Newbie details - sooz in Oz

[Guest guest]

I am in Australia and have been lurking for a little while. Most of

the jargon is familiar. The most important message reinforced for

me is that BC is an individual disease. Your stories have lifted me

and I want to reach out and hug you all.

My story - 48 years old, diagnosed ILC approx 8cms, mastectomy/SNC

followed by axillary clearance a week later. That was in September

2006. Had last chemo today - 4xAC (21 day cycles). One of the lucky

ones with only major side effects being hair loss and extreme

lethargy. The nausea, yo-yoing effect of diarrhoea/constipation and

mouth ulcers have been minimal. With the mastectomy I will not need

radiation. Weight has been in the 72-80kgs (160-176lbs) range and

can fluctuate madly from cycle to cycle. I have lost my love of

food :-( I now eat to live rather than live to eat. I totally

understand the comments about avoiding fave foods.

From here - the onc is not convinced the chemo has tipped me over

into menopause and I have been scheduled for a blood test (FSH/LH)

to determine whether he will start me on Tamoxifen or

Anastrozole/Arimidex. This is the area I have the most questions

and where I am prepared to wait until those questions are answered.

My body is telling me that I have a period due this weekend.

Your stories are amazing and I am looking forward to joining in with

you.

sooz in Darwin, Australia