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JackieG's avatar
JackieG
Member
10 years ago

Struggling

My diagnosis was in November and I am currently 3 doses in to chemo - A/C with 1 to go, then 12 weeks of Tax.....something or other, along with 12 months of Herceptin. 

I had two tumors, one invasive ductal carcinoma, and one invasive ductal carcinoma in situ. Stage 2, grade 3, Oestrogen and Progestorone and HER2 positve 3+.  Had a mastectomy in December and axillary clearance. (All on the right side) 

I thought I had been coping reasonably well until my GP increased my anti depressants to 4 times the dose, and the counsellor I have been seeing since diagnosis reminded me I have had a nasty diagnosis.  Since then my fear of being one of the unlucky ones has been playing havoc with my head.

I hate the fact I have gone bald and have a hard time even looking in the mirror.  I am told often I'm a strong person but this is certainly the mother of all battles.

Good Luck to all of us

Jackie 

 

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  • JackieG's avatar
    JackieG
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda

    Yes I did Look Good Feel Good and it was great. Thank you for your reassurance. As you say one day at a time. Yesterday was a bad day, today I feel a little better.  I'll worry about tomorrow tomorrow.

    Jackie :)

     

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jackie 

    Oh it is such a so and so to be in this predicament! 

    In your thoughts try and think about the fact the surgery has removed the cancer. The treatment is looking for any strays. It's all good, the treatment is doing it's work unfortunately feeling crappy comes with it.

    Look good feel better program as mentioned by others. It is a wonderful thing to do. Pampered and coping mechanisms with makeup scarves wigs.

    Have you got the BCNA Pilates DVD It all helps!

    Take care sending you virtual hugs Christine xx 

  • Scared_Mum's avatar
    Scared_Mum
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jackie,

    My daughter is on the same chemo she started chemo end of Oct 15 and on the same as you ac was hard on her :(  Taxol seems to be so much easier a little bit tired but she is coping so much better and eating Yah!!! I know everyone copes different but I hope it is the same for you :) 

    Such a helping councilor NOT try and ignore her or tell her what she has done gee some of them really need more training I could have shot Nats councillor from some of things she said to her uggg I think they should be survivors so they know first hand how to help someone (sorry my vent ) 

    Good news now Nat has had 2 rounds of Taxol her hair is growing back its like baby hair but it is there

    Anyway good luck with it all

    Cheers Sue xx 

     

     

  • KatieT's avatar
    KatieT
    Member
    10 years ago

    I had a similar treatment program.  It's long and hard but somehow I have just a couple of Herceptin infusions to go.  I felt like giving up quite a few times but we get through it somehow.  Sometimes it's just one day at a time.  

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    When it's happening to you, any breast cancer diagnosis is nasty. So too is the treatment. It knocks your self confidence, when you lose your hair. As Linda said, if you haven't already done it, look for a Look Good Feel Better workshop in your area. They are so worthwhile. I went shortly after my 2nd chemo feeling like crap but had a fantastic morning. 

    This is always a safe place to vent, and always so much support around. 

    Take care, Lyn

  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    10 years ago

    It certainly is a battle isn't it? I was diagnosed with grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, 9cm and had 80% of lymph nodes removed.  Was on 6 treatments of TAC which was brutal, eventually only having 4 treatments and the last two being AC. This was because TAC affected my lungs. I could only deal with one day at a time. It really is the best way. Have you tried The 'Look good, feel good' seminars? They are a great confidence booster and you will get to meet others in the same boat. Always good to talk to someone who knows exactly what you're going through.

    if you feel like a melt down, then so be it. You don't have to be strong all the time. Write things on here, there will always be someone who can help you.

    best of luck with the rest of your treatment.

    love Linda xx