nedd to talk

Hi Leanne, I have had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy and it's incredible just how different people respond to all three. Some very fortunate people breeze through chemo, with little side effects and wonder what all the fuss it about. You may well be one of these people. On the otherhand, some people suffer terribly with a huge range of side effects that disrupt their entire lives. I did have some side effects and think I fell somewhere inbetween. I think it depends on what type of chemo you are having (some are more heavy-going than others), your general overall health before chemo, your age etc.. I was 40 yrs of age when I was diagnosed in 2008 and otherwise very fit and healthy. Because of the nature of my BC, the fact that I was very healthy otherwise, and I was only 40yrs old, I was guaranteed that I would receive "the works" to give me the best possible outcome. The assumption was (I think) that I could handle "the works" which I did and quite well really.

Yes its really scary going into chemo...terrifying infact.  It's hard to know what to expect because of all the horror stories out there (people are always so keen to share with you their horror stories!) and how or if it will disrupt your life. I decided to go into it with a very open mind....I'd heard mostly all the negatives about chemo....but was determined to view it as a good and necessary thing that would benefit not only me but my daughter too (I'm a sole parent). I also had no idea how I was going to react to the chemo, and to be honest, neither did any of the nurse and doctors for that matter. Every patient is different. I didn't work though, but I know many women do work through their chemo...in fact I even met one who had chemo in her lunch break from work! I guess it really depends on the side effects that you get from the chemo, and whether you can and want to tolerate them while at work. If you can, and want to Leanne, then GO FOR IT, especially if you love your job!!

Also, from my experience, it's great to write down any questions for your medical team, and keep asking until you get an answer! Don't stop asking! Breast care nurses are wonderful resources too, and often explain things in everyday language which is easier to understand!

Good luck with the oncologist next week Leanne. I find it's great to have a second pair of ears with me at all my oncologist appointments...someone who hears the same information as me, and someone who can make sure I get the information I need from the appointment.

Celeste x