By Lauren O’Connell
My next breast cancer chemotherapy adventure involved 12 rounds of paclitaxel, or taxol. For these infusions, I moved to Mediclinic Hospital Parkview simply because it was closer to my home. This is the same hospital I had my port placement in. I was assured this type of chemotherapy would be easier than my previous one, but it still had its own set of challenges. Unlike the red devil, where I was treated once every two weeks, my taxol infusion was a weekly affair. Luckily, I found myself tolerating the medication better.
Taxol's side effects were a whole new ballgame. My oncologist mentioned that this medication comes from the Pacific Yew Tree. Fun fact: Native Americans used to dip their spears in the plant’s fluid before hunting, utilizing its neurotoxic effects. My husband and I were both wide-eyed with amazement. Was this really going in me? How my life had been flipped upside down.
During the 12 weeks of treatment, I experienced peripheral neuropathy. Even now, three weeks after my last dose, I still feel it. My hands and feet constantly tingle, like pins and needles. Fatigue hit hard on infusion days and lingered for a few days afterward. My eyelashes almost vanished, leaving just a few stubborn stragglers (which I still put mascara on), and my eyebrows became patchy.
The medication shut down my ovaries, throwing me into a forced chemical menopause. Hot flashes were the worst! Day and night, I’d suddenly become extremely hot and sweaty. I quickly learned to carry a fan everywhere. Getting hot flashes is bad enough, but in the Dubai summer? Extreme!
Every Wednesday, I’d break out in acne that lasted until Sunday. It was so strange and annoying, especially since skincare is my thing. I knew it was temporary, though, so I tried not to stress too much. Even now, as my body detoxes, blemishes are still popping up. My oncology nurse told me that the pimples are actually a side effect of the steroids.
Lastly, the weight gain. Ugh. From my first surgery to my last taxol infusion in Dubai, I gained a whopping 30 pounds. Steroids, used to manage chemo side effects, increased my appetite and caused fluid retention. Plus, I was inactive for months. Chemo can also slow down metabolism, making it easier to gain weight even if eating habits stay the same. I figured one crisis at a time and I'd tackle that problem once I finished chemo.
Despite the new side effects, I tolerated Taxol much better. During this time, I enjoyed visits from friends and was able to leave the house as my white blood cell count improved. I used this period to focus on something dear to me—my soon-to-be-launched beauty brand! Initially planned for a May launch, I’ve pushed it back to January 2025 due to the cancer.
I can’t wait to share my brand with the world. As the Beauty Editor of Cosmo ME and a beauty expert, I’ve seen thousands of beauty products, and what I’m bringing into the game is something completely innovative and an absolute must-have for everyone. I can’t share much more just yet. If I do, my team will be on me to take it down! I also spent time meditating, journaling, starting therapy, and reading as much as I could. All in all, it was a period of growth and preparation for the exciting journey ahead.
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