My Chemo Experience & Side Effects
Everyone’s chemotherapy experience is different, but a lot of us do have very similar experiences. These are the side effects that were specific to me, but I hope the information I share is helpful. Chemo is tough, but we are tougher. Remember that.
Hair Loss
When did it start: I started losing my hair on the 13th day after my first chemo infusion.
What did I do once it started: Shaved my head the very next day from when I noticed it falling out. I should also mention that I had reallllly long hair, so I cut off 8 inches before my hair even started to fall out. I then ended up having to completely shave my head with a razor about 4-5 weeks later.
How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I initially started to panic internally and I of course shed a few tears thinking about cutting off my long, beautiful hair… but I woke up at 3am the morning before cutting my hair and had a moment where I was completely at peace with losing my hair. To me, it is almost like a symbol of how much of a badass I am to be fighting this fight.
How did I handle it: Hat wigs were an absolute wigs, hat wigs, hats
I linked the wigs that I personally tried out below.
I bought mine at a local wig shop, but I linked to an online shop that has them. These wigs are synthetic hair.
Henry Margu Hat Wig - Long - I personally like the longer one better, but that is just my preference!
Loss of Appetite & Taste Changes
When did it start: My loss of appetite started pretty quickly after my first round of chemo. The lack of appetite pretty much went hand and hand with the nausea. I also experienced some change.in my taste pretty immediately after round one as well. At the time I am writing this, I am 5 weeks post chemotherapy and the taste of food is just now finally starting to be back to normal.
What did I do once it started: I told my dad, who doubled as my own personal chef throughout chemo. He helped me stay on top of eating even when I didn’t want to. Without him I probably would have skipped meals which would have made me feel weaker.
How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): One of the only times I have cried during my cancer journey was when I wasn’t able to eat because nothing sounded or tasted edible. I remember crying out of frustration because I knew I had to eat something but I physically couldn’t eat. This was surprisingly one of the harder obstacles I have faced since my cancer diagnosis.
How did I handle it: I forced myself to eat even when I didn’t want to. On really bad days I would manage to eat some toast, applesauce, baked potatoes, noodles & butter. Mainly foods that would be easy on my stomach. Also smoothies…. when I didn’t feel like I could eat anything, I would try to drink a smoothie. I also heard that eating with bamboo cutlery helped with any kind of metallic taste. I will link some products and smoothie recipes below.
Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful:
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
- 6 Healthy Superfood Smoothies
- Bamboo Utensils
Nausea, Vomiting, & Acid Reflux
- When did it start: Most of these side effects started pretty soon after my first chemo treatment. I had heartburn the day after my first chemo and then nausea/vomiting started on day 4 and continued through day 6-9. It was a little different after each chemo, but for the most part I dealt with daily waves of nausea.
- What did I do once it started: I tried to get ahead of the nausea and vomiting by taking the prescriptions my doctors ordered, but I also found it helpful to keep cracker or a small snack next to my bed in case I was nauseous in the middle of the night. For the acid reflux, I advised
- How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I had a horrible fear of vomiting prior to starting chemo. Being so nauseous all the time and vomiting more than I ever had in my life helped me get over that fear pretty quickly. Vomiting definitely isn’t as traumatic as it used to be. I also kept reminding myself that these feelings would pass and I would feel better in the upcoming days.
- How did I handle it: Staying on top of taking my nausea medication played a big part in keeping my nausea under control. I also tried to keep eating small amounts of bland food just to keep something in my stomach. As for the acid reflux, Pepcid AC was my best friend and was part of my daily medication regimen.
Skin Related Issues
- When did it start: I was lucky and I didn’t have any skin issues besides dry skin until my very last chemo treatment. After chemo #6, I developed sores on my neck, scalp and face (pictured).
- What did I do once it started: For a while I tried to hide this side effect because I felt embarrassed by it. I finally showed my mom what was going on and we started using Aquaphor Healing Ointment on the affected areas.
- How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): This was one of the harder side effects for me to mentally accept. I had already lost my hair so having these horrible open sores on my head and neck was just another blow to my self confidence. However, my family and friends all rallied around me and made me feel like this was just another small hurdle that I was going to have to jump through.
- How did I handle it: I called my doctor once I noticed the rash getting worse and they referred me to the dermatologist. After meeting with the dermatologist, they prescribed me with a topical ointment that helped tremendously.
Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment - You can get this at Ulta, Target and Amazon,
Diarrhea & Constipation
My boyfriend and I referred to diarrhea and the ‘diet zebras.’ It was a much more humorous way for us to talk about and deal with a not some humorous situation…. that’s the explanation for why there is a zebra as the picture.
- When did it start: I never really suffered from constipation except for one or two short periods of time throughout my treatments. I did have diarrhea after every one of my chemo treatments. The diarrhea would normally start on day 3-4 after each chemo session and would last off and on until about the 8th or 9th day.
- What did I do once it started: I tried to stay ahead of diarrhea and constipation, but if I wasn’t lucky enough to get in front of it then I would make sure I was drinking lots of fluids.
- How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): As you can imagine, it sucked and I hated every moment of it. But I just dealt with it because what other choice did I have?
- How did I handle it: I told my doctor and we got me on a different regimen of medications to hopefully relieve these issues.
Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful:
- Conttonelle Flushable Wipes - these were a life saver for me. Things get a little tender when you’ve had a constant case of the diet zebras, so these will really come in handy!
- Anti-Diarrheal prescription from your doctor - I would 100% ask your doctor for this if diarrhea is a concern of yours. Or its even nice to have these medications on hand if ever needed.
Dehydration & Fatigue
I learned VERY quickly how important hydration and rest are during the course of my chemo treatments. Dehydration, caused my continuous diarrhea, landed me in the emergency room after my 3rd chemo infusion.
- When did it start: Immediately. You should be preparing for chemo treatments by staying overly hydrated before your actual treatment.
- What did I do once it started: Once dehydration has started setting in, it’s almost too late to get in front of it. At least that was my experience. I tried to stay hydrated and well rested before and after all of my chemo treatments. I would usually rest for a week before trying to make any big plans or exert too much energy, but again, everyone is different.
- How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): This may sound silly, but the hydration part of recovery was one of the harder parts for me. I am not normally a huge water drinker so that came back to bite me in the butt when it came time to try to get lots of water in me.
- How did I handle it:
For Dehydration: For days where it was harder for me to drink water, I ate or drank popsicles, ice chips, Pedialyte, smoothies (again), apple juice, Sunny D juice. I also scheduled to go get fluids at the infusion center 1-2 times a week. I started doing this after my 2nd round of chemo. I would usually have chemo on Fridays and then I would go in on Monday/Tuesday for fluids. There was one incident where I was unable to get into the infusion center for fluids so I called a local IV therapy service, Recovery Hydration Therapy, and they came and gave me fluids.
For Fatigue: REST. I rested when my body told me to rest. I was fortunate enough to have that ability since I am working flexible hours during my treatment.
Below is a list of the products I used or found helpful:
- Liquid IV - I believe Walgreens/CVS also sell them
Eyes & Nose Issues
Eyes and nose side effects included:
- Bloody noses
- Dry nose/nostrils
- Dry eyes
- When did it start: I started having bloody noses after my 2nd infusion and I started having dry eye issues after my 4th infusion.
- What did I do once it started: For the bloody noses, I just tried to get the bleeding to stop as soon as possible. For the dry eyes, I went ahead and took my contacts out immediately to see if that would help.
- How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I was a little on-edge because I never knew when a bloody nose was going to strike, so that gave me some anxiety.
- How did I handle it: I talked with my doctors and she prescribed me with some eye drops to help with the dry eyes.
Below is a list of the products I used or found helpful:
- Ayr Saline Nasal Gel - this helped tremendously for my dry nose. Just be careful when applying.
- Refresh Tears - these helped tremendously with my dry eyes. My doctor also did end up writing me a prescription for some eyedrops as well.