I am starting chemo in July 07. Anyone else?

Hi folks, I haven't posted for ages but was tempted into doing so because when the Abbey's post appeared on my email it specifically addressed me but I see on the website that you say 'Hi Ladies'. Strange. Anyway, I have been reading the posts but I find that my life has streamlined itself into work, trying to get my 2 teenagers sorted with accomodation etc before they start college this month and trying to get enough rest. Everything else has fallen off my 'to do' list for the present.
To catch up - I am half way through my treatment and start with taxol next Friday. My treatment has been fortnightly throughout. When I finish the chemo I will be having radiation and then hormone therapy.
I find I get very nauseated for the first few days after treatment and my brain is just in a total fog. I usually take a day's leave on the Monday after treatment but work is a particular struggle for a couple of days after that - partly because I still feel quite sick but also because my brain is in such a fog - last week I had to ring my husband because I just could not remember how to get to a place that I have driven to many times, it had just blanked itself from my mind. I dread having a crisis on those days because I am not sure that I would make good decisions. What I do is write myself a list just before chemo of things that need doing urgently because afterwards it just fades into a haze.
I am definitely finding the fatigue is cumulative and that isn't helped by not sleeping - it's 3.10am as i write this.
A few weeks ago I caught a cold from my husband and it just took hold. Ended up in hospital for a week, having blood transfusions, potassium infusions and all sorts of other treatments. Temperature high, blood pressure low. It frightened me a little - on the day they admitted me and told me I was going to a ward 3 floors below the one I was on I was thinking "how am I going to get there?" Even though my husband was with me I just couldn't imagine being able to walk. Of course they provided a wheelchair but I don't think I have ever felt so incapacitated before. Anyway, I did get better and it didn't throw me off my chemo schedule which I was thrilled about as it would have messed my diary up good and proper. The other issue I am having is weight loss - I hit below 8st a couple of weeks ago which is way too thin as I am 5ft 9ins. I seem to have managed to stabilise through this last cycle which I think is due to me finally recognising that on the sick days I have to abandon any idea of eating at meal times but to just graze whenever I can, even if that is in the middle of the night!
But to answer Abbey's question -yes, I am managing to work but only by cutting more or less everything else out. I have hired someone to clean the house and forced myself to let go of other things like keeping weeds out of the garden. I usually get home, cook, eat and then go to bed.
I am so sorry that you have been diagnosed so young Abbey - it does seem particularly unfair - I hope you have good support around you and at least I think youth will be on your side in terms of your body being able to cope with the treatments.
One final thing - I have found that about a week after the treatment is the high risk time for my mouth getting sore. I have been amazed by how well the salt water mouth rinse works. I got the tip from this board and it is so much more soothing than the mouthwash they give you and seems to have an immediate effect. In any case my mouth has always recovered and never actually developed sores. The whole food thing is hard - I find even when I feel really hungry the idea of food can still be offputting but I have learnt that food nearly always makes me feel better. I never go to work without having some food close at hand - bananas, nuts etc. as if I get to feel that dizzy sick feeling it can fend it off immediately.
My hair hasn't completely fallen out and although I have to wear bandanas I still have bits of hair poking out and still have something to wash! I bought a wig but it is really uncomfortable and gives me a headache so it's mainly used by my husband to give the kids a laugh - he looks like an aging rock star!
I wish everyone well through all their trials and tribulations - when I was having chemo last week there was someone there who was having his final session. It hit me that that would be me too in a few months - and it will be you lot too! Can you imagine how fantastic that will feel!!!!
Best wishes and strength to you all,
Asia