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Comments

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited February 2012

    A tv in the kitchen is a good idea but I don't need one. My place is open plan and I can watch my one tv from the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bedroom (I have french doors between the lounge and bedroom). I can also hear the tv from the laundry and bathroom.



    Gym is still going well but no weight lost on the scales. Perhaps this is because I am building muscles. I have identified a gap in my fitness program - not able to bounce or do high impact moves such as star jumps or skipping. This week I am seeing a physio about lymphedema massage so I will talk to her about my exercise program as well.



    I am so glad I got my hair straightened!



    I am also using a new beauty technique called dermal rolling. In essence, it involves running a small roller with fine 'needles' over the skin of the face. This causes tiny injuries which stimulate collagen production to restore elasticity in the skin and reverse drooping and wrinkles. The process also helps the absorption of face creams. It may sound unusual but was recommended by a beautician who is an ex nurse. She doesn't do invasive treatments. Reviews that I have read claim this process does work.



    Jenn, sorry about your latest discomfort. Ask your onc what you can expect. As I told you I started menopause as soon as the first chemo entered my veins!

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited February 2012

    I got the antenna from Dick Smith - $20 - works like a charm - we are in a very good reception area - can see Mt Cootha from the kitchen window. The TV is not full HD ie 1080p, but great picture - also has a USB port on the side - I'll have to learn how to record TV shows. My main reason for getting that one was the 3 year warranty - not often offered these days.

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited February 2012

    Chrissy, you can change the size of the pieces so the jigsaws last longer... I tend to do one 1400-1600 puzzle every day or two personally. I like a challenge lol.

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited February 2012

    Well I tried an online jigsaw. Thought I'd start of small and nail it , so only 20 pieces. Best time from some clever sharp brain was 14 seconds. Well 3.30 seconds later I'm still trying, so I just gave up (fairly typical behaviour). I swear they didn't have the right peices, I mean I needed some pieces with straight borders to fit them in, and they weren't there!!!

    So to read that you do 1400 - 1600 hundred peices... Well, I take my hat off to you.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    Lyndal, I know I can make them smaller so there are more pieces the problem is I can't see them if I make them smaller than 550......lol.....I swear this optomitrist appointment tomorrow is not coming a day too soon!.....lol

    Kate I also like to read and often do.

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited February 2012

    I decided to change my avatar as I'm really sick of the sight of  the bald egg look, so now I'm a Bird of Paradise.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    Kate you were beautiful as yourself bald or not.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited February 2012

    I'm sort of back on air lol

    Mouth feeling a lot better today, but still painful, but swelling is definitely going down.  Stayed at home today, no way I could be productive at work.

    Have to go into Canberra later today though, have my follow up visit with my councellor.  I never know how to spell that councillor? councellor?  Oh well - she'll be pleased with me I'm sure - apart from my mouth - I feel great.
    Trish

    xox

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone, I am new to this site and am enjoying reading it and getting strength from others in the same situation.

    Starting chemo on Wednesday at Bowral Hospital, I will be glad to get it underway but very nervous also. 

    I admire how you all seem so positive, at this point I seem to cry a lot. I have just moved to a very small town, 500 people, three weeks before diagnosis, and I don't know anyone, and this site has made me feel not quite so alone.

    Kylie x

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited February 2012

    Hi Kylie - Í'm sorry that you have to be here on these boards, but you've found a wonderful group of ladies who will support you all the way. We are all at various stages of our treatment,some just at the start and others all finished, so there have been a lot of experiences and there is always someone who can share their experience with you or answer any questions you may have.Smile

    I boarded at SGEGGS Moss Vale (a few decades ago) but it closed down when I was there, but I know the area well. Where did you move from?

    I now live way over the other side in WA. Do you have a supportive partner of family with you to help you? I'd say there would also be a cancer support network in the Highlands area where you might be able to meet others. It is a a frightening prosptect undertaking chemo. I have only had one treatment so far, but I have been surprised that apart from some periods of deep fatigue I haven't really had any other side effects, but it can be different for everyone. The thing to remember is that these days they have very good medications they give you before the infusion which can help stop you feeling sick. I haven't been sick at all.

    My #2 is hopefully this Friday if my white blood cell count is up high enough.

    Loosing my hair has for me been the hardest part of anything I've been through. It's really tough, but at least it shows the chemo is working and that's a GOOD thing - and it will grow back after a while.

    Kate x

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited February 2012

    Hi Kyle

    I'm sorry you had to find us too.  Let us know more about what treatment you are starting.  Between all of us here - we've probably done it and can help you out.  Just remember that chemo is scary, but it's not the end of the world.  Take a deep breath and know that you can do it.  We've all been there, and know that you do come out the other end.  While you are going through it, it never seems to end, but it will.  Short term pain - long term gain.

    Bowral's not too far from here (Canberra), and I've spent a bit of time there. Haven't lived in the Southern Highlands like Kate but visit it frequently.

    Ask us any questions you like, and we'll all hold your hand (metaphorically) on Wednesday.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited February 2012

    Welcome Kylie, don't be shy to ask anything here and we will help.  This whole site is definitely the best place to help you get through this illness.

    I am in Brisbane. I started chemo in January last year and finished in April. I remember I was terrified the day before but it is not as scary as you imagine.  The chemo I had was TAC x 6.

    Hey Trish, it's 'counsellor'.  Make the most of your appointment.

    Talk to you later ladies.

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited February 2012

    Kylie, I just saw your other post and if you are doing FEC chemo, then that's the same as a few of our other members are doing or have done, so you will definitely get lots of support right here.

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited February 2012

    Thanks everyone.

    I found a dent in my breast and thought it was cellulite, thought I'd give the doc a look and hence mammogram. It was on the 11/11/11 which my 18 year old had been telling me all year was dooms day... I certainly felt that way. 

     Initial diagnosis 1.2cm grade 1. Lots of "you caught it early, it won't be a problem" I don't think they should be allowed to say that!!!!

    First op they found a satellite cancer also and positive sentinel node. Next op was 3/26 nodes plus extranodal spread and tumours in lymphatic channel also. So rushed in for CT scan which was clear for which I am grateful.

    Having FEC D, radio and at least 5 years hormones.

    I actually grew up in the Highlands so have family here which is a great support. I moved back from the Central Coast, NSW so lost my friends.  I am going to dinner with the Highlands support group next week, so hoping to meet some new people.

    Sorry about the blurb but it was good to get it out.

    Thanks, Kylie

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited February 2012

    Hi Kylie :-)



    I'm Jenn. I live in Sydney and was diagnosed not long after you on the 1st of December last year. I had surgery in December and started chemo in mid-January. I'm one of the ones doing FEC. Am doing 3 FEC (3 weekly) and then changing to 12x Taxol (weekly on a Friday) after that. Because I'm HER2+ I am also going to have a year of herceptin. Also doing rads after the Taxol and probably some sort of hormone (or "anti-hormone" as it should more appropriately be called).



    I'm 46yrs with a darling hubby, and 3 kids aged 20, 18 and 16. I see you have an 18yr old - any other kids?

    regards Jenn

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    Hi Kylie and welcome both to BCO and this thread.  As the girls have already said been there, doing that so a great deal of experience to draw from.  Hearing those words 'you have BC' sure does make your world stand still and then seem to spin out of control but once your treatments start you feel like you are doing something to beat the beast back. 

    Make sure you suck on some ice while having your chemo as it helps to stop the mouth ulcers and make notes about how you feel each day and what meds you have used so you will know what works best for you.  There is no need to be feeling really bad during chemo.  You will also need to remember not to do too much and listen to your body.......if it says rest, then rest.   If you have any questions just let us know as we are very happy to pass on what we have already learnt.

    No need to be sorry about letting out what bothers you, that is what this forum is all about.

    Good luck on Wednesday!

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy 

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited February 2012

    Chrissy - sucking on ice has come back to "bite" me... After doing it for my first treatment I now can't stand even thinking about ice without feeling nauseous... So I can't do it again and am just having to face the mouth probs :-(



    Jenn

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    Jenn what about those frozen popcicles?  Do you have the same reaction with those?

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited February 2012

    Racy - been meaning to ask. How's the new hair doing? Betcha can't stop from looking in the mirror nowadays :)

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited February 2012

    Welcome Kylie, Im Lyndal from Brisbane and Im one of the ones who's finished chemo (mid 2009) and half way through the 5 years of hormones. Im 45 now so we're basically the same age, and im so glad you have a supportive husband to help you through all of this.

    lol at apologising for your "blurb". Have you seen the length of most of mine haha. Feel free to say anything thats on your mind at any time mate. Sharing the experience makes it much easier in my opinion and we are here for you.

    Youve already done the best thing to get through all of this , which is to find this site. The support, advice and care given throughout BCO is topnotch and will guide you through your treatment Im sure.

    I know its hard, but try not to worry about starting chemo. Things are never as bad as we think they will be. Chemo and rads are doable, not a hell of a lot of fun mind you, but you will manage like we all have and realise what a strong person you are. A few bad days here and there for the benefit of many more wonderful years with your family are worth it. If you start feeling down just think of all the wonderful good things to come and hopefully that will help to get you through any hiccups in the short term.

    Best of luck for Wednesday Kylie, we will be thinking of you.

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited February 2012

    Lmao off at Jenn and her inability to face ice. I can completely understand feeling that way haha. Btw I didnt know to take ice and never had any mouth problems, so hopefully you wont either.

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited February 2012

    Welcome Kylie - sorry you have to join us, but we're quite a nice bunch. I'm in Brisbane too and finished chemo in March 2010, but  then had another diagnosis later that year - no chemo that time. You'll find some lovely women on these boards and a wealth of information.

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited February 2012

    Chrissy, you mention how we react on hearing those words of diagnosis. I remember well my first thoughts, and words were: 'I can't believe it. How am I going to tell my family'. As you know I still haven't gotten past that LOL.



    Anyone else care to share?



    How did the optometrist appointment go? Is this a chance to update your glasses?



    Kate, I posted today on the Hair thread. My hair is great but I would like the top to grow more so I can dispense with the 'toupé' covering that area. The straight bits and long extensions are great. I have been highlighting my hair blonde for nearly 30 years and as soon as the top grows to a reasonable length to be a long layer, I want to go back closer to my natural colour of mid brown, with just a few highlights. I want to be more authentic about my look, and a more natural look will be easier to maintain.



    I used to read the hair thread from before I started chemo. It helps you know what to expect when and gives hope seeing everyone's pictures.



    I tried to upload some pics using photobucket but I couldn't find the button on the screen to effect the upload. A bit like when I couldn't find the button to enter the chat room.



    I don't cook much but I saw a recipe today on Dr Oz that I am going to try. It is low fat choc blueberry pancakes made with egg whites, yoghurt and oatmeal.



    There was something funny on The View today. I'll post it on FB.



    Just waiting to see what the storm is doing before I head to the gym.

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited February 2012

    My first thoughts were shit shit shit.  Mum was with me so I think my second thoughts were, bugger this is gonna kill her (and it almost did). My poor mum is the worlds biggest pessimist.

    Then I went into survival mode and got all the info Breastscreen at Ipswich could give me on DCIS and IDC. Stayed in survival mode till chemo was finished and Arimedix started.

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited February 2012

    Kylie I did FEC and then the D - Docetaxol or Taxotere.  My final chemo was one year ago on Wednesday.

    My doctor rang me at work with my results, when he called I just knew what he was going to tell me.  I think I sat in my office for a couple of minutes feeling completely numb.  Then went down to tell my CEO - he had been very supportive when I went in to have the mamo and US.  I think I really knew then that I was in trouble - the radiologist and all the nurses completely changed their attitude when they saw the lump, and then found the "clusters of cells" (as they kept calling them) that turned out to be the ILC.  Went straight into having a core biopsy - and had a marker inserted.  I'd called the CEO's EA when I got to the car to say I wasn't coming back to work as I was so upset.

    It's an awful feeling hearing those words, even if you are half prepared for them.  And then the medical machine takes over and it all gets worse.

    But Kylie - know you are completely supported here - we've all been there.

    Oh - didn't get to see the counsellor (thanks Racy) she had a terrible head cold and we've rescheduled to Wednesday.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    I found mine and decided to see if it went away after my period but alas it didn't so off to the doc I went and he ordered an US, mamo and fine needle biopsy.  He called me and asked me to come in so I did.  After he lent forward and took my hands, in a very tearful voice said, 'you have breast cancer'.  I told him I already knew and he asked me how.  'Well' I said, 'you know me well enough to know that I'm not going to leave the ragiography without the films and you also know that I always read the report before I get to see you so when I went to read the report and it wasn't there, it told me right away that the news was not good.  So there you have it, I knew, now where do we go from here?'

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited February 2012

    Racy the optometrist appointment went just fine although I came away $300 poorer.  DH's new glasses are covered all bar about $25 as he only has single vision but mine are tri focals with ultra lite lens and unfortunately even though I have so called full coverage private health, the total cost of my new glasses was $505!!!   OMG!!!   And that was with my seniors discount!!!   Thank goodness I have been saving as I just knew this was going to be expensive and so I make them last as long as possible but the changes to my eyes over the last twelve months warranted a new prescription.......wahhhhh!!!!

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2012

    Yes Chrissy...so many ads....two pairs of designer glasses...no gaps....bulk billing...etc..

    Yet somehow I always seem to pay a small fortune! I have the tri focals as well and any frame I seem to like...well....yes they are a little more expensive....

    Glad you found the forum Kylie....

    jezza

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited February 2012

    I booked my flights - deatils on the Get Together thread.

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited February 2012

    Thanks everyone, still nervous but feeling better knowing there are others travelling the same path.

    I have 3 children, 21 girl getting married next Saturday, she brought it forward so I would still have hair!!! 18  & 11 year old boy.

    Long story but my two eldest children's father commited suicide 13 years ago.

    Then 10 years ago my husband had a truck accident, back broken in 4 places, traumatic brain injury with epilepsy (thank goodness we got over that one), and everything broken on his left side, etc.

    We got through that and somewhere in your mind you think you have had your share of bad luck. Then along comes the breast cancer news.  My daughter said " we have had lots of practice at being strong, we will get through this".

    My G.P's reaction, who has been with us through all this, when he saw my final results gave me my favourite reaction. "F*cking sh*t, a big hug is what you need".

    Kylie x

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