Hi Carrieann - good to hear from you even though, of course, we would not want to welcome you to this thread in the first place.
The Seroma? Yes, having it drained so frequently, apart from anything else, is expensive – what with having to pay the car parking fee! I was aspirated twice a week for 5-6 weeks after surgery – I had a mastectomy with immediate latissiums dorsi reconstruction - and by the last week the seroma was probably draining about 100-150mls of fluid. I do remember, in retrospect, being told that I could probably expect to be ‘drained’ several times after surgery – and reading about it somewhere beforehand too – so I suspect that they did tell you but that, along with all the other information you were given, never mind your anxiety, it just did not register as anything significant to worry about. Certainly, I understand that they are very common. I do still have a small collection of fluid at the end of my scar on my back/under my arm but I am hoping that my body will re-absorb it in its own time of its own accord - soon. They usually advise not to drain a seroma when you start chemotherapy because of the risk of infection when your white blood count is already low – but I have heard of some people nevertheless having it drained while on chemo.
I’m ‘on’ the TACT2 trial – I had several questions concerning the use of some of the drugs – but at the time I definitely wanted to be allocated Arm 4 of the trial – both accelerated and oral medication – I wanted the chemo finished quickly and as painless as possible – but I was allocated Arm 1 instead – and while I was disappointed initially I was also relieved – I had heard that the injection of G-CSF could be really quite harsh – and my fear of needles so far has proven manageable so that being given the drugs intravenously, so far, has proved okay. I would just say that if you do decide to go with the Trial you can, of course, withdraw at any point.
Yes, everybody does differ but I do think that some side effects are quite common. I suspect that Julie will give you all the information you need about side effects and what you need to do – i.e. who to phone and when – should you have any trouble. I have only had two doses of epirubicin but the second dose has been relatively plain sailing – and although I did have terrible ulcers and wisdom tooth trouble after the first dose I think I was more afraid of the side effects than really suffering from them. But, of course, everybody reacts differently and if you are in any doubt you should contact the medics for advice. There is also a thread called “top tips for chemo” – or something like it – which is really helpful – I’ll see if I can’t find it and bump it up for you.
I’m signed off work until my chemo is finished – and may well not go back immediately afterwards. I work in London and was advised not to commute to work – again because of the risk of infection. I do have the opportunity to work from home – and may very well do in time – but at this early juncture, after the last few months, I don’t feel strong enough yet to put myself in a position where I would be beholden to other people for work with deadlines etc. I’ve also found that my level of concentration has dropped terribly. Definitely do not become a martyr – but if you can get into work and you find it helps then I say go for it.
Julie will probably make an appointment for you to see the ‘hairdresser’ for a wig-fitting – she is really helpful. I’ve got several – similar styles, different colours – but am only really just beginning to feel comfortable wearing them outside – apart from anything else they irritate my scalp – so I would probably suggest you invest in a few headscarves too. There is an US site which do excellent scarves – and some cut price wigs – not sure we’re allowed to mention it – but I think it is headcovers.com. Do be careful of import charges, though – which I think you incur if you spend over £20, or thereabouts.
My goodness, I’ve gone on a bit – sorry! Hope you find something in here, though, that is useful – if only to remember never to listen to me again.
Keep in touch.
Love Naz