Breast cancer-CMF or AC?

MaryA said:

Hi, 1Supermom,
I have had two rounds of AC and have two more to go. The tiredness has not been overwhelming. If I lay down, I may fall asleep. But there has not been overwhelming tiredness. The antinausea medicine is good and I don't get sick. The steroids I take for the first 5 days of the cycle really give me a boost, so actually I feel pretty good. The second and third week is when your blood counts will go down, and there is another opportunity to feel tired. I just don't overdo it. My blood counts went down pretty low and mouth sores took over, so now I get a shot of white cell stimulator on day 2. You need to get your rest when you can. I find it harder to sleep at night. And the other side effects (constipation, indigestion, mouth sores, dry mouth)are more irritations than anything. Good luck to you.

Mary A.

amelia said:

Supermom, I was going to write scripture that I found through prayer and the bible, but for some reason, I didn't. When I was first told I had an aggresive breast cancer, I was frozen in shock and immediatly turned to God for help. I went to the bible, my mother in law suggested I do this, and just opened it and tried to read for some comfort. I couldn't because I was crying to hard. I closed the book and came back later to try again. When I opened it the 2nd time, it was the same page. The phone rang so again, I closed the book. Later on the 3rd try, wouldn't you know it, it was the same page. This is what I found: Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and be of good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the Lord God is with thee wither thou goest." Every time I remember those words and that day, I get a renewed sense of well being. I know in my heart, that no matter what happens, I am not alone. God bless
Supermom, You are in my prayers, Amelia

inkblot said:

Hi:

If you haven't done so already, it's a good idea to thoroughly research these different regimens while comparing the details of your path report, to try to get a better idea of which may offer the best result for your particular situation. Ex: Some studies demonstrate that A/C offers advantages over CMF, particularly for tumors that are Her2/neu positive, while a slower growing, hormone positive, less aggressive cancer may be more suitable for CMF therapy. If you go to www.nci.nih.gov you will find a lot of info which may be helpful.

I had 4 rounds of A/C followed by rads, post lumpectomy. The day of infusion wasn't a problem but the next 3 days were, for me, days of being tired and feeling edgy from the large doses of Decadron. I had some intermittent periods of feeling queasy but no vomiting, etc.. I took Anzamet on the day of treatment and for 3 days following, which helped a lot, I believe. Drinking plenty of fluids also helped. I never had mouth sores or experienced very low counts, etc.. I rinsed 3 times/day with baking soda (a great oral moisturizer which also helps balance the ph in the mouth). I also brushed my teeth with baking soda, using an ultra soft tooth brush. Toothpaste was just too harsh, burned and tasted most unpleasant. My dentist also prescribed an ointment, prior to my beginning treatment, which I could apply if I should get a nick or irritation inside the mouth (from foods, brushing, etc.). I never needed it though.

Four days post infusions, I'd feel fine again. I continued to garden, bike ride, walk and jog, daily Yoga, going out to dinner...pretty much maintaining a normal routine. I took care not to be around large groups of people (and always avoided anyone who had a cold/flu and groups of young children) for the first week following treatment. After that I felt great during the infusion interims.

Unfortunately, I did get a tummy virus, between treatments 2 and 3 but that too passed with no other problems or difficulties.

I have not experienced any cardiac side effects from chemo or rads but sometimes and I'm 3 years out. Much literature states that people do have cardiac problems with the Adriamycin, although it's more common with Herceptin. Typically, these are people who had some pre-existing cardiac problems according to the research. Others, in studies, have developed late cardiac effects, attributed to Adriamycin, who had no previous known conditions. In people with known cardiac problems, there are cardio protective drugs which can be used to lessen the chance of any damage. Ejection fractions can be minimally reduced, immediately following treatment in a small percentage of patients but typically returns to normal with time. You will find more detailed info about this at the site I suggested. Hope that helps some.

Most every hair on my body was gone, by the time I had the 4th cycle. We're all different but for whatever reason, losing my hair was not a huge deal for me. I had expected it may be but was pleased when it wasn't. My brows and lashes were the last to go but not every one fell out, and since they were the first to grow back in and did so very quickly, it wasn't much of a deal either.

Attitude is very important, I think, and you may also want to look into some supplements which may be helpful with some of the side effects of treatment, as this can greatly effect your particular chemo experience and how you feel overall. Do your homework and discuss it with your dr. though as some supplements can interfere with the benefits of chemo.

Good luck and keep in mind that chemo is not the nightmare it was just 10 years ago and many women do very well, even continuing to work. The main thing is to listen to your body and respond accordingly to its needs. When you need additional rest, take it, when you need some time alone, take that too. Treat yourself to little pleasures which are relaxing and/or stimulating,
whichever you need at the time, and remember that so many of us have come through chemo quite well and the chances that you will too, are excellent!

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

epgnyc said:

Hi, Supermom. In 2002 I was diagnosed with Stage I invasive cancer, 1.8 cm., no nodes, ER/PR negative, Grade 3, HER2/neu negative. I had the same decision you have - whether to do CMF or AC chemo. My oncologist recommended CMF because (1) it wasn't in my nodes, (2) I was HER2/neu negative and (3) because of my age (54) and being post-menopausal for years. He said if any of those points had been different, he would have recommended that I do AC instead. He said AC is more toxic and while there is about a 1% better recurrence rate with AC, for me he didn't think it was a worthwhile trade-off. I had a second opinion and decided to do CMF. I was worried about the potential for heart damage (I already have heart mitral valve prolapse and didn't want any further heart issues). I'm totally happy with my decision, but this is a very personal choice. I'm sure there are others out there with my stats exactly who chose AC. I didn't lose my hair, but was plenty sick on CMF despite all the great meds to deal with nausea (Zofran, Kytril, Decadron, Ativan, etc.). Go figure. Everyone reacts so differently, it's hard to predict. I wasn't hideously tired though and worked full-time throughout my 6 months of CMF. Did end up needing shots for the low white blood count and spent one Sunday in the ER with an infection. But no matter which way you decide to go, chemo is definitely do-able - we're here to prove that true! Good luck to you.