Starting Adriamycin and Cytoxan

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crs003
crs003 Member Posts: 73
edited August 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I just finished my last week of Taxol and will be starting my new chemo on Monday. I was never that nervous about Taxol, because I was told it was tolerable, but I am really scared of starting AC. My port is on the left side and I am worried about how it will affect my heart. Also, what should I expect as far as reactions or side effects? What is the infusion like? I have seen it done with syringes and also in a iv bag. Has anyone done AC with a left sided port? I need to hear at least one good story, I am terrified.

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  • Selmada
    Selmada Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    I'm going to follow right along with this. I am on week 8 of weekly Taxol and will be starting AC near the end of August. My port is also left side (jugular vein).

    Sounds like we are having a similar protocol - the newer one with Taxol first. I don't know anyone else who was like this (my surgery will be last, after radiation which is after chemo)

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited July 2015

    my port was on the left side. I did fine on AC. A key is to make sure you get Emend in premeds. I took Zofran every & hours for first 5 days. I set my phone alarm to remind me... No nausea or vomiting. I took Zantac for heartburn which kept it away, and I took a stool softener and senna laxative for first 5 days to keep constipation at bay. I walked and/or ran 4-6 miles per day. I would say through all of AC, I had 3 evenings in round 3 where I felt yuk, and one day during round 4. It is doable. Assume you will do well until proven otherwise.

    Be sure to suck on Popsicles and chew ice just before, during, and just after the Adrismycin, I did and had no mouth sores at all

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  • rainnyc
    rainnyc Member Posts: 1,289
    edited July 2015

    I also am finishing Taxol (and Hercepta and Perjeta) and expect to be starting AC soon. My MO wants me to see the surgeon again first to talk about the timing of surgery vs. more chemo. Agree about being nervous regarding AC, but KBeee, thanks for the tips!

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  • crs003
    crs003 Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2015

    Kbeee, thank you for the advice, I'm happy to hear you were able to handle the AC so well. For premeds my infusion center gives Zofran, is that similar to Emend? I meet with my MO on Monday, so I will be able to ask some questions about their procedure for AC infusion. Thank you!

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited July 2015

    Emend and Aloxi are typical for putting IN the IV bag (I had CT, so my experience was a little different,and every infusion center seems to be different). I got both Emend and Aloxi, one at a time, after fluids, before the chemos. The Zofran, and sometimes Compazine, are prescribed usually for you to take at home if you feel nausea coming on. Just like with pain meds, its good to stay ahead of it. Dont wait till you are sick.

    I hadn't found this site when I went through surgery. But just in time, before I started chemo, I found they have a special thread/group for people starting chemo each month. I highly recommend you join your month. If one hasn't been started, you can start one!

    The ladies in March saved my life. We all shared our ups and downs, our fears, tricks for handling side effects, and laughs. Lurk around in some of these threads and you will see what people are going through.

    Chemo affects no two people the same. And nobody gets all of the possible side effects. It's like a special little made to order sandwich just for you. In our group we called it the shit sandwich. But between the 30 or more people traveling the road with you, you will get the help and support you need. And sometimes it seems it's the only safe place to come when you to need to rant, sulk, cry, or complain.

    I wish both of you above all the best. We were all scared but we all got through it. I am 4 weeks out from my last one, and slowly returning to some kind of normal.

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited July 2015

    My port was on my left side and I also had no problem with AC. I agree about getting the Emend. That stuff is amazing. I had no nausea or vomiting. My infusions were always on a Tuesday and on Thursday and Friday I just felt off, but I could still do things I needed. I did AC every 3 weeks which I liked better than taxol just because I felt like I got a chance to recover. Didn't get to recover on taxol, but taxol was easier for me than AC, but again AC wasn't that bad either.

    Nancy

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  • PamelaC47
    PamelaC47 Member Posts: 41
    edited August 2015

    I had no problems with AC. Was even able to skip most of the days after steroids, didn't need them. I worked full time, life as usual, just went to bed very early! My friend and I both felt that Taxol was worse

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