Jodie ! :)

Paula xxx

Janey xxx

So sorry it didn't go as planned today. I remember how worked up I was before my first chemo. If after your first chemo you still feel that way then the calm down pill is the way to go. I am a stress head by nature, if I don't have something to worry about then I worry about that. I think the pill is called Larazapam??? I took it the night before, the morning of and then the following two nights. Amazing stuff, slept well and felt Ok during and after chemo. I did always need to,have a nanna nap,afterwards, but that was ok. As for working, I worked with two amazing ladies who both worked all through there chemos, so I thought I had to do the same. They would have it on Fri and be back at work on Mon. Well I tried and did not cope at all. I went and saw my GP and he laughed at me(in a nice way) and said all his patients had the week off after chemo. So I tried that and it was great. No pressure to rush back but after a week off I was ready to go back. I was really careful re infections. I didn't go to the movies etc as worried what I would pick up. Whenever I went to the supermarket I wiped all over the trolley handle with anti-bacterial wipes etc. I was lucky never to get any infections, but was also careful with what I did. My friends and family were great and stayed away if they were sick. All you am do re work is give it a go. It sounds like you have some flexibility there. Sending you a big hug. Paula xxxx

I am so sorry you weren't able to go ahead today. I've been out all day at appointments so just read your post. It's horrible gearing yourself up for something and then being let down even when it's not something you want to do. It's not fare. Well perhaps you could treat this as a trial run. At least you can heal properly before you begin. Chemo can be rough enough without starting behind the eight ball. Try not to worry too much about next week Jodie. Give yourself a chance to calm down. A good mindset is important as part of your overall well being. Hope the area around your port settles down quickly and there are no more problems. I think this journey can sometimes be two steps forward, one step back. There are lots of hurdles to get over. We are all here to help you leap those hurdles and sprint to the finish line. Love Janey xxx

Hi Tonya, I work for the commonwealth government and lucky not in the public eye. My work are very flexible and have an isolation room where I can go if I need to. I've heard many people work during chemo and im hoping I'm one of them. I've no doubt ill have days off each round, but hoping to work a few days too. Then I have 3 weeks leave at Christmas anyway. As for antibiotics, I'm limited due to my penicillin allergy but they don't think I need anymore, I just need to heal. I will do my best to maintain a bit of my life because breast cancer has stolen so much already :-(

Did someone take a wound swab and send it to pathology to find out which antibiotic should be used? I hate to be a party pooper but I couldn't work on chemo.I took sick leave and long service and I'm glad I did.On the first round,by day 10,I was in hospital isolation ward with next to no neutraphils and an infection for 4 days.You do have to be careful not to catch germs if you work with kids or are in contact with the general public.It all depends on what sort of work you do and if your boss is prepared to be flexible in case you need time off.Some women keep working but adjust their days and hours when they are not well.Just go with what feels right for you Jodie but if you work,have a plan B incase.If you are feeling extra anxious about chemo(I did) then you can ask your oncologist for "calm you down "pills beforehand (I did!).When I first entered the chemo unit and saw everyone so docile with their arms outstretched,I wanted to do a runner!-and I'm a nurse! I was also a big sook.But somehow I've managed to get through 2 bouts of breast cancer -in 2003 and in 2010.So you will be ok and don't worry if you have little meltdowns along the way-it's quite normal.

                                           Tonya xx

Thanks cas. I'm very down tonight :-(

Hi adrianne xx Ill try the honey and see how I go. I will try anything to make this infection heal quicker. I've been on 2 lots of antibiotics and its still hanging around. I'm hoping to work through chemo. I really hope I can. I don't want to sit at home and feel sorry for myself. I so want to have a bit of normality again. Does anyone work through? I haven't seen many people post here that they do which scares me :-( Jodie

Hi Jodiewall, I had an infection in my drain site, that even the IV antibiotics could not clear up. After doing some research I came across Medihoney (medical grade Manuka Honey). After applying the Medihoney & covering with a dressing for 24 hours my infected drain was no longer oozing & after another 24 hours the wound had closed. The dressings you use are shiny on one side. Pour some honey onto the dressing & then place over wound. Most pharmacys stock Medihoney. I hope you infection clears up soon & that your port site becomes less swollen & sore soon. I will be having my 3rd AC chemo Friday week, so it wasn't that long ago that I was feeling scared/anxious about my 1st. Just be kind to yourself & take your meds. Drink lots of water to keep your veins open & to flush the chemo out of your system. After the first couple of days I found that I felt better if I made myself get up & go for a walk or even a ride In the car to collect my son from daycare. Take care. Regards Adrianne

Sorry to hear about your setback Jodie.You get yourself all psyched up for chemo(and that aint easy!) and then they move the goal posts on you.This will happen alot unfortunately.As the girls said,you just have to go with the flow. Hope you heal well this week and my best wishes for next weeks chemo.

                                        Tonya xx