What Does Chemo Feel Like?

Lately a lot of people ask me what does chemo feel like. The day that you get treatment it does not feel too bad. Once they get your IV hooked up to your port the medicines are given intravenously. I sit in my recliner, with warm blankets and sometimes the massage therapist comes around and gives light shoulder and neck massages. You may feel a little tired and sometimes a little nausea but today for instance I don't feel anything.

Chemo is cumulative so it takes time for the medicine to work through your body. So as the days go by you start to feel it more and more. So the first day or two you may have mild nausea and fatigue which feels likes morning sickness. Then the third day and depending on how long your cycle of symptoms last you start to feel more severe symptoms such as bone pain, headaches, neuropathy (which I have in my feet / numbness, pain and tingling), constipation, mouth sores, flu-like symptoms, etc.

The first month I had two good weeks and two bad weeks, the second month I had three bad weeks and one good weeks. The third month I had one bad week and three good weeks. So it can change.

Back in 2009, I did chemo for six months. I was fine the first month or two and by the third month I felt totally toxic. I felt poisoned. There are no two cancers that are alike and no treatment plans that are alike. Everyone reacts differently to the drugs and it also depends on the strength of the medications. The medications and technology they use today do not cause symptoms as severe as they use to years ago.

I must admit the hardest part is watching the effects it has on my body. They say chemo ages you 10 years and it feels more like 20. For me my tongue turned black, my palms, and bottoms of my feet are turning black and my nail beds. I notice changes in my skin, etc. But one thing is for sure.... none of the effects I feel are worth my life. I am grateful to be here to help other women who have to face this same path or anyone else who just needs a little inspiration.

For my friends who have questions about cancer and chemo, I do not mind sharing, especially if it can help someone cope with cancer more easily. Hoping my transparency continues to encourage others.

xoxo