Forum Discussion

Kazzi's avatar
Kazzi
Member
11 years ago

Starting Chemo!

Hi everyone,

Well today is officially 2 months since my diagnosis of bc.  After 3 surgeries resulting in mastectomy, I start AC treatment today.  What a roller-coaster ride this journey is. The mastectomy came as a shock and I'm still coming to terms with that.  Now I have to contend with chemicals to lose my hair, damage my nails, shrivel my ovaries, etc

I think I'm just really nervous about what to expect.  I've been told all the side effects but not sure how all the chemicals will effect me because it's so individual.  I spent last Friday in the oncology unit having a little orientation (just like orientation day for school). 

I've decided to take a break from my work (primary teacher).  My oncologists were very adamant that a classroom of little ones wouldn't be a good thing for my immunity especially during peak cold/flu season.

I shouldn't complain, I've been told my outcome is good.  Just a little scared about it all.  Radiotherapy to follow. 

What a difference a year makes.  This time last year, my family and I were planning a European holiday, Paris first stop followed by Greece.  (My avatar is the church in Skopolos, the site for filming Mama Mia).  Boy, did my daughter and I sing lots of ABBA songs that holiday!

Wish I was on a different journey to this current one. 

Well, I think I've babbled on enough.  I think I'm putting off getting out of bed to face the day!

All the best with everyone's journeys,

Karen xx

 

14 Replies

  • emmyp's avatar
    emmyp
    Member
    11 years ago

    So much happens in such a short period of time, I had my first chemo on 24th June and still find everything so surreal! I have found it is the unknown of how I will respond which is the scariest.   

    Good luck, we are all made of such stonger stuff than we ever thought possible!

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Dan,

    That's great about no queasiness!  I still have a little this morning so I've continued an anti nausea pill before before breakfast. 

    I'm on 4 cycles over 12 weeks.  So it's one down, 3 to go!

    All the best

    Karen xx 

  • Daring's avatar
    Daring
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    My sentiments exactly- I also felt like I'd been hit by a bus, which is what I told the nurse the next morning!! I am on a short 3 month course. Just had my blood test, so now must try & avoid catching a cold.etc. Feel normal again & the queasiness has disappeared. woohoo! ....Until the next treatment :-)How long is your chemo? Hope you're feeling a better. Cheers Dan xo.

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    11 years ago

    So glad it was a better experience than you thought it may be. I hope that your side effects are not too bad. Take good care, Tracey B xxx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you Lindyloo, yes one thing at a time is the way to go.  My first treatment went well and the staff are just so amazing  with their caring approach.  The side effects aren't too bad so far.  I've been given medications for the first few days to contain the nausea, have more to take in case after that.  My body does feel like it's been through a ringer.  Just exhausted, but I think rest is the best, maybe a walk around the block with hubby.

    All the best with your treatment. Let me know how you get on.

    Karen xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi beautiful, I've found every oncology staff so far, drs and nurses, to be fantastic.  My first treatment went well.  Returned home in time to have my usual afternoon nap.  The evening was a bit rough (felt like I was hit by a bus), nausea, aching tired body.  My family are amazing, ready with the pillows, water bottle, rugs etc. Everything does feel like it's in slow motion, which is a good thing too. 

    All the best with your future treatments.  How many more for you?

    Karen xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you Rowdy, I'm so relieved one treatment is done. Seem to be coping ok, so far so good. Resting up.

    Karen xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you Tracey, yes the oncology staff are amazing.  So calm, reassuring and made me laugh too, which is a good thing too.  I felt much better than last week, when I walked into the treatment area, saw the big comfy chairs and burst into tears.  Hope you went well with number 5.  You're right about taking one treatment at a time.

    Karen xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you Hazel, you're so right, one done means I'm closer to that finish line.

    Karen xx

     

  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Good luck. I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago. Still waiting to hear when I shall start my chemo. I am nervous about that too as everyone I have spoken to is so different with side effects etc. I then have to have surgery and radiation. But one step at a time I think, is the way to go.