User Profile
sunrise_sunset
Member
Joined 1 year ago
User Widgets
Contributions
Re: Starting chemo this week: Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Pegfilgrastim then Paclitaxel
Thank you @Katie46 @arpie and @joannag for your responses, sharing and tips. I will take a closer look again as unfortunately I am screaming into the void at the moment. Long story short, I got Covid and so my chemo is being delayed, hopefully by only a week or so. I've been so careful too so I am really annoyed.185Views0likes0CommentsStarting chemo this week: Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Pegfilgrastim then Paclitaxel
Hello everyone, this week I start chemo. As I understand it, 4 cycles of Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Pegfilgrastim then 12 cycles of Paclitaxel. I am looking for any advice and tips on how to get through it. We all know that experience and side effects are all different and individual but it would help to know how others have coped. I haven't had my introduction session with the oncology nurse yet and the fact sheet is a bit scary. I am in Melbourne and will be treated at St Vincent's private in East Melbourne as that is where my medical oncologist works. For the time being I am remaining a private patient as insurance covers it. I am choosing to try the 'cold cap' to see if it will help with not losing hair but as I have fine hair and already experiencing age related hair loss, it may not work. I know it will add about 2 hours to treatment and am willing to give it a go. My plan is to take audiobooks and colouring books with me to pass the time during treatment. I'm aiming to keep busy but not taxing myself too much. At this stage I do not plan to work on treatment days but do plan to work from home other days. A friend has suggested a probiotic as a precaution as a relation and her mother used one during their chemo and found it helpful. Has anyone else found this? With the second treatment and Paclitaxel I am concerned about the possibility of peripheral neuropathy side effects due to a previous condition. I read in another post that some ladies have tried cold gloves and socks - has that worked? I will have to look into it further but am curious and want to be prepared. Thank you all for reading and any advice and tips :heart:Re: Stiffness under arm after lumpectomy
Hi @Erika888, you've had some great advice already and I agree with it. I am 5 weeks post lumpectomy surgery this week and just starting chemo. I also had 3 nodes removed under my arm and the subsequent numbness and cording as a result due to how deep the surgeon had to cut them out. I have a specialist physiotherapist who helps me with the cording and massing my arm, giving me exercises. I have found that I have been progressively able to do a bit more as time goes on. I still have numb patches and am expecting that to take time. Give your body the time it needs, it is still early days.69Views1like0CommentsRe: Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Thank you again @melclarity for sharing. Living each day is indeed a blessing, sometimes it is tougher than others to remember that. I can only imagine how scary your decision was for the mastectomy and am sorry that you did not have the reduction option. I'm one of the beneficiaries of treatment advances over time and am so grateful that when I asked about doing both breasts at the same time my surgeon listened and said it was possible. Hearing from all of you lovely ladies I am sure I will settle with my scars in time as well :heart:84Views0likes0CommentsRe: Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Thank you so much @melclarity. I’m so glad that you’ve reached the milestone! I remember what it was like with my first cancer and my surgeon told me he no longer needed to see me after 9 years 😁 Those scars have healed and faded well, natural healing indeed, but for some reason I’m a bit more vain about the breast ones I guess. For EBC I had a lumpectomy with reduction and recon of my other breast. So far I feel it was the right decision for me.55Views0likes0CommentsRe: Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Thank you so much @melclarity for the follow up. That is amazing that you can say that you hardly think about it now! Congratulations on that and happy to hear that your scars are so good. It gives me hope :smile: I am doing much better with the silicone tape and once some infection/inflammation has reduced, I will be massaging the scars.46Views0likes0CommentsRe: New here...my story so far
Thank you @JenD, I will read your shared experience. It does help to read what others perspectives have been, like the disease the treatments vary and affect us all differently. I do take it one day at a time, I've got an appointment with the chemotherapy nurse next week so hopefully I will get more details then as she sounds lovely.31Views0likes0CommentsRe: Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Thank you @melclarity for this discussion thread. It's now 2024. 7 years on, but I think it is still sound advice I have read in here from everyone. I was having terrible trouble with taping my scars to flatten them out with the paper (micropore) tape I'd been given by the surgeon. It doesn't help that I have a reaction to some tapes. The scars under my breasts in particular very itchy, red and skin peeling in places :disappointed: I've switched to what I think is silicone tape (3M Nexcare sensitive) now after reading this thread and am hoping that will improve my situation. I have also purchased Bio oil in preparation and thanks to @nikkid I will also consider using the back of an electric toothbrush to help with massage. @melclarity if that scar management contact is still relevant in Melbourne, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!48Views0likes0CommentsRe: New here...my story so far
Thank you @arpie, @Afraser, @Tri and @Katie46 for your sharing, wonderful words of support and suggestions. @arpie - I will check out the BC nurse info and see if others have any tips on the chemo regime. My physio is indeed a keeper which is why I've stuck with her for 14 years :smiley: And this is where I confess that I live very close to my mother who's been busy cooking meals for me since I had surgery...So I have meals covered and am very grateful :blush: :heart: @Afraser - thank you for letting me know I am not alone in not having a breast care nurse and you're right, I shouldn't feel a lack as I am well supported by others in my medical team and here in BCNA. I appreciate you sharing about your infection experience. I see my reconstructive surgeon this week and am hoping it doesn't mean surgery but at the same time if it is needed to clear up infection so be it. @Tri - I hope my experience is not too bad, good to know others have found a way through. I'm actually looking into a program run via St Vincent's Hospital here in Melbourne that sounds similar to the physio oncology rehabilitation program you mention. Here's hoping I can join it. @Katie46 - "I was in your shoes last year". This both made me teary and heartwarmed at once. None of us want anyone else to be here, do we? And yet it is so lovely to read those words of support and encouragement and not feel alone ::smile: I feel some optimism that I will also find it manageable.20Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.Breast cancer without children
Whether by choice or circumstance, navigating breast cancer without children is a unique experience that can feel unsupported or isolating. This group offers a compassionate space to connect with others who understand, share experiences, and find strength in community also living breast cancer without children.
