Well Wishes for Belinda

[Mary Jo]

Hi Belinda,

I noticed in your signature (after reading a reply from you to another member) that you start chemo February 23. That's tomorrow. LOL! I'm sure you knew that. :-)

I just wanted to wish you well. I offer up prayers for your Peace and protection throughout the chemo process. I know I was absolutely petrified to begin chemo (thought I'd die within minutes of the IV being turned on - hehe) BUT I was fine and handled chemo well. I pray the same for you.

God Bless dear one,

Mary Jo

[Grace]

Hi Belinda--I agree. It's never as bad as one thinks, and almost always much much better. Had my six-month mammogram today and had to go back in for two more films. While waiting to hear, I was sure it was a recurrence, and in between wiping away tears I was planning my next surgery. Of course, the radiologist came back and said all was okay; he just wanted a different view. Such a relief!

Good luck--you'll do fine.

[Belinda]

Thanks Grace and Marejo

Yes, I am feeling quite anxious about it. 4.5 hrs to go- but who's counting? But, on the positive side, we took a bunch of family pics this morning, and I have also taken one to include on this website - just so you all know what I look now.

We mainly took some photos for my wee girl so she has some to remember what things are like - and what they will return to - by the end of this year. And so she has some nice ones to take to school next week to the 'show and share' session on 'My Family'. Will keep you posted. Thanks for being there and for thinking about me.

Now, perhaps there's just enough time to try your muffin recipe Grace....:)

Bx

[Andi]

Good Luck, too, Belinda! I hope you tolerate your treatments well!

[Joy]

Chemo can stink, but look at all of us who have done it, still do it and manage quite well-that will be you too. Let the people in your world help, they want to and you deserve it. My kids were 3 and 14 months when I did A/C and just having a friend in the house on the hard days was wonderful. Good distraction, help with kids and I could still be with them, etc. In the good times (which you have so many to look forward to-I'm sure of that) you can return favors and feel good about helping others.

Keep us posted on how you are doing and we are thinking of you.

[rinaina]

Belinda, I wish you well with your chemo and hope your body tolerates it well. It isn't always kind to our bodies but we make it through and do start to feel much better the further out we get from it. Good luck.

[Linda]

Hi Belinda.
It's Linda in Oregon.
Chemo is obnoxious, but it will be over before you know it. Check in for advice on side effects -- everyone is different, but someone on this site probably has just the info you need. Let you friends and relatives take care of you, cook for you, baby you and help you buy beautiful hats. Rest and recover.
Love
Linda

[Becky]

Dear Belinda


I hope your first chemo session was fine. Its the scariest just because its the first. But its killing any leftover cancer cells. I tried to think of it like Ms Pacman.

We are all rooting for you here.

Relax and enjoy your family through the weekend.

[lexigirl]

Belinda,

I hope that your tx went well. Chemo sure isn't fun but it's going to clean up any nasty little cancer cells cells that may be floating around. Soon you will be on herceptin alone and for most is a walk in the park compared to chemo txs! Hang in there sweetie!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[vickie h]

Hi Belinda, I hope you are feeling well today. I know how scary that first chemo can be and yet how hopeful also. Get lots of rest and fluids (which really combat any nausea) and we're all here rooting for you! Let us know how you're doing when you can. Love, Vickie

[Belinda]

Just checking in.

I am so glad you are all there! 24 hours and a bit after Chemo number 1, and I am feeling pretty flat - but handling it okay.

The actual hospital visit went fine - a lot less scary than I had anticipated, my port worked a treat both for blood out and chemical warfare in, which was a relief (I am not fond of needles :) !) Darling hubby held my hand all through and the nurses were lovely.

Very ill on the first night about 6 hours after chemo started - wasn't expecting the IV anti-nausea drugs to wear off quite so quickly. But managed to keep down a crushed pramen which tided me over until the navoban and dexmethsone were due the next am - had the second and last lot of those this morning - hoping the pramen will keep my nausea in check from then on. I feel like I am becoming a drug expert!

I am taking all your advice and drinking as much as I can manage, and just keeping down whatever food I can handle - wierd combos like grapes and tinned spag (soft and mushy). And my frozen berry and juice smoothies and Mike's carrot juices (in small doses). There will be time to get back on the balanced diet, I figure. A friend has brought some home-cooked meals and stocked the freezer, which is great - even if I don't feel like eating much of it, it helps the other 2 precious people in my house.

First day without the navoban and dexmethsone tomorrow - wondering whether it will be okay? Otherwise - I'll just ring the onc dept.

Otherwise, just very very tired, and trying to catch as much rest as possible.

Thanks again to all of you - you are a wonderful bunch of people. Belindax