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Annie13's avatar
Annie13
Member
14 years ago

Day 139

Well, I am now officially done with chemo! No more for me. Four rounds of TC done and dusted. The final round (which was two weeks ago) I came home that night and just felt an enormous sense of relief - like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I believe the worst is now behind me.

Next on the schedule is radiotherapy, kicking off 7 Jan, for 25 rounds. Met my radiation oncologist last week who ran through it all and she assured me it would be a breeze compared to chemo. Although I really didn't suffer too many side effects with chemo so I was quite lucky.

Following that I've decided to have my other breast removed for precautionary measures. My mum had BC (and eventually passed away from cancer) and I have aunts and cousins also with BC. I am only 34, and even though the risk of getting it in my other breast is low, I've decided to take it off anyway. Then there is next to no chance and I can move on with my life. So another mastectomy and tissue expander, then after that two new boobs! I haven't yet decided on the tram flap or the implants yet but leaning towards implants - why not have nice boobs for the rest of my life now that my natural ones are gone!

I had a family reunion on the weekend with over 100 family members from my mum's side there. Lot's I knew, but lot's I didn't know. God they were all so lovely I walked away just feeling so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing extended family.

So onwards and upwards from here. I managed to put on a few kilo's during chemo, and I'd also put a few on before I started so I've signed up to the Michelle Bridges 12WBT which kicked off last week which will focus on getting my weight right, but also focus on eating super healthy and getting fit again. I am also hoping I have some hair back so I can play basketball again the new year!

Today I am back at work....for good this time. It's a good thing. I am happy. :)

3 Replies

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Hi Annie, Wow - Day 139!

    It's so good to hear your are feeling well and positive! I look forward to your updates on how you go getting back to work, how your radiotherapy and reconstruction goes.

    It sounds like it is time to sit back and enjoy the lead up to Christmas - maybe minus the Christmas pudding by the sounds of your new fitness plans.

    Cheers
    Daina

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    14 years ago

    Wow, good for you Annie! It's a great feeling to have the dreaded chemo over and done with isn't it and you are sounding so positive. I've had pretty much the same treatment as you and I recently finished my radiotherapy. You're right in thinking it's no where near as bad as chemo. It's more of an inconvenience than anything with having to go everyday. I did find I felt a bit tired towards the end though. So don't push yourself to hard too quickly, especially as you're working as well. You'll get back to being fit and healthy again but it takes a little time.

    I started back at the gym a week or so after finishing the RT. Nothing extreme, just a 30min session each day on the treadmill. I'd like to do some classes but I'm still wearing my wig and don't want it to go flying across the room during an aerobics workout! I am feeling so much better and you will soon too. Good luck with the radiotherapy and with your mastectomy. It is a very brave decision. But I can understand why you have made it. Great to hear you're doing so well. Janet :)

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    14 years ago

    Wow, good for you Annie! It's a great feeling to have the dreaded chemo over and done with isn't it and you are sounding so positive. I've had pretty much the same treatment as you and I recently finished my radiotherapy. You're right in thinking it's no where near as bad as chemo. It's more of an inconvenience than anything with having to go everyday. I did find I felt a bit tired towards the end though. So don't push yourself to hard too quickly, especially as you're working as well. You'll get back to being fit and healthy again but it takes a little time.

    I started back at the gym a week or so after finishing the RT. Nothing extreme, just a 30min session each day on the treadmill. I'd like to do some classes but I'm still wearing my wig and don't want it to go flying across the room during an aerobics workout! I am feeling so much better and you will soon too. Good luck with the radiotherapy and with your mastectomy. It is a very brave decision. But I can understand why you have made it. Great to hear you're doing so well. Janet :)