Hi @julietwilson, I did the same chemo regime and I held up pretty well, but I was very fatigued by number 4 and spent the following 9 days pretty much on the couch watching a lot of TV. I found I was more tired each time, but that changed once taxol started and I started to get my energy back. I had waves of nausea during AC but nothing that wasn’t fixed by taking the medication and it passed after the third day. I didn’t get any nausea with taxol. You will need to drink lots of fluids to flush the chemo through your system and this will really help. You will feel like you are sloshing with all the water, but it is worth doing. I recommend getting up and moving - even just a gentle stroll for a short distance is really helpful. Ultimately, just do what you can, don’t push yourself too hard and be kind to yourself.
My scalp tingled and did get really sensitive and sore and it was a sign that my hair was about to start falling. A lot of women opt to have it cut really short to lessen the feeling and that’s what I ended up doing. I also bought a great wig and various turbans so I was ready. This is a really personal decision as to what you want to do, but it is good to be prepared. I was lucky as my beautiful sister-in-law is a hairdresser so I had her on standby to help me.
I used MooGoo body lotion and you can actually buy ‘oncology packs’ to help you during treatment. Your skin will be super sensitive in the sun while you are having treatment. I got quite a sunburn sitting at coffee shop in filtered sunlight - reminded me to avoid the sun or to be very careful. Remember to watch your head in the sun as it is going to be exposed and you don’t want to get sunburned.
I would recommend trying ice therapy on your hands and feet for the rounds of taxol as this may help with preventing nerve damage. You will find lots of great information on this forum. I got the things I needed ready so I was good to go on the first round of taxol. If you can, speak to your nurses about it as mine were really supportive. I was lucky in that I didn’t have any issues with my nails - I did paint my toenails. I had some ridges appear and the nurses always checked my fingernails. The ice therapy may have protected them.
I finished chemo in May 2020 and my hair is back, I did a gradual return to work in September and I am heading back to work for 2021. I had a BMX in June and completed the reconstruction in December. It can feel like you are on a parallel planet at times, but you will through it. I am wishing you well and please let ask any questions. This forum is amazing for grass roots, day to day advice. M x
