patti539

[patti539]

I had four rounds of adriamycin, cytoxin and one round of taxotere and several rounds of neulasta.  Was suppose to have had four rounds of taxotere, but after showing the doctor how wrinkled the palms and back of my hand were becoming she immediately said that I had had enough chemotherapy and immediately took me off of it. This was three years ago. My hair came back thicker than ever and I felt great from the steroids that I had been taking while on chemo. Then, over the years my skin became thin, wrinkled and hard in spots. My hair began to fall out, lost muscle tone and weight. I still see oncologist every 6 months for exam and blood work. Could all of this be from the chemo?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to be of some help.

Yes you sre right about both the advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy. But on a more positive aspect the side effects are variable, and subside in some cases when chemotherapy is stopped.

Do concentrate on your diet - eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Take adequate proteins in your diet. Additional vitamin and mineral supplements should help.

Continue the periodic follow ups with your doctor.
Do keep us updated about how you are doing.
Good luck to you.
Regards.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Yes all the symptoms that you describe can be attiributed and have been documented side effects of chemotherapy.

Adriamycin is known to cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heart rhythms and hair loss.

Taxotere increases risk of infections, causes nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bruising, bleeding, skin changes, allergic reactions, sores in palms and soles, mouth ulcers, feeling of weakness and tiredness, diarrhoea and anemia.

Cytoxan is known to cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin darkening, hairloss and lethargy. It is also known to cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

If your doctor feels that the chemotherapy that you have had already is sufficient and since you were experiencing the side effects, it would be best to follow his/ her advise.

You are doing right by following up regularly with your oncologist.
Do let us know how you are doing.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[patti539]

Thank you so much for your reply. That explains it all. You don't know how sad it is to look in the mirror and see these changes . HOWEVER, it sure does beat the alternative!!