I thought I would share for those of you who may be going through the same chemo I went through so that you might know what to expect.  I know I read a lot of stuff that scared the crap out of me, and some stuff that was helpful….let’s hope it’s the latter for you. You can do it, I know you can…much love…Laurie

Out of interest, I just revisited a list of common AC Chemo (remember, they call the C chemo “the red devil”)  side effects to see how I fared overall:

1.           High risk of fever/infection:   I honestly don’t remember taking my temperature ever.  I know sometimes I felt like I may have had a temp, but nothing horrible.  I did not get an infection (that I know of!!!)

2.           Nausea and vomiting:  I did vomit a few times….I am a puker though. So that might just be me.  I have a weak stomach.  Nausea ---- I had it a lot, especially when I couldn’t taste the things I ate and it made me feel sick.  Obviously the chemo made me nauseous and the drugs did help that they give you, but taking meds makes me nauseous!  I am probably not a good example for this one!!!

3.           Fatigue:   I always came home and slept after each treatment.  I was exhausted and a little sicky poo…especially 24 hours after treatment.  I always took Thurs and Friday (treatment day and day after treatment off because I just couldn’t work)

4.           Hair loss:  I lost my head hair, leg, hair and pubic hair.  My eyebrows and eyelashes really thinned out and then I pretty much lost those during the Taxol treatments.  My skin felt like a baby’s bottom though….brand new.  It’s like a toxic facial!

5.           Mouth ulcers:    Never had one

6.           Loss of appetite:  Not very much, but I ate to taste something and after a while I couldn’t taste and that was annoying so I just kept eating!   I know…what?  It’s hard to explain if you haven’t been through it, but I just wanted to taste SOMETHING and couldn’t!

7.           Weight gain:  I gained a TON of weight….bloating from steroids and comfort foods.  People didn’t recognize me.

8.           Neuropathy:  My hands had a hard time gripping. I fell out of Mike’s truck one time because I didn’t have the strength to hold onto the “oh shit bar” that keeps you from falling out.

9.           Increased bruising:  I had a big butt bruise from falling out of Mike’s truck

10.        Nail changes:  None

11.        Stopping of periods/premature menopause:   Went through premature menopause and the hot flashes and everything and it sucked!!!  But I am better now post-chemo (almost 3  years now)

So hope my sharing will help anyone that is scared shitless….it’s not that bad and I am a big baby.  I am 3 years post chemo and I know things get better.  I am an example of this and you will be too!!!