Strong Warrior Women

Hi Sarah when I told them at work I was taking the next 4 months off, after just having a five weeks off between core biopsy and mastectomy many that I worked with asked 'why?' and told me 'how much better chemo is nowdays'. I almost got sucked into feeling guilty about asking for time off. Somewhere along the line I realsied I was worth it. The cytotoxics, radiotherapy and surgery are just part of it, coming to terms and sorting out the miriad of thoughts and emotions that are connected to the deeper issues take so much energy and time.

I am taking time the time because I am worth it; thats what I tell people now when I am asked why am I not at work.

Sarah I have read your blogs and you have shown such enormous courage so far on your journey; I appreciate the journey you have yet to travel. I am sorry that you feel worn down at the moment and hope that good days come to you soon.

MLE59

Yes I agree this word is now too common place and the actual reality of doing chemo is missed. Heading towards chemo round 5 and then the lucky last in June before having both breasts removed and facing then 6 weeks of 5 days up and back to CBD (2.5 hour journey up and 1.20 minutes back) I feel everyone is treating me as nearly cured. I have in reality a long way to go and am sick of people asking me and including my income protection "why are you not working". I am nearly 55yrs old and now feel 75 as my body just cannot do the long 12 hours day post cancerous days or broken left humerus days. I have lymphoedema and it's going to get worse as most of my lymph nodes above and below collar bone under arm and chest are cancerous so lymphoedema is going to get worse before better.

Sarah

Hi Wndsrfn

I have been wondering why 'chemo' has become synomymous with only cancer treatment. When you think about it all medicines we swallow, inject, apply, insert into our bodies are all chemical therapies. Chemo is short for chemotherapy which is short for- chemical therapy. Why is it that antibiotics are just that -against (anti) mircroganisms (life); Anti fungals - against fungal infections; Analgesia -  no pain; anti convulscents, anti nausea, anti diarrhoeal, etc etc you get the drift

Why is it that anticancer medication/treatment is chemo? I am not convinced it is Australian language laziness; I believe it is about societal 'avoidance and sanitization' - anticancer medication is 'in your face' re its intended action, and we as a society are only just coming to terms regarding cancer - we as a society couldnt even say cancer for a while - it was 'the Big C' and spoken of in hushed terms. I agree, I think one of the by products of this shortening of the word is further devaluing of the journey associated with taking the chemical therapy against cancer, desensitising us to the impact on those on this medication.

I am blessed and need only take 2 anticancer medications every 21 days for four cycles. I am due to start tomorrow afternoon. I am referring to all the other medications as well as the anti cancer agents, and hormone treatment therapy, that I will be putting into my body over at least the next 10 years as my 'chemotherapy cyclone'.

For me it has allowed me to open a conversation with others. Just like a natural cyclone, my chemotherapy cyclone made up of anti cancer, antiemetics, antibioitics, anti hormone, antipyretics, analgesia, antiinflamatories :

• will quickly devastate and ravage my body- not negative or positive thinking- an acknowldgement of reality.
• will pass leaving the landscape changed forever and affects all in its wake - neither negative or positive thinking -an acknowledgment of reality.
• will take a while for my body to rebuild and I know it will- neither negative or positive thinking-an cknowledgement of reality.

I too Wndsrfn have newfound respect for those yet to start, going, or have gone through their personal chemotherapy cyclone; I think we need to relook at the language we use ourselves so perhaps these journeys of ours will not be minimised.

Will try and turn my brain off and get some sleep before tomorrow, take care Wndsrfn you will find a way to help others, you already have.

MLE59

Hello Wndsrn ! Yes, it is definitely perceived by some that chemo is the be all and end all and that after it you are rearing to go ! So good to vent ! Good luck with the rest of your chemo. It is a really tough call and I have the deepest respect for all who have gone through it and are going throught it as well through radiation etc. Best wishes