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Chemotherapy treatment is a challenging and often scary experience. But you can find comfort for yourself or your loved one by becoming informed on what to expect from the medications, from the treatment process, recovery, and possible side effects. You may even be wondering does chemotherapy work? Plus, could natural remedies or other treatments take its place? Indeed, most patients who are about to embark on a cancer treatment plan have concerns and questions about which medications and therapies are the best for their particular type of cancer.

You can get a front-row seat to the entire process of chemotherapy by learning from one woman, a cancer-drug pharmacist by trade, how she overcame breast cancer and endured chemo treatment. In this article reviewed by top cancer physicians on Lifescript.com, hear her story and get expert tips to help you or your loved one deftly navigate the experience of chemotherapy, and prepare for possible side effects.

When Amy Barr of Ohio set out in 2010 to start her chemotherapy for breast cancer, she mostly knew what to expect. This is because she is an oncology pharmacist specializing in cancer pharmaceuticals. Barr’s diagnosis came about after she noticed a bizarre line in her left breast in 2009 – she dismissed it as harmless when it disappeared. But it reappeared a year later even more dimpled and she went to the doctor. After tests were conducted, she was told the grim news: she had a tumor that was involved extensively in the lymph node.

Because of her experience in the field, she knew that she wanted the treatment for her particular type of cancer and its location to be neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a type that’s administered before going to other treatment options, such as surgery.

With her experience, Barr was able to work alongside her physician to design her own chemotherapy plan. Together, they settled on Barr’s treatment: “TAC” — a combo of Taxotere, Adriamycin and Cytoxan administered in six cycles.

Most people with stage 3 cancer (like Barr’s), or with locally-advanced breast cancer, are typically given TAC or AC followed by T. The latter involves four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, followed by four cycles of Taxol, which is similar to Taxotere.

Part of Barr’s treatment plan was geared to combat her nausea, fight dehydration, and was targeted to build up her immune system.

During chemo, Barr experienced hair loss all over her body, including eyebrows and eyelashes, which is common during chemotherapy; it grew back entirely after treatment ended. Unlike some patients, she did not lose her appetite, although her cravings did change. She lost her taste for “sweet” and developed a newfound craving for fries and Sonic chili cheese dogs.

Taste buds are typically lost with chemo, and there are no medications to prevent this side effect. They do return, although some patients notice their sense of taste isn’t quite as strong as it was before, particularly foodies who are used to identifying subtle flavors in fine wines and foods.

Keep reading at Lifescript.com, where you can check out the full article and get an in-depth look at chemotherapy treatment and recovery tips from expert physicians. Discover the most need-to-know c hemotherapy information and doctors’ tips to combat loss of appetite, fatigue, and cope with other side effects, such as edema (swelling), genitourinary tract irritation and more.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).