Hi from mum2jj...16 years on.
Hi all, Firstly I don't get on to the main forum discussion much these days, between work and being a group leader of the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group. I've been meaning to pop on for days and share some good news and hope to those newly diagnosed. It was my birthday last week, and the day before it suddenly struck me. I was about to turn 63 and was not sure how I felt about it, and then it dawned on me. That very same day 16 years ago (day before my 47th birthday) was the day I first heard the words "you have breast cancer". It's amazing that I am now at the point that i don't think about it all the time, and I had almost slipped into feeling sorry for myself that I was getting "old". I very quickly changed perspective to gratitude! I now have 2 adult children who were primary schoolers at my first diagnosis. I did not think I would get there. I really have much to be grateful for. My breast cancer story was not always easy. I had a recurrance 18mths after first diagnosis. Yep got to do chemo twice and radiation. Along the way I have lost some beautiful friends and had others go through second diagnosis and mets. It really is a lottery. However I know how l have been lucky up until now and wanted to share a good news story for those recently diagnosed and those going through a recurrance. My heartfelt love to all those struggling and I hope my story can encourage those newly diagnosed. I vow never to whinge about my age again. much love Paula xx
Docetaxel Side Effects FEC-D Long term side effects or menopause?
Hi all, its been several years since I posted on here. I'm hopeful someone can help. My apologies for my long post. I promise Im not a hypochondriac. I'm coming up to 7 years cancer free and should be living that life changing, "Im so greatful to be alive" kind of life. But I feel like cancer has added 20 years to my health. Anything that ailed me before treatment has amplified. My knees and ankles constantly ache. Its very hard to stand up from a seated position. I have neuropathy symptoms from the knees down. I randomly run out of breath. My hair feels noticeably thinner (it grew back white). My scalp constantly itches (no dandruff, just red) and I keep getting small lumps on my crown and the nape of my neck. I'm also getting re- occurring cysts in my arm pits, some have showed up in my breast during mammograms, but they come then go. Ive had chemo induced menopause for 6 years now. So much brain fog and vertigo. I now have osteoarthritis and to top it off, during my post chemo scans they found a lump in my skull towards the base of my neck which was deemed to intrusive to do a biopsy. At one stage I was told I would need yearly scans. I feel like its been put in the too hard basket. Ive been trying to get doctors to listen to my concerns for 2 years now. Ive also been trying to get a specialist to see me since June last year. I cant even get on their waiting lists. The team that looked after me during my cancer journey were absolutely marvellous. Now that Ive been 'signed off' help and understanding have been lacking. I'm on long waiting lists to have things looked at, living with the fear of re-occurrance is always at the back of my mind. Im going around circles with my GP but Im now too emotionally exhausted to make a change. I lived with anxiety and depression before cancer but now I feel it is overwhelming me. Ive tried counselling several times but I havent found them helpful. Dealing with this and lifes 'normal' challenges has really changed me. I have searched the internet for sites that deal with life after cancer. Trying to find out what side effects are common or potentially long lasting. How to treat them or how to deal with them. Are my symptons a result of treatment or is it a menopause thing? All the sites i find talk about treatment and short term side effects. Im hoping theres a site out there that might inspire me and give me back the drive to look after myself. Even a site for menopause after triple negative breast cancer would be very helpful(preferably an Australian site). Ive been told to avoid any hormonal treatment. Are there other options? If there is anyone living a similar outcome to me, what are you doing to help your self? How are you treating menopause after TNBC? Whats working for you? Thank you if you took the time to read my post, I know its a long one but i really appreciate it.
