Forum Discussion
Last chemo
Last chemotherapy. ..hoorah.
Still have 9 months of Herceptin. So last cycle of fluid retention, trunkal oedema, fever like symptoms. ...hopefully. Each day from next week on is healing and recovering. Celebration cake was cut today. The butterflies represent a new beginning....cancer free.
4 rounds of AC chemo, 12 weekly treatments of taxol....so 16 treatments all up and it is done.
Side effects I experienced in last 6 months:
Nausea
Gastritis
Bloating and severe wind
Severe constipation
Loose bowels
Fluid retention
Trunkal oedema
Weight gain
Steroid weight redustribution such as moon face, high tummy
Tingling and numbness in toes
Balance changes
Double vision
Faintness
Flushes
Conjunctivitis
Bleeding and lifting toenails
Brittle and distorted fingernails
Muscle and joint pain
Breathlessness
Skin rashes
Hair loss (but if course)
Hair regrowth....loss of colour
Blood noses and nasal drip
Tears and fears
And last but the worst is the overwhelming fatigue that does not go away with rest.
And I was very lucky with no major issues, no illness and no need to be hospitalized, others are not. Of course I had a portacath put in under general to make this journey easier also. That will be removed next year.
No other word for it but endurance. I may not be an Olympian but the prize of life is so worth it.
Endurance
?n'dj??r(?)ns,?n-,-'d?-,-??/Submit
noun
1.
the ability to endure an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
"she was close to the limit of her endurance"
synonyms: toleration, bearing, tolerance, sufferance, fortitude, forbearance, patience, acceptance, resignation, stoicism
"she had pushed him beyond the limit of his endurance"
stamina, staying power, fortitude, perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity, doggedness, indefatigability, tirelessness, resoluteness, resolution, determination;
Dunkirk spirit;
informalstickability, guts, grit, spunk;
informalbottle
"the race is a test of endurance"
2.
the capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.
synonyms: continuance, continuity, continuation, lasting power, durability, permanence, longevity; constancy, stability, changelessness, immutability; rarelastingness, everlastingness
"Edward III had a vested interest in the endurance of Balliol's rule"
27 Replies
Primek,
Congratulations!!! Wonderful News!!!! I remember my last Chemo in December last year and I had my kids with me they were 16 &18 at the time and I didnt know whether to laugh and scream or cry!!! What a journey!!!
Loved your post!!! I think the hardest thing I found is everyone expected that youd miraculously be back to normal immediately. Im 8 months post chemo and still getting on my feet. Believe it or not my break through has been recently seeing a Kinesiologist, and I would never had thought it possible, but my pain has disappeared and Im walking better. The fatigue has gotten better with time also. Its all just time but you absolutely will get there!!!
Hugs Melinda xo
take it easy Gorgeous...
My wirst 2 weeks were the 2 post my last Chemo as heart refused to work as it should... I so wanted to be 'normal' and pushed myself ignoring the warnings body was giving and ended up collapsing and just aout splitting my scull open as a result of it...
Just give it a couple of weeks or rest and you will see yoir energy and strength will literaly poir back 'round about then... I was incapable of walking more than 15 steps without collapsong for 2 weeks then suddenly things started to umprove and during week 3 I bounced back into almost 'normal' and energy now is plentyfull ??
Just take it easy in theae early days ??
Hugs Jel.
WOOHOO FOR YOU ????????????????????????????????????
That is absolutely fantastic and I wish you a very easy fast recovery ??
Still take it easy the next gew weeks and rest up and before you know it your strength and energy will be back
Hugs
Jel.
I was thinking the same thing. Love the scarf. Suits Primek, looks great
go girl, you are an inspiration to others going through this. Wow I can't believe the side affects you have experienced. That sucks totally. It is amazing what we women can endure physically and emotionally and still manage our day to day lives as per normal. Take care of yourself.
Congratulations on finishing your last chemo!!!! That cake looks so yummy, a well deserved treat. Love your photo...you look so happy. Wishing you smooth travels for the remainder of your journey Marjorie xo
Love that scarf on you Kath. Really looks lovely. Congrats on finishing chemo. That is definitely the worst bit behind you. As you start to recover this time nothing more to knock you down again.
Take care and enjoy!
Deanne xxx
Yes...I too was quite flat in excitement. Originally wanted to mark the end with a gathering or something but really didn't have the energy you need for that. ..maybe in a few weeks. I will be off in a two weeks to see my breast surgeon to finish my reconstruction...or plan it. Hoping it might be soon...really just want it over with. ..may as well be recovering whilst still not up to be doing much else anyway. Hate to be back at full steam then have to be off again.
Congrats to you! It is certainly a marathon. I had my final Taxol on Wed, and have slowed to a crawl with the fatigue. I think everyone wants me to celebrate and show my excitement, but all I can say is "yes I am excited, I just can't show it yet."
I had my planning apt for radiotherapy yesterday, so in addition to not feeling any better, I am starting to think about that. But my husband and I are sneaking in a short QLD holiday before that starts, so that will take my mind off it.
I have been wondering how you went, because I knew we were pretty much in sync, so it is great to hear you made it.
Cheers to us, and all who came before and made it easier for us, and for those still progressing, that they can take comfort from your posts.
Also, fantastic photo, you look so rapt!
Jane
