What WEREN'T you told about A/C chemo

did your doctor do the oncotype test on you to see if chemo will be beneficial?  Also I had read T/C has less side effects but sometimes doctors try to give us A/C because it's cheaper.

I'm a little bummed because today when I got the mail I got my explanation of benefits and my insurance doesn't want to pay any of the $3500+ bill but I'm going to appeal it.  This test helped me decide that I didn't need chemo so I am glad I took it but all this paper work with the insurance company and doctor bills is a headache.

I have read that AC is being replaced by TC in many ER+ patients. I just wanted to share that I had dose dense AC and had a very good response, greater than 95% reduction by MRI. I know this because I had my chemo before surgery and had MRIs before and after the first 4 chemo treatments. After 4 treatments of AC I had scattered cells of viable cancer left in the breast and had a chemo sensitivity test done on it to see what still might work. The testing showed that my cancer was non responsive to any of the taxanes at that point. It was still responsive to AC so I had 2 more treatments. I had pleomorphic ILC (grade 2) which my onc said is more responsive than classical ILC to chemo.



I also found that Kytril worked best for me as anti-nausea meds.



I agree that the OncoDX test, in your case, would provide important information. I don't understand why insurance wouldn't pay, or why they would make you wait. I hope this gets worked out.

I'm not a big pill taker and didn't take my anti-nausea meds as I should have. I wasn't told to take them before I needed them. I'd wait until I felt sick and the pills couldn't get on top of the nausea. Take all the rx's offered for nausea and take them before tx. If I'd known that the experience would have been much better. Hugs and prayers for you.

Collector, I'm glad to hear you will be doing T/C, rather than A/C.  Somehow I missed the original post on this.

I had 4 A/C and it was the first one that I really a lot @ it on here.  It's toxic to the heart and I'm going through a lot of test currently this month as a result.  There are a lot they don't tell you, but if you read you can find the info yourself.  T/C is the new and improved plan rather than A/C. Like someone said, A/C is cheaper.  Nothing like the newer ones of $3000.  In fact.  I was charged more for the onco to see me and listen to my heart before each tx (that's all he did for the visit), than for the drugs themselves.  I think the decadron and aloxi or what ever it was more than the A/C!  Nutty!  But I may be paying for it in the long run, if these tests prove anything

So rest well in the T/C decisions and like someone said.  Take the meds Before you need them. At least for the first 2 days.  AFter that on the A/C I didn't need them normally.  Once maybe.  Kytril gave me horrendous headaches and dizziness if moved my eyes or head, but motrin did help that.  Compazine was given for IF I had breakthrough n/v before the next due time and that helped the first day.  The 3rd and 4th tx I switched to Zophran (Might be mispelled) and that helped without the Headaches and such. 

Big thing....drink water (a lot) the day before, the day of and the day after if you can to stay hydrated and you'll fare much better and feel better!

Good LUck!

Collector, my chemo drips were attached to a pole on wheels, so I could just wheel myself over to the bathroom.  Yesterday was my LAST A/C tx.  It hasn't been that terrible -- not fun but definitely doable.  I was given all the drugs the very first time and I haven't been all that nauseous, just a little bit queasy at times.  The first time they gave me zofran, which was very constipating.  The next three I had Aloxi by IV right before the chemo drugs, and it seemed to work a little bit better than the zofran for me (less quesy, not as constipating).

I learned all about the potential s/es from the chemo boards on here.  My onco/nurses told me about some of them, but there are a lot of other ones that may crop up.  My worst was horrible acid indigestion/reflux -- since the second round I've been taking prescription meds for that and it's a lot better.  Also the constipation for the first few days, some body aches from the Neulasta, and of course the dreaded hair loss.  Weird ones for me: darkened skin on my hands and some brown spots on my forehead (probably photo-sensitivity from the chemo drugs, I should have been using sunscreen), swollen ankles after I walk, and a sort of heaviness in my legs.  I feel like an old lady sometimes - and I'm only 41!

But like I said, it's doable, and so much better than all the terrifying chemo stories you hear from 10+ years ago.  Good luck to you! 

I wasn't told about weight gain, they give you sterioids before your chemo so you can accept the chemo better and boy did I gain roid weight.  I had FEC first and didn't gain any extra weight but when I started Docetaxol, Taxol they gave me triple the amount of steroids and the wieght just came, and my eating habits didn't change.  Also make sure you take something to prevent constipation before your chemo it gets really bad for some people.  I was told by the nurses it's also the steroids that make it happen.  Drink lots of water, never let your bladder become empty for long periods as you can get a UTI easliy as well, I just drank water all day, constant sipping and at bedtime I had a big glass of water there as well.  And my very last once warned me that day 4 to 7 after chemo is the worst for infection so really watch your temp, my hospital had a policy if it hits 100 get in.  Sleep as much as you can and use alot of lotion on your hands and feet.  I also ended up  with eye tearing so if that happens to you buy the eye drops that are just like tears and use it.  It's a pain in the ass but you get through some days are worse than others but if they recommend it you should have it.  Some people fly through it no problem maybe that will be you.  Oh and try stay active go for a walk everyday, or if you excerise now try keep it up you will feel better for it. Good luck