Now that I have been off chemo medication for about 10 weeks, I have realized a few things that aren’t talked about much during and after treatment, possibly due to patients not asking the right questions, age/social differences, or even positive/negative survival rates. Whatever the reason, there are a few things that I am sharing of my personal experiences to hopefully help someone else dealing with a similar situation.
Due to possible birth defects or lack of studies in pregnancy, I was advised to take birth control pills throughout my treatment as I am still of reproductive age and potential. Working as a pharmacist and understanding the possible consequences, I complied and started my prescription a few weeks before my treatment began. Early on in my IV therapy I noticed that my menstrual cycle was not regulating like many who take those pills. Instead, I would wake up in the middle of the night at times with cramping 2 weeks prior than expected and noticed bleeding at odd times. At first I thought that I would just give it time and figured everything would just adjust. Later, I switched prescriptions, started my pill packs at different times, and honestly struggled a bit in my mind thinking my body sure is taking longer than expected to get on a normal pattern. Recently, I discussed this with my OBGYN who explained changes in menstrual cycle regularity is perfectly normal during any type of chemo treatment.
I am not sure why I didn’t ask enough questions or even find this information in literature. After all, I counsel patients everyday about chemo medications and have not run across these changes, possibly due to the majority of patients being past reproductive age. Also, I was apprehensive of looking up side effects and joining support groups during my treatment to avoid finding the worst possibilities that most likely will not happen.
A few days after completing my medication, I noticed a few changes in my digestion as my body had to almost relearn how to be normal again after almost a year. One of the side effects I dealt with daily during the last year was diarrhea due to the oral medication. Once off the medication, my body took almost 6 weeks to regulate my digestion and create normal bowel movements. Again, no one told me this may happen as I was not aware I should ask more questions about digestion. All of this goes to show how hard these medications are on the gut.
Also, I have dealt with random sores on my skin, mostly on my scalp with some on my face and arms over the last 10 weeks. This is most likely a result of my body detoxing itself from the medications and hormones regulating back to normal. As my gut and digestive system have healed, I have noticed the sores becoming less frequent and smaller in size. It is pretty neat how our skin works to get rid of things our bodies do not want and notices as somewhat toxic.
These are only a few things I have noticed during my treatment journey and after completing my regimen. As my body continues to regulate post treatment, I am sure I will notice more. I am thankful that most of my energy is back as well as the processes above have mostly corrected. Overall, I am feeling much better and looking forward to being healthier.
“Your righteous testimonies are everlasting; Give me understanding (the ability to learn and a teachable heart) that I may live.” Psalm 119:144
This post was informative and I learned something new from it. I’m so thankful you are feeling better and regaining your strength and energy. 💜