Forum Discussion

Beckyw's avatar
Beckyw
Member
9 years ago

Minimal side effects

hey ladies, 
i'm probably being paranoid, but im 3/4 through my AC round of chemo and ive had minimal side effects so far. Im triple positive, 33 years old, had my tumor removed in october. 
Does this mean my body could be resistant to the treatment? Or is it because of my age and im otherwise healthy ive just been lucky side effects wise? I mean ive lost my hair, and its growing back fuzz at the moment,i get shocking heartburn.  i still have a week where i just feel yuck and have the god awful taste in my mouth. 

probably being paranoid  but some words of wisdom from others would be great! 
Bec xx
side-effects

6 Replies

  • Share's avatar
    Share
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi @Beckyw - I had 6 rounds of chemo 13 years ago (dinosaur years ago !) and like you, I was in my 30's (37 when I started chemo).

    Apart from being diagnosed with bc I was relatively healthy !

    Yes, I too got the hair loss and dreadful heartburn (which lasted for several months afterwards) and felt wiped out occasionally (I also had 2 young boys, 5 and 2) but I felt that I was waiting for it all "to hit me" - it never really did.

    Apart from the nausea, weariness and the loss of taste buds (all food tasted the same - not appealing or bland) I simply took it one cycle at a time.

    It certainly does not mean it is not working - your blood tests that are taken between each cycle would be a testament to that along with the hair loss etc.

    Take it as a (little) win !

    Best wishes

    Sheryl xx    

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    What you are describing are the side effects....so good nausea isnt an issue
     We are all different. I was lucky enough to not need hospital or anything but got really light headed. I was able to exercise weeks 2 and 3 on AC. Taxol was easier in some ways but harder in others as no real break. Hope all goes well for you.
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hey Bec! I think you are just lucky lol! and obviously tolerate it well. I had a shocking time with Chemo and I was 47. My Oncologist did say strangely, that in his experience, he has found older women tolerate it better than younger women. Then we laughed as Im like ummm Im 47, oh well I must be young genetically LOL So don't stress it absolutely is working!!! Hugs Melinda xo
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Nope, it's not not working, you may just be fortunate and miss most of the unpleasant effects. Chemo side effects are immensely variable, being fit and healthy may help, but I was 67 when I had A/C so it's not age! I got a few belated side effects, after I had finished A/C so it's not over yet, but no nausea, no fatigue. Never took anti nausea medication (except what was pumped in during treatment) as there was no need. Metallic taste in the mouth for sure, and a lack of appetite immediately after treatment but that was all. I then had 12 weeks of Taxol with more noticeable side effects. I loathed Taxol but still had no nausea or fatigue. So fingers crossed you continue to have minimal side effects. There's no working it out, but it's good when it happens.
  • Beckyw's avatar
    Beckyw
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thankyou! The heartburn is shocking! I feel like an old man with it
  • Glemmis's avatar
    Glemmis
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Beckyw, I had very similar side affects to you on AC & I am 57.  I had a few days of feeling yuck but still managed to work & exercise. The worst thing was the metallic taste & heartburn. I am now on Taxol, 4/12 & feel almost normal. It doesn't mean the drugs aren't working, it is just your body handling it well. My oncologist told me the affects you experience first time round shouldn't get any worse. I think we are very lucky! Take care x