One Year On Chemo

One year ago yesterday, I started chemo. It’s hard to believe but I’ve heard of others who’ve been doing it for over five years. Wow … where do they find the strength and courage?

The first nine months of my chemo were difficult. The side effects were intense. I wondered how much longer I could continue with that treatment. Thank goodness the oncologist monitored my symptoms as she eventually made the decision that it was time to cut the dosage back by 25%. At first I was angered by this decision but now I look back and realize it was the right one. I now have more energy, have a clearer mind and more quality of life. Overall, I’m still pretty weak in my legs and lower back and standing for any length of time or walking any distance is a challenge.

On a positive note, two of the largest tumors have had some shrinkage with all others being stable.

Throughout the year I’ve also experienced some setbacks … one of the same tumors that had previously shown shrinkage has also showed some growth. My central line catheter on my chest became infected and we had to have it removed. More recently I developed lymphedema in right arm likely due to the infection caused by my catheter. With that I have to wear a compression sleeve and glove. After having a PICC line inserted in my left arm, I had a chlorhexidine burn which required special care and attention. Chlorhexidine is a chemical antiseptic and it appears I’m allergic to it. On a really minor note, I acquired my first ever plantars wart likely caused by my weakened immune system.

The side effects I now experience that are more closely related to the chemo and meds include: indigestion, mild nausea and mild diarrhea, a stuffy, runny and sometimes bloody nose, and disturbed sleeps and fatigue.

Also I have an accumulation of fluid in my lungs. I think it is called pleural effusion. I have developed hand foot syndrome which affects my feet more than my hands. I feel sensitively and numbness on the bottom of my feet. My hands appear to be pretty good. On a separate note, chemo has caused some of my finger nails to discolor and start lifting. Some days they are sensitive and others not so much. I also have watery eyes that tend to give me grief. Oh yes, I almost forgot, I have … hair loss.

Overall I’m amazed at what the body can take.