Thanks again to Fran for coming with me & to Jacqui for being back from London now & coming today too. Thanks to everyone else for your wonderful support, care, concern, etc as I say in each email!!
This morning's appt was with chemo oncologist at North Shore Private. When I walked into his room, Tracey, the breast cancer nurse was there, she's like a constant light in the dark room. I can call her anytime, with anything, I haven't - yet!
Alex got down to business & all the info I had taken on board about chemo is now different! Because the cancer I had was a very nasty one & had no hormonal receptors I have to have an interesting compound of chemo, 6 times, 3 weeks apart starting next Fri 10th - it will take 18 weeks. They cannot give me the usual cocktail of hormone drugs to complement this chemo treatment - it wouldnt work with me.
Chemo will reduce the chance of recurrence to 30% and following it with radiotherapy will reduce it further to 20%. Im going to be one of the 1 in 4 & have it erradicated!!! positive thinking here we come.
After the appt Fran, Jacqui & I went to Neutral Bay & had a wonderful lunch at Thelma & Louise overlooking the Bay - thanks Peter!!
This afternoon, Jacqui came with me to a meeting for cancer patients who have not yet started chemo. It was about support, side effects, what to expect, how we may feel, logistics, etc. with a video talking to patients who have had chemo in the past & how they felt about it all.
Right now Im completely overwhelmed with information, & just want to run away! I feel that since I have had surgery & feel just fine - LEAVE ME ALONE... my normal sense of well being & down to earth pragmatism has disappeared for now, maybe its a good thing. Im starting to feel angry at this damn thing that has come into my life uninvited.
Since mouth problems are very often part of the chemo, never mind losing my hair, i had already made an appt with the dentist for a hygiene clean tomorrow, timing is impeccable.
I'd like to make a fun day of going to wig shops & working out what sort of wigs I should get - Ive got a list of some in the city & north shore. If you would like to come along & help me choose, pls let me know.
I probably should make a blog of this, but not sure where to start, so wont bother for now!!!
Hope my thoughts & info make at least for some interesting reading!! Thanks again to you all
Debbie xxx
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