Hi everyoneI'm on day 14 on my first cycle of AC chemo. I was preparing for the worst of symptoms and Ive been fortunate enough to be hit with nearly none of the symptoms with the exception of mild fatigue. I have just written off 6months of work expecting to be unwelland I am wondering if the 1st round will be indicative of how ill be feeling later on? I Have 3 more AC (3 weekly) and then 12 weeks on Taxol.

Possibly yes. I worked through chemo (same regimen, A/C and then Taxol) with no fatigue or nausea. The warnings are reasonable, they are the most likely side effects but not everyone gets them. Best wishes.

A few of us have shared notes before about working during chemo and we all seemed normally resistant to the normal germs! Usual pack drill worked - wash hands, steer clear of sneezing, sniffly persons! If it's possible, and it isn't for some, I'd agree whole heartedly about maintaining the normality. Some people want a complete change when diagnosed, others want to be as normal as possible. I found change more natural and productive 12 months after diagnosis, when I knew what I wanted and was clearer in my head about what cancer meant to me. Not big changes (still working!) but ones that mattered. Best wishes.

If you feel well enough to do it you may be okay weeks 2 and 3. I had really low blood pressure and felt very ill on AC. I must say my 1st round was only a couple of days like this but it got harder each round. I actually had more issues with taxol but many do not. I ended not working at all until finished and a few weeks recovery. Casual might be an option as it gives you flexibility.

If you are not spending too much time with one end or the other suspended over the crapper, you are definitely winning. Yes, things can get all stuffed up, but a good start is a very good sign.I had very few issues with AC. TC was a different beast. Even if you feel well, it's a good idea to keep your diet clean and simple and avoid anyone who is dripping, oozing or sneezing. Mxx

Good to hear @Pinkcloverss,I found the AC cumulative. The first 2 I had minimal issues with, 3 took a bit longer and 4 was longer still to recover. In saying that though I did work part time the whole way through, was pretty active and far from couch ridden. I only had to take two days off work throughout. It just affects people differently. I expected to write off the 6 months as well. Like @Afraser I had next to no fatigue the whole way. I found Taxol a lot easier than the AC with minimal side effects. Fingers crossed you continue to feel good.xoxoxo

Completing my first round of chemo

15 Replies

Pinkcloverss
Member
7 years ago
Hi @youngdogmum. Yep that's true i could do casual days here and there! But unfortunately no income insurance, actually looked into it a few months before diagnosis but decided not to go ahead. Doh. I just feel like Id rather be working and maintaining normality if i can and am well enough. Theres only so many lunches and coffees you can have in your time off 😂 have to say, the thought of catching something at school also scares me.
youngdogmum
Member
7 years ago
Morning @Pinkcloverss!
I found my second AC which I’m on currently worse in terms of fatigue but better in terms of physical symptoms (I had really bad abdo pain first round but also had a period..)

you are a teacher correct? Can you work in the second half of your AC cycle 1-2 days? Have you gone off on income insurance or anything? If so I’m sure they would be more than happy to support a transition program for you..
is casual teaching an option? Not really sure how it all works for your job sorry!

A pal in Sydney who is on her 4th round of AC said it got cumulative as it went on and worse..

Is it that you’re so bored being at home? Missing interaction/daily life? I’d say that’s what I’m struggling with most!
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Good to hear @Pinkcloverss,

I found the AC cumulative. The first 2 I had minimal issues with, 3 took a bit longer and 4 was longer still to recover.

In saying that though I did work part time the whole way through, was pretty active and far from couch ridden. I only had to take two days off work throughout. It just affects people differently. I expected to write off the 6 months as well.

Like @Afraser I had next to no fatigue the whole way. I found Taxol a lot easier than the AC with minimal side effects.
Fingers crossed you continue to feel good.

xoxoxo
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Possibly yes. I worked through chemo (same regimen, A/C and then Taxol) with no fatigue or nausea. The warnings are reasonable, they are the most likely side effects but not everyone gets them. Best wishes.
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
@Pinkcloverss Excellent to hear. I hope the rest of the rounds will be just as good.

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Completing my first round of chemo

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