Whew, tests and Chemo starts. I need a secretary.
I had a nice relaxing time on the cruise. Mostly succeeded in forgetting about cancer,
I find shower time the worst. A big mirror in the bathroom brings the whole thing crashing back. Carefully washing around the wounds and then the ritual of oils, Betadine for irritated spots and bra back on with pads over the nipple areas. And massaging oils carefully into sore areas. This is the time I start to think about everything.
Anyway, Monday I saw the Oncologist. He was great, spent 1 1/2 hours explaining everything to my husband and I in quite a lot of detail. Said I had a choice of Chemo, which spun me out as I really had no idea, but of course he went on to explain the cocktails and the risks and benefits and side effects of the three that were appropriate for me. In the end there was really only one that suited, especially as we have a family history of heart problems. Mine is fine so far though.
so FEC3 + D3 at three weekly intervals with a gap in between. Should take approx 5 months to complete.
I have a portacath inserted next Tues 28th under general. It wasn't offered, it was stated that I was having it as he won't put Chemo in the small veins more than once. Funny how Oncologists differ, isn't it.
so I saw the Vascular surgeon yesterday morning to arrange that.
Had an Echocardiogram on Tuesday, rather weird listening to them recording your heartbeats, they are very squelchy.
saw the GP yesterday too for a Pap smear, she insisted as it was due. Also went through some dos and don't related to Chemo. I use a lot of Ibuprofen for migraine, which now I can't use, so it is onto the Panadeine Forte (constipation and put me to sleep) and Releiver tablets (which knock me around a bit so I usually avoid them if possible).
Another reason for me to stomp around angrily and kick things!!!!
after the GP, went I for a preChemo blood test.
I now have a file card at Douglas Hanley Moir!
What a pain though that they can't access the Portacath for the bloodtests, though and I still have to use a vein.
Today confirmed I start Chemo on Monday 6th March.
thank goodness I can now confirm my clients for this week and part of next.
That has been a real pest as they are assuming I am not working and they are not turning up to appointments even though I have made them and said I will call if I have to change or cancel.
why can't they ring me if they are not sure, not just assume things, it is very frustrating as I have other people waiting to come in.
These are the issues of being self employed. I will now go and ring and confirm everyone!
I am taking the two weeks off after this first dose of Chemo and will see how I go.
Rang the Health fund to confirm the gap cover applied to the portacath procedure and anaethetist.
seriously, with the amount of paperwork, phone calls, bills and appointments I need a secretary.
Or perhaps to give up work, it would be easier in some ways but not in others.
I just hope I take the right paperwork to the right appointments.
Having gone off the HRT last December when I found the lump, my mind is a fog at the best of times.
Whew.
I know everyone is different but I would appreciate any comments on FEC +D treatment if you have them.
I have a 6 page list of side effects and ways to treat them from the Oncologist but first hand tips would be great.
I am compiling my Chemo box with Movicol, diarrhoea treatment, mouth stuff, eye drops etc.
What do I need to know?
yours exhaustedly, Jennie
I find shower time the worst. A big mirror in the bathroom brings the whole thing crashing back. Carefully washing around the wounds and then the ritual of oils, Betadine for irritated spots and bra back on with pads over the nipple areas. And massaging oils carefully into sore areas. This is the time I start to think about everything.
Anyway, Monday I saw the Oncologist. He was great, spent 1 1/2 hours explaining everything to my husband and I in quite a lot of detail. Said I had a choice of Chemo, which spun me out as I really had no idea, but of course he went on to explain the cocktails and the risks and benefits and side effects of the three that were appropriate for me. In the end there was really only one that suited, especially as we have a family history of heart problems. Mine is fine so far though.
so FEC3 + D3 at three weekly intervals with a gap in between. Should take approx 5 months to complete.
I have a portacath inserted next Tues 28th under general. It wasn't offered, it was stated that I was having it as he won't put Chemo in the small veins more than once. Funny how Oncologists differ, isn't it.
so I saw the Vascular surgeon yesterday morning to arrange that.
Had an Echocardiogram on Tuesday, rather weird listening to them recording your heartbeats, they are very squelchy.
saw the GP yesterday too for a Pap smear, she insisted as it was due. Also went through some dos and don't related to Chemo. I use a lot of Ibuprofen for migraine, which now I can't use, so it is onto the Panadeine Forte (constipation and put me to sleep) and Releiver tablets (which knock me around a bit so I usually avoid them if possible).
Another reason for me to stomp around angrily and kick things!!!!
after the GP, went I for a preChemo blood test.
I now have a file card at Douglas Hanley Moir!
What a pain though that they can't access the Portacath for the bloodtests, though and I still have to use a vein.
Today confirmed I start Chemo on Monday 6th March.
thank goodness I can now confirm my clients for this week and part of next.
That has been a real pest as they are assuming I am not working and they are not turning up to appointments even though I have made them and said I will call if I have to change or cancel.
why can't they ring me if they are not sure, not just assume things, it is very frustrating as I have other people waiting to come in.
These are the issues of being self employed. I will now go and ring and confirm everyone!
I am taking the two weeks off after this first dose of Chemo and will see how I go.
Rang the Health fund to confirm the gap cover applied to the portacath procedure and anaethetist.
seriously, with the amount of paperwork, phone calls, bills and appointments I need a secretary.
Or perhaps to give up work, it would be easier in some ways but not in others.
I just hope I take the right paperwork to the right appointments.
Having gone off the HRT last December when I found the lump, my mind is a fog at the best of times.
Whew.
I know everyone is different but I would appreciate any comments on FEC +D treatment if you have them.
I have a 6 page list of side effects and ways to treat them from the Oncologist but first hand tips would be great.
I am compiling my Chemo box with Movicol, diarrhoea treatment, mouth stuff, eye drops etc.
What do I need to know?
yours exhaustedly, Jennie
