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Through the First Hurdle

Silverdays
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Just going into the 3rd week of my 1st chemo cycle. Feeling so much better, appetite returned, albeit my taste buds have changed and working a little. I must admit the 1st week was challenging, I had a couple of sleepless bad nights but the oncologist nurses on the end of the phone helped me through. It is scary the 1st chemo, but now I know what to expect, somehow makes it easier. This is only my experience with breast cancer, I felt unwell for a few days, flu like symptoms and nausea the 1st week but have gradually improved with just a few manageable side effects, slightly sore mouth and generally feeling fragile.

Day 12 and yesterday my hair has started falling, long strands coming out- eeek! I have an appointment at the wig shop next week, he will cut my hair into a pixie cut and I am going to his shop to try on some wig styles that they have ordered in for me. 
I had a cardiogram at the hospital this week, he pressed quite hard on my chest wall and it feels a bit lumpy, when does this fear of another cancer coming back ever recede? Will ask the doctors to look as I have appointment with the Consultant Oncologist next week to discuss my ongoing treatment, I have kept a record of my side effects in my book to take with me.Its interesting that I'm talking about my cancer in the past tense, it has been removed and the chemo will mop up any stray cells floating around in my body, that is how I am looking at it. 

Ive had the surgery, masectomy on right breast. That is hard to deal with, I feel disabled without clothes but fairly normal with clothes. Reconstruction I shall definitely consider some time in the future. 
I am so lucky, I have such a supportive partner, looking after me and taking time off work to be with me

On a more positive side, a new puppy on the horizon, a short break after this treatment is over and I'm already planting my seeds and potting up my Dahlias ready for the gardening season! 
Next hurdle, 2nd chemo cycle, then only 4 more and on the straight run.
My friend described cancer as a very special Club that we all belong to and all help each other to get through.

On that note.........

Silver x 

 

  • Offline

    Hi Silver,

    you are doing SO brilliantly!! I am sure it’s a massive call but it sounds like you are managing really welll. I am sure it’s not easy. So glad you are ale to eat as that will surely help as you move forwards. 

    Losing your hair must be a bit scary. I lost all my hair about 12 years ago through alopecia. I did grieve over it at the time of course but happy to say I am completely at peace with a wig now. I found the type/style/ price that suited me and after a few months I was ok with the whole thing. I guess I am lucky because I think IF I ever need chemo hair loss won’t be an issue for me. Being bald is how I am!  

    Yes a new puppy!  How exiting. A new little life. Gorgeous. I would love a Bulldog pup! Not sure though whether to take such a step. We haven’t ever had a dog although I do love them. We will see. When are you getting yours?

     

    Wishing you well in the coming weeks.  You will get there.

     

    much love,

    Kebb x

     

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to kebb

    Hi Kebb,

    My hair started coming out in clumps today, that's just after one chemo! Bit emotional as I've always had a lot of hair. Good job I'm going to wig shop next week and I shall  look for a few new hats to get me through, why is it your hair doesn't grow back when it does with chemo? 

    Thank you for replying 

    Silver

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Silverdays

    Yes I did find the losing my hair period very wearing. I have an auto immune situation and the doctor said it was always very unlikely to come back. Anyway it’s been 12 years now and it hasn’t. Such is life. Until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October I have always been in the best of health so I have been lucky. Trying to see this cancer  ‘blip’ as a short lived illness. Don’t manage that every day of course but trying!! 

    Thankfully your ‘wig’ period will be short lived. It IS a trauma and it sets off a kind of grief. Hopefully your hair will be back before you know it. 

    Take great care of yourself Silver. Spoil yourself and be kind to yourself.  These tough days won’t last forever.

     

    Shirley x 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to kebb

    Thank you, it is traumatic, nothing really prepares you for it, but maybe my pixie hair cut will suit! 
     

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