Hi I'm new and thought I was strong enough to deal with this. I have heard so many stories of different cancer sufferers since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I have to say a lot of the stories make mine seem so trivial. My cancer was in my right breast and I opted for a bilateral mastectomy after a few months of trying to come to terms with my diagnosis. Delaying treatment allowed the cancer to grow and spread to my lymph nodes which I regret. I was operated on in September 2013 and discharged after 2 days with no pain at all, just tightness across my chest and numbness under the arms into the armpits which felt like a burning sensation at times, but manageable.At first I thought it wasn't that bad at all. Yes I looked a lot different but it was ok. After a couple of weeks I had busted open in parts and had to endure visits to the clinic for dressing changes on a regular basis to try to heal the wounds. Eventually I was put on a vac sealed box to help the healing process so that I could start chemo which was at about 8 weeks post op instead of 6 weeks. My treatment began with 3x3 doses at once consisting of Fluorouracil, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide every 21 days administered via a Power Port which was inserted into me the day before. The first went well with no side effects at all and I felt invincible, even returning to work as a receptionist. The 2nd dose left me tired for a few days but nothing too serious and the 3rd wiped me out for a week straight after. Then I bounced back to normal. Though I felt mild nausea, I never threw up at all but I did take anti nausea tablets at the onset of any yukky feelings.
On 3 Jan 2014 I commenced the 2nd stage of my chemo which is 3x1 dose of Docetaxel every 21 days. I was told I should feel about the same as my previous chemo drugs other than tingling in fingers and feet and it will take less time to administer. The first 2 days was good then I started to feel cramp like pain in my legs, hips and lower back which got progressively worse over a few days and eventually consuming my whole body. While I take pride in mouth hygiene, I also have a white coating on my tongue along with pain as well as a sore throat and head aches. I want to sleep but can't get comfortable and so I tend to doze here and there rather than getting a good nights rest. I feel so confused and anxious right now and frustration has got the better of me. I thought the worst was behind me and I should start to be on the mend by now but I was wrong.
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