Feeling rushed, my last cycle of chemo then surgery.

[Dolbycat]

Hello I have not posted for a while as I have been having a rough ride. Hope all you lovely ladies are feeling well, enjoying the summer and making good progress.

I got the go ahead today for my last cycle 6 of chemo. So Friday will be the last dose of the dreaded Docetaxol and all the side effects. I am so please to finally get to the end of chemo and move to the the next stage of surgery. I was shocked to be told today that they want to do surgery 3-4 weeks after Friday's cycle 6 as I had previously been told there would be a 6 week gap to give my body chance to recover and be strong enough for surgery. I even booked a break away for a week, 3 weeks after chemo, to enjoy some quality time before the surgery. My last 2 cycles of Docetaxel have been a rough time and will be glad to complete cycle 6, I hardly recovered from each cycle before the next one was started. Today the Oncologist stated they will want to operate the week I return from holiday as the chemo will have shrunk the tumour and a delay over 4 weeks would give it chance to grow back again. This is also worrying as my actual confirmed diagnosis of stage 3 triple negative BC in February took almost 3 months and was missed in December with a false misdiagnosis of negative for cancer. Whilst I am pleased to be moving on with the treatment the new time frame has all come as a shock. Is this the normal time frame? I haven't even discussed the surgery yet, I am being tested for the Brac 1 and 2 Gene, I had the genetic blood test yesterday. I am still waiting for a referral back to the surgical consultant. I was also told I would have another MRI following completion of chemo, but the time is tight now to get everything organised. I like to have a plan and now feel rushed which is unsettling. I realise the importance of this, but wish they had given me the right information sooner to prepare myself better.

Best wishes to everyone on treatment and to everyone else hope you are enjoying good health now. xx

[Jennymary]

Well done on getting this far, although it probably seems very quick for you I'm sure the medical team looking after you know what they are doing, and having surgery when they suggest is the best option for you and your cancer, I wish you well for Friday, enjoy your break and best wishes for the forthcoming surgery xxx

[Dolbycat in reply to Jennymary]

Thanks Jenny. I know they are right but would have liked to be told the right information. The oncology and surgical consultants work in the same clinic, I was told last cycle that a referal back to the surgical team had been arranged but to date they have not got the referal and no appointment has been made. I have contacted my nurse who is chasing up the referal to hopefully get an appointment asap. I want a surgey plan in place before my holiday if possible. Hope you are doing well, take care. Xx

[Nixh]

Hi Dolbycat,

so sorry you've been finding it so rough, chemo is a bitch and you've done fantastic getting this far...

I'm a grade 3 peep also, so mine was very fast growing too, I had yearly checkups and in a year mine had grown to 5mm and caused me to also have Paget's disease plus it found its way into one of my lymph nodes. This lovely disease of ours can move very fast so I can totally understand why they want to have your op asap. The chemo has done a fab job reducing the size so they deffo don't want it to start growing again. I know its tough but i'd try and look at it as a good thing as it will be gone sooner rather than later.

I know you've been messed around, and must feel like you desperately need this break, but i'd get the surgery done and then you can rest up, start to heal and recover, you've come this far, you're nearly there, you can do it!

Big hugs, hope you get through your last chemo ok,

Nix x

[Dolbycat in reply to Nixh]

Thanks for your message Nixh, I am more relaxed now as my BC nurse has sorted out all the appointments. I see the surgeon next Wednesday and will be able to discuss the surgery with her. The MRI has been arranged too so feeling more in control. Yesterday was such a whirlwind appointment with a new consultant who I had never met before, I had a list of questions to ask her but felt very rushed and was in a and out in 5 minutes. My usual oncology consultant spent time explaining things and answering questions. After the appointment I felt lost and in limbo between Oncology and Surgery, not knowing what was happening next. I like to be prepared, you are right it will be over quicker which I appreciate now. Thanks for the support, I feel more positive now about finishing chemo and moving on. Take care. xx

[carolinenailsea]

Hi there

I empathise entirely with you. I was diagnosed Jan 2017 with grade 3 triple negative. 2 weeks ago I had my last chem - I also found the docetaxol really tough going. I too do not recall them telling me surgery would be so quick after the chemo - I am booked in for 27/6, however I understand its normal to have surgery 3-6 weeks post chemo and actually in line with the national (NICE) guidelines. The whole journey is a like a steam roller. I am sure they will get your appoints sorted out - its worrying whilst you are waiting for them as you want some certainty, but they do come through. They forgot my MRI post chemo but the consultant decided not to go for it in the end. Try not to get too stressed and put your energy into getting through the last chemo session. Surviving the chemo is such a big step - be kind to yourself and rest as much as possible. Best wishes Caroline xx

[Dolbycat in reply to carolinenailsea]

Hi Caroline, thanks for your message and support. Good luck with your surgery, it's a big step I know but it will bring us both closer to our goal. I am more relaxed now as the BC nurse has sorted out my appointments to see the consultant surgeon next week and have my MRI. I will be glad to get through this last session of chemo, the docetaxel has been very hard, they had to reduce the dosage after cycle 4 as it was too strong and causing me lots of issues. My last cycle was a bit better but still difficult to endure. Tomorrow's cycle will probable be the same but knowing it's the last one feels great. We have both done very well to get this far, there were times I could have easily given up but we can't let the cancer win. Hope you find time to relax and get your strength back after surgery. I will be thinking of you on the day sending positive vibes to help you heal. Take care. xxx

[Loulou669]

Hi yeah mine was rushed also but just take one day at a time and don't keep thinking about what's next . I had surgery first, then chemo quickly after that and then radiotherapy last. You feel as if you are on a fast roller coaster that you can't get off! Just remember to take time out and try to do something that you enjoy, like a nice bubble bath or listen to your favourite music, I learnt Meditation while going through it all and this class helped me slow down and feel less 'panicked' all the time. When you come out the other end, you will be glad it's over and you can get back to being you. Although a different you . You will get through it ! Good luck !

[Dolbycat in reply to Loulou669]

Hi Loulou, thanks for the message. You are right saying take it a step at a time, I have tried to do that all along, but yesterday's appointments was a big let down with a new consultant had never seen before. She rushed the appointment and I didn't get chance to ask any questions. She never asked how I had got on with the reduced dosage on cycle 5 or confirm the dosage for cycle 6 tomorrow. I left with lots of unanswered questions leaving me feeling quite vulnerable. My BC nurse has sorted out all the loose ends and made the appointments so feeling more relaxed now. My husband and I have just returned from a joint pampering session with Aurora, so we are both relaxed and happy. I have tried to be positive through out the journey, but so happy to leaving chemo behind. The next step of surgery is huge but feel more confident with my consultant and trust and value her opinion. I know I will be in good hands. Thanks for your words of wisdom, they have got me back on track. xx