Second AC, don’t know if I can hack this

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Hi all, 
I have completed all four rounds, and have come through the other side! 
Gosh it was an ordeal, but now in the past, and yes you dig deep and get through. 
Start Taxol in a week, so enjoying some ‘normal’ time this week. 
Yes constipation was a pain in the bum, pardon the pun! Taste buds go, hangover with the fun part before etc etc. 
I had a US yesterday and the chemo must be working, as my 5cm lump has shrunk quite a lot, now about 2cm, yippee, I was so happy to hear it has been working and worth it. 
Had a clip put in it today, so they know where it is for surgery. 
Cant believe this thread I started is still going, a lot to say about AC.
For those starting it, you will get to the end, just look after yourself, and 
Accept all offers of help.

I know where you're coming from @JJ70.  Carbs, wonderful carbs - the only thing to stop the tummy burning.

AC is tough Spillsy. It is a real bastard. I did 4x dose dense (seems like that is your treatment too?) . If I had to rock up to number 5 I would have told them where they could shove it....and that would not have been be in my arm.

For me, just focusing on the round I was doing and not looking too far ahead helped. The digestive issues AC caused  (well it is actually the anti-nausea tablet that does it) were degrading and almost unbearable. I could not seem to get on top of the constipation for any length of time and some 6 weeks after finishing my last AC I still suffer periodically from haemmeroids. They come and go and do not heal I suppose, even though I am treating them, due to still doing chemo (now on paclitaxel ...one round left - YIPPEE!) AC made me feel a cross between seasick-morning sick-hungover. I ate like a maniac at 3 in the morning and craved crappy food (yes I know.....this of course contributed majorly to the constipation) but I could not stop myself. Having an empty stomach felt incredibly awful. Oncologist then put me on Pantoprazole, which helped a little with that feeling. How are you going with food and digestive issues?
Thinking of you doing some hard yards there in beautiful Hobart.

I had a different regime, but did manage to continue to work 3 days/week through chemo, with the odd day here & there off. I'd say see how you go, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out as you planned. 
I'm single, had no other source of income, didn't know anything about income protection until chemo was nearly finished. I think I was fairly lucky in my side effects, too

I went on income protection and went back 3 days a week for 2 years, so you definitely can work part time. My income protection paid 75% of 2 days pre disability. 

Hi @lemonade I had my port fitted about 6 weeks ago (I think) - I still find it a little uncomfortable and it was very sore for a while but I did have issues the first time they tried to use it - apparently it wasn't needled correctly and caused a lot of trauma to the area.  That, however, is very unusual and second AC it worked well. 

As for work, I would be inclined to listen to the nurse at least as far as planning goes.  You may be absolutely fine for most of the cycle, but you may not.  I miss working terribly but I'm glad that my GP and surgeon told me to take the time off as I know that I wouldn't be able to manage.  Even when I'm feeling well, I'm really tired and don't think too clearly.  Also, if you qualify for income protection through your Super, working even part-time may invalidate it.  If you are able to negotiate a "suck it and see" approach with your boss, that would be a good option.  The most important thing though is to give yourself time and space to get through this well if you are able.

Hi there

it's hugely variable - I did work through A/C, and Taxol (had more irritating trouble with the Taxol) so yes, it's possible but unfortunately there is no way of knowing until you start. Attitude, age, previous health, support don't seem to make a scrap of difference as to whether you get through OK or can't move. Here's hoping you have a good run! 

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@Lemonade it is a wait and see...I had my whole treatment planned out according to my Oncologist!!!! meaning I'd be able to work the 2nd and 3rd week before the next infusion. Then once I hit Taxol I could probably work through. Ummmm BS...unfortunately none of it went to plan. I struggled through the first few infusions but with FEC was hospitalised after each infusion. Taxol was different but I had no relief week after week. So the best thing to do is have no expectation. I had teenage kids and a single parent so had to manage work and run my kids around. Was very very hard. Some make it through ok though, and you just wont know how you'll go. Gee hindsight is a wonderful thing lol, if only I knew how I was going to lose 6 months of my life yikes! Hugs Melinda xo

Im with @Joannie I learnt big time to put ME first too after the ordeal...never again will I compromise myself, as NO job is worth it. x