feeling before during and after chemo

seema, 

I had dose dense A/C & Taxol. Some of us struggle with chemo, and there are some ladies that breeze through it, continue to work. 

After my first infusion of A/C, I was tired, felt like I had flu symptoms. My 4 A/C tx, were much more difficult than the Taxol. So much depends on the type of chemo, how often...

If you need chemo, it's obviously no picnic. But we do get through it. 

Rosie,  I have the same issue.  On several occasions, I raced to get to the bathroom the urge to pee was so great.  Also, find that I'm peeing all the time and getting up at least once each night.  I've always had a fairly frequent need to urinate, but nothing like this.  Figure it must be from the chemo.  I've noticed it for several weeks and will have my 5th of 12 weekly Taxol tomorrow.

Seema50, it really varies as to how each of us reacts to chemo.  I have been extremely fortunate in that I have never been nauseated even through the 4 dose dense rounds of AC.  However, I did have some bothersome SEs about a week after AC ended which caused my MO to give me 3 instead of 2 weeks before the weekly Taxol (mouth, skin and toe nail issues). I've exercised pretty strenuously all my adult life, so was in very good shape before the bc.  Still even with the AC I did 45 minutes on my treadmill at home or went to the gym to lift weights and do 45 min. on the elliptical.  I also take yoga and pilates classes.  I had much less energy on the AC than I have on the Taxol - so exercising at a higher level now than while on AC, but still not back to my former level.  All my docs have told me that if you can exercise you may be able to tolerate the chemo better.  That's certainly been true for me, but many women have serious issues with chemo just because that's the way their bodies have reacted and exercise is not an option. Here's hoping you'll be lucky.  Had some appetite issues on AC - much better on Taxol.  I didn't need to lose any weight, but lost 6 pounds on the AC - have gained 2-3 back.  One thing that helped me going into the chemo was personally having two friends who had gone through the same treatment as me 12 and 18 years ago (both cancer free now!).  They also had no serious chemo issues and weathered it well.  Just knowing that I knew not one but two women who did not have a bad experience gave me such hope.  Good luck to you!

There is no "one size fits all" for chemo, both during and after. I can only give you my experience, but please know that your experience may be very different. 

For me, Taxol was a walk in the park compared to AC. During AC I was nauseous, tired, irritable, and lost my appetite and my taste for most foods. Those 8 weeks were very difficult for me however, they passed very quickly and AC seems like a lifetime ago now. Weekly Taxol was quite easy and I had very few side effects. I was able to eat everything and taste again and that was very exciting for me to the tune of an extra 10 lbs. I know that had a lot to do with the weekly steroids. The worst thing about Taxol was the near loss of 6 fingernails. The nail beds became discolored and the nails began to lift off the nail beds. They have hung in there and I am done with treatment so I think they will make it. The best thing was that my hair started growing back in around week 6. 

I am now almost 4 weeks post chemo and am starting to feel some bone and joint pain, especially my upper legs, hips and shoulders. I did not experience this during chemo but have learned that it's quite common to feel this after Taxol.

No matter what you experience, know that you will get through it. Some days will be better than others but you will get through it. You have found an amazing resource here for support and knowledge.

AKJ - I would assume yes since Taxol and Taxotere are in the same family of medications. I can relate to the feeling of climbing mountains and lifting weights. I only wish these were the reasons I feel like this. Based on what I've read, it could last months or could be very short-lived. As always, I will hope for the best