Hi I'm new to the site, interested in contacting anyone who has started chemo for breast cancer
Less than one minute read time.
FormerMember
Hi, underwent full mastectomy 4 weeks ago without reconstruction. Have been doing my exercises religiously since and my arm is improving but I seem to have hit a wall with my progress - make a poor ballerina!!. I have my appointment with the Med Oncologist on 3 Nov and am feeling a litle apprehensive about the next 7-9 months of chemo and then radiotherapy. If you have been or are going through this, I would love to hear from you. Have been positive so far but feel this is the long haul.
FormerMember
At a reunion a few weeks ago, a schoolfriend who has been living in Denmark and working as a physiotherapist told me about a new technique they are teaching to breast cancer patients to do light massage to relieve swelling and aid recovery. She was going to send me more information, but so far has not done so. I will pursue this for British patients to interrogate their physios. You could ask your physio if she has ever heard about it, in case the National Physiotherapy Association/Society is thinking of taking it up.
Nobody will tell you that Chemo and Radio are a breeze, but everyone seems to get through it. The worst thing is losing one's hair I understand, though mine didn't have that effect. I didn't have breast cancer, but didn't want to leave you on your own without comfort. Your hair will grow back and you will be beautiful again. Though everyone here is beautiful and definitely much loved.
Act normally, be nice to yourself and have fun. Have plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Do your exercises whether they work or not. You have made a lot of progress and the last bit will not seem to make such a difference.
I hope this helps. You will get a lot more expert and experienced advice from breast cancer patients, Don't be shy to ask them to be your buddy. It is very flattering to be asked.
Thank you for your reply, I will look into the massage. Have to say I feel great and a complete fraud sitting at home but realise I also need the rest. The hair and the length of time I need to have the chemo are my main concerns, but everyone says the hair will grow back and possibly differently, I'm looking forward to having curly hair - its straight now.
I too have only just started my 6 sessions of chemo. last week was my 1st. I tried the scalp cooling and thought it wasn't as bad as others had said.....tolerated and hopefully will continue with it through all the treatment. I know it is not the be all and end all to save my hair....but this seems to be the biggest problem right now. I dion't seem to have picked up any side effects as yet except for a little constipation! The stewed prunes and fresh fruit will I'm sure cure that very soon.!
I am self employed and to a certain extent have no option but to return to work. I did 1/2 a day on Friday and a full day on Saturday so hopefully as long as I pace myself and take care not to over do things...I am florist so this is actually coming up to the busiest time of the year! I will be able to get all the work done!.
I'ts so nice to know there are people out there that you can share this type of problem with.
Be brave, make your mind up and follow threw, don't let anyone tell you not to do it. And if they do ask them why they say ? I'm sure you have already read information and talked to others. But you are the one who has to do this and no one else can. I found when I started chemo, it is unpredicable, I do not know how I'm going to feel form one treatment to the next. That for me is the most dificult part. You can do this and me also, we will make it threw and be better for it.
I know isn't it strange the things we worry about, wasn't fazed by the tumour or the mastectomy, but got really hung up about all my lymph nodes going and the risk of lymphodeama - me and rubber gloves don't really go - no not even the Kim and Aggie ones with feathers!!; I had a sample taken instead so feel happier about that. I feel quite positive, and am laughing about having to wear a hat (they don't suit me) but am keen to get onto the next stage. Thanks for warning me about the constipation, I will stock up on prunes and licorice now in preparation. Have already bought the baby shampoo for my hair!!!! - mind you my head may end up looking like a babies bum if I don't get on with the cool cap.
I think you are right about work, don't over do it, be kind to yourself and delegate where you can. Its wonderful to have such an artistic skill and a lovely time of year - but as you say busy. I enjoy my job and am generally helping managers and employees return to work after long illnesses but being in that process is strange.
I have great support, but its great to be able to "talk" to people who are going through the same thing.
