The 5th April 2017 - my last chemo session!
I have never felt so excited to be filled with poison!! Its a milestone as big as a mountain - and I have climbed Kilimanjaro and down the other side whilst on this journey. The side effects following cycle 5 were more manageable and less dramatic than cycle 4 - so I was hoping for the same again - and I was not disappointed. The bone pain lasted 24 hours, and I only required paracetamol for it. The muscle aches lasted for about 5 weeks, but on a manageable level, and getting better every day. The taste issues remained an issue - but knowing its the last time of dealing with it made it much easier to cope with. The skin problems were non-existent, and bowels were fine.
During the 21 days post chemo, I realised that despite the times that I'd thought the whole process was awful, I've ridden this storm really quite well - is this because I was so fit and healthy before I started? was it due to positive attitude? was it due to other distractions (dying Mother-in-law and a wedding to organise)? who knows .... what I do know is, I've been damn lucky! side effects that I have been hit with have been expected, and dealt with. I have managed to stay out of hospital and I haven't had any delays in treatment so far.
I cannot thank the staff in the chemo unit enough (I did send a hamper of beverages and Easter chocs to Thank them), every person: receptionist, support workers, nurses - have made me feel welcome and like I belong. I had hugs galore as I left, and everybody - patients and staff were genuinely happy for me. However, I almost felt guilty and couldn't celebrate as much as I wanted as I left those still battling behind.
Friends and family have continued to be a massive support, allowing me to drag them out for walks and throwing me a surprise party to celebrate the end of Chemo.
Now for the downside (its really not much of a downside!) - throughout all of this journey Nic and I have been planning our wedding - we had decided not to postpone, but instead to just give ourselves a really tight schedule! and the wedding is to be at the end of May. The wedding was booked 18 months ago, and we've been very organised in buying this early to spread the cost out - so I'd bought my beautiful wedding dress in March 2016 ..... a year ago!
Knowing that most people put weight on during chemotherapy due to the drugs and steroids, together with the huge reduction in my activity, I planned to try my dress on in mid-April, giving time for alterations - or heaven forbid, a new dress! The day came and my daughter helped me into the dress ...... snug to say the least! and the corseted back was gaping.......... and what I hadn't thought about, when the corseting was laced up, the bodice really hurt my scar .......... I didn't feel like a princess, this was no longer 'THE dress'. Luckily I had bought the dress from an outlet - Wed2B in Hinkley - I emailed the company, knowing they had a strict 14 day returns policy. I explained my situation ad told them that I didn't expect anything, but just thought I'd ask if they would consider exchanging my dress. The following morning I received a phone call from them ....... They WILL exchange my dress!! and they were fantastic .... the best customer service, the most respectful staff, and a stunning dress! alterations have been needed to accommodate Barbie boob and Party boob, but we're all set to go!!
So onwards and upwards - the next part of the journey in around the corner: Radiotherapy ........... and a Wedding!
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
www.macmillan.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
