Chemo had some great side effects, anyone else see benefits beyond curing cancer?

[BeachTech]

I have read and posted my share of info on the bad side effects of chemo, but what about the positive side effects. This is what I have noticed:

I had allergy problems all my life (seasonal allergies, trees, weeds, etc). I even had to get allergy shots which didn't work. Now, my allergies are gone. All my friends are sneezing around me but I am fine. I used to pop an antihistamine almost everyday. Since chemo ended (eight months ago), I haven't had to take even one.
I used to always be cold and have intolerance for cold. I used to set the house heater high and it would drive my wife nuts. Now cold is no problem for me. I walk outside in the winter without a shirt (sure it's California, but we get cold in the winter). Now my wife is turning up the heater.
My hair is thicker
Most of my back problems went away (I only had one tumor in my lymph nodes and it was less than 1cm.)

OK, now your turn. Remember, only the positives.
________
Live sex

[dadmo]

Jason had bad psoriasis on his feet, now after the chemo it's gone. He also claims that his sense of smell is better.

[Chris'Mom]

Chris' hair is thicker and curlier...I like listing the positives...Mary Ellen

[rlhawk]

I have suffered from bad headaches for many years. Since chemo, they've almost been non-existent. Even when I do get a headache now, it's not as bad as before.

[mikeygti]

Not so much a side effect of the chemo.But I get a "kick" out of now 4 months post-chemo,when "carring" co-workers and friends ask how I'm doing,thinking I'm near death from the chemo. I smile and say "great",as I bound up the stairs,on my way to the gym !



Best Wishes

[JimmyDean]

the grass is greener...

I feel like I have a profound new outlook on life. Almost, like an advantage over other people who never had a traumatic,difficult experience. I feel that I've 'matured' much quicker and I'm able to empathize a lot better with people having any type of issues. It's sparked a new determination in anything I do and has fueled my passion for a lot of things. Although, sometimes it saddens me that I had to go through such things, I feel that I made it, and its a sense of accomplishment that others don't get the 'privilege' to feel.

[Kev332]

Thats a great attitude to have JimmyDean! Its does make us look at things a little differently once we stand back and reflect on what we have accomplished!!

Keep up the good work!

-Kevin

[Karen]

BeachTech,
What an excellent idea to start this thread!!!!

[Smartie]

I used to get really bad spots on my face. Sometimes they were really huge. They were so truly hideous that the personnel officer at work said that if she had one she'd take the week off sick! Since chemo four years ago, it's been fine!

By the way, this is my first post, so hi everyone.

[dadmo]

Smartie:
Welcome to the forum. It's always nice to meet other survivors and co-survivors.

[indiana9]

Pre-chemo my feet would sweat profusely and now 6 months later, my socks are dry at the end of the day AND my beautiful wife of 26 years has volunteered to rub them nightly with moisturizing lotion. I also developed a much better grasp on the difference between what is important in life vs. what is really important in life.

[Chris'Mom]

Just to add one more thing...Chris has become much more spiritual than he was before....even reads the Bible.....so even though I'm sure at school he parties a little?!...he still has become much more introspective....Mary Ellen

[jmontana16]

Just read the thread......

You guys are all amazing. I have a smile on my face and I am touched to the core.

I've had TC but not chemo. However, I would say that a benefit to TC and chemo would be the opportunity to connect (whether in person, or internet, whatever...) with people like you. "Thanks" cannot in any way/shape/form express what I want to express to you all, so that being the case...............

Thanks!

[Don]

I have a size 13 foot.... I used to stub my toes all the time and be in pain to the piont I thought I broke my toes... Now after chemo I have been stricken with neuropathy so basically when I bang my feet " I can't feel it"

[mikeygti]

I have a size 13 foot.... I used to stub my toes all the time and be in pain to the piont I thought I broke my toes... Now after chemo I have been stricken with neuropathy so basically when I bang my feet " I can't feel it"

Don,

If you lived up here in Canada,you wouldn't need to buy snow ski's !

Best Wishes