I researched a lot into the body changes I was likely to experience during chemo and prepared the best I could for it. I anticipated dry and itchy skin, dry mouth and ulcers, nail changes, hair loss, nausea and tiredness.

I found that regular hydration was an important step to control the side effects to my skin and was a strong believer in prevention. Despite the gruelling side effects of chemotherapy I would still religiously apply my skin, nail and oral care products on a daily basis  to minimize side effects.

Hair loss was inevitable for the type of chemotherapy drug that was selected for me and despite the use of a cold cap I still lost about 70% of my hair. I had cut my usually long hair to a short bob prior to starting treatment but eventually had my head shaved after my second cycle as the hair loss was too emotionally challenging. I learned to embrace my new shaven look and took to wearing headscarves when out of the house. It was such a relief and an immense feeling of emancipation when 4-5 months after ending chemo I finally grew enough hair to leave the house without a head cover! 

Nausea and tiredness were very emotionally draining on me and despite my usual positive disposition it did manage to push me into a period of sadness during my chemo cycles. I tried to overcome this by taking daily walks and planning little things to look forward to. As challenging as chemotherapy was, I persevered through it as best I could. My body and mind slowly but surely recovered leaps and bounds after the treatment had ended.