Hi Marydean,

I had chemo 5 years ago for breast cancer when I was 32.

I had 4 treatments of a combination chemotherapy of Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide 3 weeks apart.

How did it effect me? I won't spare the details as it's best to know the truth OK. But keep in mind different drugs have different effects and everyone reacts individually to chemo, it's not a one size fits all, but I know you know that.

Well lets start with my hair: by the 2nd treatment my hair was patchy and I was in a hat, by the 3rd it was all gone and I bought a lovely long brown wig (which by the way I still have and you are welcome to it if you want it. They are very expensive so I'm more than happy to give you mine).
I had my treatments on a Friday morning and would take the following Mon and Tues off work to rest and recover. I was never sick as in vomiting but I made sure i adhered to the anti-nausea drug regime very carefully. I had Stemetil and Zofran, one was oral and one was suppository (I can't remember which was which) but I took both and so was OK. I also took a steroid dethamethesone to help with nausea.
I used to get tired for the weekend following my treatment but was OK by the wednesday. Having said that I wasn't house bound I just took things easy and didn't run any marathons!
During my treatment I consulted a Naturopath and took a herbal tonic to keep up my strength and protect my liver and immune function - one particular beneficial herb is Astragalus for immune health.

I had weekly blood tests every thursday to make sure my bone marrow was recovering so my arms and veins became quite tender and scarred. A trick to remember is to ask for a small guage needle or even better a "butterfly" needle. Where are you located? I was living in Sydney at the time and used to work for a pathology company back then so if you are a fellow Sydney-ite I can let you know which are the best collection centres to go to!!

Another thing which helped me cope was fresh juices. I bought a juice extractor and juiced fresh organic produce every day. the best combination for chemo both for keeping up energy and building strength and stamina is carrots, raw beetroot, apple, silver beet(spinach) and ginger. Sounds awful but I came to enjoy it and it helped keep me hydrated and gave me lots of vitamins and minerals when I didn't feel like eating. I or my DH would make my 'healing' juice everyday - enough for 3 large glasses. It's expensive but worth it.

Another thing (again depending on where you are) is a health retreat in Bundanoon (NSW Southern Highlands) called the Quest For Life Centre. We attended a weekend meditation course focussed on health and healing. It was a great experience.

As for your studies, I would seriously consider lightening the load if you can. The next few months is about completing your treatment, healing and regaining your health, strength and vitality. Your studies will wait, your health may not.

Lastly, I really do wish you all the very best. Please free to ask anything you like either via the forums or by PM. Nothing will embarrass me or is too personal. i will be totally open and honest. If I can alleviate a doubt or a fear then i will do my very best to do so. xxx