Australian Sisters
Comments
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Oh Carol so sorry that you are feeling so bad. Hopefully with a cool change will come a little relief.
Those fires over there are just devastating! So much for so many lost and now lives as well....just so terribly sad. Here's hoping they can get them under control soon.
Meanwhile lovely just take it easy.......you are almost there. Sending (((((((hugs)))))) and loads of love.
Chrissy
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Sending thoughts, love and hugs to everyone going through treatment xx
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Carol (((hugs)))
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Hi all
Thanks Tammy, Lucy and Chrissy.
Unfortunetly today I have still been feeling nauseas and very tired, one of my worse days since starting chemo. It seems my SE's are getting worse each time which is a pain. The weather has cooled which is good.
Hopefully I'll start to feel better during the week.
Carol
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Carol, unfortunately the SE from chemo are cumulative........hang in there lovely as you are almost done. Before your bext one make sure you get enough meds so you don't feel quite so bad.
So glad the weather has cooled somewhat for you, at least you have a bit of relief there.
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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Thoughts out to all going through treatments or testing...
Christmas / New Year was pretty quiet this year for me, which was great after the year from hell our family has had. I had 3 weeks off work and can honestly say that I did pretty much NOTHING. Didn't go to any movies, didn't go to the beach etc. It was LOVELY just pottering and not having to leave the house unless I really wanted to.
Hubby and I are now back at work (from last week) and have already filled our calendars with so many things for this year. Even though we are not having to fly over to New Zealand for my mother now that she has died, we are still making more frequent trips because Tony's Dad has Motor Neuron Disease.
I'm now trying to come off the anti-depressent (Zoloft) that I went on last year to get through everything. Down-dosing has gone well, but this past week after I came completely off the tablets I got hit with withdrawal syndrome even though the down-dosing was slow. So I've been dealing with dizziness, nausea, hot sweats, brain zaps (make you feel like you are fainting) and the big D. Still, I keep telling myself it's worth it to be able to get off the med.
Just under two weeks until my annual scans/checks...
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Jenn you certainly did have the year from hell in 2015 and I'm sure you needed those three weeks of nothingness.
It sure doesn't take long to fill the calendar for 2016 but I really hope you have penciled in some 'me time' as well. Glad you are feeling up to getting off Zoloft but really sorry you hit that wall.......hopefully a couple more days and you will be done with those reverse se's.
The problem with getting older is that our parents also age which brings other problems that need to be dealt with........hope your trips don't need to be as frequent as they were in 2015.
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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I have decided to start a blog to give me an outlet and also possibly help others battling a similar diagnosis. Heres a link to it
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Thanks Mel.......goodluck with your blog and I really hope it helps you and nany others.
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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Hello lovely ladies
I'm on day 7 past my second AC and going ok. No throwing up this time, thank goodness, but in some ways harder with fatigue, emotional vulnerability and zilch concentration. Food only just started to taste ok today, but I had the yummiest lunch I've had in a week lol. Another AC today week, then a two week break and start the Taxol.
Jenn - can you remind me - did you start on three weekly Taxotere and then switch to weekly Taxol? If you did - was it better, I must admit, I'm absolutely terrified of the Taxol as the Taxotere nearly killed me last time.
Trish
xoxo
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Trish, great to hear from you! I hope things continue going OK (((hugs)))
Melissa, wonderful idea with the blog, it is always helpful to share our journeys....
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Morning Ladies,
Not been posting much as I have been so ill. Can so relate to what you said about Taxotere Trish. Was convinced the side effects were going to "do me in" last round. Have had trouble with veins all along and unfortunately after treatment 3 I ended up with an Extravasation (Leakage of chemo fluids in the tissue); so basically a chemical burn that I'm told may never heal properly. Between that, Febrile Neuropenia, hospital stays and visits, penicillin every round and all the "usual" side effects I'm feeling pretty "washed up". Despite all this the Oncologist was keen that I take a full dose last Tues, my number 4 and final; as my bloods were within range. After the usual prodding a deep vein was pierced and the infusion seemed to go smoothly. No stinging, burning etc. Bruising started immediately the cannula was removed but about an hour into our 2 1/2 hour drive home it started to swell badly. Called them right away and was told to begin icing asap and to continue every 6 hours for the next 48 hours. The swelling did subside but the vein is now prominent each morning and I'm still icing. Nurses are really concerned it's more chemo leakage but I'm trying to be optimistic and tell myself it's trauma as they had to push the cannula so deeply and used an area that was still bruised from 3 weeks before. Hard to know at the moment as the bruise is as round as a tennis ball and so, so black but there do seem to be some blisters forming. Sigh.
I had to go back to Tamworth again on Thurs for a bone density test. 5 - 6 hours travel for a 10 minute test. The cost of having cancer is sending us to the wall financially. No bulk billing for the bone density as I'm under 70. Then to add insult to injury the imaging place had no IPTASS forms. Some lowlife smashed my car window in an attempted break in and it's due for rego; um yesterday. Can-Assist is helping us out with the cost of my cancer related meds and I'm so grateful but others I was taking before for BP, Cholesterol, Insulin Resistence etc now seem to be "out of my reach" and I haven't had these scripts filled for some time. Stupid I know but we have to eat, pay the mortgage, elect etc. Have approached "CentreStink" who have told me I'm not eligible for a Health Care Card as my hubby earns too much to qualify (approx $750 a week take home). They have suggested I apply for a Disabilty Pension and gave me some forms a few weeks ago but I have been too sick to "fight" with them as yet. My question is has anyone else dealt with a similar situation and how difficult was it? I'm in no position mentally, emotionally or physically to be working or even job seeking at the moment but know I have to do something before we lose everything we have worked our whole lives for. The strain it is all placing on me and our relationship is incredible. Snapping at each other all the time. As I understand it I have to prove that this cancer will impact on my life for 2 years or more and I know Disabilty is very hard to get these days as so many abuse the system. At the moment I feel cancer will impact on my life forever more. So sorry for all the personal details and the long post but needed to vent.
Would be so grateful to hear of anyones success stories in successfully claiming a Disabilty Pension after a breast cancer diagnosis as I have to get this moving this week.
Hugs Donna.
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Oh Donna, you poor thing ((((hugs)))) everything seems to hit at the same time doesn't it.
I went in to Centrelink last week for my first "assessment" interview and was told it could take a long time to assess my situation. I was asked why I hadn't applied for Newstart at the beginning. Told them I was told to apply for Disability so that's what I did. So - while I'm being assessed (despite them having specialists, gp, ct scan reports etc etc) I need to be on Newstart. I applied for that this morning as I hadn't really been well enough before then.
It's sooooo much harder for you Donna as you live so far away from your treatment centre. And having problems accessing your veins - it all just piles up so vent away as much as you want.
I'm having a good day today, but have had some bad ones lately. Chemo messes with your head too. I'm just starting to feel human again and I'll go in for my last AC on Thursday.
I'm thinking of you everyday Donna
Trish
xoxo
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Thanks so much for the reply Trish. Newstart seems so ridiculous for people in our situation. Employers are just queuing up to give us jobs. LOL. Not that there are many jobs in this little "hick" town. CentreLink and their "Dr's" really have no idea. Cancer is a very specialised field and none of us have a crystal ball. I was told to apply directly for Disability too. Makes me so angry when I know so many less deserving are rorting the system. xx xx
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Got the results of my bone density test yesterday.
I have good, strong healthy bones. No signs of Osteoporosis. Yay.
Hope everyone is travelling ok. Hugs Donna.
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Yay Donna!! That's a great result!! It alwsys makes you feel way better when you get good news!!
Trish my lovely, you gave been in my thoughts all day. Hope you are travelling reasonably well right now.
Love n hugs all! Chrissy
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Trish, I hope your infusions weren't too harsh on you today. Hugs.
Maybe PM Jenn. Hopefully the weekly won't be as cruel to you. Crossing fingers and toes (not that mine work any more) x
Donna that is great about the bone density results. I had one not long ago and because of BC was told I got one free every two years, I think the referal had to be from a specialist. It is so frustrating, the different rules.
Sorry I can't remember, but do you have access to a Mcgrath Nurse? I admit I was pretty annoyed to find out all the things I could have gotten for free, or help with, had I known where to ask. When you are struggling just to cope, it is really hard to find out extra stuff.
A few women I know were able to get their partners on to carers allowance. This isn't means tested like carers pension and could possibly help and you may be able to get a Health Czre card through that avenue.
I lived out of town but was too tired to claim the kilometres for travel, which wasn't sensible.
In retrospect I wish I had said to someone who offered help, that if they could make phone calls, log my kilometres, ring CanAssist, ring the local lions club (they often have funds, not fundraisers, to help.) And maybe find where help can come from.
Sorry about the essay, but without this group I would still be a blubbering mess everyday.
My heart goes out to you, it is extremely expensive and difficult on relationships. Hugs x
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Donna, I really feel for you too, hopefully some of Kylie's ideas may help. Regarding, CentreStink I can't understand why this has to be so difficult for Trish and you when you are in treatment.
I'm having a bone density next week and when I booked it they said I "may" have to pay....last time was free....who understands these rules???
Trish, I hope things went well today.....
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Girls while you are taking an AI the DEXA scans are deemed medically necessary so cost you nothing every two years. Just a little info for you all. 😊
Love n hugs! Chrissy
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Trish.. Thinking of you..
Donna.. Yay.. Great news about the bone density test.!
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Thanks Chrissy! I must remember to inform them about the AI.
These couple of weeks seem to be going slow....I want my scans done so it's over but I don't want to have them just in case something is found....in any case I'm having them next Thursday and seeing the Dr the following week!
Take care everyone
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I've got everything crossed that all is well for you Tammy........is it just the DEXA you are having or other scans as well? Waiting for any scam can be nerve wracking.
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I'm doing ok girls. This treatment is panning out just like the others. Pretty crappy that night, not too bad the next day and wiped out so far. No nausea, thank goodness, the onc gave me a lot of extra anti nausea meds and they help a lot. If things continue, the diarrhea will start tomorrow lol. But the good news is that was my last AC! Yay!!
I'm not sooo worried about the Taxol now - both Chrissy and my onc have convinced me that the weekly doses will be a lot easier to handle.
I have a phone interview this afternoon with Centrelink about going onto Newstart until the disability is sorted out, so a step in the right direction, I hope.
Donna - so good to hear about your bone density. I too have excellent bones. My last scan showed a drop of almost 9%, but I'm so high on the scale I could almost lose another 40% and not have to worry lol.
Trish
xoxo
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So good the hear that you are doing okay Trish. Stay close to the loo tomorrow!! Gosh Centrelink can be a pain but I hope that phone interview goes well and some money can start coming in for you.
Donna and Carol,how are you both doing?
I've been a slacko this week......lol......that's the problem when the tennis is on. I did ho to the city fir an appointment with my GP as well as get an ultrasound and fluroscope of my knee that keeps playing up so I guess I haven't been totally slack after all. Oh well, the tennis will be over soon and I can catch up on things then.
Love n hugs all! Chrissy
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Well I've been rejected for disability - you need to be on it for at least two years, and that's not me. So they are progressing the newstart - and back dating it, so at least that's something.
I'm with you at the moment Chrissy - watching the tennis - I love the tennis
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Bugger Trish!! I sure hope they don't expect you to be looking for work while on New Start! How ridiculous! As you say though, at least it is something coming in but boy are they harsh!
Yup, still sitting in front of the tele.....lol......although I did take a break and walk down to the chemist to get my drugs refilled......now I have to get up and go to the loo.......ah the things we must do!
Love n hugs all! Chrissy
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Glad you are enjoying the tennis chrissy. I'm more a cricket gal.
Trish that sucks RE: The Disability Pension. None of us have a crystal ball and especially not "CentreStink's" so called experts that review our cases. They have no idea how long cancer will impact on our lives so I don't feel they are qualified. The side effects of treatment and meds, the mental anguish, grief, depression. They don't have a clue. Think Hubby will apply for a Carer's Allowance (Thanks for the info on that Kylie) as I am now relying on him more for help at home. (And I hate it) It's a very small amount of money but hoping it may help us get a Health Care Card. Getting organised to head to our Daughter's for a week on Wednesday. So looking forward to it. Will talk to the Dr and Social Worker about the paperwork for the Carer's Allowance when we get back. Just want to enjoy some family time. Hope you continue to feel well Trish.
Good luck with the scans Tammy and thanks for the "Yay" on my bone density Lucy. The support means so much.
Happy Australia Day to all for tomorrow. (My Daughter's 30th B'Day).
Hugs all, Donna.
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Donna, happy Australia Day to you and all the girls!!
Also a Happy Birthday to your DD as well!!
Yes, that Carers Allowance is a pitance and a joke but hoodluck getting it as every littlr bit helps.
Totally off topic here......I bought myself a breadmaking cloche.....what is that you may well ask.....lol. It's an unglazed ceramic dish with a domed cover that bakes the most amazing bread!! It works by creating steam so your bread is tender with the most amazing thick crispy crust.......I am going to have to limit how many times I use it in a week or I will be wombling and not wallking!! Delicious!!!!
Love n hugs all! Chrissy
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Happy Australia day to all of the beautiful ladies on this thread. Thanks for the support and friendship, and thanks Trish for starting the Australian Sisters thread.
Trish, fingers crossed for you
Chrissy that sounds yummy. I love baking bread....and finger buns lol. I just ordered a beef jerky gun. Since BC I have trouble cutting the meat for jerky so I will try this. Ordered it from America as it uses mince.
Hugs to everyone, Kylie xx
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Kylie I've never heard of that. .....can you post a pic of it when it arrives please? I'm very curious.
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