Chemotherapy Regimens

Right now I'm on Xeloda, an oral chemo pill. So far, the symptoms have been limited to hand/foot syndrome (dry, discolored skin). I've been off an on chemo since my metastasis, but I've been in good health; it has not altered my lifestyle. In fact, I think I'm healthier now than I've ever been.

Coping? I try to take things one day at a time and appreciate all the blessings in my life. Right now, I'm visualizing my future. Writing and interviewing other cancer survivors in my situation (or worse) who have beat the odds has really helped. I have hope, and to me, that's the best medicine.

Examples of combination regimens and their acronyms are (Chemotherapy schedules and dosages vary depending on stage of disease.):

- AC (Doxorubicin I.V. and Cyclophosphamide I.V.)
- ACe (Doxorubicin I.V. and oral Cyclophosphamide)
- CAF (Cyclophosphamide oral, Doxorubicin, Fluorouracil OR Cyclophosphamide, I.V., Doxorubicin, Fluorouracil)
- CEF (Cyclophosphamide oral, Epirubicin I.V, Fluorouracil I.V.)
- CMF (Methotrexate I.V., Fluorouracil I.V., Cyclophosphamide Oral)
- CMF I.V. (Cyclophosphamide I.V., Methotrexate IV., Fluorouracil I.V.)
- CNF (Cyclophosphamide I.V., Mitoxantrone I.V., Fluorouracil I.V.)
- FAC (Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide)
- FEC (Fluoruracil I.V., Cycloposphamide I.V., Epirubicin I.V.)
- M-VAC (Methotrexate I.V., Vinblastine I.V., Doxorubicin I.V., Cisplatin I.V.)
- PV (Paclitaxel IV, Vinorelbine I.V.)
- Sequential Dox-CMF (Doxorubicin followed by CMF)
- TAC (Docetaxel IV, Doxorubicin I.V., Cyclophosphamide I.V.)
- Tamoxifen-Epirubicin
- Trastuzumab-Paclitaxel
- VATH (Vinblastine I.V., Doxorubicin, Thiotepa I.V., Fluoxymesterone oral)

****I.V. is administration intravenously.