Forum Discussion
Feeling overwhelmed
This is my first post - here is a summary of my story. I was first diagnosed with DCIS in my LEFT breast in 2011 and again in 2015 with removal of the affected area both times. The second time there was not enough margin so it was back into surgery again and then officially classed as a partial mastectomy. In mid-June this year I went for my annual mammograms which showed invasive cancer in my RIGHT breast. As it had developed quite a bit my Surgeon said I would need to have a total mastectomy. I had more tests including an MRI which showed that there was more DCIS in my LEFT breast (which was already approximately 30% depleted). After consultations with my surgeon and much thought I decided to have both breasts removed - there didn't seem to be much point in saving what would remain of the left breast as the DCIS would likely recur, not to mention the possibility of invasive cancer developing. I had my surgery on 11th July and also had 2 lymph nodes removed from each side. When the pathology results came back they showed cancer in one lymph node on the right side, so back in on 20th July to have more lymph nodes taken on that side. Thankfully they were clear which I was very happy about but now I have to have some Chemo in case there are any remaining cancer cells anywhere. I am slowly recovering from the surgery and am managing to stay positive but still feeling fairly sore and a bit shell-shocked from it all. I am nervous about the Chemo too, my initial appointment is on Wednesday 2nd August. I would really appreciate any words of encouragement........
22 Replies
- Golly gosh! What a so and so! The effects are horrid and I do hope you've reached rock bottom and the balance of treatments (2 more?) are much easier. Take care and wishing you a better outcome all round!
- Thanks to you for the support and suggestions, it all really helps to get through this rotten time.
- Funny one cure for the migraine was a heat pack and the other an ice pack ... whatever works! I had neutropenia about 5 days after the first Docetaxel. I hope to god I don't get diarrhoea as have IBS anyway. Really, this is just one thing after another.
- On, @Viking1, thank goodness someone else had the migraine after FEC, though of course, I am sorry you did! My Oncologist was very surprised about it when I did after every single one, and I was not allowed to use the migraine relievers.
Ice packs on my head and neck at the start of the C bag and while at home for the next day helped me, didn't stop them completely but helped to reduce the severity.
@Glen19, I too ended up in hospital on day 5 of Docetaxel, after the first two doses.
The Oncologist started me on oral antibiotics for the third one starting in the afternoon on day 4 after chemo, the temps started to climb in the evening for day 4and 5 which was reduced to normal with one dose of paracetamol, then normal temps from then on, no hospital that time.
Perhaps suggest it to your Oncologist, as long as all the tests have come back as okay.
I had very bad diarrhoea through all of Docetaxol, it finally resolved about two weeks after finishing it.
Gastrostop constantly helped a little, but I had to also modify my diet to stop eating and drinking things that could contribute to it. Drink plenty of water or weak cordial drinks, hot drinks are not such a good idea.
Having baby wipes, panty liners and soothing cream next to the toilet was a must for me, and we went through heaps of toilet paper. Very demoralising!
Hang in there, Jennie - @viking1 - how fortunate to have a chemo nurse who knew what it was like! Take care
- @Glen19 Lots of hugs to you, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I don't know if this may help but couldn't harm ... my chemo nurse asked me if I had a migraine after chemo - answer was yes. He told me at a certain stage of chemo he would put a heat pack on the back of my neck and fetch me a cup of sweet tea. I am not certain what the stage was other than when they went to press the purple buttons lol ... no Dr am I! However, this nurse had been through leukemia and had chemo every day for 3 months. He said the heat pack (looks a bit like a shower cap) counteracts the chemo 'brain freeze' that occurs with the infusion. I didn't have a problem after that but was on FEC at the time. Now on Docetaxil sp? they say I don't need it. My best hugs xxx
- I have been pretty sick since my first Docetaxel, had lots of diarrhea then developed a very high temp and was back in hospital for a couple of days and feeling terrible. Have taken a long time to start picking up and still having bouts of diarrhea. They are going to reduce the dosage by 25% for the next one which is next Wednesday so here's hoping. I don't want to go through that again but at least I know what to expect. Only 2 more....
- Docetaxel comes with a different set of issues, but I didn't get the debilitating headaches, so hopefully you won't either.
Watch your temperature for the first week after each dose. Mine crept up starting day 4.
Docetaxel caused more bone and joint pain for me, including the Neulasta, it was quite sore especially around the chest and jaw. loratadine (Clarytyne) really helps there.
Diarrhoea was pretty savage the entire time for me, and only let up about 2 weeks after the final dose.
Good luck with the final stage, you are half way through! - @Glen19 nice to hear you are on the better side of some of the treatment! There is no rule book that says you have to be positive all the time! Yeah, sure acceptance and positivity are good traits but also allowing yourself a little time out to wonder who, why, what, went, where.............and then get back to the madcap life of trying to do everything knowing that you've got us here to help you through! Take care xx
- Have had 3 Chemo treatments now and have had a few issues. The headaches have continued although after 3rd treatment it was not as bad or prolonged as after first 2. After the second and third ones I also had an injection of Neulasta (24 hours after Chemo) to help build up white cells. Neulasta comes with its own side effects which were not too bad after the first injection. However, several hours after the next one (last Saturday) I developed tightness in the chest and wheezing which became progressively worse. I rang the Hospital and was advised to come in, they did multiple tests and finally decided that it was due to either a reaction to the Chemo or the Neulasta and discharged me after about 36 hours.
I have also had 2 episodes of developing quite high temps which were resolved with Paracetamol and rest on the advice of my team. I am halfway through now, but next time it changes from FEC - D to Doxetaxel so I guess we'll see what that brings. Still managing to remain positive most of the time but sure will be glad when it's all over.
