I thought I would post an update on my treatment so far (4 week in) for those who may be facing a low dose chemo + rads regime in the future.

I have experienced very few side effects from the chemo so far. I mentioned this to the nurse treating me and she let me know that medical science has not been idle over the past years. My chemo treatments typically start with the administering of a number of non-chemo drugs, up to 6 different ones. I know they have anti-nausea drugs along with some steroids and recently added Benadryl (for swelling).
The nurse said that the doctors have found combinations of drugs that help tremendously with the side effects of the chemo and that the incidence of difficult side effects are certainly falling.

Other than being tired the day of chemo, I have no other side effects I can point to. The Benadryl they are giving me at the start of the chemo cycle generally puts me to sleep by the time they get to the real chemo (Carbo-Taxol) and I have found myself sleeping through the majority of the treatment.

The rads are just starting to give me some trouble with pain in the back of the throat and the side of the tongue. This of course was expected and I just have to grin and bear that part of the ordeal.

All in all I can say that I am pleasantly surprised that the side effects from chemo are not what I expected and am happy that they have found ways to make them much more bearable.

Best to all,