Here’s How Some People Manage Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, CURE® asks its readers to share their thoughts with a #CureConnect discussion question.

This past week, we asked: “Did you experience any side effects from cancer treatment? How did you cope with them?”

Here’s what some of our readers shared:

• “Radiation colitis due to pelvic radiation treatment. Would I do it again? Yes.” – S.M.
• “It was devastating. I did well on the Adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) and cyclophosphamide for inflammatory breast cancer. Then came the allergic reaction and ensuing stroke from the Taxotere (docetaxel). I have permanent brain damage, but at least I got most of my abilities back. One third of a lung gone to radiation burns, too. But I'm still here 19 years later from what was supposed to kill me in three years or less. I believe the Herceptin (trastuzumab) saved my life. For what, I can't say. My existence means I am still trying to pick up the pieces to my ruined life. Maybe if I hadn't lost my husband to liver cancer in the middle of it. My world is a Lifetime movie.” – C.J.H-R.
• “Twenty years after a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, I am 51 but feel 81. Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, brain fog, there is more. I lived to remarry, have another child, and see my kids grow up and have their children. It's worth it.” – S.L.C.
• “Exhaustion was one of the main problems with chemo brain right away and after 15 years I still have it. Pumped me full of prednisone and I got diabetes which gets worse every year. Heart damage from Herceptin treatments. Going broke for paying for all the treatments. I am still alive though.” – L.P.
• “Developed lymphedema and still get extremely tired and can’t handle heat after radiation.” – N.B.
• “Nausea, acid reflex, hair loss, fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, mouth sores — five years of treatment adds up. My oncologist works hard to alleviate side effects. Some things can't be helped. It’s the price I pay to prevent progression and stay alive.” – K.I.

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