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