Hard Week.........

Hi Amy

I live in W.A. so I no help to you in that regard I am sorry :-( 

Not sure if it will help to know but I have recently had my first of 3 Taxotere and I, like you were in so much pain all over my body (it was more like myalgia I think????) A heat pack couldn't fix it cause it was ewverywhere in my body, even my head, coccyx and pelvic bones and every other possible bone and nerve in my body.

I was told that Panadol would help but unfortunately Panadol didn't even touch the sides.  I started taking it from day one every four hours but no help what so ever.  I had to bring in the big guns I am afraid.  Whatever helps you get you through as long as okay with your medical team is my motto.  You don't have to be in pain in this day and age.  It is only short lived that you require the big guns thank god.

For me personally (every single person is different but) the pain started to subside on approximately day 10 ( I am now day 14 and feeling much better).

I also crave those "I can do this" days and I, like you find it very lonely at times.

The one thing we are so lucky about is we have such wonderful friends in our Pink Ladies.  We are all here for each other.  I hope you can connect with a support group, get some support both with your family and yourself and that you can find the strength to get you through each day.

It is a hard slog but as I keep telling myself IT IS ONLY TEMPORARY.  It does get better.  There is a light at the end of that tunnel.

I just hope it helps you to know that I understand where you are coming from 110% and I am there for you in any way I can. 

Good luck, be as strong as you can when you can, never say no to help and support.  You have the love of your beautiful children/family to help you get through every day.

Lots of Love, Mich xo 

 

Hi Amy, sorry to hear you're having a rough time.  Maybe you could get in touch with the girls of the Strathpine Coffee Club -- they're north of Brisbane and could tell you where/when they're getting together next.  You can find their info here: http://www.bcna.org.au/group/9146.

Take care.

Di xxx

Hi it breaks my heart when I hear people are down and out, in pain and cant see the light, I havent had chemo as yet (hope i dont) so I  cant give you any tips except to  add the old quote that I have been trying to live by of late

"and this to shall pass"

Hope there is a litttle improvement day by day and you get the help you deserve and need

Thinking of you sorry I am from country victoria so not close enought for coffee

Narelle xox

Re you getting any practical help, with cooking, child care, house work etc and do you have someone at hmoe to talk to?

If not talk to the social worker at the hospital (ask your breast care burse, or chemo nurse for a referral) where you have your chemo etc, as they can help set services in place to help you, things like meals on wheels (yes it is NOT just for senior citizens), home help, respite, drivign you to and from appointments etcetc.

And there are councelling services at most hosptials or through the cancer council etc (a cancer councellor can be better than a general one becasue they understand what cancer patients go through).

These services are out there to help us when we need it.

Also make sure you let your oncologist know about the pain you have been in becasue they can't do anything about it, if they don't know about it, and there are things they can do, like pain medications and such.

I hope you are getting better slowly, and that next cycle the effects wont be as bad (I feel for you, I have just finished cycle 3 of 6 of taxtoere, carboplatin and herceptin, and I get body aches and pain but for me I asuffer BADLY from fatigue).