Great view from the roller coaster

Hi Deanne, Yes we all need a good laugh and often. I have heard of the t-shirt with that statement on it and I wish I had the nerve to wear it too. My surgery is down for the 10th Sept so two weeks next Tuesday, Yikes! Getting a bit nervous but also strangely enough I'm now just anxious for it to be over so I can concentrate on recovery and settle down to start my new normal. Lets hope you're not in the 26% of people who get pain with Neulasta Deanne. Fingers crossed. Love Janey xxx

I have been reading up about the Neulasta and apparently it only causes bone pain in about 26% of people, so hopefully it will not add to the pain! It will still be better than landing back in hospital anyway. Bit scarey really! How are you going with your plan for surgery? Do you have a date for it yet? I was reading some other blogs this morning and came across a very funny story about a T-shirt someone saw in the US. I wish I was brave enough to get one when I go through with my long-term plan for second mastectomy and double reconstruction. It read 'Yes they are fake, my real ones tried to kill me!' . It gave myself and the rest of the family a good laugh. Thanks for info about the Neulasta and I hope that your pain gets better soon. It's good to hear that you do feel better than while on the Docetaxel. I am really not looking forward to my next dose but just keep reminding myself that I only have one more after that! Take care. Love Deanne xx

Hi Deanne, I heard too that the Neulasta can cause bone pain but as I had it with chemo, I couldn't tell whether it did or not. The bone pain I had with Docetaxel was really severe for about two weeks after the infusion. Yeah I have to agree that it was much worse for me than the AC was. I think I'd have rather put up with the nausea and I never thought I'd say that. I actually took an extra Dexamethasone table on about day 3 or 4 to take the edge off the pain and also ibuprofen and paracetamol when needed. I had my second last chemo on 24th June and I actually didn't know that was to be the last. My Onc cancelled the scheduled fourth Docetaxel because of neuropathy in my fingers and toes. She didn't think it was worth the risk of permanent nerve damage so when she told me that I didn't have to do the last one, I was already feeling on the up that comes with week three after the infusion. I think the bone pain is improving somewhat but I have now started on Femara and I'm continuing to have Herceptin every three weeks so I'm getting aches and pain with those and I think my fingers and toes are actually worse (and losing three toe nails). It's a bit confusing as I don't know what's giving me the side effects or whether they are left over from Docetaxel. I feel very much better than when on chemo though and like you I'm sooooooo glad that's done. I'm sending you good vibes that the Neulasta doesn't make your pain worse and that the next few weeks go really quickly. Bring on the finish!!!! Love Janey xxx

Yes, I think this is what I will have to do also. I'm a bit worried about the bone pain that this injection can cause as the docetaxel causes enough pain by itself. What did you do for pain relief? I will be soooo glad to finish with chemo! How long did it take to feel better after your last chemo? Love Deanne xxx

After my stay in hospital with neutropenia, I was also told I'd have to have an injection to boost white blood cells, it was called Neulasta. My husband had to inject it 24 hours after chemo at home and I was really nervous about that. It was fine though and didn't hurt at all. I know some women who injected themselves but I just couldn't do it. I had no more problems with neutropenia so the injections did the trick I think. Good luck with yours. Love Janey xxx

Well, the roller coaster took another plunge unfortunately and I have been in hospital for 2 and a bit days with neutropenia. Felt shocking with high temp, headache and very sore throat. Oncologist had me on IV antibiotics and has allowed me home with oral antibiotics to continue with so I can recover for next week's chemo. I felt extremely lucky to be able to stay in the hospital where I have my Chemo. My chemo nurse came and put the cannula in for me and even visited me while having her tea break. It felt much more personnel and helped me to feel 'at home'. I felt safe and very well cared for. Will have to have the injection to boost my white blood cells after the next 2 chemos. Must say I am now thinking the nausea from FEC was nothing compared to this! Oh well, on the good side, I will have had my last Chemo this time in 4 weeks. Just have to concentrate on that thought to get me through whatever happens next. Take care. Deanne xxxx

Oh, that's brilliant Deane! The fresh air will do you wonders. Love n hugs, Gillian xoxo

I'm soooo pleased for you that you are bouncing up again with no major aches and pains. It's great to hear. One down! Yay. My fingers are crossed that the rest of your treatment goes as well. 

Well done :)

Love from Janey xxx

How lovely of you Deanne to share some of your good feelings out there.

I am so glad you are feeling on top of it again today.  There is no sense in fighting it so just go with it when the crappy days are there and get up and out on the days that you are able to.

Enjoy the sun and fresh air and even the rain if it is around.  Remember on this journey it is best just to take it day by day and enjoy the small stuff along the way.

Lots of love to you and wishing you ongoing good days, Mich xoxoxo