Few people know that my tears still burn my eyes. If I power through, it stops. Or the immediate burns makes me stop. I also have neuropathy in my arms and upper back on occasion. Some Drs will say, no way is it from chemo. And agree or disagree, what else could it be from?

I’m also embarrassed to say I have gingivitis. After doing more for my mouth over the last 6 months, including a rinse that embarrassingly stained my teeth, I still have gingivitis! Apparently, chemo permanently kills something in the saliva, that helps your mouth fight bacteria, etc. I had heard of tooth loss from chemo, but didn’t think much of it, until now. I don’t think I’m going to lose any teeth, just more frequent cleanings (thank goodness for no more staining!) and with all things that come with me, very expensive dental bills, even with insurance!!

I guess since the cancer hasn’t returned , I should be thanking chemo to continue to give me cancer free cells. And just take the side effects as a reminder what was…what could be.

© Nicole Szymonik and This Is the Pause Button, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Szymonik and This Is The Pause Button with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.