Although chemo does a good job at blasting the tumor cells, they unfortunately destroy the healthy cells in the process. Chemo is extremely toxic which causes side effects on a physical and cognitive level. Every person has a different reaction to chemo. Every person has different side effects. Some are more common than others. It is hard to generalize what to expect after every chemo round. Having completed over 10 rounds of chemo, I have documented the list of side effects I had along with what I did to combat them. I like to call them the "Chemo Weapons" which have helped me manage the side effects.
Nausea
Before beginning every chemotherapy round, my doctor administered Zofran infusion which should minimize the nausea. Even though I was given additional anti-nausea medications, they didn't always help so I relied on a lot of ginger-related things. Ginger candy, ginger tea, ginger everything...you name it!! They really do help and I can already notice the difference after sucking a piece of ginger candy. Also green tea!! I occasionally like to apply peppermint oil and inhale the smell, which has definitely helped me.
Mouth Sores
Chemo can also cause mouth sores, which can be so painful to the point that you cannot eat anything. The best thing you can do is use mouthwash 3-4 times a day. Some of my cancer friends find "Magic Mouthwash" very helpful which is worth looking into. My doctor prescribed me with this specific mouth wash called: Tantum Verde, which you can find in all the pharmacies in Germany. If you are not based in Germany, ask your doctor for recommendations. Sage tea is also beneficial to relieve mouth sores.
Stomach Pain
For stomach pain, I used hot water bag and drink sage tea twice a day. Sage is a type of herb which targets inflammation and exerts antibacterial and wound-healing properties.
Hair Loss
As you can see from my photo, I have chosen to wear a wig simply because it brings back some form of normality. You can also opt for hats, headscarves and bandanas as other forms of head coverings. There many ways to style it and they come in all shapes and colors. So have fun experimenting new things. If you are interested in good quality wigs, I have come across these two websites, which you can find below:
https://www.oncovia.com/en/ (shipping only to Italy, Germany, France & UK)
https://www.carlbembridgewigs.com/ (shipping worldwide with delivery fees depending on location).
Eyebrow loss & Eyelash loss
You are more likely to lose your hair than your lashes and eyebrows. Having conversed with other cancer patients, most of them experience either thinning or eyebrow/ eyelash loss at a later stage in the treatment. From my side, I have lost a tiny bit of my bottom lashes, but everything else including my brows are still very much in tact. I have been religiously applying castor oil on my lashes and brows using a mascara wand every night before I go to bed, as I heard that this oil promotes hair growth. However, I cannot scientifically prove that this is definitely a way to prevent it as everyone reacts to chemo differently. But it seems to have helped me so far... If you are interested in purchasing the castor oil set that I have been using, I have included the link and description below:
Fatigue & Weakness
Fatigue is the most common side effect you will experience right after each chemo round. If you are feeling super super tired, DON'T FIGHT IT! Get some rest. Listen to your body! When you do feel a bit better , go out for a 20 minute walk and get some fresh air. This is definitely beneficial for your body and soul. Exercise is also encouraged by my doctor. I have been doing some low impact pilates workouts and a bit of stretching. When I am feeling really up for it, I will even do some Zumba workouts. So yes, it is possible to workout during chemo but it is entirely up to you. Just remember to listen to your body and go at your own pace.
Loss of appetite
Chemo can cause changes in diet and loss of appetite. I had trouble eating because the thought of food makes me sick to my stomach. These protein energy drinks are my life savior as they are the equivalent to two-three meals a day. You can find them at any pharmaceutical store in Germany. If you are not living in Germany, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Chemo Brain
"Chemo brain" is a term coined by the cancer community to describe the cognitive impairment experienced as a result of the chemo drugs. This means you encounter brain fog where you struggle with concentration, memory, speech abilities, learning abilities and multi-tasking. It is honestly hard to describe it to someone who has never experienced it. But it isn't the regular "Oh I forgot what I did yesterday" kinda thing. It's way more intense and in fact, it is one of the long-term effects that I still struggle with a year after treatment. It has affected my work and day to day activities. The only thing I can say is to give yourself time. Don't be so hard on yourself and I know this is easier said than done. I still feel very overwhelmed, anxious and depressed for not working at the same level and rate as I did before cancer. I have been using Google calendar to include reminder and appointments for every little thing. I would even ask my friends and colleague to double check whether I left anything important from work. Perhaps post-its could be used too. If anyone has any tips and advice on dealing with chemo brain, please leave your comment below :) Let's help each other out.
Dried skin
For some of my chemo rounds, I experience skin dryness or itchiness. I usually find rosehip oil quite helpful to keep it moist. But I do find myself applying oil or body lotion more often than usual.
Low Blood Circulation/ Dizziness
If you do experience dizziness, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT attempt to get up, stand up and do anything. I remember sitting on the couch watching TV with my parents and I noticed how I suddenly felt dizzy. I decided to go to the bathroom as I thought that washing my face might make me feel better. That was a terrible mistake. While I was in the bathroom, I blacked out and then I thought I was ok again. As soon as I left the bathroom, I suddenly collapsed and fell unconscious. Next thing I knew, I woke up on the couch with my parents screaming and trying to wake me up. So please, if this happens, make sure you get a caretaker or a loved one to accompany you. And drink plenty of water. And if worse comes to worse, be sure to head to the hospital.
Nose Bleeds
This happens due to mucositis. I have been getting heavy nose bleeds during my salvage chemos because it affected my blood count. What has helped me prevent this from happening is applying nasal ointment to keep it moist and prevent dryness. If you live in Germany, you can purchase this "Bepanthen" drugstores.
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