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  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited March 2012

    Kate, I also was inactive today. I don't have a lot of motivation unless I have a reason to go out. And BCO is too much of a distraction. I did go to the gym this evening and did weights, cycling and eliptical.



    Chemo messes with your mind so it's understandable that you feel like not doing much, Kate and Jenn.



    Ladies, I am still reading continuously even when not posting.

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

    Good to hear from Kate, Jenn and Racy.

    Jenn - hope you got the link to work - if not search utube for Britain's got talent 2012 and Jonathon Antoine.  Did you try copy and pasting the link?

    Chrissy - the clip made the hairs on my arms and neck stand up - so amazing.
    Trish

    xoxo 

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited March 2012

    Last FEC tomorrow, I seem to be getting more apprehensive each time. Kate and Jenn I am relating to your exhaustion, I seem to be getting more tired, more quickly all the time.

    But on the other hand what little hair I have left is growing and I haven't lost any from my arms and legs. Also to top it off I just got a really heavy period, does this mean it isn't killing things it is supposed to?

    Best thoughts to everyone, Kylie x

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

    Kylie, I have heard that some women do have a period while on chemo and other treatment but it might be best if you called your onc and let him/her know just in case.

    Chemo SE's are cumulative and by the last few you will find you are more tired all the time.  It does pass but please take care to get the rest your body needs right now.  It is not only fighting the effects of the cancer but the effects of the drugs as well.  It is under enormous stress and needs that rest to recouperate.

    Kate I hope the wedding goes off without a hitch this Saturday and please post some pics so we can see the bride!  If you are exhausting yourself now you will not have the energy required to enjoy yourself so don't hesitate to ask for help............don't keep trying to do it all yourself.

    Jenn good for you if you can work but again back on this theme of don''t push too hard as it really does no favours to your system and prolongs the tiredness you are feeling.

    Racy good to know that you read even if you don't post.  I think we all do that from time to time but we just need to know you are okay.

    Trish that young man will end up being a world famous tenor of the ilk of Pavarotti he just need to gain confidence and then he will fly like an eagle!  Truly amazing talent...........I was so excited to hear it that I called my DH to listed as well and he also was amazed!  To think that kid is just 17 just blows my mind as his voice has shuch maturity!

    Sue still loving the hair?  and is it still behaving?  Nice to now that you investment was wel worth it.

    Quiet day today as I ran around lie a blue assed fly yesterday and totally did way too much trying to get stuff organised for while I'm away.  I should know by now that I just have to take thing steady. stready and I do a whole lot better.........lol..........Oh well,  at least I am able to do nothing today......yay!

    Hope you are all having a good day!

    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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

    Kylie, I had periods after my first two FEC treatments. My onc didn't seem too concerned. Nothing now since mid Feb so I think it's "over"...



    Have organised next week off work entirely and am going to have lunches with friends and book a massage :-)



    Jenn

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

    Good for you Jenn!  You need 'me' time at the moment and lunching with friends is a good way to go!

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

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

    Kylie it's normal to be apprehensive before your treatment - you go onto Taxotere after the FEC don't you?  If you do - sorry to say - you'll lose all your body hair on that.  I had some hair start to grow back on FEC, sort of soft peach fluff, but the Taxotere I lost everything - and I mean everything, even the hair in my nose!

    The fatigue gets worse on Taxotere too - I could hardly drag myself around by treatment 2.  But the best news is - no nausea!

    Jenn - good idea to have some time off - just what you need.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited March 2012

    Friggin no energy again today!!! and I need it. Well at least I am just sitting down tying ribbons onto the 98 bloody white card doves I've cut out! but I am so not motivated.

    Kylie, sorry about the fatigue and the apprehension you are feeling. I am determined to have a better mind set for my last chemo on Monday (the port should help a lot). My last one I just had a feeling it wasn't going to be good and surprise, surprise it wasn't. Chemo #2 was almost totally SE free for me, but #3 has been really tough. So if the power of positive thinking can contribute then I'm going to really give it a good go.

    I've started to loose my eyelashes. There are still some tiny ones there. Not too many eyebrows though funnily enough. I lost all the dark coloured hairs on my head, but not the pure white ones and they are growing so I have a head full of white fuzz!  I haven't lost any arm or leg hairs either, but ALL gone down below. I have a very odd bod at the momentSurprised.

    Trish - how did it go with your web designer? Have you settled on the 'look' for your site?

     Jenn, next week sounds like the best medicine to me.

    I don't know how ladies manage to work full time while doing this. At least I can take breaks when ever I want to, although I am just drained the whole time. I think I might have one good hour in the morning when I first get up and then I just feel like the blood has been drained out of me. But I take it this is normal and it won't last forever.

    Chrissy, hope you are doing OK and I guess you're getting ready for the big day on Friday.

    xxxx

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

    Hair is still fantastic - love it - best thing I ever did for myself!!!

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    Trish....re your teeth. I know I mentioned it earlier in the thread but did you ask your GP about the Dental Health Plan. There is a discussion about it on the Aussie Breast Cancer Forum atm. Some of the girls have saved thousands of dollars. Apparently its still going although because it require a lot of paperwork Drs and dentists don't often mention it.

    Most of the girls said they didn't know about it until they read it on that forum.

    Also re rads...I believe even if you have private health insurance you can choose to go public with no means test. It really does pay to research these things although often treatments are organised so quickly at a time when you feel least able to cope with all that.

    jezza

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited March 2012

    First off, OMG those 2 kids can sing. Was the best music Ive heard in forever. Thanks so much for sharing the link.

    Secondly, can everyone doing chemo rest up for me. I get exhausted just hearing about all the things you guys are doing lol. I cant believe you can do so much when I was just a lump of lard in a lounge chair for most of mine. Not sure whether to congratulate you all on being super women or think of myself as having been a lazy slob (doh) probably both haha.

    Hope the wedding goes off brilliantly Kate, If you want to try a trick to look as much like normal as possible in the photos or alternatively when your eyelashes start to grow again, get a hairdresser to tint them a dark colour (it really makes the few hairs look like lots and gives definition to your eyes. (learnt that one post chemo and gee it made me feel better faster)

    Great to hear you still love your hair Suzie and Chrissy good luck for Friday. really hope this op lets you get around pain free. Racy, yeah I do that too. Jenn, hope you have a wonderful relaxing week off work cause you sure deserve it.

    Hope everyone continues to feel well and have fun. 

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited March 2012

    Kate, I smiled to read that your hair is growing, at least some of it. And you Kylie, though it will be unfortunate if Trish is right and you lose the growth during your next treatment.



    My hair grows so slowly. It's only grown about three inches in nine months, and less than an inch since December. Lucky I have the extensions!

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited March 2012

    Oh I can't remember who posted about their Mum being in 'The Beacon'? I've tried going through recent posts but can't find it, anyway my copy arrived in the mail today so I read about the Illawarra Dragons. Makes me want to join? They have one here and I just might when I have the energy to lift a paddle that is...

    Racy, if my hair grows back slowly I'll be getting those extensions like yours down the track. You know I've worked out that I have saved over $700 already just by not visiting the hair dresser since September! My big hair expense these days is baby wash - I tried using normal shampoo the first time (just to wash the stubble) and it burnt my scalp. Way too strong when you don't have any hair. I might look like a fuzzy white haired old hag, but at least I smell like a baby Laughing.

    I have to be at the hospital at 11.30 and I think I'm set to for 1.45 theatre. I will post as soon as I get back home even though you guys are three hours ahead of me and will probably be in bed.

    Love Kate xxxx

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited March 2012
    Hope all goes well Kate and looking forward to hearing from you as soon as you get home. Smile
  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited March 2012

    Good luck tomorrow Kate. I hope the port is inconspicuous and your recovery easy. I can understand your ambivalence about the procedure. We can only hope it's as worthwhile as the other ladies here say.

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

    Kate - have you looked for the Nioxin hair products - Price Attack and the Hair Warehouse stock it - it was really great after chemo. I got mine online. Lots of women use it during chemo. You have to work out the system you need based on your hair type. It's really worth looking in to.

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

    Jezza yes - my dr did talk about the dental scheme - but I don't qualify.  It has to be chronic and mine isn't unfortunately.  I did use the system for my chiro visits a couple of years ago.  I have 3 burrs in my neck from 2 consecutive car accidents about 30 years ago - in both I was rear ended quite badly about a month apart - so 2 very bad whiplash injuries.  I go to the chiro every 4 weeks now (have been doing that for about 14 years) and he keeps my neck working.  So was eligible for the chiro visits under the scheme.  I should be doing that each year, but somehow never had the energy to go back and set it up.

    Kate - good luck today - will be thinking of you hun, and we meet with the web designer on Saturday.  But - did register the business name yesterday! Yay! We are officially RT Photos :-)

    On the shampooing of a bald head, I use a shampoo from Woolies - I think it's called "organic" or something like that.  I have very sensitive skin, so shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers etc etc I have to be very careful of or I break out in a rash.  This stuff is in a sort of light chocolate coloured container and is about $5 or so?  Anyway - have been using it for years and it doesn't upset my skin and was fine while I was bald.

    My hair is growing like a weed again now I'm off Herceptin - I'm back to 4 weekly haircuts.  One positive thing about chemo is you do save so much money on haircuts.  Although I have short hair and always have, I can imagine how frustrating it is for you Racy to want longer hair and have it grow so slowly.  I'd gladly swap with you if I could.  Sue - happy for you still loving your hair!

    Lyndal - so glad you enjoyed the link - they were amazing kids.

    Chrissy - hope you aren't getting too nervous about Friday.  Thinking of you too.

    Jenn and Kylie - how are you two going?

    Oh - and it's raining again .... sigh...
    Trish

    xoxo

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited March 2012

    On the topic of hair, my nurse said I wasn't to use any shampoo, soap or toothpaste with sodium laurel sulphate in it while on chemo and radio.

    Good luck today Kate, it should be well worth it.  I am having lots of vein pain, we will see if they can get one today. It was my mum in the beacon, with the leg cast.

    Jenn - enjoy your week off, a recharge sounds great.

    Racy glad to hear you are still reading, I often do that when I am exhausted.

    Lyndal - I am a blob too, I get tired just hearing what Jenn and Kate manage.

    A big hug to Jezza, Chrissy and Suzie, and Gerri. x

  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited March 2012

    Hi there

    Do hope all the treatments are going OK. I found chemo exhausting especially the taxol part thats when I stopped working as I was just too tired to even move. Was a teacher and went back after treatment, lasted a year and retired early. I didn't have the stamina for a senior position and I was questioning what I was doing. It all seemed rather pointless, not the classroom time but the admin. I take my hat off to those who work right through.

    Body hair, well I lost every bit and it took some time to reappear, eyebrows have never really returned although my daughters say I never really have had any.

    Have just been for a walk with my grandson and his uncle and his girlfriend. I do love having my family at home and am looking forward to them coming home in September. ( And there has been a lot of teasing about wedding, its not if but when.

    Big hugs

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    Trish...apparently the Dental Scheme is different to the Chronic Health Scheme? That one is continuing but the dental one is the one they keep threatening to close.

    I will PM you a post from the Aussie forum (don't like to post publicly as I haven't asked the member's permission) from one of the girls who has used it. Some have had treatment quite a while after diagnosis and saved heaps.

    jezza

     

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    Sorry...wouldn't let me cut and paste here!

    jezza

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

    Jezza, would you mind PM me that information as well?  I would be very interested as I also need a denture but just can't find the $1200 to get it.  Thanks.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    There were a few discussions..I will send a link to one thread...I think you are a member chrissy??

    jezza

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

    Yes I am Jezza but don't go there very often as I prefer the layout of this forum.........much easier to read the original post.

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited March 2012
    Ladies it was the dental scheme, not the chronic health scheme that is giving me the $4200 or so over 2 years of dental care. The requirements as I understand it is that you need to be ongoing medication and in a situation where your teeth impact on your health/medications and your health/medications impact on your teeth. In my case the arimidex and the biphospherates (or however you spell the horrible stuff) made me eligible, not to mention the broken teeth I had accumulated in the previous few months lol. Your gp needs to authorise it and you need to have your dentist lined up to accept the deal in advance so that they can just send the paperwork to each other and then onto medicare. 2 weeks later the authorisation comes along and off you to go sit in the dentist chair Yell arrrgh
  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    Sent PMs

  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 295
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Lyndall. Its a shame to see people so out of pocket because of cancer treatment and the effect its had on their teeth.Most people only learn about whats available to them because of forums How did you find out about it? Maybe your GP was really on the ball.Thats fantastic that you were able to claim. I hope your teeth are ok now.

    jezza

    .

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

    Thanks Jezza I just checked out the thread.  I will check with my GP next time I see him.............hopefully the scheme is still running.

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

    Hi all,



    Work today and then breast ultrasound - with nothing seen but breast tissue and fat :-)



    I don't bother with shampoo in the shower anymore. I just wash my head with my goats milk soap every couple of days...



    Jenn

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited March 2012

    Hi Jenn, that's good news about your ultrasound result. One less thing to worry about.

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