Starting chemo Sept 05

Prayer,

[Darn I just wrote a great post, and the breastcancer.org gods ATE it!]

Hang in there. Your fears are real. Of course you don't want to leave your children for a few days again, but think farther ahead. Think to the high school and college graduations, weddings and grandchildren.

Use this group as a vent for these emotions. Absorb the good humor, the support, listen to others [especially that barb, she is something!], and realize that this too will pass. Really. It will be over.

Take care of yourself.

*susan*

AussieMom,

Sounds like your apres-chemo celebration should be a chocolate party. Truffles, chocolate fondue, strawberries dipped in chocolate, little squares of chocolate and brownies.

And, you might even want to invite a few guests. :-)

*susan*

Sandra,

Welcome back. I hope that you had a restful and wonderful time in Scotland [well, besides scattering your hair hither, thither and yon.

Will think of you during round 2....

*susan*

My mother just recently had a breast removed and now the doctor tells us that she had two lump nods with cancer as well. All of this is a shock to me and I still can't believe it. She must now do cemo. All of this from a 58 year old woman that I have never seen sick or miss a day of work. Could you help he understand a little bit of what she is thinking it is so hard for me to talk to her about it?

Jimmy,
Welcome to this site! I too have had one breast removed, with 2 lymph nodes testing positive. I have had 2 cycles of chemotherapy. My family and I can't remember a day I've had sick in at least 30 years. Healthy, energetic, fit.

People react differently to diagnosis and treatment - just reading the messages posted will show you how different - yet how alike - we all are.

There are the initial feelings of numbness, disbelief, fear of the unknown, and lack of control just to name a few. From diagnosis to surgery can often be a blur where we feel we are swept along by others, with no control ourselves.
After all, we've been attached to this breast for our teenaged-->adult life. For some, it helped define our femininity, and our motherhood. So there is a grieving when the breast is gone. And because it is a breast, it is very personal, and so may be difficult to talk about.

Between surgery and chemotherapy starting, is a time when it might all hit you. A time to cry a lot, regroup, and start gathering information, ask questions.

How great that you want to understand, to be a support, an encouragement, a help. Perhaps you could recommend this website to your Mum? There are lots of information pages as well as the discussion boards.

I don't know what her treatment team is like? Usually surgeon, medical oncologist (chemotherapy doctor), radiation oncologist (if she needs radiation later), breast care nurse, maybe physiotherapist, and counsellors.

Counsellors in this area can be great. Ask. They can help both patient and carers, families. They allow you to talk and express your feelings, as well as to help guide you all through.

Just keep on loving her, be ready to listen when she's ready to talk. If you don't know what to say, say "I don't know what to say".

There are different therapies, with different side effects, experienced in varying degrees.

As I said, maybe your Mum would like to check in? After all, we are together on this journey.

Your family is added to my prayers.

AussieMom,

Right back at you. I had forgotten that Wednesday was your day too. You have been added to my list of folks to think about. My only dilemma is, do I send the good thoughts East or West? :-)

Take care,

*susan*

AussieMum/Tinkermax - I didn't realize you were on the same schedule. I will be thinking and praying for you as well. Best of luck to all of us and to everyone else having a treatment this week.

Jimmy - I think it's wonderful that you are looking for ways to support your mom. You have come to a great place with many amazing women that have been a great help to me and will be the same for you. I agree with Janet - just be there for her. Her emotions and feelings are probably as confusing to her as they are to you. Just knowing that her family is there to support her is probably a huge comfort to her - as I know it is to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hi Everyone

Just back from my second round of FEC. Feel ok but tired.

I am going to have a lie down and DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, orange barley being my drink of choice today!

Hope the other ladies who have treatment today are doing well.

Speak to you all soon.

Maxine

Prayer,

I find myself concerned that your doctor doesn't answer your phone calls. Are you calling the Onc or the surgeon or the PT? I think I would be crawling the walls if I were you.

Hang in there!

*susan*

Sandra
I just read your post. Yes I'm on Epirubicin & Cytonox (not spelled correct) for 4 treatments then taxotere for 4 treatments. I'm just not too sure which one is the "hard-core" one yet. I've got that on my list of questions for my doctor this friday after my treatment on Thursday. I think all are bad just with different side effects.

Cheryl

Hi all

Thoughts to all who are going for treatment tomorrow and other days this week – one step nearer the end of treatment.

I have had my 2nd today and so far so good. I am sitting here in my headscarf with my big loopy earrings and I am so glad you gave me the confidence to have my hair buzzed – it is soooo much better and one thing less for me to worry about. Had a problem getting blood out of my line today – ended up having it out of my arm which naffed me off a bit.

Cheryl I was told the Epirubicin was the ‘hard-core’ one but so far I haven’t been too bad on this. I am to follow with CMF and I am not sure what this is in relation to your Cytonox? Oh all these different names. It is strange having a different colour when you go to the loo on the day of treatment isn’t it – good job they warn you or else you would worry your were bleeding.

I talked about Herceptin with the Dr today and she said if I was Her2 positive I would have Herceptin in addition to Tamoxifen – my results for Her2 are not through yet. I thought Herceptin was replacing Tamoxifen. Did you read the case over here where the lady won the right to be given Herceptin. She was going to sue under the Human Rights Act.

Jimmy. I agree with all Aussiemum advises you – just remember your mum is more than a mum, she is a person and give her lots of hugs but remember she may want some space also. Jimmy also remember you will need someone to talk to from time to time.

Good thoughts to you all. I am going to be sensible now and get off my computer and go and rest.

Thank you all again.

Sandra from the UK

Thanks Susan - but Wednesday is not my day. (Mind you, good thoughts are welcome at any time, and if you send them East or West, the world is round and they get here!)
I live in New South Wales NSW - an eastern state of Australia, about 1 hour south west of Sydney.

Have a great day, Remember, this is one treatment you won't have to do again!

Janet,

Can't believe you're still teaching! Do you work the first few days after chemo? Amazing!

Peg,
let those dinner invitations roll on in!

If it works for you, you may never need to quite finish that renovation: think of the money you'd save and all the time slaving over a hot stove or with dishpan hands!

Great everyone was so comfortable with the au naturel look.

Prayer! No the doctor didn't call back? Must be scary for you.

With the neulasta shot for me, I had a lot of pain in bones and joints, but was surprised it wasn't just thighs, hips and upper arms! Also had pain neck and back - and a bit in my ribs. Maybe it is your rib cage?? Although it would be unusual for it to be one side only. Keep asking. Keep checking.

And don't let your onc's irritation upset you, or deter you from your purpose. Yes, we are doing everything we can to prevent recurrence, and live long, happy, purposeful healthy lives. Keep up the positive attitude and the prayer.