Yes, all Chemo is bad for your body and wreaks havoc with it. Or maybe it's a good thing??? It does seem to help, but I think something better will come up within 10 years.
Two years ago, the first time I had chemo it was really heavy, duty poison.
I napped a lot, I just wasn't me, my nails were very bad (non-existent), odors aggravated me something awful, and I seemed to get every side effect around, I did not eat any chocolate, and nothing tasted good at all. Yes, I think some side effects you can't get away from - diarrhea and constipation are 2 that almost everything lists. I don't understand how one med can have both???
This time around I am on a different formula.
This chemo isn't quite as bad, I did loose my hair (although it's growing back). I developed drop foot from both chemos, but we changed from IV to an oral pill about a month ago. I am sure I'll be on the chemo pills for a long time. The drop foot is improving, but I still have nerve damage, not sure if it's permanent. I'm still tired, but not nearly as bad as I was. My appetite is great! chocolate included, but I don't eat nearly as many sweets as I used to have. I have a big, ugly, red rash on my upper chest. I think it's from the sun and I avoid the sun. I've had it for about 6-8 weeks and it is not improving. I've tried different ointments, some make it worse and some don't do anything. I need to talk to my dr again.
I've heard people say they would not do chemo again. I have. I don't remember the really bad things...............and that's a good thing.....about my whole life.....not that my life was all bad.
Those are just a few of my thoughts on chemo.
Two years ago, the first time I had chemo it was really heavy, duty poison.
I napped a lot, I just wasn't me, my nails were very bad (non-existent), odors aggravated me something awful, and I seemed to get every side effect around, I did not eat any chocolate, and nothing tasted good at all. Yes, I think some side effects you can't get away from - diarrhea and constipation are 2 that almost everything lists. I don't understand how one med can have both???
This time around I am on a different formula.
This chemo isn't quite as bad, I did loose my hair (although it's growing back). I developed drop foot from both chemos, but we changed from IV to an oral pill about a month ago. I am sure I'll be on the chemo pills for a long time. The drop foot is improving, but I still have nerve damage, not sure if it's permanent. I'm still tired, but not nearly as bad as I was. My appetite is great! chocolate included, but I don't eat nearly as many sweets as I used to have. I have a big, ugly, red rash on my upper chest. I think it's from the sun and I avoid the sun. I've had it for about 6-8 weeks and it is not improving. I've tried different ointments, some make it worse and some don't do anything. I need to talk to my dr again.
I've heard people say they would not do chemo again. I have. I don't remember the really bad things...............and that's a good thing.....about my whole life.....not that my life was all bad.
Those are just a few of my thoughts on chemo.
I meant to ask you about that rash. Sorry to hear that it isn't going away. Does it itch or hurt? I hope not. It is good that our memories screen out the bad/hurtful things we go though. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know things do improve! I continue to pray for you, my friend. It's nice to see your updates on Facebook as well.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much about Chemo since my Sister-in-law started it. So sad that it does bad things while healing the cancer. Praying for you my friend that each day will be better than the day before and you will be totally healed!
ReplyDeleteThose side effects of chemo sound very rough; you are a real trooper to keep on with it, aiming for healing. I admire you.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting thoughts about your chemo experience.
ReplyDeleteGreat that your memory filters out most of the bad and allows
You to focus on the positive. Go girl!!
I am glad you are tough.
ReplyDelete