breast cancer

Hi Elizabeth. I only got my diagnoses today. Small lump (half an inch?) in left breast. Lumpectomy within two weeks, possibly chemo 6 weeks later, then radiotherapy after that.

Im 38 (well 39 in a couple of weeks), with 4 kids. The oldest is 15, youngest 8.
My poor hubby is in shock I think.

Im attending the Mater hospital (under dr stokes)

I know what you mean about the emotions. I seem to be fine, then start to well up at odd moments. I will look into councelling. Have you checked out arc house in eccles street (if thats an option for you).

Ill be on here every day im sure.

Take care xxx

Hello there. So good to get a reply. Am attending Vincent's hospital. Will check out nearest cancer support group. Your lump must be smaller than mine although mine is still within the size for a lumpectomy. the chemo first is to shrink it even smaller.

Am feeling more positive today. Hope you are too. Please stay in touch and let meknow how your operation goes. I thnk my chemo starting next week.

Elizabeth

I think the reason they are doing the lumpectomy first is that i have micro calsfications around the area (dont know if chemo works on it???). I jsut cant wait to get it done! Why does every day seem so long???

I feel as if it has been 3 months since i found the lump. I found it in Jan and its now march. In reality it is just over 4 weeks. I found the lump on the 28th of jan, and its the 1st of march......4 weeks.... It sure seems longer!!!!!

Morning. Almost the same for me. I think it was January 21st I found the lump. For me the mornings are the worst. By lunchtime I am reconciled again. Expecting phone calls today re chemo nurse. Also they are going to put a marker into my breast to mark the spot. It seemss the chemo can reduce it a lot.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth my heart goes out to you. I was where you are now about a year ago, that is why I wrote my first letter here under "I am so afraid" At the time i did not know what I was even afraid of. i had a mastectomy followed by chemo something I thought I would never be fit for but I did it. My friends here I call BCSC stands for Breast Cancer Survivors Club walked every step of the way with me. These ladies whom I never met (yet) had been through it all and shared with me their stories. They also told me I would be a stronger person following treatment and yes they were right.
Crying is an emotion and it can be good for us (but not too much Elizabeth ha ha) to release the fear within us. Fear of the unknown is always frightening for all of us. Pick up the phone and call the wonderful cancer support nurses at The Irish Cancer Society, they will listen and explain things to you. Also keep posting and someone will always answer.
Evelyn x x

Hello Evelyn. Delighted to hear from you. I should never email in the mornings s that is my worst time. I have just had a call from the breast nurse in vincents and I am to have the pin inserted (x marks the spot!) on Thursday at 1, which means I suppose 2 or half 2!

I sae the oncologist yesterday and he was very kind and encouraging - as everyone is. And I met a woman in her 40s and a young fellow of 28, both coming out the other side of treatment - they were great.

My chemo should be starting next week - waiting to hear from the chemo nurse. Bring it on! Kill the cancer! I expect to spend a lot of time on my couch. I read a lot so that will help me. The young lad said to me "the worst thing about it all was daytime tv"!!

It is great to be able to write all this down and know someone will read and understand.

How are you now Evelyn?

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

Welcome to the club (that you would never choose to join!!!!). I read your message and was reminded of days when my phone rang too (people wishing me well) and I just didn't want to talk I wanted it all just to go away at times. I think you go through every emotion some days. The thing is though you do get through...and you will feel so much stronger than you ever did before. People have said to me oh I could not go through what you've been through, but they could. You dig deep and you find the strength on those bad days, but you have good days too when you feel brighter and not so poorly and that lifts your spirits.
By the way I had a wire guided biopsy, lumpectomy, axillary clearance, 8 cycles of chemo and am currently having radiotherapy. The end is in sight!!!
Everyone on here has there own story, and as you'll discover every treatment plan is tailor made, but we are all fighting the exact same thing.
So good luck and keep in touch and swap stories!!

Hello my new friends - Hugs, Evelyn, and Summer Breeze.

This is the best time of the day for me - lunch time. I have a glass of wine and something nice to eat, and then I listen to Joe Duffy, and then I watch Midsomer Murdersand maybe snooze a bit.

Not that I am lazy all day! I walked into town this morning and did some shopping in Stephens Green and then took the luas home. I go for a walk every morning, when the depression is worst, for at least an hour.

Two hospital phone calls today. i have to see the chemo nurse tomorrow and it all starts then next week, no day yet. Also have to have the pin in at one tomorrow so a busy day. And I will miss my lovey luncy time!

Still, the sooner it all starts, the better.

It is great to hear from those who are coming out the other side - Summer Breeze -hopefully I will be doing the same next year. Hugs and Evelyn let me know how it all goes. I will follow your stories. Hugs, I think your operation is first? Must check all your emails again.

Please write back. It makes such a difference.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

You continue to write here any time morning, noon or night. By admiting mornings are worst for you will click with someone else coming behind you and they know this is normal. We all take the news differently and act different. I was the steel lady for a while and then broke down believe me breaking down was the best thing that could have happened to me. The release I felt as the tears flowed was worth any amount of medication.
Things are moving quickly for you, I remember Flo describing it as a Roller Coaster and how true that was.There was many a time I wanted to shout stop let me off, but of course I did'nt and that roller coaster has flown. Dont know where the 6 mths chemo went it only seems like weeks ago that I started it.
The chemo I found ok, they gave me great antisickness tablets so I had no problem there. The only thing that got to me and still continues is the unnatural tiredness. I am at a loss what to do so I go with the flow and sleep.
Evelyn x x

Hi Elizabeth

I like the sound of your lunchtime! I would love to live somewhere close enough to walk to Stephen's Green and hop on the Luas home! That sounds like a really nice morning Im glad you can do that to keep your mind occupied. Best of luck tommorrow, I hope it all goes smoothly. Let us know what chemo medication you will be getting and we can compare notes. I had 4 AC followed by 4 Taxol, every 2 weeks. When I first heard that I thought I would never cope with it, but here I am typing to you, so it can be done!Talk soon x

Hi Elizabeth. Good for you going out walking. I havent hit the depression stage yet (im hoping i can bypass that...lol)

I swim a bit (not great at walking...lol) but I gather swimming might be off the menu for a while once I have the operation, so im getting as much in. But I should probably try to get into the habit of walking. Im trying to eat a bit healthier aswell.
Im not sure when ill get the date for the op...more waiting...lol. But the breastcare nurse said she thought it would be abt 2 weeks, but no more than 3. Id love to know what date, i suppose so i could prepare myself for it. Although I dont mind, i dont have a fear of hospitals or of operations, so im not too worried....i just want it done...lol. Fingers crossed it will go well.
I have been extremly tired recently, I suppose i have been for months. I put it down to the fact that i thought i was just run down. I get overwhelmed with tiredness, and have to close my eyes. Its great that now I can say I need a rest and everyone understands (so i dont feel lazy...lol)
The chemo for me will be in May, although I think that depends on how the lumpectomy goes.

Good luck tomorrow, and keep in touch.

How did it go tosay elizabeth? I hope it was ok.

I got a call today. Ive to go in on monday evening or tuesday morning, and have the op done on tuesday. So not too long to go!

Good morning Hugs, Evelyn and Summer Breeze. First off, all the best next week hugs. I will be sending positive thoughts. Let us know how it goes when you can.

Yesterday I got a lesion taken off my hand by a very nice pakistani doctor called Ali, who regaled me with stories while he worked. Then i had to go up the corridor to get pin put into my breast. That was no bother. Then I met the chemo nurse who went through all the possible side effects and showed me the treatment room, and took my blood. I think altogether I was needled 5 times!

My first chemo is Wednesday and the last one is 22nd June. I have more or less decided against a wig. My son is going to shave myhead, and some of my girls will be here too and we'll have a drink. I am practising with scarves.

Mood not too bad this morning. Hope you are all feeling good.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

Glad your doing ok, so chemo starts on Wednesday, try not to stress over it you will be surprised how quickly time will pass. How often will you be in for treatment? Mine was fortnightly.
I think it's a good idea to shave the hair. Thats what I did too. My husband did mine. I think he quite liked the GI Jane look for the short time!!! My hair didnt start to come out until just after the second dose. I think that's quite typical. As for the wig...I decided not to go with the the wig too...I have been wearing scarves and bandanas for months now, just not a wig person.
Look on the bright side, your hair will grow back probably nicer than ever.

Hello Summer Breeze. My treatments are once every three weeks, six altogether. I have been reading all the possible side effects - pretty daunting!

I have been practicing with scarves. I'm afraid I'll be outside and it will fall off!

Must buy some new ones at the weekend.

Am not sure what stage you are at. Are you having surgery as well at some time? Or are you out the other end now?

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth. How are you doing today? I havent been looking at scarves. Are there particular ones for use after chemo or are they just normal scarves?

I was talking to my daughter (she is almost 14), and casually mentioned that i was looking at wigs, and was thinking about getting a pink one. She seemed a bit shocked, but i played it down and showed her some i was looking at. I told her my hair might not fall out, but i wanted to be ready if it it did. So we might have a wig choosing party or something like that.

I was looking at some on ebay. There are lots to choose from and are reasonably priced. I think it might be worth getting a couple. Think i might go blond...lol Then again Im not sure if im going to be getting chemo (although i think its likely)

I find it so frustrating...time is going so slow! I was trying to remember this morning how many weeks it has been since I was officially told i have breast cancer (not the test, or mamo, but the actual diagnoses). I was shocked when i realised it was only monday.....today is saturday so its only 5 days!!!!!

Hi Elizabeth4,

Welcome to the club no-one wants to join (as someone else said)! So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and how it has brought you down. It is completely understandable to be crying and depressed after such earth-shattering news. I was 37 when I was diagnosed in 2006. I held it together for a few days (even minded my niece on a weekend sleepover!?!) and finally EXPLODED in front of my poor sister-in-law when a plastic cup kept falling off the shelf I was trying to put it back on. It was the straw that broke the camel's back! But it was a huge (and much needed) release. Unfortunately, the cup didn't survive to tell the tale!!!

We all have to find our own way to deal with a diagnosis. We are all different and there is no right or wrong way. Crying is a great emotional release but it is not good for you if you are crying all the time and the dark cloud is not shifting. Have you spoken to your GP yet about your diagnosis and how you are feeling? They could probably give you a MILD antidepressant which might help you greatly. OR it could be that once treatment starts, and you find you are DOING something to get better, that your mood improves.

I think talking to people about my diagnosis and my feelings about it all really helped me. I spoke to a counsellor at my local cancer support centre a few times and that was very good. I'll put a link to a list of cancer support centres at the bottom of this post for you so that you can find one for yourself. They also offer coffee mornings, relaxation classes, talks on cancer related topics, reflexology, massage, etc. These can all really help keep your spirits up as you go through treatment.

What I also found great was talking to other patients - both in person and online. Most are lovely people who will offer support and advice. Or just listen to what you are saying. Keep coming here and letting us know how you are doing. As you are anonymous and unknown here, you can say whatever is on your mind. I know I had thoughts sometimes that I could never mention to my family and friends. It helped to be able to 'voice' them on a web message board and get empathy and support from others who understood where I was coming from.

On the hair loss front, it may not be necessary to shave your head. Not everyone loses their hair. It depends on the type of chemo you will be getting AND the amount and frequency of it. Your breast care nurse may have given you a sheet with some info on it. If not, give them a ring and ask them to tell you what chemo you will be on. Ask them to spell it for you so you can write it down and let us know (if you are comfortable to share that with us).

I was (like others here) on 4 cycles of AC (Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide) and then 4 cycle of Taxol. I did lose my hair. It fell out about 10-12 days after I got my first dose of the AC. BUT it started growing back once I was on the 4 cycles of Taxol. I got a wig but hardly ever wore it. I just found it too hot and itchy. I got some special pre-tied scarves especially for ladies who've lost their hair. And i also had a selection of bandanas, sparkly scarves, silk scarves and some caps and hats. Other women I've met LOVED their wigs, some have bought several wigs in different styles and colours. One woman I even named her wigs and wore them according to her mood!! Your local cancer centre will also probably stock wigs and scarves and help you with choosing and fitting, etc.

Bye for now,
Flo.

http://www.cancer.ie/support/centres.php

Hello again Hugs and hello Flo. Nice to meet you, and how lovely to get a long message, like an old-fashioned letter, turning pages.

Not too bad today. i phoned a place in Abbey Street who specialise in wigs and scarves for chemo patients and made an appointment for Tuesday. The breast nurse told me I will definitely lose my hair so my son is going to shave my head next weekend.

I will be on Taxotere/Cyclophosphamide. Six doses, once every three weeks beginning wed. I am very nervous about it. Will i be able to go outside without worrying about getting sick. And the thought of getting an infection or temperature in the middle of the night and having to call a taxi to go to the hospital - hopefully that won't happen.

Hope you are both keeping your spirits up, and thanks for the link Flo. Talk soon.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth4,
And HUGS, this might be of use to you too. And anyone else jsut diagnosed.

Sickness during chemo may not be bad at all. These days, they give you good anti-sickness medication with your chemo AND anti-sickness tablets to take at home. If these do not work well enough, make sure to tell your nurses and they can give you something stronger to prevent/reduce sickness. Even if these are not sufficient (which is unusual these days) and you are vomiting a lot, a doc can also give you an injection which acts quickly and really helps.

I don't know if you have one already but I recommend everyone with a cancer diagnosis applies for a medical card. And appeals if they are refused it first-time. They used to give them to most cancer patients but I don't know if they are getting a bit stingier with the recession. I had one and it was a GODSEND. I cannot recommend having one highly enough. When on chemo, you have to take a lot of tablets and there is also the risk that you will be on some antibiotics at some stage (this is because the chemo lowers your immunity/resistance to disease). This can become VERY expensive. I was on antibiotics at one stage that were over €100 per tablet!! Also if you do have a hard time with sickness, etc, with a medical card, you would have no hesitation visiting your GP for help and advice. Or even calling a doc for a middle of the night visit if necessary.

Hugs to all,
Flo.

Good afternoon ladies. Can any of you tell me if you are allowed alcohol while receiving chemo? No one mentioned it at the bospital and i am very fond of a glass of white wine. I find it a great comfort these days.

Hope everyone is in good spirits and all the best to Hugs for operation tomorrow.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

I was diagnosed last August, I had a wide excision lumpectomy, followed by axillary clearance and then started chemo early October, had chemo right through to mid January. So yes thankfully I'm out the other side of that! Then I had a 4 week break and now I am having radiotherapy..due to go on to early April. Yes it's a long old haul but the light does appear at the end of the tunnel. I managed on chemo, it's no walk in the park but it is manageable. As someone else said the side effects are all managed well. You will be dosed up to the nines over the few days of receiving the chemo, and this should stop you from being sick. My antisickness meds worked really well. The main side effects for me were tiredness, hair loss, taste being altered, and the white cells dropping and being at risk a lot of the time of infection. Having said that I was very lucky, I didn't pick up any infections, so never needed an antibiotic or anything else. I did get a sore throat at one point but fought it off with Diflam spray and strepsils.
I read in one of your posts that this was one of your big concerns, and it was defnitely one of my big ones too, but as I said you will get by and even if you do end up needing some medical attention in between don't worry, they know exactly what to do.
As for the scarves...don't stress about those blowing off or anything like that!! I've been wearing them everyday since October and it hasn't happened yet!! You can tie them securely so they don't budge. I usually take mine off in the house as they can get a bit annoying sometimes, particularly if it is warm inside. I found I got through quite a few scarves in the last few months, I know I tried to match them up as best I could with whatever I was wearing, but of course thats on the good days....there are the days when you couldn't care less what is on your head!!
You were wondering too about being allowed alcohol, I was never told not to have any but to be honest I didn't feel like it it much, but I did have an occasional glass of wine. Hope that's a few of your queries answered! If you are wondering about anything else, just post away...and I can tell you as much as I know. Take care for now.

Summer Breezr - thanks a million for your long informative message. And hope your radiotherapy goes well. You will be all set for the Summer.

Am feeling down today and worried about wed. but hope to perk up once I have the first session and see how it goes and how I feel. And hope to write longer messages when in better form. I am light-hearted by nature and find the depression hard to cope with. Am on tablets - they should kick in soon.

Will write again Thursday with report!

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth.
so sorry that you are going thru this. i'm in sjh at the moment after having lumpectomy and nodes removed. i had my 8 sessions of chemo and yes it was no walk in the park but i got thru it. I didnt pickup any infections and wasnt too bad. You have gotten some great advice already from the other ladies so not much to add. I found the cotton caps great when my hair went. Got a wig but didnt wear it much to honest. Too itchy and warm. I got some mild sleeping tablets which i took on my chemo week. By the following week i found i didnt need them but i feel they really helped and my oncologist was quite happy to give them to me. As for wine i would advise you to do anything to get you thru the chemo period. Just whatever floats your boat as they say! Absolutely apply for your medical card asap. I only got mine in time for my last chemo. Typical eh. Long backlogs. We wouldn't be in the income bracket to be entitled to one normally but with your diagnosis you should get it. Contact medical social worker in your hospital. I had my chemo in a private hospital by the way. No waiting around etc. Might that option be open to you? By the way i cried the liffey dry at the start so dont think you are on your own there ok. Its perfectly natural. If theres anything else i can help with just ask.
Take care and be very kind to yourself.
Celine

Hello Celine. thank you so much for writing and encouraging me. My first chemo is tomorrow and I am so nervous. leaving now to meet with wig-maker in town but they also do bandannas and scarves which I would prefer. The depression is the hardest thing to deal with but the wine takes the edge of it. I have applied for a medical card so hope not to be waiting too long for that.

Will write tomorrow night or Thursday to report on chemo.

Glad to hear you came through it all ok.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth
Well you're on the chemo run. I was every 3rd Monday for 6 mths 8 sessions in total. and you know what those mths flew by. Waiting now for scans in a few weeks. You can look forward to meeting wonderfull nurses and will meet other specisl people getting chemo, I know I did. I find now I miss my trip up to the hospital and I never thought I would ever hear myself say that. My 1st 4 sessions were AC and only took a few hours the last 4 of Taxol were long days. What I am saying is bring a book or magazine with you. You can of course bring someone with you however most of the time I did not bother. I got my daughter to shave my head using my sons electric razor so we kept it in the family. I got a couple of wigs which I used over Christmas but most of the time it was so cold I wore a wollen hat outdoors and scarves indoors.
Keep positive Evelyn

Good to hear from you again Evelyn and hope the scans go well for you. Let me know. I went into town today and bought two pre-arranged scarves - they are quite nice, and a sort of cap - little thing - to wear around the house or at night if my head gets cold! The things you never think of! I read a lot all the time and never leave the house without a book so I will put in the day with talking and reading. Reading Pickwick Papers again as I am a big Dickens fan.

will email in a day or so re chimo.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

Thinking of you today. I know you are probably dreading tommorrow but you will handle it just fine. Please remember you are not alone going through this, and you will adapt for the few months and come out the other side.

Take care x.

thanks Summer Breeze. these emails help a lot. I am dreading it indeed. I bought two pre-tied scarves today. They are quite nice.

I find my hands shaking all the time and my stomach in knots, hard to eat anything although I try.

Will email again in a day or two - see how I go.

Take care and I hope you are feeling well.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth. Just wondering how today went for you. I hope youre not feeling too bad. Let us know how you got on when you can.

Im back home after the lumpectomy, and am feeling ok.

Hello Hugs. I was thinking about you yesterday. Glad you are home again and it's over.

It went well today. Painless. So far am feeling normal. So many pills to take tomorrow! Met some other ladies in there with the same thing and we chatted and the nurses were good crack and so kind.

talk soon and take good care of yourself.

Elizabeth

Thats great to know Elizabeth. How long will you be doing it for? Im sure it was nice talking to people in the same boat as you today.
I was talking to a couple of women at the hospital in for lumpectomies aswell. I passed on the info about this site, i hope they look it up. It was good swapping stories.
I suppose ill know monday week if im going down the route of chemo aswell....more waiting

Glad you feel ok xx

Hello Hugs. Yes, always waiting waiting . . . So far I feel ok after the chemo. Have taken all the medication. I had to make out a timetable so I wouln't forget anything. And I also spoke to other women in the same boat yesterday and they were all very positive and getting through it all right. I have to have five more doses, one every three weeks, last one June 22nd. I have my eye fixed on that day!

Talk soon and take good care of yourself.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth
I am so delighted the chemo itself and after effects went well for you. I found the anti sickness medication great. A couple of things I did get . . . Day after the chemo I had to inject myself something to do with bone marrow) well the following 3/4 days I experienced a lot of bone pain. I rang the nurse and she faxed a stronger painkiller to my chemist and they worked a treat. Weight gain due to the steroids (20 tablets) which I took the night before and the morning of chemo. Hospital doctor checked me out and it was all fluid, tablet a day for the week of chemo cleared all this up. So Elizabeth let the hospital know of any side effects and they will find a way around them for you.
Keep strong girl
Hi to everyone else
Evelyn x x

Hi evelyn. Please ignore this if you have already got a reply from me. This lap top is an old one of my daughter's and just as I was about to send my reply it just disappeared off the screen so I don't know if it went or not.

I have still not felt sick - the tablets seem to be working, so far anyway - it has only been one day! Re steroids, I have only 8 to take, 4 today and 4 tomorrow. It's strange how all these small details are different for all of us. Good though as they take so much trouble to work out what is best for each woman.

I went out today to collect that injection and the nurse is calling tomorrow to show me how to do it. Much watch out for the bone pain - they did warn me about it.

I got a call today from the HSE to say my medical card had been approved and I will receive confirmation in the post tomorrow. So that's a big relief. And I might even get a wig now - I met some ladies on Wed. with terrific ones. Just for going out you know? I live in an appartment block and don't want to be stared at and people speculation when I go out in a scarf.

I was so busy today following instructions and taking meds and rinsing my mouth with the yellow stuff that I suddenly realised I wasn't depressed! Like I have moved into another phase. You know?

On Monday I have to go for another rib scan because my youngest son picked me up about a year ago and squeezed me and I felt the rib go - it hurt for about a month. They said it showed up as a fracture but because of my diagnosis they have to check it out. I think I have to go into that tunnel thing but because it's my rib they might let me go in feet first and leave my head out of it.

Well, so long for now Evelyn. Give me all your details and let me know how you are getting on.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

Well now you are 1 chemo down!! Well done ! You are on the road to recovery now. Hope you stay feeling good, so glad it went well for you, take care x

Elizabeth
Forgot to tell you 2 other things. If you are suffering with mouth problems the hospital can give you a script for "magic mouthwash" your chemist makes it up for you and I found it brilliant.
The nurse in the hospital gave me a great book(available free from Irish Cancer Society) explaing all about chemo. It explains about possible side effects and how to deal with them.
Evelyn

Hi there Elizabeth,

Congratulations on having one chemo done already! Glad to hear you aren't finding it too bad. And WONDERFUL to hear that you are not feeling so down anymore. I did hope that, once treatment started, that your depression would lift a bit. It really helps to feel you are now DOING something to beat cancer, doesn't it? I think thats why we all find the waiting so hard - its the not knowing, yes but I think its also the fact that we are just sitting in limbo not being able to DO anything to help ourselves get better.

Great you got approved for the Medical Card. You should be entitled to your wig FREE also. So go ahead and get one - better to have it there even if you never wear it.

Good luck with the rib scan on Monday. Let us know how you get on.
Hugs,

Flo.

I havve to sayhello to you all. I have been writing so many emails these last few weeks and it has been wonderful as I am sure it for us all. I find it hard to remember which stage everyone is at only I remember Hugs just had her operation. And I think Evelyn Summer Breeze and Flo are much further on than I am. Would you mind just reminding me each time what stage you are at? I feel selfish and always talking about myself.

I got the approval for medical card today with registered number, card to follow. So I think I will get a wig - I was so impressed with the ladies I met on Wed.

The nurse called and supervised me and I gave myself the injection. Talk about a learning curve!

My youngest son was here earlier with flowers and wine for Sunday and I'm meeting two of my girls tomorrow. So feeling ok. Not sick yet but a bit of a sore throat.

Hope you are all feeling well and upbeat. Going to have a glass of wine now and watch the soaps.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth
I am the one that had the mastecomy in August followed by 8 cycles of chemo waiting now for scans and talks too much
you are doing real well by the tone of your last post so well done. Great you got medical card it was a huge relief to me when I got mine as medication and doctor's fees can take a huge chunk of your money.
You are right to go for the wig I dont wear mine all the time but funny when i do wear it I dont feel like an ill person if that makes sense. My own hair is coming back but it will be a while before I would go out with it uncovered (Iknow I am vain). Was with my GP the other day and she looked up my file and said it was 6 mths since I got the wig. She gave me a letter to get a new one as medical card holders get one every 6 mths.
watch that sore throat as you can pick up infections much quicker when on chemo.
Elizabeth to you and all the mothers on here HAVE A GREAT MOTHERS DAY
Evelyn

Hello Evelyn. How are you? When are you getting the scans? Here's hoping it all goes well for you.

When I last wrote I spoke too soon! I am fine today but oh my god, the exhaustion hit me, also stomach cramps and I was fit for nothing only feeling sorry for myself for a couple of days. Picking up again now although I have completely lost my taste for my glass of wine. I'm sure my liver will be relieved!

Had my rib scan today. It was very quick, only a few minutes. Not expecting bad news from it but will be glad to hear it's only a fracture. Have to wait a week. So much waiting. So many needles!

Have booked the wig place and am looling forward to getting it. Yes, I understand how you would not feel like a sick person when you wear yours. That makes sense to me.

All the best with scans and everything else too.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,
I had good days and bad days on chemo and I think you just need to get thru the days if you know what I mean, Its not forever and just do whatever you feel will get you thru to the next session. Actually you will prob develop your own rhythm, its all a bit of a haze to me now to be honest. I just saw the end date in the distance and went with it. If I felt like having a cup of tea at 3am, well thats what I did! Nothings normal on chemo, sorry if that seems a bit extreme but that was how I felt. But it is TEMPORARY, cling to that.
Hope you are feeling better as the days go on, pretty sure you will.
Be very kind to yourself
Celine

Hi elizabeth,

Sorry youre feeling bad at the moment. I second what celiene said, take things as easy as you can, and look after yourself. Looking at the end date sounds like a good idea.

Keep in touch.
Audrey xx

Hi Audrey and Celine. Thanks for writing and encouraging me. I don't feel so bad today. I got medicine from my doctor for the cramps and they have gone I'm glad to say. Also had a 20 min walk. Staying in now for a while since my immune system will be down this week.

Got a phone call from breast nurse today re rib scan. She hadn't been aware that I had a cracked rib last year so I have to wait for next Tuesday's meeting to hear if I get the all clear. More waiting . . .

Sometimes the horror and suddeness of it all washes over me but mostly I try to stay positive and focus on my last chemo date 22nd June.

Writing to all of you helps a lot.

Thanks and hope you are both keeping well.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

Yes, as the others said, make sure you take it easy. Glad they were able to give you something to help and the cramps are now gone. I always say to everyone to make sure and give yourself little treats and spoil yourself a bit. Lets face it, chemo is the best excuse you'll ever get!!

You asked where on the road we are. I'm kind of hoping I'm not on the road at all anymore to be honest. I was diagnosed in June 2006 when I was 37 and, despite a few bumps in the road, I am doing fine now.

One tip, try to take it one chemo at a time, don't focus too much on the last one in June until you get closer to it. Otherwise it might feel like you'll never get there. Just take each one as it comes and mark it off as another one done. When you get over the halfway hill, you will really be able to look forward to the end.

Hugs,

Flo.

Hi Elizabeth
Glad to hear you did something about the cramps. Whatever side effects you have from chemo there is usually something to help with them. I had chemo every 3rd Monday that week I rested. Following week felt bit stronger but was avoiding people in case I caught something as my immune system was low. Then the week before chemo was my "good week" I went places and met people. Back then to the chemo. What I am saying is like Flo said dont look too far ahead just go with your chemo cycle be it every 2 weeks or like me every 3 weeks.
Evelyn x

Hi Elizabeth,
I'm Celine, 39 and I have just has lumpectomy with nodes removed under my arm. I've already had my chemo 4 AC and 4 Taxol. After a slight hitch with my surgery I should be off to radiotherapy in maybe 6 weeks for 35 sessions, take me about 7 weeks and hopefully freedom after that. Hope you are feeling good today? I had the odd glass of wine on chemo by the way, just whenever I felt like I could taste one. Don't forget to eat well too but make sure it's only stuff you like! I presume they have given you corsodyll (sp) mouthwash to take? It makes your teeth go black and I found an alternative in the health food shop called "Jason", it has teetree oil and cloves in it. Not exactly lovely either but doesnt make your teeth discolour. One thing I did during chemo was keep a small diary of how I was feeling on particular days and what meds seemed to work. I referenced it a few times but to be honest I think it may have just been brain therapy, made me feel better too. Also good to know if I had a bad few days that coming up there were prob a few good days by looking at my diary and the previous chemo records. I'm prob repeating myself now but are you sleeping ok? I used sleeping tablets for the week of chemo and then didnt need them the second week. Lastly if you're feeling well, get out of the house! I accepted most lunch offers and friends/neighbours are dying to do something practical to help, it makes you and them feel better. This time next year, you will be doing the offering to someone in need!
I was talking to a lady at chemo one day and she said she was quite tired and found it hard to concentrate on books so she got some audio books from the library. That your thing?
Take care,
Celine

Hi Flo. I am getting everyone sorted out in my head now. Glad you are finished with it all and a long and healthy life ahead of you.

This is my middle week now and I am lying low to avoid infections. I have a lot of movies stored on my digi box! I have to go in to the hospital tomorrow just to get my bloods done as it was my first time. So I will have to get up early tomorrow. Generally I go tobed about 9.30 and sleep at least 10 hours.

My treat used to be a glass of wine but I can't stand the taste of it now so I will have to think of something else. I used to love McVitie's digestive biscuits . . .

There are days when I feel very low and findit hard to think positive. However maybe next week when I am beginning to feel strong again, and get my head shaved and get my wig I will settle myself for the long haul.

Lord I am very droopy this morning. Hope to be more cheerful next time.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth
You dont have to be cheerful here, thats the beauty of it. Here you let rip and get it off your chest, remember we've all been there and know what it's like. Like any other illness you cannot be happy and positive all the time. During my chemo I went mad on spearmint soft mints, they were the only thing I could taste Someone recently mentioned a mouth wash but it turned their teeth black, well the hosp gave me a script for "Magic Mouthwash". Your chemist makes it up and it's pink in colour. It has a numbing effect but I found it fantastic.
Take care Elizabeth and Hi to all my other friends
Evelyn

Hi to Evelyn and Celine, and all the other ladies. Many thanks for all your emails. I had my bloods checked this morning and was told - perfect! The nurse - Hazel, said the injection worked really well and I was already on the way back up. So am feeling more positive now and not so drooopy. Going to have a beef sandwich and small glass of beer for lunch. I got a tip from a fellow sufferer inthe hospital. We were chatting and I said I could't bear the tast of wine any more and she said she was the same but now liked beer. So I tried it, and yes, it's good with a beef sandwich.

Long life and health to you all.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth, thats great news. I hope you enjoy your sandwich and beer!
Im sure its great talking to people in the same boat as you. When I was in having my op, it was nice talking to two women having the same done aswell.

My results come in on monday, so 3 days to go before i know whats next. Its been a long two weeks i can tell you!

How long do you have to have to have the chemo for?