chemo decisions for smoker/drinker

Continued smoking after DX and after first surgery. (Had to be nicotine free 24 hours prior to surgery, blood test as you walk in the door)  I quit just before my second surgery. I knew A/C was coming and had read that smoking decreases the effectiveness of chemo by a bunch. I believe I read it drops it down to 61% effectiveness. That is huge.  It scared me, to be honest. I knew I was having an echocardiogram prior to starting A/C to make sure my heart was healthy enough. I had been smoking for the better part of 40 years, and was taking meds for high cholesterol. It has not been easy, I do have an e-cig with no nicotine in it. You can buy the zero nicotine cartridges or liquids. I picked a flavor I liked, peppermint, but to be honest have only used it twice in 6 months. Cold turkey was really the only option for me. I have tried other methods in the past and was not successful. Not sure if this helps you any, but felt it pertained to what you were asking. 

As far as drinking, I am a social drinker. Went out a couple of times, but my stomach wasn't up to the challenge. The pain meds probably would not have mixed well either. My MO did say that drinking in moderation is fine and my body would let me know if it was okay for me or not. When I finally had my first adult beverage after starting chemo, hello margarita, it tasted wonderful, (my taste buds were working that day,) and it did not make me nauseous or throw-up! So I considered that a win! 

Be very honest with your MO in discussing this. He/she wants to help you make the best choice in your treatment. 

I had the same choice in my treatment.  Did they give you the charts detailing your statistical chances of recurrence with each protocol? Even though I'm not a smoker I chose the TC because of the heart toxicity. I also have to have radiation to my left side, which can also cause heart damage. My doctor was comfortable with the choice and said that hormone therapy would be my best weapon against recurrence. You just have to weigh all your options and talk it over with your doc. I was also a daily drinker but have almost quit since chemo and plan to cut back significantly from now on.