Working through chemo
Hi everyone,
I have not really talked to anyone who has gone through what I'm going through yet, I wasn't sure I wanted too, but reading some of the blogs has made me think that I'd like to now. It might help me deal with it and might even help other ladies out there that are going through this bump in their lives.
I was diagnosed at 39 in September 2012 with stage 3 infiltrating ductal carcenoma in my left breast with lymph node involvement. It was quite a shock considering I had had an ultrasound on that breast in May 2012 as I was concerned about some lumpiness and was told it was just fibrous breast tissue. So that was just what I thought it was until my nipple started to retract!! By that stage the tumor was too big to operate on and I started Chemo in October to shrink it. I have had 5 out of 6 chemo sessions now and doing ok, my breast has shrunk down to normal and even feels like the other one now so the chemo is working. Found the first three sessions of chemo not too bad and was able to go back to work after about 5 days rest. These last two sessions were on Docetaxel and have thrown me about a bit, but I am still going to work, although I have a couple of extra days off. I have found that going to work inbetween sessions has really helped me get through it, gives me something else focus on. It helps that I have a very supportive employer though. I am actually looking forward to my last session, mainly because its the last one. I still have a long way to go (mastectomy, radiation and then hormone therapy), but it feels good to nearly be finished what I'm hoping is the worst part.
