Oncologist Appointment

Hi Pacwood and Al,

I also had a grade 3 tumour with no node involvement. Due to the aggressive nature of the the tumour I also had a mastectomy following my lumpectomy last December. I was told I would need chemo, and of course was scared stiff. I had 4 cycles of Taxotere and cyclophosphamide over 3 weekly periods, and have now been finished for 3.5 months. I just wanted to tell you that it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. I experienced most of the side effects that they tell you about, but on a scale of 1 - 10, nothing was worse than about a 2. Be kind to yourself and let others help you. My one bit of advice would be to take all the medications that the oncologist gives you for nausea, at the required times. Don't try to be brave and not take them. My oncologist said, that it is easier to prevent the nausea than to stop it once it hits. I kept a piece of paper and wrote down the times I took medications, and the symptoms I was experiencing. It was useful to have that with each cycle, so you can plan things. I have enjoyed a very normal life during and after my treatment. I'm still quite bald, but my hair is starting to grow back. I'm still wearing a wig, and it is such a good wig, that people are surprised when I tell them that it isn't my new hair all grown out. My daughter, (22) commented yesterday, that she can forget that I had cancer and chemo if I wear my wig. I tend to wear it most of the time these days.

Good luck with the chemo and I will be thinking of you and wishing you well.

Chris xx