huh - no - just saying these stoopid oncologists can kill ya.

Madiba wrote: << If you received the newer version of adriamycin/doxorubicin
(epirubicin) then the risk is even smaller and ranges from 1-27%,
depending on the cumulative dose.>>

I began my research before I started chemo and read of the advantages of
epirubicin over adriamycin re. cardiac risk.  And since I was born with a
congenital heart condition (I know, something else 'wrong' with me, I am a
walking disaster--but for the most part a good-working one), I asked if I could
have epirubicin instead.  I was told that it wasn't used here (the states)
except in very unusual circumstances.  From what I gather it is more political
than anything else.  For whatever reason, adriamycin was the drug that came
aboard first and somehow gained a foothold in standard protocol.  
And in regard to standard protocol of the 4 AC regimen that was adopted--not
all approved.  It was adopted out of convenience and compromise based on the
fact that  6 FAC was better than 6 CMF.   4 AC was never evaluated against 6
FAC or 6 CMF directly.  I think I got that right--have that listed somewhere in
my files.   The decision to go that route was not based on valid testing; yet,
in order to receive a new treatment, it cannot become standard without several
phases of trials.  There is no consistency in how this is done, let alone
fairness when it comes to saving lives.  We, the U.S., used to be the
forerunners or models for medical gains and research--at least for awhile--and
for the 'right' reasons.  Now, competition and profit have taken the lead.  I
don't think it is the fault of the dr. or researcher.  They went into this for
the 'right' reasons but because they were focused on doing their job for
altruistic reasons, they became easy prey for the profit-oriented "middle-man."
I am sure, there were a few or maybe some (dr's and researchers) who sold out
and then convinced many of their gullible colleagues, who were too busy doing
their jobs and not becoming involved, to follow-suit--often by default.  It
happened in other health-care fields, too.
Most recently I recall glancing at one of my husband's dental
journals--headlines were how to increase one's earnings by 200 to 300 thousand
dollars.  The article talked about how to become a good sales
person--convincing patients about services, which may weaken their tooth/teeth
that they do not or do not yet need.  When my husband first became a dentist,
they could not join the ADA (Amer.  Dental Society) if they did any
advertising.  That changed and the rest is history.  As I mentioned, I married
a guy who went into the field for the 'right' reasons.  He was carefully
selected by the former dentist whose practice he bought for those very reasons.
He is called upon by attorneys today to be an expert witness.  He is
well-respected by his patients and specialists (to whom he still sends
appropriate referrals rather than doing not needed procedures) himself.   He
can do the procedure if needed, and will but only if appropriate.  I don't mean
to give this field a 'bad' name.  There are still plenty of dentists around who
do practice old-fashioned dentistry according to the previous protocol that was
considered the ethics of that time.
I am sure there are still dr's around who do the same, too.  I am not sure
where this is going and am beginning to bore myself here--as well as see the
time creeping up on me and need to get ready to go somewhere...so get off my
'soapbox' and end.  Hope all enjoy the day...

I'm curious to hear from a medical person on the '2 treatments of AC" the
poster was given.
I had 12 monthly treatments of AC for lymphoma in 1983. I was told at the
end of that year there could be NO more Adriamycin as I'd had the limit for
my lifetime.

Is it possible to get more if it is needed - I'd mentally written off that
as a possiblity..I'll ask by onc, but what say you all? Some of you are
quite med-wise folks!

Ann in PA

that's right - y'r ankles swell terribly- i take digoxin and they don't
swell anymore and it also reduces atrial fibrillation wot i got from
radiation on my spine.

my legs went weak on saturday night and i was sweating and white in the
face - went to the local doc on monday and he had no idea what it was and
gave me more pain tablets - as i was walking to the chemist on my crutches
it all came well again and i returned to perfect health in a few minutes -
must have been a pinched nerve in my spine between my shoulder blades which
i just had the met radiated a couple of months back, eh?