Treatment finished at last

Thanks Michell, yes thursday was certainly a big day, as I was given my treatment plant for Chemo and Radio. The first three courses 21 days apart fluorouracil, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide, what a mouthfull, scarey for someone who doesn't even like taking a headace tablet. I have never had serious illness so no need for pharmacuticles of any kind so i am quite unnerved. After 3 treatments I have 3 more treatments of some other chemo therepy and then 60 days of radio. Such an agressive treatment for my bc even though no nodes were involved? My local Gp was also surprised, I have not seen the genetist and will not for a while, so I am left wondering?  I havent received any journey packs or such only the book on early bc I am hoping they will organize stuff on my first chemo visit. I would love some hot tips on what I might need to have at home that will help me with the side effects of the first chemo, I get that ginger and green tea helps but thats about it. Also I have the option of not having a stint and I have great veins the oncologist said there were side effects like burning, has anybody had treatment not using the temporily placed stint as I would love to hear from you. From now until thursday im just gonna enjoy my vitailty with my family.

All the best for tomorrow, getting your plan from the oncologist.   It really helps to have a plan in place - you feel that things are underway to get rid of this wretched bc.  There is a lot of research going into TNBC at the moment, so our treatment can be tailored much more than before. The good news is that your node was clear - guessing it was the sentinel node - and so the cancer hasn't travelled, and chemo will chase any cells that have managed to slip by.  It is also good that your surgeon wants to give you better margins.

Do you have the Kit from this site?  It is brilliant and has answers to every question you think of - also makes keeping records easier as they can get quite complex as treatment progresses.

Just take it one day at a time, Annie, and think of your gorgeous little girl.  Treatment is all do-able, and there are posts on the site for dealing with chemo and rads that are so helpful.  All the very best for tomorrow - will be thinking of you.  Michelle x

Hiya all, yes this is the group nobody wants to be in but yet im here...On Friday I will go to the oncologist to  plan my treatment for stage 3 triple negative breastcancer. Just reading your stories has helped me  come to terms with whats happening. I have had lumpectomy and one node removed with no cancer in the node, the surgical margin is not clear so I need further surgery. I really dont know what that means but most of it just goes over my head at the mo. I have a gorgeous 10 year old girl to raise and a full life to return to after treatment so I spose I better just get on with it the best way I can. Everyone I talk to with bc is not triple neg so im sure youall can give me more of an idea what im up against.

So good to hear from you, Ruth - and great news that you finish chemo on 22/11!  All the very best with rads - just slather on that cream.  Thank you for your kind words - they are appreciated.  Every best wish back - Michelle x

That's the kind of spunky old lady I want to become!  At the golf club, the oldest members say it's great to be on the right side of the grass!

Mich, do stay in touch with the results of your follow-ups - which I feel sure will be clean and clear.  I'm told the fatigue that follows rads can take a few months to fade away, so don't overdo things.  I think you are smart to defer any work decisions until after New Year.  You have been through a lot and some R&R is in order. And a new granddaughter - wow - that will keep you busy anyway.  What a lovely way to finish the year.

Will be thinking of you - Michelle xx

Wishing you the very best. Your kind words and advice when I was diagnosed and then online here looking for answers were truly appreciated.

Being diagnosed with ' the uncommon' breast cancer scared the H out of me. Finding somewhere like BCNA to not feel so under attack, and others who are unfortunately sharing a smilar journey does help you fight the fight.

I have 3 treatments of Taxo to go, and finish on Nov 22nd. I begin Rads on Dec 17 for 7 weeks. Without the community here, I think I'd have gone a little madder than I already am. :-)

Best of luck with everything Michelle, wishing you nothing but the very best.

Ruth

Hey Michelle

Thanks for your kind words.  I am there now!!! and over my horrible pneumonia which is good.  It was wonderful to finally get the insurance claim approved as I felt my fight was worth it, shame it had to get to the point of me complaining to insurance heirachy to get some action.

I have had a follow up mammogram but still waiting for the team meeting from the hospital where they will do comparisons with previous films and will get back to me.  Hopefully I don't get a phone call to go in and see them as that is what I am dreading now..  I have had my bone density test to keep a check on it now I am on Femara.  I see my chemo onco for follow up appt sometime this month.  Then hormone doctor in December and so it goes on but it is wonderful and makes me feel more secure knowing I am going to continue having regular follow ups.

The only thing plagueing me now is fatigue which I hope will slowly subside.  I am walking every day and getting out in the garden when I can (not today though as it is like a real winters day up here today unfortuntately, mind you we need the rain).

I won't look at returning to work until next year as I want to be there for my precious daughter when she has her lil princess at the end of this year or early 2013.  Then I will look at going back to work part time maybe??? 

Enjoy feeling better and not having to deal with treatment and side effects day to day.  It is a great feeling to be alive these days. 

I was listening to a couple of oldies yesterday while I was at our local monthly markets.  One old fellow said it isn't fun getting old and a lovely old spunky lady pipes up and said "sure beats dying young and not getting to see your children and their children grow up".  I felt sorry for the old guy cause she certainly put him in his place but hearing what she said definitely made my day.

LOL, Mich xoxo

You are there as well, and you know how good it feels!  Hope your chest has cleared up, Mich, and you are able to do your walks more easily.  Your victory with the insurance company cheered my heart - well done!  You must have had an amazing time in Sydney - wish I could have been there too - stay well, and big hug, Michelle xx

Hey Michelle

Congratulations!!!!!!  It is such a wonderful feeling of freedom when you make it to the end and can say I have done it and I survived, well done.

It is great to hear you are feeling so well and getting out there and exercising every day.

Wishing you all the best for your new normal.

LOL, Mich xoxo