Good Morning

Hi Jacqui, sorry to hear about the bone scan, fingers crossed it will be nothing major, like you say arthritis or something, I will send positive vibes your way.  It's a bumpy road we travel, full of ups and downs, but just take it day at a time and cope with it that way.

It's 8 days since my 1st chemo and I can't say it has been a pleasure trip but I have somehow found the strength to cope...just! The first couple of days were fine, but I then became very constipated and nothing seemed to be working. In the end they told me to use colonlytey and that sure worked!! It was like draino!!

Days 4 and 5 were my worst with very bad aches and pains in my whole body (side effect of the taxotare) and I was so weak, nothing seemed to ease it, but it did go away by the end of Day 5. Next came a few mouth ulcers, despite following all the guidelines of mouthwashes, dry mouth spray, brushing my teeth etc, but they are not too bad...just a couple on the end of my tongue. I use kenalog but my Dr prescribed Sucralfate which is usually for stomach ulcers but you can dissolve the tablet and make a mouthwash..I used it last night wih fantastic results!

I still tire easily, my stomach often feels "off" and my appetite is suppressed, but I just try to deal with each thing as it comes and try not too look too far ahead.  I am going in to work tomorrow to discuss a return to work on reduced hours, may just do half days to start with and see how I go. I will still need a few days off around chemo time if the same symptoms appear on days 4 and 5.

I have good and bad days....after all, it is only 5 weeks since I was diagnosed and in that time I have had surgery, started chemo, visited the radiation oncologist, have regular physio for my arm, tols family and friends and then sometimes I sit back and think.."Is this really happening to me?" I try hard to stay positive, but I have times were I just have a little cry and become fearful of the future. I have lost that certainty of growing old, seeing my kids grow and marry...seeing their children...Oh. I hope to still do all that...but that "certainty" is lost forever..and I am still coming to terms with that!

So, we all have to stay strong, put on a brave face and say "WE CAN DO THIS"....our faith may be tested, our wills challenged...but by God, I will keep on fighting.

Good Luck tomorrow...you will be fine, and I am here if you ever need to talk

Jenny xx