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Pinkisthenewbla's avatar
Pinkisthenewbla
Member
9 years ago

Reality dawns

Hi there, I was diagnosed in March and have had two surgeries since (lumpectomy and follow up). I am about to embark on 12 weeks of chemo plus herceptin and radiotherapy. The things that worry me most right now - and I am sure this will change with experience - are:

 1) hair loss - I want to explore the wig option and would value advice from anyone who lives in Brisbane re where to go for a wig that doesn't make me look ridiculous. I am in the Eastern suburbs. 

2) how much time if any will I need to take off work to deal with the effects of the chemo? I am thinking of having the treatment on a Wednesday morning and taking the rest of the day off - each week for 12 weeks. I am a manager with a national charity and the work can be full on. Work is important to me but at age 57 maybe this is ambitious?

Any and all advice gratefully received.

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  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi I did work on and off during chemo when I look back not how I did it. The fatigue was the worst for me, you are not going to know how you are going to cope until you start,  you will know what will work for you.
    The wig I had a synthetic wig but found very hot so I wore scarves more. Good luck your trip is just starting, visit often we are all here to listen xx
  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    9 years ago
    My only advice 5 years on is be kind to your self. For some reason it wasnt well till after my treatment was over l tried to be super woman, lf l didnt give in it couldnt get me and that was exhausting.lol so l wish ld had time of when l should have. Xxxcadean
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    9 years ago
    HI pinkisthenewblac, Chemo is heavy going. Some people are able to work through others not. No one can predict how your body will handle chemo. Radiotherapy I found was far easier than chemo.
      Of the group of ladies I attended chemo sessions with, all towards the end could only manage three days a week if that. One was a high school teacher, one a policewoman and another medical researcher.
    My advice is see how you go. Your work is important but so is your health. The effects of chemo are cumulative and the same for radiation. You may begin fine and gradually side effects and tiredness increase.
    Everyone is different and if you can do it great. The reaction to chemo has nothing to do with your age rather how your body reacts to the chemicals. .Look after yourself I agree the job will wait.

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    I gather your chemo is taxol. It starts out not so bad. You feel a bit hot the second day and by Saturday you may have arthralgia pains in joints or muscle pains. You may well be able to work through but you might not also. We are all different. By about halfway you start getting really really tired. So I urge you to have a plan B just in case. I was unable to work with chemo. However with herceptin only I had no problems.

    I'm sorry you've had to join us. Please ask any questions. ..none are silly. Take care. Kath x
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi there

    Can't help with a wig supplier in Brisbane but I wore wigs and found light, easy to manage synthetic wigs great. Just follow instructions use and keep them away from high heat (they can frizz if exposed to really high heat like opening an oven door!). Otherwise terrific. I also worked through on weekly treatments so yes, it is possible but chemo affects people in very different ways and it's often not possible to tell how you will react till you start. It's not so much age (I was 67) but some side effects like nausea and fatigue can floor people. A Plan B, just in case, is a good idea. Good luck. 
  • AineG's avatar
    AineG
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi pinkisthenewblack (like the name!)  

    I didn't have to have chemo for mine, but I do have a full-on mgt role - the usual 10-12 hour day thing, and did end up just taking time out for the last week or two of radio.  I just needed head space as much as the physical tiredness. That said I did have someone who could take over my role and I hovered on email from home constantly. 
    Good luck with it all.  The job will still be there when you're ready,  give yourself time and space
    Aine