Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy

1. How will I feel after I receive Chemotherapy? Most patients will receive pre-meds which will consist of nausea medicine that will help keep the nausea down to a minimal. Some vomiting may occur, don’t be too alarmed if you still feel wheezy after receiving your nausea medications as this is normal.

2. How long will the nausea last? Nausea can last for a few days up to a week but will taper off and you should start feeling a lot better with time.

3. Are all Chemotherapies the same? No, not all chemotherapy is the same. However, Chemotherapy does kill rapidly dividing cells which is cancer and also hair. Most chemotherapy patients will experience some if not all hair loss due to the chemotherapy. Unfortunately the chemo can not distinguish between good and bad cells.

4. Will anyone be able to tell if I have had Chemotherapy treatments? When you receive your chemotherapy treatments for the first time you still look pretty normal. Close friends and family members may notice that you are physically exhausted or may notice some hair shedding after a few days after your treatment.

5. Will I still be able to have kids? This should be discussed with your doctor, they may be able to harvest your eggs or sperm and freeze them until you are ready to use them.

6. Will I feel extremely exhausted? You may feel exhausted every individual is different. This is the time to take it easy and not over exert yourself ask a family member or friend to help you with daily chores it will help make your recovery a lot smoother.

7. Is it true that my taste buds will change? From my experience my taste for food was very different. For example: teriyaki chicken may taste like burnt chicken. It all varies from person to person. I found that citrus fruit and bland foods worked best for me. You will have to just taste a variety of foods until you find what tastes normal to you.

8. Will I loose weight? Most patients loose weight during there treatments because they are not able to keep all foods down due to the nausea. After your chemotherapy treatments are complete you should resume back to your normal size.

9. Steroids, why am I taking them? Steroids are used by medical doctors for a variety of reasons. In some cancer patients steroids could aide in minimizing the tumor.

10. Will the steroids make me gain weight? Some patients have experienced weight gain with steroids where as others didn’t. Steroids also gave some patients the feeling of constantly being hungry even after eating a good meal hours later.

11. Is it true that I may get mucitous from the chemotherapy? You may, this could be a little uncomfortable most say it feels like a burning sensation in the throat and mouth. I found that pop cycles and cool fluids put the pain at ease.

12. Will I still be able to work? Some patients find that they can lead a normal life as they did prior to treatments.

13. Will people make derogatory statements about my bald head? Contrary to popular belief people make negative comments with those with hair, just smile because you have your life and if you’re alive you’re already winning the BATTLE!

14. Will my hair actually grow back? Hair usually grows back over time and you should start to see fine baby hairs after two weeks. In most cases the hair usually grows back very fine and curly. You may also notice that the hair is a different texture and color; I wouldn’t recommend putting lots of chemicals on the hair right after it starts grow.

15. Is it true my nail beds may darken? Nail beds may darken but will go back to its natural state of color after chemotherapy treatments.

16. Will my sex drive change? Some patients sex drive may change, they may not feel as sexy due to hair loss and or fatigue. Talk to your partner and let him/her tell you how they feel. Try alternative things for instance: cuddling, holding hands.

17. Why does it seem as if my friends or family members are not as supportive as they should be? Some patients may feel as if there loved ones are not there for them emotionally or physically. Your loved ones may not know how to handle your treatments or may not know what to say or do. For the family member reading this, the most important thing you can do at this point is show them support and be there backbone during there treatments. Ways you can assist: mow the lawn, cook dinner, take care of the kids, do the grocery shopping, any little chore around the house, help take kids to school, camp, take your loved one to his or her appointment. These small things can make a big difference in someone’s life undergoing treatments.

18. Why do I feel emotional or feel trapped inside of my body? It is normal to feel emotional during and after your chemotherapy treatments. This is a traumatic experience and often you feel like why me, what did I do to deserve this. With so many chemicals in your body, some may experience as if they are being trapped inside of there body wanting to release themselves of this terrible disease. Once one has been through all treatments and are in remission there is still a big fear or concern that the cancer may return. With the comfort of friends and family this could help alleviate the fears that you may hold. Take each day at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. You are now starting a new beginning because “it’s not over yet”!

19. Is it ok…to be ok? YES