Member blog
BRCA-2
Morning ladies
It's been a while since my last post with not much new to report until now. Yesterday the results from my genetic testing came in and it turns out I have BRCA-2.
What does this mean for me? Well, I had already opted to have my other breast off, so turns out that was the right decision. Also means when I'm 40 odd (I'm 34 now - 35 on Saturday!) I'll need to have my ovaries removed. Also really helps explain why I got this bloomin disease!!!
Tamoxifen & Zolidex
So with chemo and radiation done, now is the time for me to start Tamoxifen & Zolidex. I am 34, and nervous as hell about going into a menopausal state with this. Nervous about moods, hot flushes and weight gain (having worked my butt too lose the weight I put on during chemo I'd rather not put it back on!).
Post radiotherapy (have lost track of days!)
It has been a little while since my last blog so time to update. Previously I was writing in Days but it's getting to far on now so I'm just going to use headings!
So I am now done and dusted with my radiotherapy - 25 sessions complete. I coped well, but my skin was a disaster! Red, purple and brown, and a little blistered. Since finishing last Tuesday the area has shed a whole layer of skin and is slowly getting back to normal. Couldn't work for the last two weeks of it as just couldn't wear a bra on the area! Oh well - there could be worse things!
Advice for radiotherapy
Hi ladies....I yesterday started my first session of radiotherapy (1 down, 24 to go!). I'm just wondering if you have any hints or tips for what I should / shouldn't be doing during this period. The nurse told me yesterday I was supposed to receive a booklet or something, which I never got, so thought I'd look to my next best resource for advice - all the ladies here!
All I know so far is to apply pure sorbolene cream after treatment and in the morning after I shower, pat dry, and no deodorant on that underarm.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)
Day 150
and I'm feeling fantastic!!!
My last chemo session was on Monday 12 November so I am now well and truly done. I honestly feel like I am starting to really get my 'mojo' back! I didn't have a lot of side effects with the chemo, and didn't really feel it affected me that much, however now it is over and I am really starting to feel better I realise it probably did have more of an effect than I thought. I guess just generally with things like energy levels and that 'feel good' feeling - whatever that is!
Day 139
Well, I am now officially done with chemo! No more for me. Four rounds of TC done and dusted. The final round (which was two weeks ago) I came home that night and just felt an enormous sense of relief - like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I believe the worst is now behind me.
Next on the schedule is radiotherapy, kicking off 7 Jan, for 25 rounds. Met my radiation oncologist last week who ran through it all and she assured me it would be a breeze compared to chemo. Although I really didn't suffer too many side effects with chemo so I was quite lucky.
Back to playing sport???
Ladies - am after your advice on something.
I am looking to get back into playing my sport in the new year - basketball and netball. My concern is my hair! I have one round of chemo left so it probably wont start to grow at all maybe until mid-December. The new comp for basketball starts mid-January so I still don't think I'll have enough hair for it to be hair if that makes sense!
Day 122
Day 122....geez, where has the time gone.
So I am now three chemo's down, one to go. This round was a little tougher than the first two - definitely more tired, and have really just felt a bit 'down' more than anything. Still, I haven't had any nausea, aches or pains or fatigue so I still feel very lucky.
Last chemo is on this coming Monday - can't wait! I can't wait because it's the last!!! Even though I've been well, the whole thing just wears on you. It's becoming a real drag!
Day 84
Well today was my second round of chemo. Much easier knowing what to expect. The needle in the arm actually does hurt a little, but hey, it's nothing really. My lovely partner came with me again today, and read the paper to me and did crosswords while I sat there with the ice mitz on my hands and feet.
