Chemo: Passed Halfway!!!

O hi Helen, thanks for your message... the day was FANTASTIC!  I walked with a terrific group of supportive friends ~ was rather a coolish day (love Melbourne) but spirits were high and everyone was feeling the buzz.  I even had a couple of high school buddies meet me at the finish line despite them not having time to participate in the whole walk.  We'd been laughing along the way that the only running we'd be doing was across the finish line & then again to the coffee cart:)  So there we were, sprinting our hearts out over the finish line, and there were my two gorgeous buddies with banner "go Jules"... it was such a beautiful surprise & buzz, just loved it.  Writing about it now, months later, I'm still feeling that glow & support from the day.  And I still have the banner up in our family room to remind of all the love that day and throughout my journey.  The thing i've learnt though, is just how many women are affected with this disease... appart from the massive demonstration of followers on the day of the walk (survivors & supporters), I've really tuned in with just how many people are being affected in my local community... friends, friends' mums, more friendsof friends.  It's so sad that so many need to go through this, but so excellent that detection is picked up earlier than in the past, and that more is able to be done when detected earlier.

I'm a little tired this morning (back to working 2x shifts weekly, about half-way thru 5-week radiation), after attending a type of support grp/ info night being run by my oncology's breast care nurse (Once wkly for 6 wks) Again, sad to see all those other women going through similar (but different!) experiences, but so good to listen & share stories.  

One point raised last night was that Taxatere only takes around 6 wks (I think?) to pass through your body, but it's affects remain long after.  I don't have the same level of fatigue now obviously, but my fingernails & toenails look to be in various stages of "lifting", and I'm still having hot/ tingly soles.  I think it is dissipating very, very slowly, but just riding the wave.  It's now just over 6 wks since last taxatere for me, so looking forward the weeks & months ahead. Am certainly enjoying the lack of chemo fatigue, altho I am reminded not to do too much by falling into a tired heap every now & then.

Whilst my Herceptin has proved easy-peasy, I'm not realy looking forward to starting Tamoxifin in a couple of weeks... already bothered by hot flushes (or "power surges"!) and mood swings (mood dips more likely!), but again, just gotta ride that wave!

Could keep writing ad norseum (lol) but must drag myself away to radiation.  So wishing you well Helen & would love to hear about your journey , where you're at, if/when you have time.

Big hug to you across the e-waves:)

Julesxxx

 

 

Hi Julie

Sorry it's been a while but I'd love to hear how the day went.  I hope you enjoyed yourself.  I did the Mother's Day walk last year and will probably do it again this year.  I agree it's a nice feeling to give back just that little bit by getting invovled in things like this.

You must be finished Taxotere.  I hope that went well.  It took my body a couple of months to get back to normal after I finished it.

take care of yourself

Helen xx

O Helen, luv the idea of at least FEELING like Xena on Sunday... will the dex perk me up that much???  I do need to take it on Sunday, you're right. But listen, I must put you straight ~ I'm certainly no hero, although I appreciate the compliment!  I just like the idea of doing it, being part of the buzzy environment, promoting such a wonderful cause; it's just been something positive for me to focus on.  I've been so touched by the very generous donations of friends and family, and despite making your donation anonymous, I've been blown away by your generosity as well!!  Thank you so much for your generous spirit, and for your kind, supportive words, Helen... they mean so much.  I'm now nearing the end of week 2 post-Taxatere#1... bloody hell (can I say that on here?).  I can admit that when I signed up for the walk, I was going thru FEC, which honestly didn't knock me around as much!  Right now all I can do is take one day at a time, get myself to the Catarni Gardens next Sunday, and literally take one step at a time... much as I want to complete the 5km, I'm not going to pressure myself, and I'll only do as much as I feel comfortable.  My GP assured me that 5km for a non-chemo participant is not the same as for someone going thru chemo.  But I have good intensions:)  Anyway, thanx again for your donation, Helen & I hope this finds you well.  Big, big hug, Julesxxx

 

I agree with Helen!

I know I probably won't be able to walk, but I am hoping to come down and be part of an awesome day.

Maybe we can meet somewhere?

Love Penny xx

Done it. 

Take care during the walk.  Do they have you on dex for a couple of days before your taxotere?  That'll gee you along during the walk I guess - make you feel a bit like Xena the Warrior Princess.  You're a hero to do this walk in the middle of your chemo.

Helen.

Thanx Helen, that's totally generous of you!! I think u shud find me under "Jules' Tit Bits", pardon the pun:). Thank you so much!! Jxxx

Julie

I'd like to sponsor/donate to your team.  Can you send me the link?

thanks and good on ya!

Helen

Julie

I'd like to sponsor/donate to your team.  Can you send me the link?

thanks and good on ya!

Helen

Julie

I'd like to sponsor/donate to your team.  Can you send me the link?

thanks and good on ya!

Helen

Thanx Penny, feel like I have another "sister" on board :) Day 3 after 1st Taxatere now, am feeling somewhat spaced out... think my tastebuds have shut down, would love to loose a little chub (have read your earlier posts re insensitive nurse!) but not obsessing.  Pre-chemo I had grand plans of daily juicing & healthy food, etc etc, but I'm just taking it easy & letting things ride without too much stress... there's enough to worry about without worrying about every little chip I pop! (have noticed I fancied packet chips as I came out of the FEC haze).  

I don't know how excited I'd be about the walk (Sussan Women's) if it was on day 3 after 2nd treatment!  Good on you for considering it, but just see how you go! There's always next year :)

Thanx so much for making contact, look forward to chatting! 

Big hug to you! 

Jules xxx