AC Chemo

[Guest guest]

Hello,

To all of the recently diagnosed women who have posted to the list

voicing uncertainty about chemo and all that is to come, I would like

to share my experiences thus far with AC chemo.

I have had 2 of my 4 treatments so far, so my perspective is that of

one who is still in the chemo experience. I have to say that for

myself, it has been far less of a trauma than I had been expecting.

The doctors gave me anti-nausea meds [Zofran] to take for 3 days

following the chemo, and that has done a good job of quelling the

nausea. I am more tired than normal [possibly due to white counts

being lowest during the 2nd week of the cycle] and the hair loss is

certainly no fun, but the biggest surprise to me was how " normal " I

felt after chemo had begun.

Both days I have had the chemo treatments, I have gone out to lunch

afterwards.In the week following the chemo,acid-stomach/nausea can be

controlled by taking Zantac or some other OTC meds.

The most noticeable side effect I have had so far [other than my

impending baldness] has been a drying of my skin, which is easily

counteracted by using lots of olive-oil based lotions and creams

after showering.

I am continuing to work and take care of my home with no major

difficulties [thus far, remember I am only one third of the way

through it ], but before chemo began I was nearly paralyzed with the

fear of how my life would become that of a " chemo patient " . I know

that there are dozens of chemo drug combinations and everyone is

different in their reactions to them, however my fears and anxieties

were HUGE preceding the start of chemo, and it has been a major

relief to see they have not come true.

I would strongly recommend reading as much as you can to educate

yourself about the breast cancer treatments. Three books I have found

extremely helpful are listed as follows:

Dr Love's Breast Book.......by Love MD

The Breast Cancer Survival Manual.....by Dr Link

Just Get Me Through This! .........by Deborah Cohen/ Dr Gelfand

The Deborah Cohen book is particularly helpful for spouses/families

as well as the patient since she speaks in clear laymans language and

gives VERY practical information to help us get through the entire

experience--that book is really a treasure-trove of practical

everyday advice.

I appreciate everyone's perspective from this list, and wanted to

pass along my " beginner's AC chemo " info in the hopes it may help

someone who is as nervous as I was to see that it may not be as

horrible as you are imagining it to be.

Feel free to ask me any questions,

Reesah