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Emotional health after cancer: How are you doing really?
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Oct 31 4:04pm | Replies (272)Comment receiving replies
@miriam57 Hi Miriam, yes indeed, Chemo can get rid of the cancer! I’m living proof of that and so are millions of other people. There are so many kinds of chemotherapy. Some are more aggressive than others depending on the target. Cancer cells are crafty and need to be hit hard and fast. The Taxol interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body so it’s exactly the aim of your oncologist to rid your body of those cancer cells.
When you were on Taxol before did you experience any side effects? Were you given any educational background as to what to expect while on chemo? Because anytime you’re on a medication that disrupts fast growing cancer cells, it can also interfere with the other fast growing cells in your body such as soft tissue in your mouth which can get sore and tender, there can be a loss of taste, it can cause some hair loss and possible nausea. These are all temporary issues while you’re going through chemo and can linger a while afterwards. But our bodies have remarkable abilities to heal and regenerate. We just have to get rid of the offenders first!
I’m posting some links below that can help you better understand the possible side effects of chemo and what to do about it. Just know that you are not alone here! So many of us have similar journeys of cancer, chemo and recovery to a full and happy life.
Hugs! Lori
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/in-depth/get-ready-for-possible-side-effects-of-chemotherapy/art-20111159
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/tab/nutrition-and-cancer/
Replies to "@miriam57 Hi Miriam, yes indeed, Chemo can get rid of the cancer! I’m living proof of..."
Yes I am living proof also chemo gets rid of cancer. 10 year breast cancer survivor. My cancer was chemo resistent. I had adrimysen, abraxane it was new 10 years ago and cytoin. I had very strong dosage of each drug infusion through a port in my chest. I tolerated it very well. I lost all my hair but was prepared as my daughter astually both are cosmotologists. We went wig shopping before hand and for skull caps that hold the wig in place. I had beautiful human hair wigs. When my hair started falling out after 2nd infusion went to her salon and she shaved my head. We both cried. She cut the wigs to my style and put one on and I felt some what normal. The eyebrows and eyelashes also will fall out. Your oncologist will give you scrips for nausea. Everyone is different. My tastes buds were strange. Everything tasted like metal. You may get Nulasta shots to make your bone create white blood cells faster which can cause severe bone pain which I developed.
I also developed severe pheriphial neuropathy in my feet and legs which has never gone away in 10 years. It has gotten progressively. I have a fabulous pain management physician who has given me quality of life. You will come out of treatment a different version of yourself. I am so greatful to be alive the neuropathy is a small price for beating cancer. Now I help others through their journey by volunteering at American Cancer Society Facilities such as Hope Lodge.
Hi Lori, this is my first time with Chemo. Last April I met with Mayo, had surgery on May 12, it was stage 1A. They recommended 3 vaginal brachytherapy ( radiation) to reduce a 25% chance of recurrence to a 5% chance. On Dec. 17, they did my first scan and it had returned in some pelvic lymph nodes and 3 masses attached to various areas. So after being in shock to starting Chemo on Jan. 11, I am learning a lot. Seeing posts about getting better is helpful. Thank you for the links.
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Living proof here, too, after chemo treatments in 2007 and 2011. I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in 2011. Guess I beat that, huh?