Bad smell during chemo - is this true?

Maddie57

Hi,

Love this website!!! Did any of you notice the smell of poo after your chemotherapy? The first chemo I had, I could smell poo on the fingers of the mastectomy side for 2 days - constantly kept washing my hands and scrubbing my nails. The day after the second chemotherapy we went in the car, and I had everyone get out and check their shoes, as I thought someone had stepped in dog poo!! 

Seems I was the only one who could smell it! This strange effect goes after the second day, but it took this website to make me realise it is a chemo side effect I experience. Other than that I don't think I smell of chemicals. Intellectually - don't you find it fascinating that your sweat does not seem to smell. Just as well as I am always having funny sweating turns - not sure if it is the hormones or a feverish sweat from the chemo. The blasted wig doesn't help either - don't you hate those things!

camillegal

Maddie I know everyone's senses are different and our body chemicals are different--But I told the Dr. I smelled like a family of skunk got mad at me at the same time.--she didn't disagree with me either. And I wore the same 2 perfumes for years and I always got compliments on it---then never again so something happened. Even now I can't wear those perfumes I'm trying different one so far Eternity is OK. I'm sure a lot of women experience these things cuz my dr. didn't act surprised.

Moonflwr912

Maddy and cami, I thought I was smelling the cat box! Then I realized it was me! LOL no one else could smell it, and pee smelled too. I smell the heperin flush and taste it. I can smell Herceptin too, but its not as bad as TCH. Now that I only get the Herceptin, its not too bad. As for underarm stink, as Long as the hair is gone, it really doesn't smell. my underarm hair didn't come back, and I still don't stink much when sweating. Now the funny thing is I couldn't smell much BEFORE tx! it had to be really strong for me to smell it. So very strange how this stuff affects is all differently! LOL

Maddie57

Moon flw912,

Aren't we lucky we don't really smell like cat poo !!!Seems we are the only ones who can smell it which is a REAL blessing. 

Momine

During on of my treatments I suddenly got a strong smell of burnt rubber in my nostrils. I stayed with me for the remainder of the chemo cycle and then eventually faded. Not pleasant.

bubbalu

I too had a bad smell and taste all through chemo but attributed that to the chemo coming out in the urine, saliva and sweat and the fact that with no nose hairs your sense of smell is heightened. Still after 3 yrs have no underarm body odor or hair on the affected side.

camillegal

Bubbalu hahaha my sense of smell came back and I'm still no bed of roses. LOL

EHampton47

I smelled terrible under my arms! Now I use a cotton swab of "Braggs Oganic Vinegar". It's changed my life! No more odor! Get it at Wholefoods or Amazon! My doctors said it was fine! I love it