To chemo or not to chemo?
Firstly Im really sorry for this long post. I met with my oncologist for the first time on Thursday and here is what I understand. The surgery I've had is left breast mastectomy + 10 lymph nodes t...
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Hey Londog, I decided to have the chemo and started on the 13th January. I'm not gonna lie this has been the hardest thing I've been through and trust me like everyone I've had my fair share of tough times.
My type of chemo was TC 4 cycles 3 weeks apart, the drugs were Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide. I just finished in the 17th March. After Round 1 I ended up in Flinders Medical Centre as I had Febrile Neutropenia basically my body didn't start making white blood cells and I was ill. I had to stay 2 nights while they pumped me full of antibiotics. This DOES NOT HAPPEN TO EVERYONE - please understand this. Because I went neutropenic I was then given an injection the day after chemo for the next 3 rounds (i gave it to myself) and this did not happen again. As I went through the public system I was not offered the cold cap the public system do not offer them as yet. I have to be truthful here my hair did start to fall out exactly 14 days after my first round and I did come undone I cried buckets, however I contacted my hairdresser to have it shaved off as I knew I wouldn't be able to cope with it falling out. This was my effort in taking some control back. Round 2 wasn't as bad as Round 1 however rounds 3 and 4 hit me like a Mack Truck and I was pretty much bed ridden for the week after chemo. For me it was the taste - it was and is horrendous and because of the taste nausea, but they do give you nausea medication.
For me I would start to come good around Day 10 after chemo.
I'm not sure what is next for me - I meet with my oncologist on the 9th of April. I'm hoping I've done enough. 2 lots of surgery and chemo. I just want my life back. Feel free to ask me any questions I will try an answer as truthfully as I can. None of us want to be here but alas here we are!!! It is crap but I've also had some of my most positive experiences since diagnosis as well. All the best and take care. Kerry66
Oh and I forgot to mention chemo brain - this is just a blast but it has made for some funny moments. You really just gotta laugh otherwise well crying was just to exhausting.
My type of chemo was TC 4 cycles 3 weeks apart, the drugs were Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide. I just finished in the 17th March. After Round 1 I ended up in Flinders Medical Centre as I had Febrile Neutropenia basically my body didn't start making white blood cells and I was ill. I had to stay 2 nights while they pumped me full of antibiotics. This DOES NOT HAPPEN TO EVERYONE - please understand this. Because I went neutropenic I was then given an injection the day after chemo for the next 3 rounds (i gave it to myself) and this did not happen again. As I went through the public system I was not offered the cold cap the public system do not offer them as yet. I have to be truthful here my hair did start to fall out exactly 14 days after my first round and I did come undone I cried buckets, however I contacted my hairdresser to have it shaved off as I knew I wouldn't be able to cope with it falling out. This was my effort in taking some control back. Round 2 wasn't as bad as Round 1 however rounds 3 and 4 hit me like a Mack Truck and I was pretty much bed ridden for the week after chemo. For me it was the taste - it was and is horrendous and because of the taste nausea, but they do give you nausea medication.
For me I would start to come good around Day 10 after chemo.
I'm not sure what is next for me - I meet with my oncologist on the 9th of April. I'm hoping I've done enough. 2 lots of surgery and chemo. I just want my life back. Feel free to ask me any questions I will try an answer as truthfully as I can. None of us want to be here but alas here we are!!! It is crap but I've also had some of my most positive experiences since diagnosis as well. All the best and take care. Kerry66
Oh and I forgot to mention chemo brain - this is just a blast but it has made for some funny moments. You really just gotta laugh otherwise well crying was just to exhausting.