The joy of Oral chemo

What wonderful news Amanda! I'm over the moon for you and wish we could celebrate together and have a big hug about our FANTASTIC news! It is so wonderful that Xeldoa and Tykerb are working for you. You are about 8 months or so ahead of me in terms of diagnosis, and you are a true inspiration to me and give me so much hope. Thank you for sharing your journey.?

So you're experiencing "the" famous (Tykerb) rash then...? Oh such joy! I remember it vividly...scracth, scratch, scratch...it drove me mad and I was lucky enough to have the runs to go along with it! I too was diagnosed as pre-osteoporosis a while back...my bones were too thin.... probably due to the chemo and early menopause that was thrust upon me. They kept a close eye on my bones after that, and I had to take high doses of calcium and vitamin D.

You are right about the impact this disease has on one's life. I was 40 when first diagnosed with EBC. Life was supposed to start at 40 wasn't it? I too feel cheated and sad that I have to endure this terrible disease. Cancer has impacted on every aspect of my life and I still find it a challenge to live with it every day....it is a sobering thought to think that THIS is life from now on. Having said that, I'm very grateful to be still be alive, dont get me wrong. I must say though, that I too have had times where I take a deep breath and wonder if I can go on. They are only brief thoughts and far and few between but they are there nevertheless. Thankfully I don't stay in that dark place for long, but I too understand now how people can give up...it's bloody hard work. I agree about the losses....they are many...self esteem, confidence, employment, physical (appearance & physicality), finances, psychological, social etc..etc.. It's so hard to accept these losses with grace.

Being a newbie when it comes to ABC diagnosis, I think perhaps time is a factor in accepting all of this. It is only now that I am beginning to see that there are options...this may work but that might not...chop and change...give this a go and that a go! Nothing remains the same. This disease is 'fluid' and we have to adapt treatment and lifestyle to its changing 'format'. Your analogy of "hit and miss" oncology is truly accurate.  It has taken me a while to get my head around that, but slowly, with blogs like yours and from personal experience, I am beginning to understand.

I agree with your comments about mammograms etc for ABC women. I was told a few weeks back (by my oncologist) that I no longer need mammograms due to my secondary diagnosis. I felt hurt, sad and devalued....like I was being left on the scrap heap! Why dont I need mammograms now?.. I still have my original big boobs (one had lumpectomy) and want to look after them God dammit! I have booked myself in to discuss this further with my breast surgeon. My boobs still matter!?

Anyway, enough of my rant! Thanks again Amanda for sharing your wonderful news! It must be such a great feeling to be hospital-free too! Also Amanda, I meant to ask you if your hair grew back on Vinorelbine? I have a full head of thick hair already! lol!

Thinking of you, take care my pink sister,

Celeste?