Forum Discussion

Arleene's avatar
Arleene
Member
10 years ago

I Finished Treatment

Hi Ladies,

I have finally finished all my active treatment my last Radiation was on the 11th of March that was a very emotional day, saying bye to my nurses both chemo and radiation they become such a huge part of my life and my Breast Care Nurses but as one of them told me you don't get rid of us so easy LOL you still will see us for the next 5 years.

My bc was hormone receptor +in both estrogen and progesterone- oestrogen was 80 % and progesterone 70 %. The Chemo put me into temporary menopause but my Oncologists main worry was ovarian and breast cancer coming back so I had to have my ovaries and tubes removed as well as my port all in the same surgery and I had that done on the 17th, I came home from hospital yesterday so I am now in perminant menopause at the age of 46 I suppose I should be happy but I feel very emotional and teary at the drop of the hat, I am so lucky to have a lot of support from my family and friends, my Husband has never left my side every appointment, every chemo and rad session he was there.

I have to write a speech on my journey to give at the Rotary Club of South Darwin on Tuesday I'm really looking forward to that as my family will be there, I start Arimadex on Thursday for 5 years, I suppose I should go and rest now as rest is what I need right now, talk to you soon sending cuddles and smiles.

Thanks,

Anita

 

 

10 Replies

  • Arleene's avatar
    Arleene
    Member
    10 years ago

     

    Hi Christine,

    I am in a good place right now, I really am looking forward now and my husband has been fantastic and so supportive.

    This was my last surgery YAY! I hope it stays that way. My speech went very well and was very emotional I didn't really allow myself to fully grasp what I had been through until I wrote it down on paper and I was like wow did I go through all that, now spending quality time with my daughter is at the top of my list because I need to reassure her Mum's not sick anymore, it will take some time but she'll be fine.

    This Forum has been such a comfort to me and the other Ladies and Men we need this forum.

    I go back and see my oncologist in 2 weeks so I'm sure everything will be fine from now on, sending you a cuddle and a smile.

    Anita xx

  • Arleene's avatar
    Arleene
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Maryrose,

    I finally got to the other side which was hard at times but it has made me a stronger woman

    I am spending lots of quality time with my daughter but I am finding she now believes people get sick and she thinks I will get sick again but I suppose she needs time too, she mainly needs reasurance at the moment.

    All the best and I am sending you a big cuddle and smile.

    Anita xx

  • Arleene's avatar
    Arleene
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rowdy,

    I did a happy dance on my last day of treatment also lol but saying goodbye to the nurses and staff was hard but I'm glad that part is over, just can't wait to have fully recovered from my surgery, my speech went well but was very emotional as I didn't sort of realise what I went through until I wrote it all down wow what a journey that was but I'm taking it a little easier now and I'm doing well, Talk to you soon.

    Anita xx

     

  • Arleene's avatar
    Arleene
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lyn,

    I am doing well, I started on Exestemane today I was asked to start it 1 week after surgery and it's 1 week today I am recovering from my surgery quite well, I had my ovaries and tubes removed last Thursday there's almost no pain now but taking it easy is a priority and I am hoping I don't get any side effects from the tablet one of the main side effects is bone pain I just got rid of that I hope it doesn't come back, one day at a time.

    Look after yourself,

    Anita.

  • Arleene's avatar
    Arleene
    Member
    10 years ago

     

    Hi Tracy,

    I am so happy to finally be finished my treatment and I started my tablet which is Exemestane , I am resting as much as possible I am finally listening to my body getting over this surgery is very draining especially so soon after radiation finished but I am doing well. My speech was great but very emotional I suppose everything hit me once I put pen to paper, sending a cuddle and a smile.

    Anita xx

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Anita - what a great place you are at now - active treatment behind you! Yay!

    Breast Cancer can throw up other surgeries as you have experienced.

    I wish you well with your speech for Rotary; it will no doubt be a cleansing experience for you as you are able to articulate the highs and lows of where you have been and more importantly waken those in the room listening to check on not just themselves but their nearest and dearest as well as.

    Your husband's support is beautiful!

    I see feeling teary at the drop of a hat as not just being menopausal but a relief of what we've endured being behind us.  It's a huge process that we have to absorb mentally and physically and this forum can provide that comfort as well as family and friends.

    Good luck with it all and wishing you all clear at each appointment in the next 5 years of visits with the medical team.

    Sending you a virtual hug

    Take care

    Christine xx

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Anita 

    I too was wondering how things were going for you as you havent posted for ages.

    A bit congrats to you on finishing treatment. Now its some recovery time for you and lots of time with that beautiful daughter of yours.

    I too am in menopause at 49 years but hey it would have happened soon enough anyway. Tears are fine after all you have been through.

    All the very best Anita and do keep in touch to let us know how you are going. 

    Big cuddles from me.?? 

    Maryrose 

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Anita great to hear from you, end of treatment is a good feeling. Rest up for now and good luck for your speech on Tuesday. Doing happy dance

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Anita, I've been a bit worried about you, it was so long since you'd posted anything. Good to hear you've finished all the big stuff. I finished radiotherapy eight weeks ago, and started on Femara a short time later. No major side effects thank goodness. 

    Stay well, Lyn

  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yay! for finishing treatment!

    Now rest and recovery is paramount to regain the strength you need for the next phase!

    Wishing you all the best and you will rock it with your speech!

    Xx

    -Tracy