hi all

Hi Annie, Just a quick note to say make sure you ask for and use the mouth rinse that most centres hand out. I used it at least 3 times a day during chemo and got very few mouth sores. Hope you are still feeling good today. Chemo is cumulative so make sure you are conserving some energy for later. The 5 months of chemo seemed to stretch out forever but now that I am past it it seems to have gone so fast. Have you gotten your Her2 result yet? I am just over 6 months throught the Herceptin and will finish that next March. Jenn

nice to meet you, you are right it feels like your head is spinning, thanks for replying to my post ..its so good to talk to others who have been through the same thing as you, great to hear you are doing well. 

Thanks for your advice on laughing at silly things, or making jokes out of things, I have started doing this and it seems to lighten up everything.

I will keep in mind the tastes idea if i find it changes. 

I have been thinking that Ive been putting too much pressure on myself in my life in the past and plan to enjoy myself and family and friends a whole lot more.

thanks R.T talk soon

it all went realy well actually, apart from the allergic reaction to the docetaxel, where i instantly went red hot and my o2 sats went right down, after another dose of phenergan and1/2 hour it went smoothly, i had a nap, that was the only hiccup and im feeling good this morning not too tired and a tiny bit naseaus. I drank lots of water and think that helped (before and after) thanks Helen

Good luck with Monday darl.  Try to keep positive.  Drink plenty of water before you go as this helps your viens - makes it easier for them to put in an IV.

I'll be thinking of you.

Cheers

Helen

Hi Annie,

Likewise the whole diagnosis of BC makes your head spin, things happen so quickly and you just go with it because, well, what choice do you have. All you know is you want to be around longer for yourself and your kids.

Three years on from my BC stage 2B diagnosis, chemo and radio, I'm still wondering what to take from it all and as I'm a teacher, I have decided its to educate others.

As you are about to start chemo, I wish you all he best and would like to offer a piece of advice that I found particularly useful. Do not eat foods you love. Sounds strange but I know for alot of people I spoke to, your sense of taste changes during chemo and things taste funny or unpleasant which can really put you off your favourite foods when chemo is finished.

The other thing is, as hard as it might be, laugh, laugh at all the silly, crazy things that happen to you during treatment, it helps too, and finally, remember you aren't alone. =)

Take Care

Sue

Hi Annie,

Likewise the whole diagnosis of BC makes your head spin, things happen so quickly and you just go with it because, well, what choice do you have. All you know is you want to be around longer for yourself and your kids.

Three years on from my BC stage 2B diagnosis, chemo and radio, I'm still wondering what to take from it all and as I'm a teacher, I have decided its to educate others.

As you are about to start chemo, I wish you all he best and would like to offer a piece of advice that I found particularly useful. Do not eat foods you love. Sounds strange but I know for alot of people I spoke to, your sense of taste changes during chemo and things taste funny or unpleasant which can really put you off your favourite foods when chemo is finished.

The other thing is, as hard as it might be, laugh, laugh at all the silly, crazy things that happen to you during treatment, it helps too, and finally, remember you aren't alone. =)

Take Care

Sue

Hi Helen Anne, nice to meet you, thankyou for your encouraging words.

its lovely to think of all the other ladies who have been touched by bc helping each other and making new friends. Nice to think that you have had some similar feelings to myself.

You are right when you say that it takes the right frame of mind and i believe yes, i will definetely tackle it head on and win!

Im off to my first chemo session Monday, four cycles they say, bit scared, but bring it on! 

best wishes to you, annie.gem

Hi Annie.gem

I've just read your post and my God what a time you've had. 

You're right when you say it's a whirlwind - I think most of us go through the gammit of doctors appointments and tests and feel like we don't know if we're coming or going!

I felt like you in that as soon as I was told I had bc I wanted my breast off if they couldn't save it.  Well they couldn't so off it went!  I didn't mind really, my mind was more focussed on the task at hand and that was to get rid of the cancer.

You're a very strong woman - you've already had some major challenges in your life (depression and your son) and I think you have a lot of inner strength to cope with that. 

I think it's really important to get in the right frame of mind to tackle this thing full on, and I truly believe you will do this.

Like you I wondered what was the lesson I was meant to learn from all this and why I had to go through the journey.  It still hasn't become entirely clear to me yet - maybe it never will, who knows?

But I'll tell you one thing, it made me appreciate the ones I love - my family and friends.  Most importantly it helped me realise that life is precious and not to be wasted.  That's why I treasure every day now.

Good luck with everything and please keep in touch.

Remember we're all there for you.

cheers

Helen Anne