Chemo Round 5

I have been exercising both arms, as I think also I am starting to have fluid build up again on the surgery arm. So tomorrow I will ring Maree and see what she says.

Shingles is getting a whole lot better now, but foul taste in my mouth... think its the tablets... yuck.. So over the whole mouth taste stuff now.

The girls at HOCA are great. I had the picc line flushed last Friday, and they to moved the lines so they aren't in the way, and put gauze underneath to help with the skin.

You will need to speak to your oncologist re your hands. It doesn't sound good. It seems they are getting quite sensitive

Hope Thursday goes really well for you. Will keep my fingers crossed. My last chemo was supposed to be 24/8, but now I have to add another week, as last week was a no go.... bummer.

Radiation after that, I have the appointment on 22/8 for Radiation Planning, so then I presume I will know exactly when I start. Me to, are having 30 sessions. If all goes well, and no more hic cups, then I should be finished around the end of October.

For both you and me October and December seen soooo far away still. Not fair.

I'll let you know re coffee  - as hoping she will allow me to be in "public" after shingles episode. As at the moment- not allowed to be in public. Feel like Elephant Man at the moment....

So maybe not this Monday, but the following Monday would be great for me 6/8?

Take care and hoping all goes well with you. Julie XX

So sorry to hear about the shingles.  I heard it can happen.  Paul has trotted these out and some possible other scenarios so I am waiting for something to happen to me.  A good cry is not so bad.  It can be quite cathartic I found.  But it is so depressing being isolated at home. 

I was concerned when I hadnt heard from you.  I was worried about the picc line creating problems I am glad it is not so very bad .  It is uncomfortable to sleep.  I found that ice packs helped the actual wound to heal and eased the pain.  I also massage the arm abit as the muscle gets a bit tight.  I think because I "protect it" and carry it in an odd position.

At the moment I have a bit of neuropathy in my hands.  I will be getting it checked out. In for my  4th session on Thursday.  Hope you are well enough for your next session soon.

Remember we will be through this by Christmas.  Aiming for fabulous New Year.

Talk soon.  Toni

Hi Toni

Sorry I hadn't replied, but a lot has happened.... Had the PICC line put in on the Wednesday... hubby in toe.... and all went well. I to have the sensitive skin around the site and it still throbs a little on occassions. Also annoying at times, mostly when trying to sleep.

anyway.... thats not the rest of it.... Went and saw Maree (oncologist) on the Friday and showed her these welt looking bumps on my head and around my once was hair line and eye area..... And she diagnosed me with Shingles...... oh man, I just lost it... cried and cried. Wasn't allowed to have chemo on the Friday and had to take tablets, to which I am still taking. Apparently shingles can occur when having chemo. Another crappy thing to add to the list of many frustrating side effects. So am home all week, and can't be seen in public, as the fear of  spreading, and not looking to hot with these welts either. Feel like Elephant Man at the moment.

Having a few headaches also because of the shingles around the eye area, but with strong head ache tablets now under control.

So, feeling like S*** and looking like S***, and hoping the be able to have chemo this Friday.... Sad to think that I want chemo..... Just don't want to prolong the treatment.

Great that you have invested in eyeliner. My eyelashes have really disappeared since the shingles now... looking even more sparse.

Anyway, hope you are well and feeling good. Hope all is going well for you.

Take care as well, luv Julie XX

Hi

Thats graet that second Taxol went well for you.... Yes the fatigue does hit you, thats why I am not working on Mondays.

But I had a horror of chemo last Friday 13/7 ( yes Friday the 13th). Again it took them several times to put the canulla in. I cried like a baby, as is was so painful and veins kept collapsing. So hubby went back to see the oncologist to let her know. So this Wednesday 18/7 having a PICC line put in. So no more sore, painful hands and arms.

Yes, my eyebrows and eyelashes have diminished considerably over night, but luckily for glasses that hide them.

Hope all goes well with your next one, and keep in touch.

Love and hugs Julie XX

Hi, me to have been losing the eyebrows. I was also hoping to atleast keep them, as well as the eye lashes.

Had 2nd Taxol , last Friday. Just feeling quite tired and indigestion. So happy with that compared to the other chemos before..

I have 7 more Taxol to go, then radiation as well.

Yes, celebration indeed for us all at Christmas.

Love and hugs Julie XX