Unforseen benefits of chemo??!

[Terri B]

Not sure about this one, but......

My skin is smooth! I usually have at least one pimple forming while I'm just getting rid of one.

Well...

I haven't had pimp ONE since I was on FEC. I guess while it was killing all those other rapidly developing cells, it was doing a number on the rapidly grown pimps!!!

[karenann]

I had the same experience when I was on ACT. My skin was so smooth and no pimples. Anyway, when I went to the Cancer Society - Look Good, Feel Great (or something like that) I mentioned how nice my skin had been looking and they said "it's called, the chemo peel". I guess the top layer of skin cells get killed off with chemo... hence the clear, beautiful skin.

So you are right, it is from the chemo.

Karen

[Mary Anne in TX]

Well, there has to be some benefits that make us look better!!!!!
That's good news anyway!
Have a great Turkey Day!
Take lots of beautiful skin photos!!!!
ma

[Mary Anne in TX]

p.s. that's what microdermabrasion is all about!!!!!

[Terri B]

Good info!

I'm taking lots of close ups!!

[caya]

Terri

I had FEC also, and also had great clear skin during chemo, even since then. My onc. nurses told me it's a little chemo secret...

all the best
caya

[LAURIE]

my skin was great on a/c, but on herceptin alone it was a mess. Now that I'm preggers my skin has been great.

[Believe51]

Terri, love the new picture, your eyes tell your story.>>Believe51

[Louise O'Brien]

I had the same reaction and my friends would comment on my skin. I said it was like having a total body exfoliation.

[Ceesun]

same as above--guess chemo does away with any bacteria on the skin as well....as was pale as you know what though. Ceesun

[Becky]

Adriamycin (A) and epirubicin (E) are antibiotics. As chemo they are given in massive doses but they are antibiotics none the less. Antibiotics are given to those who have severe acne so I guess it is helping here. It also dries the skin as when I had chemo (AC followed by taxol) I found my skin to be dry and acne free too.

[DanaRT]

Terri B., Love the picture.

My skin looked better on chemo too. I had the Taxotere Tan with no pimples.
I have two more Herceptin treatments but that does not benefit the skin like T/C did.
Hugs,
Dana

[sassy]

My skin was also very clear, but dry during chemo. Every night after bathing I smeared my whole body with cocoa butter--including my bald head.

People commented on my complexion constantly. A clerk at Walmart asked what my secret was, and I told her I wouldn't recommend my regime! It was nice to have some positive side effects from chemo.

You look great!