COMPLETE Guide For Chemotherapy Effects and It's Treatment

AC Chemotherapy

What is AC chemotherapy?

AC chemotherapy is a type of chemotherapy that’s usually selected for breas cancer treatment The name is derived from the drugs used in the process. Adriamycin (now called doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide are the two drugs used in this process.

AC chemotherapy is given as an outpatient process. Prior to the treatment, there’ll be a blood test to determine if the chemotherapy will be done. The blood count is the basis of the ecision whether to go ahead with the treatment or not. The blood work can be done on the same day as the treatment or several days prior. When the blood work is considered normal, the drugs will be prepared by the pharmacy for the treatment.

What does treatment include?

Prior to the treatment, a small thin plastic tube will be inserted into a vein in the hand or arm called a cannula. The insertion of the tube is a little painful but you will become accustomed to the tube in the skin shortly. Another option to the cannula is the central line, which is inserted near the collarbone or the PICC line, which is inserted in the crook of the arm.

After the tube is inserted, an anti-sickness drug will be provided either orally or as an injection to help fight the side effects of the chemotherapy. The process for the chemotherapy begins with the injection of doxorubicin, which is a red fluid, in combination with saline water. Cyclophosphamide, a colorless fluid, precedes the first liquid. The order of the injection of the two drugs may be altered but this does not affect the effectiveness of the treatment.

Once the drugs have been administered, you will be allowed to return home after the cannula is removed. Your physician will provide additional anti-sickness medication will be provided. Note it is important to take the medication prior to the symptoms for better effectiveness. The physician will determine the regimen of the AC chemotherapy. There are several schedules available, which your physician will discuss with you prior to starting any treatments. Prior to the treatment, a small thin plastic tube will be inserted into a vein in the hand or arm called a cannula. The insertion of the tube is a little painful but you will become accustomed to the tube in the skin shortly. Another option to the cannula is the central line, which is inserted near the collarbone or the PICC line, which is inserted in the crook of the arm.

How patients feel

Patients of AC chemotherapy experience a lower resistance due to reduced production of white blood cells creating the option of infection. It is recommended for patients to avoid contact with anyone with any type of illness for seven days after treatment to allow the white blood cell count to recovery from the treatment. After the tube is inserted, an anti-sickness drug will be provided either orally or as an injection to help fight the side effects of the chemotherapy. The process for the chemotherapy begins with the injection of doxorubicin, which is a red fluid,
in combination with saline water.