Side-effects of Chemotherapy

I was hoping to hold on to this post until just before my second cycle of chemotherapy on 13th Oct 2014. This week marks the second week after my first cycle. So far, I have been very lucky that the side effects I've experienced is considered mild and very manageable. During the first cycle, I felt fatigue and abit of nausea (no vomitting though)— however, these quickly went away within 1-2 days after treatment ended. At home, my appetite has been great! And for that, I am very grateful because this meant that I could try my best to consume as much nutrients and energy as possible to gear my body up again for chemotherapy round 2! 

However, my greatest fear is not any pain/discomfort... but hair loss. Ever since the doctor mentioned chemotherapy, I've been trying to prepare for it mentally. It is inevitable, non-life threatening, and that it is temporary because hair will grow again. BUT IT IS SO HARD :'( Last night, while in the shower, I was combing through my hair with my fingers like I always do when I put conditioner. 

And then it happened... One clump of hair in my right palm. I couldn't help it, I started crying.

I didn't want it to happen so fast. I googled and it said that hair loss would usually happen 1-3 weeks after chemotherapy ends — so it is normal that I'm losing hair now. Actually for the past few days, my scalp has been slightly itchy, I read that it is a sign of hair loss already.

Well, hair loss can range from thinning of the hair to full hair loss. Cross fingers that it is the former? Hair loss is gradual though,  so it is assuring that I won't wake up and find that I am bald.

It will definitely take some time to overcome this barrier, but I will try my best!

---

About chemotherapy (from here):
Chemotherapy targets cells that are actively growing and dividing. Although this is a defining characteristic of cancerous cells, it is also a feature of some actively growing normal cells, such as cells in the blood, mouth, intestines, and hair. The types and intensity of these side effects vary from person to person and depend on the type and location of cancer, the treatment dose, and the person's overall health.

There are other side effects such as: sores in the mouth/throat, diarrhea, vomitting, constipation, blood disorders, nervous system effects (e.g. weakness/numbness in the hands and feet, loss of balance, loss of balance...), changes in thinking/memory, appetite loss.