A check in May 5,

[SusieIM]

Hi Everyone,

In a few days I am taking a heart test, to see if I could go on the chemo nick named red devil (oh joy what a name). Has anyone been on doxorubicin?

[Hidden]

Hi SusieIM!

Interesting! Might be an issue of brand vs. generic name, but I did "ACT" upon initial, earlier stage dx (12 yrs ago), and *one* of the three (which I recall...loosely...as Adriemycin, Cyto-something, and Taxol) was called the "Red Devil". I think the "C" was the red devil?

But I agree that the name is kind of scary, right?

Was it difficult? Well, everything is relative....That phase was challenging, and I def lost my hair (fun, in a weird way?), felt very tired, etc. But, in my one person, limited experience, it did not live up to its reputation.

That infusion was the very big "gun", killing cancer like nobody's business, which "felt" (mentally) great!!! Physically, not so much, but - at the same time- not so bad, not nearly as bad as the name implies!

I hope you have a relatively easy experience with it and - probably more importantly - I hope it is very effective! Def a "big gun"!

My very best to you, please keep us posted!

Lynn

[Gonnawin]

When I was first diagnosed, they immediately suggested Doxirubicin (red devil). It lived up to the nickname. Like LynnFish I lost my hair, felt tired, was nauseous, but it seemed like the 'off' week of infusion I would start to feel better. It absolutely worked in my case. My numbers and size of tumor went down dramatically. It was tough but worth it. Try to stay positive and look at the daily "wins".... the small things that we sometimes take for granted....

🌺

[SusieIM in reply to Gonnawin]

Yes, thank you!

[Adele_Julia]

Hi Susie! I like Lynn and others here went on the ACT cocktail as it were. I cold capped but still lost 50 percent of my hair and after a few treatments didn’t feel tired rather energized! I only had 8 treatments however over a 4 month period - every other week. Best and above all stay positive !!

[mariootsi]

I pray you do well!

[Gingerann1]

Hi SusieIM! Like LynnFish I had the A/C-T chemo in 2013 when first diagnosed with BC. The Adriamycin is Doxirubicin (the red devil) combined with Cytoxan. I had this combo only 4 times 2 weeks apart and then switched to Taxol alone for 14 weeks. The A/C was rough on me (I did have a port which made administering it easier) but was very sick with it. Started losing all my hair after 2nd dose and felt at my worse at that time. When switched to Taxol things got a smidge better but not like my Onc told me it would. I developed a routine that helped me cope with it all. I had names for all the days —. Fabulous Friday was day of treatment. Steroids the night before made Fri feel ‘normal’. Super Saturday, more steroids made me feel energized then came Somber Sunday when I would describe to my husband, “the curtain is coming down” and I would descend into Miserable Monday and Terrible Tuesday….bad days….then came Wobbly Weds that could go either way followed by Terrific Thurs. when I felt my best. I would plan an outing that day each week to get me out of the house — lunch w hubs or work friends (I was on STD for all of my cancer related treatments which was a blessing). Having that day to look forward to each week made all the difference. Just keep thinking…”this too shall pass” because it will. Best to you and big warm hug. Lin

[Hidden in reply to Gingerann1]

OMG, I love this! A little humor and creativity can go a long way!

[Gingerann1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks LynnFish! That was the first time around with BC but being diagnosed 7 years later in 2020 with MBC was harder to take. I still try to keep a sense of humor and use my well deserved retirement years (I’ll be 64 in July) to share tips for coping and be as open as possible to anyone with BC/MBC that I can. I have even been asked to let some women see my double mastectomy scars which I feel helps those diagnosed and/or their caregivers be able to understand and be more supportive. I really haven’t had any bad days to name with my MBC treatment so far but I’m sure I’ll come up with some doozies if/when they arise! Gotta laugh to keep from crying sometimes! Best to you. We have the same Onc at Duke so maybe our paths will cross there sometime.👍

[RLN-overcomer]

Sister/Warrior/ Thriver I had what they called aggressive high dose Doxirubicin Aka "red devil". 13 years ago. The high dose I was given was difficult. I wish someone had prepared me for the side effects I went through.🙁 My loved ones prayed for me. I am glad GOD got me through😇. Back then Dr's couldn't dispense pain killers, or prescribed marijuana. These prescriptions are now thank GOD available to my Sister/Warrior/ Thrivers . Remember everyone doesn't get the same dosage, or the high dosage I had. I do pray you will have the lowest necessary dose of doxirubicin Amen!🙏

[Hidden]

Hi SusieI wish you well and lots of strength to get you through the next phase.

You will have to devise your own nickname to kick Red Devil’s ass. Stronger Than You Sue (aimed at Red Devil).

Clare

[Rubyln15]

Susie , when I was first diagnosed with Breast cancer I had bilateral mastectomy then chemo. I was given TAC which worked fantastic for me. I was Cancer free for 9 years! I considered that wonderful progress. The Adriemycin is a powerful drug but well needed. Please take and succeed with this fight. Prayers for you!