chemo journey

[sunflower]

I have started chemo at end of April 2011 and i have been keeping a journal of how i feel to help me over the next few weeks. my next treatment is in one weeks time and i have felt really good that i have i have been able to go to the gym and start a few small projects at home. (although the first week i was lucky to walk to the clothes line!) i am amazed at how teary i felt and this week i have had my hair cut off. It is not too bad but it is certainly cold now it is winter. I feel glad i bought a wig and various hats and scarves before i lost my hair.

[Allicat]

That's good your chemo is going well. I was able to continue with most of my normal activities during chemo. I think it is good to keep doing as much as you can, without overdoing it. When I started chemo it was hard to imagine that it would one day be finished. But today is 11 weeks since my last chemo and it seems like a very long time ago. My energy has come back and my hair is growing back - if it was warmer I'd be tempted to leave off my cap but I'll need it for warmth for a while yet.

[frangipani]

The word "chemo" sounds frightening. we did it - and hopefully we dont have to worry about it again!!! Let this be positive. its a new journey now and we were the chosen ones. A new crop of hair is great. Mine has grown back think and curly, just like i always wanted it. It has been two years since i was diagnosed. It wasnt plain sailing all the time - but most times i even could'nt believe how i completed what i had to do. I found the energy and most of all I believed in myself and my team of doctors. Today, after 2 previous mast I have just completed my reconstuction and feel on top of the world. In fact I feel in alignment and can jump for joy. Take each stage as it comes and you too will not believe what you can achieve. You are beautiful in every way - when you get your strength (and you will) scream for joy, laugh, run on the beach and jump as high as you can. Life is beautiful. Frangipani.

[Allicat]

hi frangipani, I'm glad to hear that your reconstruction is complete & you're happy. I had my mastectomy 3 and a half weeks ago and it was not as bad as was I worried it would be. Even the drain didn't creep me out like I thought it would. At the moment my forearm is quite sore but apart from that I am recovering well. Unfortunately they had to put in an expander so there will be another op to swap it for the permanent implant, but I guess that operation is not such a big deal. Thanks for your encouragement before the op. Allicat

[frangipani]

Allicat, y I had my final reconstuction on the 11/05/2011 and am home after just 2 days in hospital. It was not painful at all. what my PS did was remove the tissue expander and insert the selicone or gel. the stiches are neat (done on the same cut as the mastectomy). the drains are still in. In fact I went into his surgery today to have them removed but he said that they are not stopping - so i should come back on thursday. these dont hurt when he cuts them. You too will be on your way to recovery. Please do the exercises for that arm as it helps with the circulation. I look into google for any help. Be brave, think positive and remember its the end of the road now......