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helen_anne's avatar
helen_anne
Member
14 years ago

Here's to my Journey! The Chemo begins.....

Well happy new year everyone and welcome to 2012!  I can't believe how quickly the time went but as usual at that time of year Christmas is chaotic while you try to finish your shopping and wrapping.  And it didn't help recovering from a major op either I must add!  Still we all had a great Christmas and I managed to get out twice leading up to the big day which was a great effort  - if I say so myself :) and it certainly helped me feel better.  Although I do admit to being very nervous the first first I went out for my husband's Xmas do. 

To update you I am pleased to say, after another set of tests it was determined (luckily) that my liver is ok and that I had some sort of growth thingie that you're born with and it only shows up on the intensive type scans we all have to endure when fighting this condition.....so that was a huge relief.

So as they said I have commenced chemo on the 29th Dec (which meant a quiet New Year although I did get a lovely surprise with two of my closest friends dropping in)....the whole process the first time is quite fascinating as we didn't have a clue what to do etc but the very wonderful staff at 3 West of Box Hill Hospital certainly helped us and answered any questions and put any anxiety I had at ease.   They are an awesome mob!

I did unfortunately have to get a PICC Line in as my veins continued to deteriorate and collaspe (I reckon TOO many tests!   ha! ha!) so this would be the only way they could get the Chemo in.  Due to my skin condition (EB - look it up if you don't know what it is) it makes management of the PICC line very difficult and only after a week I'm already feeling pain and discomfort.   I have an appt tomorrow to get it checked and I'm hoping it's not infected as I'lll be in all sorts of problems.  I did experience a little bit of nausea 2 hrs or so after the first dose of chemo but after all the tablets I've taken all is well.

My darling husband has been fantastic as have my family and friends so I am well supported which is great.  My seroma seems to have settled after 5 or so weeks but I have a feeling it's coming back but I'll get that checked too.

Oh and I decided to sign up for 2 clinical trials - one which explores the effects of chemo on your taste and the other about a drug given to advanced ca breast pts to do with bone strength.

As it is I have to have Nuclasta injections the day after chemo to help with my already suppressed immune system (I had this before Cancer) so that works on your bone marrow so it will be interesting to see if the two interact...??  As I have worked in the medical field for 15 odd years (or more) I felt it was a good idea to participate...

Anyway that's about it for now - just an update for everyone who is reading this and thank you for your comments and concerns.   I certainly hope that everyone had a great Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Let's look forward to a happy HEALTHY 2012!!

Luv Helen

6 Replies

  • memyselfI's avatar
    memyselfI
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Helen Anne You haven't posted for a long time so I am wondering if you are not too well or are just too busy? I am mainly logging into the Mucinous Cancer site in America as they keep you very updated with the latest information. What with life being really busy & the computer crashing I haven't been in touch so I do apologise. Lots of healing prayers & blessings Patricia

  • helen_anne's avatar
    helen_anne
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks for your blessing Patricia - I really appreciate that.

    Would you believe now I have practically lost nearly all my hair in the past two days.....but it's welcome in a way as it's hot here in Melbourne and it's a hell of a lot cooler without so much hair! He! He!

    Hopefully tomorrow I can get into my hairdressers and get what little that remains shaved off so I can start wearing all my nice scarves and wigs.

    cheers for now

    Helen

  • memyselfI's avatar
    memyselfI
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi, yes Helen you will be very supportive to Newbies as you are interested in all you are learning not just for your own sake but for what you can pass on. Praying that your spirits keep up and your body responds to treatment.

    Blessings Patricia, memyselfi.

  • helen_anne's avatar
    helen_anne
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Moira

    You're right it will be interesting when other newbies come on board and I can dispense a little of my wisdom and experience......I know it's never the same for each of us but maybe I can help others like all of you do me.

    cheers and luv

    Helen

  • moira1's avatar
    moira1
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi Helen, thanks for the update on your journey, it is always good to here how everyone is going, that's what we are here for, we want to hear as many good stories as we can, but we all know, that not all the stories are good, so another reason for being here, is so we have somewhere to go, to laugh, cry, vent, or shout, the first chemo is probably the worse, in the fact that you don't know what to expect, but it's funny, because by the time you get down the road with yours, you see the newbies comming in, and can relate to how they feel. so hopefully it won't bash you around too much, please keep comming back and let us knwo how you are doing, we will be thinking of you. Regards Moira

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks for the update.  It is always good to put it all down on paper.  I always read the information as there is usually something to learn form each blog. I will look up EB (Skin condition) and see what it is.  Keep on achieving each milestone and before you know it, your treatment will be done. XLeonie