Sandy

I am now a little more up to date on your circumstances. Sorry I didn't read your profile before. Where abouts do you live though for 45plus degrees? Must be central Australia somewhere. Ouch!

I don't envy you having to think about the mastectomy after your chemo - though I do urge you to think about it cos it may be the best way in the end to rid yourself of your cancer, especially from the lymph nodes. It does make a difference to your peace of mind and as you will have already suffered the chemo before hand, shouldn't be any more to go through - possibly not even the radiation thereapy.

I agree with you that the scarves would be the best way to go - definitely. The lighter they are, the better. You should learn how to wrap them on your head at the LGFB. You will be there before me - I am not booked into one til 26th this month.

I am sorry to hear about your darling hubby/partner. It is good that there is no treatment for him just yet, while you are going through yours. He will atleast get an idea of what may be ahead for him though, so it can't all be that bad. I also know what you mean about not being able to cope without him. Mine is my rock even though he is going through some heart issues right now and had a bad cold again - happens same time every year - he doesn't learn and get the flu vaccine yet either.

Yeah Sandy, we need support all the time in life - and right now - you can let off all the steam you want. it is great if you can get support from any or all of the wonderful ladies here. I can say so much to my partner and then I come here and let off some more. Cos he is living through it and trying to give me that balancing rock made of granite and steel - then I just need his shoulder to cry on.

But afterwards, I can come here and let off some more steam, or help someone out.

Take care and hope your troubles get lighter as you go.

Sandy

Have you got a good breast care nurse? Mine made an appointment with me for the wig library - they go around to different hospitals. You can get a wig for just $30 donation in some cases. Mind you I was given a choice of short - short - or SHORT!! :) Just as well I was looking for a short one!!!

The hats, I got two turbin styles for just $10 each which is good. I think you can get these through the Jane McGrath Foundation also. Try their website. Also, there is a Look Good Feel Better workshop that you can book into http://www.lgfb.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=24 I am booked into their workshop end of September at my hospital. You can book online, or through your breast care nurse. Sometimes you can get some nice long scarves and tie them up on your head. I am going to do this, cos I love long scarves and have plenty of them which I have collected over the years. I can't be bothered doing too much really. Perhaps someone else has some other links on this site.

I know what you mean about cordial and indigestion - it is awful. I am trying to stick to my favourite peppermint/green/chamomile teas which I was told I was allowed to drink. Sometimes they make nice "room temp" tastes too. At least they quench the thirst some.

Yes, this is my first dose and from now until 20th this month I have no more medical appointments so my time will be mine again. I am starting to feel tired as went to physio this afternoon and fell asleep waiting for her to come and get me. Just as well I took my partner for support. Sandy! Wake up he shouted - you're wanted!!!

Oh the joys.

Try to keep your chin up - it is an awful thing that has happened to us all, however it will get better. I have met some wonderful women who have been out of this for over five years with worse than me - double mastectomy for instance! I only have one mastectomy. So I count myself blessed to only have this.

Cheerio for now

Sandy xx

Usually I drink lots of water but have found the taste is horrible, I squeeze a bit of lemon or orange juice in and it helps a bit, cordial gives me indigestion normally so i have avoided this altogether!  Hair feels drier than usual but I know the end is near, will face that when I get to it. I have been looking at headwear on the internet, but most of it seems expensive, do you know of any cheap internet sites for scarves?? He4adcovers.com has some stuff that is reasonably priced but it is US based, I would prefer to buy in Australia if I can. I did go to GP for indigestion and more anti nausea stuff, but anti nausea stuff was only for four days (legalities) , I will ask for script at next oncology appointment. Indigestion stuff helped a bit, but didnt take it away.

So this was your 1st dose??

Oh dear Sandy I really hope things improve for you. I tried drinking lots of water - which I really hate, though it does help with the nausea, the headaches and other stuff. Although I am only three days in so far.

With the indigestion see your onchologist for a script for something as the chemo, or rather the Demax tabs do cause heartburn. This was something I overlooked to start with and ended up seeing a cardiologist for my heartburn! Bit of over kill - when it is just something simple that can be treated for you.

don't let your doctor get away without you saying something of your different reactions as some of them can actually be treated. I was told yesterday hair loss is usually 2-3 weeks, so you still  have a few days to go yet. It will apparently become coarse and brittle before it just falls out all together.

Yes, I get dizzy also - try the water approach. I have not drunk so much - and piddled too! in so many years! It does help - keep your body hydrated especially with the diarrhea. There is treatment for that too so ask your doctor.

Hope this helps some

Take care

Sandy xxx

Okay, this chemo stuff really sucks, have just had 8 days of nausea, indigestion and feeling exhausted and am really dreading the next dose! I read that everyone  has different reactions but right now I am really envious of those that have little side effects!!! hair still here at this stage (10 days post chemo 1) Also get dizzy, and lots of diarrhea and headaches! Do other people experience this too?

 

Sandy

Blunt is my middle name!!!!!

i Knew something was wrong when I went for the mamogram and they were fairly insistent on doing a biopsy then and there! We had friends staying with us for the weekend before moving intrstae and we must have hid it well cos they said they had no idea that soemthing was wrong.

 

Yes, and I still need some help dressing, especially the bra!

Roller coaster definitley describes it!!!!

sorry if this is too blunt for you Sandy, but...

Don't worry how your emotions go Sandy. My tears come freely and often. Other people will think you are strong just going through what you are going through and YOU ARE! :)

I sometimes find myself crying over incidentals and other people can't understand why - I've reached the stage where I don't care who sees me at my weakest moment as I know I am brave going through all this.

Look at what happened to you - first the diagnosis - if that didn't knock the wind out of your sails, you did extraordinary well.

Then the meeting with the surgeon discussing what will/won't happen, the surgery, the treatment, the after math - every stage you go through is a new lesson in living and what you took for granted (like dressing in five minutes - it takes me 20 minutes now) is going to take you longer, or you may need help doing it. Don't fret - you'll get back to "normal". If not -who cares. You are still you. Let go of your emotions - don't let others take that right away from you! Lose control - so what!

I am sorry to be so blunt, I have had a roller coaster - like everyone else here and it hurts at times when other people want to tell me what to do or what not do - unless they are walking in your shoes, they can't possibly understand what you are feeling.

Be you, and don't worry about losing control. Learn to love the new you and you will be fine.

Hope this helps.

Take care of you

Sandy xx

sorry if this is too blunt for you Sandy, but...

Don't worry how your emotions go Sandy. My tears come freely and often. Other people will think you are strong just going through what you are going through and YOU ARE! :)

I sometimes find myself crying over incidentals and other people can't understand why - I've reached the stage where I don't care who sees me at my weakest moment as I know I am brave going through all this.

Look at what happened to you - first the diagnosis - if that didn't knock the wind out of your sails, you did extraordinary well.

Then the meeting with the surgeon discussing what will/won't happen, the surgery, the treatment, the after math - every stage you go through is a new lesson in living and what you took for granted (like dressing in five minutes - it takes me 20 minutes now) is going to take you longer, or you may need help doing it. Don't fret - you'll get back to "normal". If not -who cares. You are still you. Let go of your emotions - don't let others take that right away from you! Lose control - so what!

I am sorry to be so blunt, I have had a roller coaster - like everyone else here and it hurts at times when other people want to tell me what to do or what not do - unless they are walking in your shoes, they can't possibly understand what you are feeling.

Be you, and don't worry about losing control. Learn to love the new you and you will be fine.

Hope this helps.

Take care of you

Sandy xx

thanks for the link Rachey, I just had a look and tried one out - it is fabulous. Although I don't have long hair anymore. It is a great site with some great ideas.

 

Sandy

oohh thanks for the tip on the shirts, good call!  I had good movement the day after 1st surgery and was able to lift my arm up enough to throw a shirt on, but now with all nodes, there will be no chance.   

off to the shops I go, I think Target have a million sale racks out at the moment, so will start there.

Cheers!