Figuredancer,
My prayers are with you and your family.
I am 49 years young mother of five young men, and will have the second round of chemo in 2 days.
I received the exact same diagnosis as you three days before by 49th birthday!
After the first round of chemo two weeks ago, I was okay the very next day into the early evening. The second day after was a bit hard, I was tired, extremely nauseous, could not eat and became dehydrated. Also, several joints became painful (joints that already give me issues sometimes).
My husband is a trooper. He made sure that I took the meds prescribed for my tummy and joints (make sure you get them before you need them), I waited two days to get mine and most likely would have felt better if I had them beforehand.
I scheduled the treatments on Thursdays and take off on Fridays so that I have the long weekend to bounce back. It has been trying and my issue right now is my stomach. Finding things that won't upset it. Chocolate milk and iced coffee is my best friend. Smoothies help too but I have to ensure that the fruits have low acid levels.
I have had to take off a day here or there or telework when possible. My husband has been driving me because I find myself getting light headed, sometimes dizzy and shaky and my vision gets blurry. I do tire easily and sleep a lot more. I KNOW THIS IS SO MUCH TO TAKE IN BUT I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY HONEST ASSESSMENT!
I can't tell you whether or not to refuse chemo if your lymph nodes are clear, my right one is not...but I would heed the advice of the professionals and do some research of your own. A second and third opinion, if that would ease your mind, may help as well.
My plan is to have the chemo, 8 rounds for 4 months, then surgery with a breast reduction and then radiation therapy. During the past few days I've thought about having a mastectomy with reconstruction and plan to talk to my oncologist and surgeon about it.
I am optimistic that after this long, arduous process, I will be able to stand and support my sisters who are going through the process but also advocate the need to "CHECK YOUR GIRLS" and get screened regularly. I discovered the lump by accident on Christmas Eve and had missed my mammo the year before because I was "busy" being mom, daughter, wife, administrator, etc...
We must, as women and caregivers must realize that if we don't take care of ourselves we will not be able to care for the ones we love.
Right now, you should focus on the HEALING process. Keep a positive outlook, even in spite of. You will be around for the long haul and this is only a season that will surely pass.
God bless you!
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Figuredancer,
March 22, 2016 - 3:19pmMy prayers are with you and your family.
I am 49 years young mother of five young men, and will have the second round of chemo in 2 days.
I received the exact same diagnosis as you three days before by 49th birthday!
After the first round of chemo two weeks ago, I was okay the very next day into the early evening. The second day after was a bit hard, I was tired, extremely nauseous, could not eat and became dehydrated. Also, several joints became painful (joints that already give me issues sometimes).
My husband is a trooper. He made sure that I took the meds prescribed for my tummy and joints (make sure you get them before you need them), I waited two days to get mine and most likely would have felt better if I had them beforehand.
I scheduled the treatments on Thursdays and take off on Fridays so that I have the long weekend to bounce back. It has been trying and my issue right now is my stomach. Finding things that won't upset it. Chocolate milk and iced coffee is my best friend. Smoothies help too but I have to ensure that the fruits have low acid levels.
I have had to take off a day here or there or telework when possible. My husband has been driving me because I find myself getting light headed, sometimes dizzy and shaky and my vision gets blurry. I do tire easily and sleep a lot more. I KNOW THIS IS SO MUCH TO TAKE IN BUT I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY HONEST ASSESSMENT!
I can't tell you whether or not to refuse chemo if your lymph nodes are clear, my right one is not...but I would heed the advice of the professionals and do some research of your own. A second and third opinion, if that would ease your mind, may help as well.
My plan is to have the chemo, 8 rounds for 4 months, then surgery with a breast reduction and then radiation therapy. During the past few days I've thought about having a mastectomy with reconstruction and plan to talk to my oncologist and surgeon about it.
I am optimistic that after this long, arduous process, I will be able to stand and support my sisters who are going through the process but also advocate the need to "CHECK YOUR GIRLS" and get screened regularly. I discovered the lump by accident on Christmas Eve and had missed my mammo the year before because I was "busy" being mom, daughter, wife, administrator, etc...
We must, as women and caregivers must realize that if we don't take care of ourselves we will not be able to care for the ones we love.
Right now, you should focus on the HEALING process. Keep a positive outlook, even in spite of. You will be around for the long haul and this is only a season that will surely pass.
God bless you!
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