compare AC and TC for me

brca1babe

friends, I know some of you have had both AC and TC.  So far I have had only AC which has been pretty rough and am thinking of asking for some taxol too to round things out. (I have Stage 1A, 0.5cm TN tumor and am BRCA1 pos).

looking around, it seems people find TC easier than AC.  How much easier?

is the fatigue less? or nausea?  do you still take neulasta or neupogen?

I know some of this is discussed elsewhere on the boards, but I trust my TN sistahs on this.

brca1babe/sarah

Claire_in_Seattle

 AC + T (Adriamycin + Cytoxan followed by Taxol) is a very common therapy for those with Grade 3 cells.  If so, I found the Taxol part far easier.  There are a lot of threads comparing these therapies.

Most of those who do TC, do that therapy only (Taxotere, Cytoxan).  You can also find threads discussing that.

Going back to Taxol, yes I found it a lot easier than AC, or at least my last 2 infusions.  I got more tired towards the end as my red cell counts went down.  But I did six, not four, DD as was on a study.  Otherwise, it would have been only a couple of weeks when I was really dragging.

My red cell counts came back up to a low normal with Taxol, and I enjoyed life a lot more.  I was so happy when it was over.

Look into Acetyl-L-Carnitine to prevent neuropathy.  I don't know whether I got the supplement or placebo, but I did not get neuropathy.

Good luck.  You should be past the worst. - Claire

Lynn18

I found Taxol much easier than AC.  I became anemic when I did the AC, but like Claire, my numbers went back up when I started Taxol.  I felt a lot better.  And my hair started coming back, which made me very happy!  So far, no lasting side effects from either.  Good luck to you.

Sugar77

brca1babe - hi, I can't comment on AC but my tumour was about the same size as your's and I was offered TC. It was optional because I was in a "grey area" but I chose to go ahead.

Luah

The commn regimens are AC, AC then T, or TC.

I did 4 AC then 12 weekly taxol. For me, the taxol was easier than AC. I felt almost normal throughout. Everyone's different though.

StaceyLynn

AC was very tough for me and I had to stop after two DD tx. I was able to complete 4 tx of TC. I have neuropathy with TC that I didn't have with AC, but a lot less digestive problems & fatigue. TC was far easier for me to do.

wendy72

I was able to get through 3 of the DD AC.  The Taxol has been much easier.  I have had two of twelve weekly so far.

brca1babe

thanks for the input!

I am happy to hear that anemia was less on T, I have had some problems with AC with my hemoglobin at 10 and some symptoms and don't want it to get worse.

sugar77, I remember we were in a similar situation about small tumors and whether or not to do chemo.  even though AC had been hard, I am glad I have done it so far especially because my tumor was grade 3, hi Ki index, basal-like and all that bad stuff.  and like I said... I am now considering adding T to the regimen which is more standard.  might as well do the whole shebang!

minxie

The AC was definitely rougher on my body, but the Taxol every week was tough in its own way. I guess I would compare AC to getting hit by a train each time, Taxol more like chinese water torture - it slowly wears you down. First few were fine, then neuropathy started, then exhaustion after each dose, and by the end I was wiped. No nausea with Taxol for me, but bad diarrhea.

LRM216

I had 4 AC and one taxol and three taxotere.  I, unfortunately, was not one of those lucky gals that just sailed through either.  After my first taxol, I developed instant neuropathy of hands and feet so onc switched me to taxotere (easier on neuropathy and it was - it never worsened).  I found both to be torturous.  I had very low counts on A/C and just as low on the T's - even with that horrible shot after each chemo.  I had a very difficult time with side effects - if it could happen - it did - to me, but I worked through it all, was 62 at the time, and was raising my teenage grand-daughter all alone as I am also a widow.  I pray to God that I never have to go through chemo again, but I can honestly say - I am glad I went as aggressive as I could.  I made it through in one piece - but I won't lie - it was a horrible trip those eight rounds were, for sure.

I wish you all the best.  Use whatever big guns you can as you only get this one shot at killing the beast.  Of course there are no guarantees, but at least you will know you did everything you possible could.

Linda

Kay_G

I did 4 DD AC and one Taxol then switched and did 3 Taxotere.  My counts were better under Taxol/Taxotere so fatigue wasn't as bad.  Also didn't have to do Neulasta with Taxol/Taxotere, but had to do steroids with Taxotere.  Over T was much easier.  Just finished a week and a half ago.  Good luck.

Titan

bracbabe..lots of different experiences..hoped you were helped..I had 4 dd ac and 4 dd taxol...they were both different.....

I don't know much about taxotere...AC was more of a body slam..then ok after a couple of days...Taxol was more of achy type of chemo...but my mind felt clearer ..plus my hair started to grow back...!