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Annie13's avatar
Annie13
Member
13 years ago

Day 38

So today was my appointment with the oncologist to find out what they recommend. After running through my results in more detail, the Dr advised they recommended a course of chemo, radiation, then tamoxifen for 5 years. On a positive the cycle of chemo is short - 4 cycles, 3 weeks a cycle, therefore just 12 weeks or 3 months. Unfortunately that still means I'll get all the side effects, but after the 3 months I'll start to recover from them. He assures me radiotherapy, which will be every day for 5 weeks after that, will be a breeze compared to chemo. So that's it. Next step is a trip to the fertility clinic on Tuesday. The Dr has allowed me 6 weeks to do what I can in terms of getting some embryo's frozen, which my partner and I have decided to do. We had decided some time ago that we didn't want kids, however now there is a chance that some of the treatment may make me infertile, we are hoping to put some away just in case. Honestly, I cant see us ever changing our mind, however at least this way we'll still have the option. The only issue will be that I have been on the pill for a long time so whether or not this will all happen in the next 6 weeks is a big question mark. So barring that chemo will kick off at the start of October and finish just before Xmas - great, a hot summer having to wear a wig or hat the whole time! My body overheats at the best of time so I dread to think! Dr has also advised I'll need plenty of time off work during the chemo phase, so now have to negotiate that next week. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I wish I didn't have to do it. Still, lots of positives - a short chemo cycle, done by Xmas, more time off work to veg at home, also means more time to spend with my dog, and the opportunity to buy a fabulous wig and a few cool hats. I am continuing to enjoy my social life, exercise, and spend time with friends....life ain't so bad. x
  • Annie13's avatar
    Annie13
    Member
    13 years ago
    Karen - thank you so much for your detailed reply. It has been extremely helpful to hear how you've done it. The onc suggested similar, so to hear that it's possible is great. I love my work, and like you, would go crazy doing nothing the whole time! They are great too, and fexibility won't be a problem which is so reassuring. I have to speak to the boss about it all tomorrow, so that will be another weight off my shoulders to know that it's all locked in. Thanks again and good luck with the rest of your treatments. :)
  • KazzieP's avatar
    KazzieP
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annie, 

    It makes a difference to how you veiw things once you have a plan doesnt it? Well I certainly felt like something was finally happening rather than waiting in limbo land and I could begin working towards doing the most I could to beat this! Good luck with and positives into the the atmosphere for you - getting some embryos frozen prior to chemo.

    I am having round three of six chemo treatments tomorrow on a three weekly cycle ( Docitaxel, carboplation and herceptin)  and have been working so thought I'd let you know what I have managed - it may help in what you can sort with your work. I have simply not even thought about going to work Week 1. This has been a good decision, would not be up to it if I tried. Way to much pressure not energy at all.

    Week two 1st round was very ordinary and I did not work ( had a few outside the usual reactions that lasted into week 2 - along with standard bone pain tiredness, slight peripheral neuropathy- mad stomach pain and acne all over head,face, chest, and back, slight temps two trips to Emergency) 

    Drs appt monday week three and worked four days that week no dramas.

    Cycle two was better with less dramas and not quite so severe reactions and I worked 3 days week two and then Onc appt ( 2 hours away) and 4 days week three.

    Of course it will depend how you cope - hits everone different as we all know but hopefully you should be able to work some. I am lucky as I'm the boss :-) and everyone is able to work without me there so have the ability to take it easy and go when I feel like it. I dont rush in and stay late like I used to.

    The important thing is to listen to your body and work if you can ( I'd go crazy if I didnt work on my good days and it is really good to have days that 'feel normal' :-). I do hope you have the ability to negoitiate with your work. 

    Im actually doing the hats too.. although I did buy a wig - havent tried it yet. Its cold here in the Snowy Mtns so hats are good. Thought I'd hate them but hats and scarfs are working really well. Who knows... I might go without in summer.. maybe not! we shall see! 

    Good luck with your treatment.

    xx

    Karen