Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Onwards ... Four down, twelve to go !

It feels like small things in comparison to have made it thus far and a relief it hasn't been the insurmountable obstacle I first imagined.


I'm still feeling wiped out from Friday's chemotherapy but definitely pleased to have those first four cycles behind me. It feels like I've scaled one mountain peak with Round 1 over. It can only get better every day from now on. Today, I feel a bit more vitality ...and looking forward to the rest of the week. Hopefully meeting up with friends.

Each blast of chemo cycle I've had slightly different reactions though knowing in a sense what to expect , after the first made it easier. I'm grateful ; reluctant to complain - horrendous as it was . I hope it was killing and mopping up any stray cancer cells.

The next round of chemo, Taxol - a different drug starts in 3 weeks. I have an appointment Thursday to sort the exact dates. It is 12 continuous weeks (1 day a week) through to early January. I only know to expect these 12 cycles are much easier because the nausea isn't so bad.

I'm trying my best not to imagine the worse in the next part of treatment and focusing on life after chemo.

Nausea, I personally found and read , is by far the the less tolerable aspect of chemotherapy.  I imagine it will be challenging to have it weekly for 12 weeks, but like everything else with Breast Cancer, I will adjust and get on with it.We are doing things normally but life is very different. 

I'm still doing lots of reading and research to help my body fight the cancer. I've bought a new juicer . As soon as I recover from Friday's chemo I'll increase the number of fruit & vegetables portions I'm juicing. I can only stomach so much food. My sense of taste is quite affected too.

I made a lot of diet changes , I eat far less meat and dairy and instead lots of vegetables.I don't drink any alcohol . I have a positive mental attitude and I continue to exercise. Though I cut back dramatically the week after chemo,I'm not into pushing my body too hard.

I think chemo induced menopausal symptoms have started with hot flashes and no period in over 6 weeks. I guess the least of my problems. I feel it more at night when I wake up overwhelmed by sudden heat.

In unrelated news , we had 5 days visiting with my family in Sydney. The boys loved spending time with their cousins. I got to one blogging event but missed another I really wanted to attend.

The Drummer boys and their cousin, along with DH & my brother also went to see Ben 10 live on stage on Saturday. The show was a huge hit . Ben 10 and his crew  has headed to to Melbourne now and if you get the chance they highly recommend it.

We have some big changes happening at the farm over the next few weeks too and I'll share them as it comes together.


Do you like my new hammock ? I just need to schedule time to meditate in it ...that's my excuse.


 

Comments (24)

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I hope you have a good stretch of feeling well before the next round starts. That hammock looks delightful!
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1 reply · active 666 weeks ago
Thank you I hope so too LWD
hammock looks great! make sure you find lots of time to enjoy it. thoughts and prayers are always with you Trish.
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Cat@jugglingact · 666 weeks ago

Oh that hammock looks lovely. All the best for the next round
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A good book, and a lovely lay in that hammock soon! It's calling your name Trish. I can hear it. Xxx
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Thanks for the update Trish. I have been juicing for a while. Everyone laughs at me but I keep doing it. You are really focused and I hope the next stetch is quick and over with soon. By the way I sent the parcel off and it should be there this week. A little something to distract I hope. Take Care and everytime I juice my beetroot and green veges I will think of you. Love the hammock and hope you get time to use it.
1 reply · active 666 weeks ago
I need some good juicing recipes Lilly , please share.
I hope to use my hammock everyday , weather permitting.
My recent post Onwards ... Four down, twelve to go !
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BossyMummy · 666 weeks ago

You are amazing Trish! Your attitude to this part of your journey is inspirational. Love that hammock - definitely has your name with a good book all over it :)
Thats got to be the best $10 you'll ever spend? I hope the meditation is imminent.....
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1 reply · active 666 weeks ago
Thank you , and it was best $10

My recent post Onwards ... Four down, twelve to go !
Oh sister, Thinking and praying for you and your family right now. grace
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You could always focus and meditate on that life after chemo whilst sitting in that beautiful hammock. Sending you love and hugs, Trish xxx
Love your new hammock Trish! Great way to just chill out under the sun and maybe read a book? Good to hear that you've got 12 more to go...that's 4 less than before! Yes, trying to stay positive for you too. xx
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Always thinking of you Trish, each and every day. I am so proud of your attitude towards all of this. You are so strong. Now, get in that hammock. Relax when you can. xoxox
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Pink Ronnie · 666 weeks ago

Hi Trish,
Thanks so much for sharing this. I was just thinking about you and wanted to know how it was all going. I can't imagine how tough each day is for you, but I am incredibly inspired...
Much love,
Ronnie xo
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You my girl are amazing :)

And I want your hammock!

xxx
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That hammock is awesome (as hammocks tend to be) though yours gets extra points for location. I love how you are tackling each day. Your awesomeness just continues to grow.

Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses to you lovely lady
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You are amazing. I can imagine juicing would be a great way to get loads of good in. Sounds like you have a great mind set and plan of attack. I hope the 12 weeks aren't too awful. xx
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Such a hard road...I admire the strength and determination you're showing though. But remember, you don't always have to be strong. You're allowed to complain, you're allowed to cry or scream when you want to as well. Let others be strong for you sometimes. Hope you know you are not walking this road alone - so many people thinking of youa nd willing you on xx
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12 weeks of nausea, though horrid as it is, is pretty much like the beginning of pregnancy, so at least you know you can get through it, though it feels impossible at the time.
Glad you have that particularly yucky bit done now. As always, I'm in awe of your positive attitude. xx
I know your writing is probably cathartic, but I also find it really helps me to understand what people go through with these kinds of treatments. That hammock is calling your name - go.
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Get your butt in the hammock before somebody else snaffles it!

Thanks for keeping us up to date on your treatment, Trish. Sending love xx
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cool work and thanks fo sharing.

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