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pennyb's avatar
pennyb
Member
13 years ago

Long road

Mammogram, ultra sound, biopsy, somehow knowing that it wont be okay. Waiting waiting, that dreaded call from the GP. Sorry Penny it's not good news. Again waiting to see the surgeon. He makes you feel hopeful it might not be so bad, another biopsy, waiting, sorry Penny it looks like it has spread to your nodes, you will need chemotherapy. Okay surgery booked, turn up to hospital scared stiff but trying to be strong don't want to upset your family who look at you with such sadness, especially my beautiful son who is so petrified sometimes he can't even look at me. Surgery done, hated the hospital stay and begged to allowed to go home. On my 45th birthday we wait for the call, yes they got it all! Phew! A few weeks to recover before my chemo starts. Many friends came to visit, I found myself telling them not to cry, consoling them, I will okay. Walking in on the first day, I want to run, but I can't I have to do this! It's not so bad and Mark (my husband) and I even went to macdonalds after. The first three treatments not so bad, feel like I am going to breeze through this. A few tears after the hair fell out though. Then I start taxotere WOW I really wasn't expecting to feel as bad as I did. My family saw how sick and tired I looked. Friends start to drop off. Maybe it's too hard for them. Celebrated the end of chemo, now it's time for 30 radiation sessions. All in all not too bad til day 22 then my neck starts to break down. Fortunately my daughter is off work and drives me for the last few sessions Blistered, raw, red and swollen so painful every dressing change (5 times a day) Now I'm at the end of radiation and I still can't believe this has happened, but I know I have come out of this a better person. I am so grateful for my family, friends and most importantly my life. I don't sweat the small stuff, I am far more patient. I am so ready to start living my life again.

7 Replies

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  • Maria333's avatar
    Maria333
    Member
    13 years ago

    Woohoo you go girl and live your life. You just found the better you that was always there. Reading your journey has brought back many memories for me.

    It will be one year since i was diagnosed. Celebrate every day that I am still here.

    All the very best to you and your loved ones.

    Maria333

  • Melg's avatar
    Melg
    Member
    13 years ago
    I love your picture... You have a beautiful bald head Mel xxx
  • Melg's avatar
    Melg
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Penny So great to hear you are nearly at the finish line. So sorry to hear about your burns. Hoping they heal soon. It's great to read about pink friends who are so close to finishing. This week I am halfway through my chemo schedule... Only 8 more to go and that feels good... You must be feeling relieved. I hope you are really going to treat yourself. Take care Mel xxx
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    You sure summed it up well.It's a familiar story that we can all relate to.The treatments are  such a test of courage and endurance aren't they.And yes,that Taxotere is hell on earth.But you have been amazing and now it's almost finished.You'll reclaim your life back bit by bit and make changes where you need to.It may take a little while to get confidence back in your health-that's normal,just accept it cos only time helps with that.I'm leading a more enjoyable life now.I try not to stress and I don't think too far ahead. Hope you have a celebration after that last radiation session.Take care and keep us posted.

                                             love Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    You sure summed it up well.It's a familiar story that we can all relate to.The treatments are  such a test of courage and endurance aren't they.And yes,that Taxotere is hell on earth.But you have been amazing and now it's almost finished.You'll reclaim your life back bit by bit and make changes where you need to.It may take a little while to get confidence back in your health-that's normal,just accept it cos only time helps with that.I'm leading a more enjoyable life now.I try not to stress and I don't think too far ahead. Hope you have a celebration after that last radiation session.Take care and keep us posted.

                                             love Tonya xx

  • pennyb's avatar
    pennyb
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Mich, Hope your treatment is going well and you are feeling good. I am so grateful for my pink friends Love Penny xx
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thank you Penny

    I needed your story right now.  Can't quite put in words how I am feeling but it helps to know there are others out there enduring/endured the same things.  You are able to talk about and as you say come out of it a better person.  That is my wish as well, not just for me but for all of us lovely laides.

    Mich x