Monday, 26 November 2012

Come monday, it'll be all right ...

Today marks half way through my second round of my weekly chemotherapy - Paclitaxil 6/12 down . I am relieved to be without too many side effects. Mondays just come around so quickly. Five weeks in the blink of an eye.

I'm also 2/17 through Herceptin (a targeted treatment just for women with HER2 - positive breast cancer- biopsy revealed abnormally high levels of the HER2 gene or protein) . I have Herceptin, as an IV infusion every 3 weeks (on the same day as chemo 3 weekly at the moment -eventually just alone until October 2013)

Thankfully so far while I still suffer fatigue and have problems sleeping, I have great support in that my husband will get up first and start getting the boys ready for school - they leave at .7:50am for the bus.

All in all this chemo is a bit easier to tolerate with an awful backache a few days (though it might be the Herceptin) , slight finger tingling and occasional nausea.

I have a little trouble concentrating but the memory loss , and the mental cloudiness that is chemo brain is frustrating. I adapt by using notes/lists and I am OCD about checking things.

I am doing more things and I walk 30 - 45mins every day even if the folding piles up ;).We live simply with few expectations and are a free-range habitat for dust bunnies. The dust bunnies are easy to look after, as pets go dust bunnies eat very little (the kids and dead bugs keep them fed) and they are ever so quiet. 

To say I still feel less than unattractive is an understatement , my hair is growing back slowly now. Though it seems a slightly different colour now.

Saturday, whilst in Sydney, my lovely mobile breast prosthesis lady, Lily - from Lily Bliss to you, came to deliver my new boobs, I bought a new bra , cami singlet top and swimsuit. My confidence is returning (...I'll show one day -just too tired to get the camera out).

My little ones are coping really well and are a constant distraction ...albeit unwelcome some days but others they pull me up when I'm sitting down and make me laugh always.


Comments (13)

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You know I think you are amazing and to me, you look the same, so beautiful and bright. It was lovely to see you on the weekend and I must say that your boys are just the most delightful fellas out. Every time I am lucky enough to see them, I have the best chats with them. You are amazing xxx
1 reply · active 658 weeks ago
Thank you Mrs Woog , we all have lovely little fellas ...most of the time.
Having seen friends who have gone through cancer battles, I sometimes think the emotional side effects are harder to deal with than the physical (although entwined). You display such strength and I think you look awesome!
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1 reply · active 658 weeks ago
hi Cathy, I agree the emotional side contributes to many things and sleep disturbance as much as the drugs themselves.
I can't begin to express the roller-coaster of emotions.
I'm so glad to hear that you do have support at home from your hubby. Just when I feel like today is the day I wonder why I exist and want to start to complain about my life (to myself) I read this and think, I should be grateful to have a friend like you. Someone who embraces life. Someone who is taking it one day at a time. And love that your boys keep you happy and centred. xx
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My mum is a list lady.. everything has a list - even her lists have lists.. especially when it comes close to Christmas!! The list making has been passed onto her daughters.. we are all list people.. my sister is great at it...
I usually write a list and then lose it to the scribblings of toddlers! Or forget where I put it, or leave it at home...

Those pesky dust bunnies seem to pop up no matter how much cleaning you do! I say best leave them be! Housework is over-rated!

I am so glad you are sharing your journey with us.

#teamIBOT was here xx
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We have dust bunnies too however I have no reason not to evict the multiplying little things!
Glad you are re-finding your confidence, your positivity is absolutely inspiring x
You are such a trooper Trish :) Glad to hear the little ones are doing well too. As always, prayers and hugs with you.
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Sending you big hugs and praying lots for you too, Trish.
You've come so far on this journey and it's so wonderful to hear that you're getting your confidence back.
But I've gotten to know (and love) your fighting spirit well. It's an inspiration xxx
So lovely that your littlies help you when you're down. :-)
Looking forward to the end of all this treatment and you moving onto the next stage of your life.
You are an amazing inspiration to women everywhere. We believe in you.
Love, thoughts, strength and clarity! xxXOoo
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Hi Trish, your strength and courage just blows me away. Even when you are obviously having a bad day, you keep such a positive attitude for your family. Big Hugs to you. xLisa
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So glad your half way through Trish. That's a huge milestone.
You are such beautiful Godly encouragement to others. It sucks that you have to go through this, but you are doing so much good in spite of it. xx
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