AC Chemo - how does each round compare

Claire_in_Seattle

Before you ditch the underwire bras, I found that I am able to wear some, but not all depending on the placement of the underwire. I am particularly fond of my silk La Perla. If one isn't for me, I know immediately.

I am also quite sculpted in the whole area because of the weights and also cycling. Just not quite as much of me on one side.

Hoping you feel just fine today. Two down now! You will be done before June!!!!

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CLAIRE IN SEATLE -   Thanks for that message Claire.  Your "silk La Perla" sounds very glamorous indeed.  I might go back to something like that when I am finished the chemo.

I will be finished my ACs on 10th June, but then I have 12 Taxol to go through, but am hoping they won't be as severe.  It is great to be able to say "I am half way through the ACs" though.  I feel I am doing better this time in that I know what to expect and how to handle it.  So onwards and upwards.

Claire_in_Seattle

Which reminds me that the silk "briefs" (that is a very generous description of the undergarment) did wonders for my morale during the whole ordeal. Nothing like silk next to very bare skin.

I did sexy throughout the entire experience and I have to say that I think it really helped with the assault on all things womanly.

So something you might want to consider. I wore my La Perlas as soon as the drains came out and recycled the bras I was wearing into sports bras.

Off for my walk now. BTW - I found Taxol extremely easy after AC. I think weekly is easier than bi-weekly, but I didn't think bi-weekly was difficult at all. - Claire

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CLAIRE IN SEATTLE -  that's a lovey thought Claire, silk underwear, I look forward to looking for garments like these and yes it would do me good to have a treat at this time.  Thanks for that tip.

Delighted to hear that you found the Taxol easier, that keeps me going.  I have been told by my MO that I would fly through it in comparison with the AC but have read that some people find it harder, best not to read up too much as you will always find the opposite of what might happen to you.

It is great that you are through all your treatment and enjoying being cancer free now, 5 years, congratulations. It is also very nice of you to come back and help others going through it.  Thank you.

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So far only had 2 rounds.  Overall the second round was better than the first.  Had one day of the second round that was worse and it took me longer to get over the side effects but I came out of them better in the end and now facing the 3rd round this week.

Houston2016

Hi ladies, I recently joined the April group but I'm glad you brought up the heart issue with AC. I had three rounds of AC already, some minor side effects but no nausea, fatigue. After the third round, the Neulasta, day after, I get neck and shoulder aches, along with some nausea. I also have chest pressure when laying flat on the bed so I raise up with some pillows. Usually it is better during the recovery week. But I started to think I should ask my OC for TC on the fourth round instead of AC. I am due to receive Taxol once a week for 12 weeks after this. I heard some posts about permanent hair loss with the Taxoterra but since it will be my last round. Does it have that effect?Appreciate any inputs.

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HOUSTON2016 - Saw your post in the April chemo group and posted you a message there. 

Artista928

I finished chemo 3/28, finished AC end of Dec. 3 weeks ago I had chest pain/shortness of breath. Went to ER and it wound up being partial collapse of lower lobes of lungs. 2 weeks ago I started to feel like maybe it's coming on again. Went to pcp and she gave me a script for Flexeril. Seems it's muscular for me as my heart checked out find. Pop it when it acted up last week again and seems to be the fix. So if your heart and lung check out ok and still feel chest pains, it could be muscular. Out of the 3, I hope that's what it is if not something better like nothing.,

As for Taxotere, I have no issue with hair loss. Finished that 3/28 and hair coming back normal. So it's a crap shoot. I think if it was such a high chance that MOs would go the Taxol route. When I asked my MO why Taxotere instead of Taxol for me she said her pts don't have as much issue with Taxotere in SEs as they do with Taxol. I saw that too in the Sept 2015 thread I was in that many got bad neuropathy and had to lessen their last couple doses or skip altogether. I didn't have issues to speak of on Taxotere. But as with anything and everything, it's so individual on reactions.

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ARISTA - that's interesting about the chest muscles.  I definitely had pressure on my heart after each round of AC and was checked out each time with a chest x-ray, ECG etc and all were fine.  I was told to take Diazepam to loosen the muscles of the heart.  It always disappeared after a few days, but didn't like it when it happened.

Artista928

It loosens muscles but not of the heart. Flexeril, Diazepam--- all can be used for anxiety issues as well. I"m already on Celexa even before bc and my friend in addition to Xanax as needed uses Flexeril to relax her muscles as she tenses up easily when stressed. I was basically told too soon for AC (A really) to be effecting my heart. But I did have a real problem with my lungs and now I need to focus on deep breathing and using my incentive spirometer. I suggest that for everyone. It's easy to not breathe or shallow breathe esp when stressed/anxiety and it was extremely painful and costed me 4 days in the hospital. I don't want that again so I'm doing deep breathing more often now to also help keep my chest muscles from spazzing.

CJSharma

AC hit me oddly, I think. The 1st and 3rd treatments were the hardest, the second and the 4th, the easiest. I did have severe fatigue - usually hit day 6 or 7. Day 7 is trash day and my trash cans are on wheels, but I had a really tough time putting them out. I took one day off work during round 3 because I could not even function to read email. I took my meds so I didn't have nausea, but if I walked too far, my stomach wouldn't be happy. A Pepcid usually did the trick. I was able to work out for the most part. Usually only 1-2 days were impossible, but I could NOT lift weights without completely crashing. Even light weights. Cardio was fine - walking, biking, dancing, kickboxing without weighted gloves...

I had my first infusion of Taxol on Thursday. Friday I was right as rain - even took a run (first run I've taken since chemo started). I had the steroids in the infusion bag along with Pepcid and Benedryl, but I have not taken anything since. I'm really tired today, but I managed to walk the dogs and clean the house, so I'm happy there (would not have been able to do that on an AC "tired"), and I personally think the tired is from not sleeping (I probably slept 4 hours last night). I'm thirst all the time, though - I feel really parched, so getting my water is easy. My hands are horribly dry and feel cracked even though I I moisturize all the time. And my feet are sore in the same way. An animal rescue group I work with gave me a gift basket and in there were aloe socks. I'm really in love with those things. :P I feel more normal on Taxol so far than I did at this same point on AC.

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CJSHARMA -  you really did well overall.  You got through a lot of exercise despite how fatigued you felt.  The very thoughts of weights would tire me out, never mind actually doing them.  I can't imagine doing a run the night of an infusion.  It is great encouragement to others to know it can be done.  It is also good to know that the Taxol so far is easier than the AC.  Best of luck with the rest of your treatment.