Just began ACT

jpicciallo

I just began ACT chemotherapy a week ago  I didnt not expect to feel so crappy this quickly...because everyone says chemo is cumulative.  Physically, the discomfort was bearable... I was slightly nauseus and pretty tired.  Mentally, I felt like a basketcase.  I was so sad.  I have a 2 and 3 year old to take care of.  Should I expect this for the next four months!??!?!

JNS

Jennifer, I'm so sorry to hear about your side effects.  I can't sugar coat it, I had really low moments while on AC, it was so unreal--I never knew I could feel that way (it was like the AC unlocked this dark part of my brain that I didn't even know existed).  The good news is, it WILL go away and you WILL feel like yourself again.  When the side effects pass, you'll remember what it feels like to be happy and calm and sane and in control of your life--remember those days when you're down!

My "downtimes" happened like clockwork with AC--on Day 5, I would ask my husband nutty questions, say negative things, have crying jags.  He would always remind me that it was the drugs talking and that it would go away.

Hang in there and just remember that this will pass.  You'll come out the other side stronger and the cancer will be wiped out!  Also, check out the chemo forum, there's lots of good advice and support there.

jpicciallo

Thanks for the response.  I really cant wait to put this all behind me.  4 months can pass soon enough.  how are you doing?

JNS

Yes, 4 months will go by faster than you know it.  You're already 25% done, with the next one, you'll be 50% done--that's huge.  Just remember, the AC will squash those cancer cells--it's a good thing to be getting.

I'm doing well after having my lumpectomy 4 days ago.  Just waiting for the pathology report and trying to stay positive.  I hope you've gotten through the first cycle okay! 

lwarstler

Jennifer,

I had TAC and Adriamycin is aweful...that's why they call it the "red devil". I have to say though that it started out strongly..nausea and fatigue right away but it did follow a pretty consistent pattern that I could plan for. I found it was usually worse the 3rd through 5th day after treatments and stayed that way throughout. If you could get someone to come help for those days, even if it is just a friend who can come and let you sleep for a few hours during the day or come play with the kids for a couple hours. I found that what I experienced after the first treatment was pretty much the pattern for the rest, so maybe you can plan some help for your next 3 treatments. The plus is that, if you are getting ACT, then you are having AC for 4 treatments and then T for 4. Once  you stop the Adryamicin, it should get a little better.

jpicciallo

lwarstler.... thanks for the tips... its funny that you say day 3-5 because those were the horrible days after my first treatment.  I am on day 3 and feeling ok so far.  I expect it to get worse, but I do have lots of family lined up in case I need them.  Ive been hearing alot that AC is worse than  T.. .but my oncologist said 60% of women think ac is worse and 40% think T is worse.   We'll see!!!  How are you doing?  are you done  with treatment??  I just keep praying that this is my only battle in life... and i dont ever have to face this again!