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Help Teresa beat Breast Cancer

  • Saying goodbye to 2024

      31 December 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    Wow what a year 2024 has been

    It has been a rollercoaster all the way and now at the other end of treatment, everything that happened already feels like a distant memory.

    There are so many reminders of what has happened, I am now sporting a far different hairstyle (the curls and springyness are next level), daily medication to keep me in menopause and subtle reminders of the many needles treatment brought.

    I am so grateful to be on this side of diagnosis, the busy time has eased and I am finding life rhythm in the newness. I had my first of now annual mammograms at the end of November with the result showing no evidence of disease. Mammograms are limited in what they can see given the density of breast tissue so self -checking remains key and I am looking to do Thermography early-ish next year to give me some more piece of mind https://www.clinicalthermography.co.nz/

    I have been asked a few times now, 'Are you in remission?' Remission isn't really a term well used for breast cancer, NED (no evidence of disease) is probably more appropriate for now. I need to get to 5 years post diagnosis with no reoccurrence before the word remission might be considered. I have 2 appmts next year with medical oncology to follow my progress and 1 more with radiation oncology before I will be referred back to the surgical team. It will be at least a year before reconstruction surgery is considered.

    I am a cancer survivor living life, loving my family and 2025 is going to be amazing 🥰

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  • Hormone Therapy, Dutch Testing and Toenails

      30 September 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    It's been a funny wee time since finishing radiation. There have been side effects to watch for, manage and experience, hormone therapy to adjust to and even some surprising post chemo side effects that I thought I had skipped!

    No major skin reactions to report from radiation and I have a followup appmt next week with the oncologist.

    Hormone therapy wise, I am doing well the monthly injection is not pleasant as the needle is large. Thanks to one of my online groups I have discovered numbing the area with ice incredibly helpful. The injection will keep me in chemical menopause and along with a daily aromatase inhibitor tablet, keep my estrogen levels low. I am still working with my naturopath to monitor my progress. Recently I got the results of my Dutch Test, this is independent testing I have had done to get a full picture of my hormone profile. I did the testing prior to starting Hormone Therapy and it showed my estrogen levels were already at safe levels and good detox pathways. We will retest in the new year to see what my levels are like with using the new hormone therapy, then will be able to make some decisions on whether to continue as I am or be able to change my approach. My diet is designed to be low estrogen as well so I may actually be able to reintroduce some foods I am currently excluding too. My gut was definitely affected by treatment so I am focusing on detox and rebuild currently.

    Oh yes, the toenails! I have lost two 😲

    I am so glad they grow back lol

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  • Radiation Therapy - How it works

      30 August 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    It's been a busy month, daily radiation treatment (excluding weekends) adds to the juggle of family, life and work.

    Even though the sessions are short (max 20mins) it interrupts the day. The weekly schedule comes out on a Friday after the last treatment of the week so I couldn't plan the week ahead til I received the schedule.

    I have already noticed some redness and skin discoloration around midway through the treatment schedule which is normal - the redness is due to arm friction as I move with walking etc and both the nurse and my oncologist are pleased with how my skin is going. It is important for me to moisturize my skin daily (twice) and I am currently using Millstream Creek Comfrey and Calendula ointment which smells devine and is doing a great job with my skin.

    It is normal for there not to be much of a reaction while treatment happens, however now that active treatment had finished the skin and area will continue to be affected by the radiation for some time still. Essentially over the next two weeks I may experience an increase in side effects, this is likely to increase some skin reaction and fatigue. Two weeks directly following the end of treatment sessions will be the peak of the side effects and then things will begin to subside slowly for up to another 4-6 weeks.

    I have already started to experience some fatigue this week (my last radiation session was Wednesday 29th Aug) .

    My focus for the new few weeks will be to listen to body and rest when I need

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  • I have started Radiation

      15 August 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur to be honest. My treatment schedule was confirmed two days before the first session was due to start and the next thing I knew it was treatment day!

    Radiation treatment happens daily and only takes approx. 20-25mins, most of which is e being positioned in just the right position by the technicians. The actual radiation treatment itself only takes 5-7mins (and thats a guess because there is no clock to gauge it by 😅). I have 4 tiny tattoo dots on my body that need to be lined up perfectly with the laser sight lines on the machine each visit. Down to the exact millimeter.

    Once positioned, I am unable to move until treatment is finished. A CT scan is done before each radiation treatment to pinpoint the location of my internal organs so the machine can avoid them when administering the dose.

    It is a very surreal experience as a machine rotates around your body, quite closely, making all sorts of noises and beeps. Then before I know it, it is done.

    Today was day 6 of my radiation treatment journey. It fits into my day around work and life, I look no different than yesterday but each day is one more step closer to getting back to some normality. Side effects wise I can expect fatigue, some potential, skin discoloration, I could develop some burn like irritation too. The effects are accumulative so I can only wait and see how things go.

    I am focusing on the end point, it's getting closer, nearly there. 9 more sessions to go

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  • Next Steps

      18 July 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    There has been a bit going on since my last update.

    Finishing chemo was a big milestone! Recovery took longer and my overall immunity and white blood cell count is still slowly working it's way back up to normal levels now.

    Since then I have met with the Lymphodema Clinic to assess the swelling in my left wrist since surgery which they have confirmed is Lymphodema. Radiation treatment

    will exacerbate this further - I am now sporting a compression sleeve for the foreseeable future and have a range of followup appmts coming my way with them.

    I have met with the Radiation Oncologist who due to my diagnosis being high risk, has recommended a series 15 radiation sessions on my left side. I have a CT scan scheduled tomorrow to plan for Radiotherapy - the scanxiety has started already 😅 I will also be tattooed (just minimally) so they technicians can line up the machine effectively for each radiation session.

    My followup consult with my Medical Oncologist went well and I have 2 options for Hormone Therapy. Hormone Therapy is daily medication to regulate hormone levels for up to the next 10 years. Because I am not yet post-menopausal and post-menopausal women have better breast cancer outcomes, I need a monthly injection to encourage my body to move permanently into menopause. This will take time and there are a number of side effects to navigate.

    Some days I feel like I have it all worked out and other days just feel completely overwhelming.

    Taking it one step at a time

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  • Chemo all done!!

      17 June 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    Last week was a big milestone, I had my last chemo infusion signaling the end of my chemo journey :)

    Quite unexpectedly, I hadmixed emotions about this - On one hand I was really pleased to be finishing chemo, it has not been an easy journey with the various side effects and impact on daily life. One the other hand this signaled a move away from what had become consistent, the 3 weekly schedule, the familiar faces and a new step into the unknown. These contrasts were challenging to feel content with - so much so I was unsure how I would feel at the end of the infusion and would I feel comfortable to ring the bell?

    As I sat there in the oncology day ward for the last time I reflected on my journey, the kind faces of the nurses, their unwavering positivity and helpful kind demeanor. I now knew many of them over this journey and appreciated their efforts so much. The infusion itself went well this time, no reaction, only two attempts to get the line in this time which was great news. I have scar tissue in my left arm from the many needle insertions and blood tests so it is definitely getting trickier to find a vein these days.

    By the end of my infusion and at the encouragement of tall there, I did choose to ring the bell. All the nurses stood with me as I rang it, supporting me, happy to see me finished with this leg of the journey with hugs all round afterwards.

    I am happy I rang the bell, I didn't realise how much I needed to.

    Now the next step begins: Radiotherapy...

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  • 5th Chemo Done

      29 May 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    It's been a busy wee while between updates!

    Chemo was last Tuesday; I was a bit apprehensive as I wasn't sure what would happen 😅 Having had a number of Chemo infusions already on this journey, some of the veins in my right arm have areas where they have thickened, meaning I have bump patches that can be felt by hand and also interfere with the nurses getting a good line in for the next infusion. Because of this, it took 4 attempts to get my infusion line in on Tuesday. I looked a bit like a pin cushion afterwards, but lucky number four was a good one and I had no issues with that. As suspected though I did experience a hypersensitivity reaction, after a few minutes of chemo starting my chest got really tight and it was tricky to get a good breath. The nurse stopped the infusion quickly and we waited a good 15mins to see if things settled, which they did. Because of this they slowed my infusion down, to 25% of normal speed, then as time went on and things continued to go well, they bumped up the inusion rate so eventually I was back up to 100% speed.

    Like last time, the white blood cell injection and the body aches hit me hard, definitely more fatigue this time too and it is taking me longer to get back to normal me. Naps are a necessity these days and the couch is a common place I drift off in the middle of the day.

    Here's a pic of me and my girls at the Ashhurst Pink Ribbon Long Morning Tea - I upped my brave and shared my journey so far with a lovely group of people 🥰

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  • 4th Chemo completed

      5 May 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    This week's treatment has definitely been a bit of a learning curve. I had been quite apprehensive about the next type of chemo - I already knew through discussion with my oncologist the next three treatments would be rougher, have a higher chance of a hypersensitivity reaction during infusion, wider range of side effects, potential health disbenefits and increased body aches. Apparently this next type is always done second in a full series of chemo as people are less likely to complete the full series. I wanted to make an informed choice about this next part of my chemo journey: what is the perceived benefit from continuing with the planned series, what about doing a different type of chemo instead, what if we ended the chemo journey now what would my risk profile look like? Following this discussion and gaining more understanding I chose to continue. This particular chemo will affect my nails and I need to immerse the nail beds of my fingers in an ice bucket to preserve them. Potentially my nails will flake and/or peel as well as darken. Definitely a different experience!

    Many more meds this time to manage the side effects, of which these worked until Friday night - mid evening the fatigue and body aches really hit and the last 24hrs have been the hardest. Slowly the effects are reducing but it comes and goes, a burst of energy then a period of rest needed.

    I am listening to my body, embracing those moments of energy when I can and taking it easy when I need to.

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  • How you are all helping :)

      26 April 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson

    This journey has taught me a lot already, not only about myself but also about the people that are our village. I knew we had amazing people as part of our life journey, but it is moments like these where our village's love wraps around us and reminds us how blessed we are to have these people here for us 🥰 You are all amazing and we love you all.

    It's the smiles, the hugs the text message and messenger check-ins, the people who stop you on the street to say hi and the amazing gestures of kindness that are unexpected. I feel so grateful and blessed and at times in awe of the love myself and my family have received from you all.

    Thank-you ❤️

    The funds from this Givealittle page has meant I have been able to purchase and continue to purchase all the supplements I am using to support my health journey. I have started attending Kinesthesiology which will support me mentally and holistically through this journey too. My energy levels and fatigue has really started to affect what I can achieve around home and we have got in a regular private cleaner to help keep our house healthy and clean, reduce some of the physical and mental workload of life.

    I am halfway through chemo now, the next 3 cycles are expected to be much harder than what I have experienced so far and I expect to need to take a break from working towards the end of the full series so I am in planning about that now. I also will meet with the radiation team end of May.

    Thank-you all again for your support 🥰

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  • 3rd Chemo Done - Halfway now!

      14 April 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    This week was my 3rd cycle of chemo, last cycle of the first half.

    I am so grateful to my treatment company team, joining me for each treatment cycle, bringing snacks, cups of tea and chatting with me while the infusion is done. There are a few options for where to receive chemo: a range of private rooms and a main lounge area (fishbowl) as well as some consult rooms. The private rooms have recliner chairs and footstools. I am getting to know the nurses in the oncology day ward now and it is nice to see some familiar faces when I report back for the next infusion. I have had a lot more fatigue this time round so have spent more time recovering, taking it easy and keeping my food intake balanced. Less dizziness again this time but have experienced some new effects - big reduction in taste and super sensitivity to smells.

    My next chemo is in 2 weeks time and is a different chemo type than the previous three so far. From what I understand, the new type can be a lot rougher on people, it is usually done second in the series due to it's effects and if I am to have a reaction it is likely to be with the second infusion of the three.

    So glad to be halfway through the planned chemo journey! Later this month I expect to be contacted by the radiation team to discuss next steps after chemo. One step at a time

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  • Week 2 of chemo, all done

      24 March 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    This week I had my second cycle of chemo. Going into it a second time I had some reassurance and some nervousness of what to expect. I know the process of receiving it now and the nurses on the ward are just amazing, so fun to chat to and happy to answer any and all of my questions. I am so grateful for my village, I have people coming to my treatments with me for company and receive messages from people regularly checking in and seeing what I need, you are all amazing! Thank you so much ❤️

    This cycle I have definitely felt more fatigued than previously; my body has needed more time to rest and recuperate. I don't feel hunger the same way anymore so it is important to keep my meals regular and focus on foods that are easy to prepare and digest. Thursday again was the day I felt most affected by treatment and I can see the trend now. Taking time and moving at my own pace is definitely a lesson I am learning. Enjoying more cuddles with my girls, savouring a cup of tea or sitting outside on our deck to hold space.

    My hair has already begun to fall out, a lot faster than I had expected. Day 15 after my first cycle was the day it first began thinning and it hasn't let up. I still have quite a bit left for now but managing loose hairs is a new challenge. I wasn't expecting the itchiness and sensitivity of my scalp. My next step is to buzz it off so I can be more comfortable. Eva is keen as to help me out with the trimming process and she is very excited about my new hair look.

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  • 1st week of Chemo done

      3 March 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson
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    This week has been a busy one. On Tuesday 27th Feb I had my first session of chemo. After an initial education session where I was able to ask as many questions as I needed we started the process. It takes around 2 hours for all of the chemo to be administered and for the first part I am receiving three different types of chemo per session.

    I realised I had misunderstood the approach to my sessions, instead of 18 sessions to break cycles up, I will only be having 6 sessions, each session a full cycle. This means only 5 more sessions to go till all done! I felt fine afterwards just a bit tired initially, then the full weight of exhaustion hit later that evening and I have never felt exhaustion like this, it is indescribable.

    It is not like in the movies, anti-nausea meds manage things well and timing is critical, leave it too long and it would not be pleasant.

    This has been a real learning curve for wee our family this week, I definitely have lower energy levels and having rests are key.

    This is just the beginning, one step at a time

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  • What's happening

      20 February 2024
    Posted by: Teresa Watson

    Thank you so much for all your support everyone. I have been so humbled by the kind words, thoughts and generosity of spirit from you all. This journey can be so overwhelming and the hugs, chats and knowledge that you are all there helps xx

    So where are things at, right now?

    My recent CT and MRI scans were positive showing no signs of metastasis anywhere which means there is no visible signs of cancer spread. The tricky thing is because I had cancerous nodes that spread may still have happened but is not yet visible.

    I am already engaging with a naturopath and met with my medical oncologist last week to consider the options available. The oncologist has recommend 6 cycles of chemotherapy, approx. 6 months of treatment - A cycle being 3 weeks of chemo treatment on one day of the week, with a one week gap between cycles. The list of possible side effects of the treatments are extensive, one of the recommended chemo types has 3 pages of possible side effects ranging from the standard well known effects of chemo to much more involved side effects. Chemo does destroy cancer cells but also destroys good cells in the body, destroying immunity which means I will become imminocompromised once I start treatment. My naturopath has recommended a number of different supplements to support cellular regrowth, boost immunity and support my health and wellbeing during treatment.

    I start chemotherapy next week.

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