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Al's avatar
Al
Member
14 years ago

Is anyone having or had AC chemo?

Hi All,

As I embark on my 3rd AC chemo tomorrow I was just wandering if others have had AC(Adriamycin and cycloblastin) chemo treatment and what their experiences were with side effects. Does is get harder with each treatment. I'm finding that it is becoming harder on my body the more treatments I have as my body is getting used to it. I very tired and feel very lethargic  a lot of the time even with regular short walks. Loss of appetite is also a cconcern for me as I have continued to lose weight. Just feeling generally Blaaa! I lost my hair within the first 3 weeks of the 1st cycle and then 9 days into the 2nd I became neutrapenic even with a neulasta injection.

Thinking of you all in pink sister land whatever your journey is and thanks to those that have posted their kind comments and advice so far. It has been invaluable.

Yours pink sister in arms,

Al xx

8 Replies

  • oztealady's avatar
    oztealady
    Member
    14 years ago
    I was scheduled for 4 cycles of AC but Dr. Decided three would do as I was hospitalized after cycle one and two. Cycle three was a lot better as I was given Zofram wafers for the nausea and paid over 130 dollars for some extra Anmend tablets. Felt off co our for about ten days but now feel almost normal. Starting taxol/perception friday week, weekly for 12 weeks. Not looking forward to it, but will give it a try. For mouth ulcers NilstAt, over the counter at the chemist (6 dollars) is good plus bi carb soda. Good luck witch your treatment, like all of us, hang in there.
  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Heather,

    Thanks for your advice. I love you quote "ok I'll give you ( chemo) 6 months of my life, in return for the rest of my life...." Hope you don't mind me using this one!  Sums everything up for me at the moment. Struggling with the after effects of AC round 3. One more to go! Then paclitaxol/herceptin for 12 weeks.

    Take care and thanks again,

    Alxx

  • hb's avatar
    hb
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had four rounds of  'dose dense' AC (fortnightly). I was ok with it (pretty much); for me it didn't get worse. But some of the side effects were pretty full on, including a massive itchy rash and ridiculous constipation. I had 4 rounds of docetaxel (aka taxotare) after the AC. All my chemo treatments caused night sweats, fatigue, skin senstivity and taste changes. But none of it lasts very long -- at least not in the scheme of things. The way I thought of it was: ok I'll give you (chemo) 6 months of my life, in return for the rest of my life...

    go well, hope you fly throught it.

    Heather

  • hb's avatar
    hb
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had four rounds of  'dose dense' AC (fortnightly). I was ok with it (pretty much); for me it didn't get worse. But some of the side effects were pretty full on, including a massive itchy rash and ridiculous constipation. I had 4 rounds of docetaxel (aka taxotare) after the AC. All my chemo treatments caused night sweats, fatigue, skin senstivity and taste changes. But none of it lasts very long -- at least not in the scheme of things. The way I thought of it was: ok I'll give you (chemo) 6 months of my life, in return for the rest of my life...

    go well, hope you fly throught it.

    Heather

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    14 years ago

    No worries Al, you will be happy to finish AC i also had taxol over 12 weeks with herceptin.I found the Taxol a lot easier to tolerate though i found the meds that they give you before hand was like a speed drug.I couldnt sleep 4 2 days but just expected this so coped with it.

    My hair started to grow back on taxol and i wasnt nauseous i just found i had pain in my joints and bones but was tolerable.

    If you ever have any queries or want some advice i dont mind answeing for you, seeing as we are having the exact same treatment.Ive finished radiation and now are on hormone therapy and still doing herceptin.

    You will get through it im living proof of that.There are a lot of tough days ahead for you just try to get as much rest as you can 

    cheers annie x

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Annie,

    I too have been getting ulcers in my mouth! But they have been subsiding with Biotene mouthwash and slaine.  I hear what you say about walking around the block and also feeling almost normal before the next one. I have one more to go after tomorrow then I too am on Paclitaxel which I think is taxol. I will be having this weekly for 12 weeks together with herceptin. Good to find someone who has the same or similar treatment.

    Thanks for the post and advice.

    Your pink sister,

    Al xx

  • Al's avatar
    Al
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Annie,

    I too have been getting ulcers in my mouth! But they have been subsiding with Biotene mouthwash and slaine.  I hear what you say about walking around the block and also feeling almost normal before the next one. I have one more to go after tomorrow then I too am on Paclitaxel which I think is taxol. I will be having this weekly for 12 weeks together with herceptin. Good to find someone who has the same or similar treatment.

    Thanks for the post and advice.

    Your pink sister,

    Al xx

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Al i had AC chemo and i had a few side effects.I lost my hair by the 2nd treatment.I also found i had a lot of ulcers in my mouth and couldnt eat.This ended up turning into a gastric ulcer which wasnt nice.I couldnt even drink water in the end lived on lemonade and friut and chocolate for some reason!

    It did seem to build up after each treatment and just when i was starting to feel good it was time to go back again.I also found it hard to excercise was an effort to walk around the block i felt like an 80 year old and im only 40.

    After AC i had Taxol which came with a whole different set of side effects.

    You will get through it just rest when you can and eat whatever you crave i likened it to being pregnant and ate what my body felt like!