Time to introduce myself

Hi Kim

Thanks for the tip - It's always good to hear what works for others.  I will keep my eye out for one of those.  

As I type this message I realise today is the day of your surgery so I've got you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that your recovery from this is smooth and quick and that we see you back here soon.  

Stay strong and keep smiling.

Ann-Marie xx

Hi Ann-Marie,

If you go to surf shop you can usually find a wonderful array of beanies (I find surf shop beanies are not itchy), even though I have not even had my mastectomy yet (that is this tuesday) I have shaved my head a couple of times in the last 10 years (the last time being about 6 weeks ago well before my lumps were found and getting my diognosis, I shaved my head to annoy my store manager, yes childish but the look on his face was priceless), well anyway some beanies now days button up under the chin so they don't fall off while you sleep, i have slept in a beanie in wintertime for too many years to remember and it has never impacted on a good nights sleep. I got a Roxy beanie this year that is satin inside, with fur around the ears and forehead, a thick cotton on the outside and can button up under the chin, it is sooooo comfy to sleep in. The style code on the tag is :IRLCP124 (just in case you wish to have a look for one). Take care

Kim

Hi Amanda

I am having my treatment at the Freemasons in East Melb.  I have lobular, stage 3 with 3 nodes positive.  After chemo I will need to take hormones - tamoxifen has been mentioned but my oncologist will go into this more at our next meeting.

Between breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist, breast care nurse and oncology nurses my head is spinning.  I take my husband and mum (retired nurse) to most of my appointments as many times I am still trying to process what has just been explained but they have moved on to the next thing.  Talk about information overload.  I am usually so on the ball and retain new info easily but in this situation things can be very hard to process.

I got my wig in Ringwood too.  I was told by 3 different sources that it was the best place to go.  I took a friend and my hairdresser and I think I tried on nearly every wig there.  I'm also slowly building up a collection of hats - I guess that's the good thing about having treatment in winter. I also bought a hair halo to wear under my hats so it looks like I have a bit of hair at the back. Not sure how this will go but it didn't cost much.

Do you sleep in a hat?  It's getting quite chilly at night now.  I think I will need one.

Happy Mothers Day

Ann-Marie

Hi again

I'm in Melbourne too.  I'm having my chemo at Cabrini Malvern.  I found the first 2 days the worst and then pick up a bit each day.  Last time I stopped taking anything for the nausea by day 4.  I keep up the indigestion medication for 2 weeks.  By the 8th day the fog has cleared enough for me to drive more than the school run and my taste buds are starting to return.  By the third week I feel pretty much normal - maybe the odd day where I am more tired.  I have come down with a cold this time so I am closely watching that it doesn't become nasty and even though I am week 3 I'm pretty tired - probably more than normal with a cold.  (I did have one odd crappy day in the first round too and my BC nurse said - anything is normal on chemo)

It sounds like you are doing really well so far.  I also found getting out and about helps my mood and energy levels - even just a walk around the block with the dogs. I also think I bounced better from the second FEC despite it seeming worse earlier and I think this has more to do with recovery from the surgery too - remember you are still healing there too.

What type of tumour did you have?  I am Her2+ve so I am also starting Herceptin with my Taxotere and will be having that three weekly for 12 months.

Did you get your wig at Ringwood?  I wore mine for the first time yesterday and felt really good - it freaked my kids out though as they are now so used to me bald but it is getting too cold!

Amanda xx

Hi again

I'm in Melbourne too.  I'm having my chemo at Cabrini Malvern.  I found the first 2 days the worst and then pick up a bit each day.  Last time I stopped taking anything for the nausea by day 4.  I keep up the indigestion medication for 2 weeks.  By the 8th day the fog has cleared enough for me to drive more than the school run and my taste buds are starting to return.  By the third week I feel pretty much normal - maybe the odd day where I am more tired.  I have come down with a cold this time so I am closely watching that it doesn't become nasty and even though I am week 3 I'm pretty tired - probably more than normal with a cold.  

Hi again Anne-Marie, glad to hear your first chemo wasn't too bad. I used to have mine on a Wednesday (FEC), felt nauseous for a few days, usually came good by the end of the weekend, and felt relatively good until the next dose. Hope all continues to go well for you!   amanda

Hi Amanda

Thanks for the welcome.  I have read lots of  posts and you are right - the ladies here are so supportive. 

My 1st FEC has not been too bad.  Today is a good day!  Do you just keep feeling better until next time or could I have more crappy days (nausea, tiredness etc)?

I'm in Melbourne.  

Ann-Marie x

Thanks for the feedback Amanda.  I hope my chemo treatments go that way too!  

Keep Smiling

Ann-Marie

Amanda - that is good to here about Taxotere - I have read horror stories and while I still have one FEC to go I am stressing about the Taxotere so you post has made my day!  No use worrying yet anyway is there?

Amanda xx

Hi Ann-Marie 

Welcome. I just wanted to say hi - I am heading into my third FEC next week and the ladies here have been so supportive.  I have to dash and get my kids from school but wanted to welcome you.

Which state are you in? I ask because your profile pic looks like the place I bought my wig :-)

Look forward to sharing with you.

Amanda xx