Sparkles
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Joined 9 years ago
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Done & dusted
i almost feel guilty for posting this when I see so many of you with complications, fears & difficulties that are making your journey so hard. But there are good news stories & they gave me hope when I first started my journey, so .... after being diagnosed on my birthday in January, I have had surgery (lumpectomy), a Portacath inserted, chemotherapy that made me feel pretty ordinary, 5 weeks of radiation, numerous scans and am seeing a cardiologist due to heart issues discovered as a result of Herceptin (treatment is going well). I am am really pleased to say that I am cancer free, finished the intrusive treatments, growing stronger daily, and starting to discuss returning to work. My beautiful family threw me a "you kicked cancer's arse" party on the weekend and my sister made an awesome "boob cake". I also went to Brisbane last week for my daughter's graduation (second one this year - first was in that awful first week after first chemo). While I was there I went to the bead shop & made myself a bracelet that represents my journey - photo below. I am am feeling great and ready to reclaim my life. I sincerely thank everyone here for the support you give to me and all of our BC sisters. Hope you can see the photos Hugs to you all Lesley XOXORe: muscle weakness
@LMK74 - I was pretty weak after my last chemo, and it took about 6 weeks to feel like I was starting to get back on track - much longer after the last than any of the others. However I am now much stronger & can walk up to 5 kilometres, have a health plan through my GP & am working with an exercise physiologist to help improve my strength and stamina. I hope you start to regain strength soon - it is frustrating. LesleyRe: Feelings
Like you @Unicornkisses my hair is coming back grey ( nothing new there), spikey and slowly. I have rarely worn anything on my head - I rock bald so haven't bothered, and I found most covers too hot. Haha I had the Sinead comment too. Minions, pac-man and emoticons were the other comments I got :wink: XXRe: Side effects of chemo
Hi @little titty This was pretty much my experience also. Had my first TC treatment on a Friday, Sunday night it was like 'bam, just tricking, got you'! You will find that even people on the same drug regime may react differently. I also found that I reacted differently after each treatment (4 in all). Go figure : /. Welcome to the wild ride - hugs to you. Lesley XRe: 3 weeks post lumpectomy!
I didn't take long to get over my lumpectomy, though with the surgical site being in the crease under my breast it was hardly noticeable. I found I had to wear a bra to bed as when my breast moved around too much it pulled on the inside where they had taken a fair old chunk out. The bra kept it more stable. It only took a few days to get over the insertion of my port. After about 6 weeks I was back to normal activity, but somehow between some painting and sleeping on that side I pulled one of the stitches holding it in place and it flipped. The surgeon manually manipulated it back but I am now a bit wary and don't sleep on that side. Unfortunately it is right under my bra strap, and right where my seat belt goes, so there are times it is annoying. And they don't seem to be able to draw blood most times, but can push fluid through - apparently this happens sometimes. But it is hands down the best thing - I have awful veins so is saving these :). All the best LesleyRe: Triple positive - HER2 - Newly diagnosed
Hi @J59 I too was triple +, and had the same decisions to make. I had a lumpectomy - 2 tumours grade 2 & grade 3, 0/2 lymph involvement. Because it was multi focal (2 tumours) chemo was highly recommended as there was no guarantee that there wasn't a rogue cell out there in my body. I had 4 x 3 weekly TC with herceptin. I envy the ladies who sailed through chemo, but I got about every side effect possible. As a result I was also given Neulasta, which managed some of the side effects but added others - large bone pain as the bone marrow was speeding up white cell production. Yesterday I finished 5 weeks of radiotherapy - my breast held up really well with just some pinkness of the skin, some tenderness at the scar, and a couple of itchy spots. Herceptin is ongoing, though I also had the heart complication so am currently having it at 1/3 dose weekly until they have my heart sorted - I am on a beta-blocker & have an appointment with the cardiologist next week. i also am in education (though not in a school), and the recommendation was to avoid schools during chemo because of the risk of infection. I went onto income protection and am really glad I did because of the side effects of chemo and the tiredness. I am now 6 months down the track, and while I have another 4 weeks leave, I am starting to think about work again. I will spend the time rebuilding my strength and stamina before starting a return to work program. Would I do anything different? No - surgery was a no-brainer I just wanted those suckers out, chemo I viewed as a necessary evil to chase down any rogue cells, rads was another localised necessary evil, herceptin is yet another means to give me the best possible outcome, and the hormone blocker is the same (already post menopause so no side effects from this). I have exercised (mostly walking) as much as possible throughout, and tried to eat well - though not denied myself chocolate when I really wanted it :smiley: I have followed many strands on this page, and the support from other ladies going through the same issues is truly amazing - if we have to be on this journey there is no better group of women (and men) to be on it with. make the most informed choices you can, ask questions. It seems like a whirlwind roller coaster, but it is your journey. Good luck with your journey, and know that you have many sisters here for you. Hugs & best wishes Lesley x
