Red Devil..........terrified!

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Tobyholicdeb
Tobyholicdeb Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Is anyone out there afraid of this drug? My first chemo treatment was postponed until next week and the nurses told me about this drug and I'm so afraid that I'm considering taking my chances and not taking the chemo. Which is worse.......heart failure or the cancer?

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  • lovelikecrazy
    lovelikecrazy Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2013

    I had Adriamycin and did not have permanent heart problems.  They will watch you very closely with MUGA scans and echocardiograms.  The red devil is a very tough drug to get through but I did it and you can too.  Just remember, it is for just a short time in your life.  "This too shall pass."   And....you are not alone.  The people on this site understand and will support you if you reach out to them.

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  • rlrichie
    rlrichie Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2013

    I had Adriamycin 12 years ago. It was rough, but no heart damage. I have discovered that it was not as bad as what I'm doing right now (taxotere/cytoxin). But I think everyone reacts differently. If you don't do well on it, you should be able to discuss other options with your cancer team.

    best,

    Becca

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited December 2013

    I had it too.  No change on MUGA before and after.

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited December 2013

    My chemo tx was ACT - dose dense Adriamycin and Cytoxan  for 4 infusions followed by dose dense Taxol for 4 infusions.  While it was not a picnic, I found it manageable.  I was able to work throughout tx, only taking off on the day of each infusion.  I had a port so my veins survived nicely.  I lost my hair but managed with wigs, scarves and hats.  Overall, not too bad.  I had a Muga scan before and after and my heart has no damage.  Given my response to this drug, I would do it over again.  I had positive nodes so I wanted to throw everything I could at any remaining cancer cells.

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  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2013

    I had the same regime as Jane. As she said, it wasn't a walk in the park but it is very doable. I also worked throughout the whole experience. Sure, I was tired but it was manageable knowing that there was an end date!  I had no heart issues. 

    Try not to psych yourself out before you've begun. You can do it!

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited December 2013

    I had A/C x4 last year, my last infusion at Christmas of 2012.  My MUGA scan remained the same from before.  As for side effects, the usual hair loss and, after the last two infusions, fatigue.  My WBC did go down after the third, but was still within in the normal range; a Neulasta shot (with no side effects) fixed that quickly.  All in all, I was lucky, it was an easy time for me albeit scary.  And my two tumors shrank by 96%.

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited December 2013

    Like the others, manageable.   Fatigue at the end, day off for each treatment.  Slowed my regular pace and lowered my expectations.  The most frightening piece for me was the nurse coming in in what I described as a hazmat suit so she wouldn't be exposed!   Really and they are putting this in my veins.  No change in MUGA

    You will rock this -be gentle with yourself

    Nel

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited December 2013

    Hi Toby,I was terrified too but was pleasantly surprised that with antinausia meds,ativan,and steriods,I did fine.It was alot better than I thought and my heart held out(considering I was a smoker for 20yrs).I tried to get out of chemo,had a low oncotype and negative brac,but now I'm so glad I did it.Use the wonderful support you will get here and any help at home offered.You too can do this, and for peace of mind you really have too.Hugs Ang

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited December 2013

    No heart damage for me either. Legally they have to tell you all the worst case scenarios, but most people really do make it through OK.

    Everyone is different, but keeping as regular a schedule as I could (including light exercise) was very helpful to me both mentally & physically. I would say for most people, the anticipation and worry beforehand is much worse than the actual experience itself.  Once you start, you just do it and get it over with. While it certainly is not pleasant, if it saves your life, it is well worth it.

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited December 2013

    I was sick sick sick BUT my tumor shrunk by 40% with the first treatment , not able to feel at all by 4th and no permanent issues . My heart had no changes !!!! It IS scary but your doctors will monitor you closely !!! Hugs and best of luck to you !!!

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  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2013

    I had chemo before my MX. The pathology on my MX was "minimal evidence of disease". So, the stuff works!  

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited December 2013

    Same as others, 4 dose dense AC and 4 dose dense Taxol.  Echo just as strong as before!

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  • ziggypop
    ziggypop Member Posts: 1,071
    edited December 2013

    I had TAC and it was hell after the first two treatments, BUT, I had a 9cm tumor & could feel it shrinking so I knew it was killing cancer cells including any that might be floating around in my body somewhere. I would gladly do it again tomorrow. Well - not gladly.. but. 
    You will get through it. ((HUGS)))

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