Chemo School!

Chemo school was very informative. We went through a check sheet about all the wonderful side effects of Taxol, my first chemotherapy drug and new best friend for the 12 weeks we'll spend together. I got some handouts and nifty little books about chemo, side effects, and nutrition.

The side effects are these, directly copied from my handout:

• Bone Marrow Suppression (Myelosuppression): Your red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet coutns will all drop after Taxol, reaching their lowest point (nadir) at 1-2 weeks. This makes you more prone to anemia, infection, and bleeding. All counts will recover by themselves. No specific diet or activity will hasten this.
• Hair Loss (alopecia): Hair loss is temporary. It will grow back after chemotherapy is completed. Hair loss will start 2-3 weeks after Taxol is given.
• Decreased Fertility: May cause absence of periods, decreased sperm count, or permanent sterility. Continue to use contraception!
• Fatigue: You could have a certain amount of fatigue throughout the entire treatment period. Moderate exercise, good nutrition, and rest can help remedy fatigue.
• Neurotoxicity (Nerve damage): Numbness and tingling may occur in your hands and feet. May get worse with additional Taxol treatments. Usually improves slowly after Taxol is stopped.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Can start 1-2 days after Taxol infusion and lasts 4-5 days. Usually well controlled with over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen or Tylenol. Prescription medication may be given if pain persists.
• Hypersensitivity Reaction (Rare): Can include flushing, blood pressure changes, nausea, or difficulty breathing. You will be given medications through the IV prior to the Taxol to decrease the chance of a hypersensitivity reaction occurring. Usually occurs within the first 5-15 minutes of infusion, if at all.
• There was also a bunch of talk about nausea, constipation, diarrhea and oral hygiene. Boring. Yuck.

So that sounds like fun...

We also talked about some warning signs to be aware of. If I get a fever over 100.5 degrees, chills, shortness of breath, dizziness, blah blah blah, I have to call the office and let them know.

Now that I know, I'm prepared for this chemo thing. I hope I don't experience too many negative side effects, or at least not too severely. I guess we'll see... Stay tuned...