) is bright red so you pee red for the first 24 hours! i found I needed to rest in the afternoon for the first 3 days but then once the first week was over  I started feeling much better but still tired. Try not to overdo it and listen to your body. I worked 4 days a week as a teacher during AC but I found that after my neutrapenic episode I dropped down to 3 days with Mons and Fri off. I coped very well with that but having regular holidays helps. When I was in hospital we reassessed things and my hubby decided to give up flyin/fly out and get a Perth based job. He is around all evenings now. I asked the neighbours to step in if needed - I have 2 girls 15yrs and 12yrs. They still need someone here. The neighbours have been great and will always be there if we need them. We are by ourselves anyway -  all our family is over in Sydney and Hobart.

Good luck with it all and I'll be thinking of you as you embark on your journey. Life is never the same!

Alison xxx

You sure have alot on your plate- building a house is very stressful and so is chemo,more so.The first thing I worried about was an initial allergic reaction. At least they are prepared for that in the unit.Once I got through the infusion I was fine and was quite ok until about day 3 when the mack truck hit me.I was bedridden for about 3 days and then gradually came good. I"d say this is your average reaction to chemo.Obviously we are all different and some breeze through and some have violent reactions.I can understand you worrying about being alone AND with kids. Can someone stay with you overnight ?Prepare for the worst but hope for the best is my motto. Good luck.

                                    Tonya xx