I do get the usual run down feeling and fatigue a couple of days after chemo but that clears up fairly quickly. The following week is pretty good but then I hit the 10 to 14 days after chemo. All hell breaks loose..... This is the period of time where my immune system is at its lowest. Low blood counts. Risk of infection.
My mouth develops sores. Painful sores. I tend to stay away from anything too hot, too spicy, too hard, too salty, to acidic, etc. It is like having cankers all over your mouth. Not pleasant at all. But I find that popsicles help to numb my mouth for a little while. I also have something called 'Magic Mouthwash'. It is basically a topical anesthetic that I gargle with and then swallow. It numbs my mouth for about an hour. Feels like when I have been to the dentist and had a tooth pulled. Helpful especially at night to fall asleep without the pain. Clears up within a week or so. Thank God!
There is a side effect that is with me all the time and it developed after my second dose of Doxil. My hands and feel are experiencing something called 'hand and foot syndrome'. Hands are constantly very dry, tingly, hot and easily develop cracks if I am not careful with moisturizing. They can also get painful if I use them to much in a strenuous manner. Chopping vegetables, vacuuming, taking the dog for a walk, etc. You get the idea..... Anything that requires a grip. My feet are hot and dry as well but luckily not painful and I make it a point to ensure I smear moisturizer a couple of times a day.
My skin in general is not the same. Quite dry and I have also developed a rash around the arm pit area. That is itchy and gross looking. The rest of me has some discoloration especially around the areas of clothing contact ie waistline. The skin is darker and dryer. Parts of me appear to have been over exposed to the sun.
The main recommendation for this dry and hot skin is soaking in some ice water and Udderly Smooth Cream. I call it the cow cream. Too funny. This is for cow's udders. Keeps them smooth and supple!
The other side effect I will not discuss and it involves the back side.
Was in to see the oncologist this past Thursday for my pre chemo assessment and she is going to request a reduction in my next dosage to see if it will help with some of these side-effects. Next chemo appointment is next Tuesday (10th). Also a CT Scan will be scheduled for early January. So far my CA 125 numbers have been going in the right direction and I am currently sitting at 113 which is a drop from 386 in August. YAY!
In other news my father has developed jaundice. He needs a stent to drain bile from his liver and they have taken a CT Scan to determine if he is a candidate. We should know more this Monday.
