It's not all bad...

everyminute

I have found myself reading these posts on this site almost maniacally since being diagnosed.  I want to be educated and prepared, I want to read good news (as often as possible), I want to know what could happen and what to do if it does.  The women (and some men) here are the true experts living this every day. 

I do know, however, that what we see here is a small portion of breast cancer surviviors and realistically the women (and some men) who are doing great are out doing great and only post occaisionally (like on anniversaries - bring on the 5 and 10 year anniversaries - love to read those).  So I wanted to post a different type of topic - maybe others will have something to share - about things that went right instead of wrong, things that went well instead of badly, side effects I didnt have.  I am fairly new to all of this so I am sure there will be others with even more "not bad" experiences....

everyminute

I have found myself reading these posts on this site almost maniacally since being diagnosed.  I want to be educated and prepared, I want to read good news (as often as possible), I want to know what could happen and what to do if it does.  The women (and some men) here are the true experts living this every day. 

I do know, however, that what we see here is a small portion of breast cancer surviviors and realistically the women (and some men) who are doing great are out doing great and only post occaisionally (like on anniversaries - bring on the 5 and 10 year anniversaries - love to read those).  So I wanted to post a different type of topic - maybe others will have something to share - about things that went right instead of wrong, things that went well instead of badly, side effects I didnt have.  I am fairly new to all of this so I am sure there will be others with even more "not bad" experiences....

everyminute

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on July 11th.  I woke up in pain but that improved and I was off all drugs (except tylenol) by that evening.  In my mind, it was better to deal with pain and get moving through it then be groggy and nauseated.  I was walking in the hospital halls that night.  I won't lie, drains are a bi@tch!  Other than that I healed quickly, STRETCHING is a huge help and I was able to get my full range of motion back very quickly.

 My expanders look good - They are a little tight but dressed, even in a tight shirt, I look fine.  Most people would never know.  I am looking forward to the exchange (Dec 9th) because they are uncomfortable - as in wearing a size too small sports bra all the time tight  - annoying but not excrutiating.

Chemo - I started Aug 13th.  I scanned every post and bought every thing I may have needed from the chemo tips and tricks site - some I have needed some I havent. 

I had DD AC x4.  I would have a bad week (missed a day or two of work) and a great week.  The bad week I would feel car sickish - never vomited or had diarreah - and would nap.  The great week I would do everything - work, eat, go for 2 mile walk at the track each night, cook, shop, travel.  

I am now onto DD Taxol x 4 - I have had very few side effects.  Have only missed the days of treatment from work.  Mouth tastes and feels a bit funky for a few days but no nausea.  I have had some random pains in my legs and stomach but not enough to even take tylenol. I am tired but not exhausted.  Steroids did cause some headaches and depression but was better when we weaned me off (breaking pills in half and then again).   I have even started running again on Taxol.

I have lost my hair - that seems to be the one thing we cant get around.  I wear a wig every day - even at home.  I dont put on a cap or bandana til very late at night.  Hair loss has been huge for me.  Nails look good, havent gained or lost weight, no neuropathy yet (taking b6 and glutamine at oncologists recommendation)

Everyone is different but I know that keeping moving has helped me.  I attempt to walk at least 2 miles a day - I need to up that to 3 but time has been an issue.  It helps me physically and emotionally.  

I read somewhere (on this site of course) and cant take credit for it....Everybody's journey is different. 

I wish you all well.