After 16 rounds of chemo, loosing my hair & thinned eyebrows, countless scans, blood tests and self injections, I'm glad to say the chemo part is over. It feels wonderful to be able to say 16 down and O to go! I get an MRI scan on Feb 6. I will keep you posted once my surgery date is scheduled.
These are my experiences of the side effects of Taxol. The Last round was Hard on me. I felt like I got pounded. I laid in bed for 2 days.
1. Extreme fatigue- Since I received weekly Taxol, I have two days that are really heavy fatigue that I have to just go to bed. It hits me suddenly and boom, I have to lie down.
2. Bone pain- another extreme side effect. The first few weeks, I had very little bone pain. One night it HIT me. WOW! I was moving around in pain. I popped in Tylenol and it calmed down slightly.
3. Allergies – I have developed an allergy reaction to IV dressing. It was itching like crazy, it Burns and stars to turn red.
4. Bloody Noses – Never have i had bloody noses before all this. It happens daily mostly mornings.
5. Shortness of breath- going up a flight of stairs is a problem. I have to stop in the middle of things - like carrying a load of laundry- to catch my breath. I even walk Slower than usual.
6. Neuropathy- i have some neuropathy but my hands and feet are holding steady. I have no difficulties walking. Some women have severe neuropathy that can last for years.
7. Fingernails and Toenails can discolor and/or fall off- I have had absolutely no nail trouble. Thank GOD!
8. Low blood counts – I have been keeping steady but i have had 3 chemo delays. I inject myself with neupogen shots. I was anemic awhile back but my hemoglobin are looking good now! I have not needed a blood transfusion. I have gotten very sick during flu season which I caught from my son. It took me weeks to fight it off. My Dr diagnosed me with bronchitis, i was put on antibiotic.
Hot flushes- The severe hot flashes and lack of sleep is killing me. Covers on and off all night through. I feel like I'm being roasted in the oven. I also gained some pounds since my pre-menopause & steroids I have to take. I eat everything in sight. I try to eat healthy & dehydrate myself.
Well This was all worth the sacrifice and I'm grateful for the drugs that saved my life. I handled it very well. This wraps up a part of my journey at the treatment center. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I enter the next phase of my journey. Thank you to all of you who follow and read my blog. I appreciate your love and support each and every day. Love to all!