Chemo Just Around the Corner ....

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