Members of the Community have been talking about adjuvant therapies.
Adjuvant therapy can mean different things, depending on your type of cancer and cancer treatment . In addition to your primary treatment, your cancer doctor may recommend you have other treatments. This is often called adjuvant therapy and aims to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Your cancer doctor or nurse will explain the treatment options, benefits and likely side effects to you. You can also talk things through here on the Community, with people going through similar treatment.
Our members can’t give you medical advice, but through shared experiences you may feel more supported. Many members are talking about and asking questions about their adjuvant therapy, usually a course of treatment following the main cancer treatment.
"I think I’ll be starting adjuvant therapy next week (tablets every day for a year). There’s been a lot to process and weigh up but I’m feeling okay with my decision now x" Community member, Melanoma forum
"Hi everyone, does any know what adjuvant immunotherapy is?" Community member, Kidney cancer forum
"I had a hysterectomy for stage 1a serous endometrial cancer. I am waiting to have adjuvant brachytherapy. I have no idea how many sessions and how long it will take. Is anyone in a similar situation and can suggest what I could expect?" Community member, Womb cancer forum
You might also hear members talking about neo-adjuvant therapy. This is usually a course of treatment offered prior to a main cancer treatment, for example a round of chemotherapy prior to surgery.
"Has anyone here had a really good response to chemo pre surgery?" Community member, Breast cancer forum
"...that’s really good news, I just wanted a couple of positive stories as I went a bit down a rabbit hole reading statistics, your story is exactly what we are aiming for with the Neo adjuvant chemo with me" Community member, Breast cancer forum
"...did you already have surgery prior to starting chemo or are you planning to have the lumpectomy following neo-adjuvant treatment? Treatment and diagnostic testing seem to vary widely depending on the care team. I think a lot of it depends on the size of the tumour." Community member, Triple-negative breast cancer
Some members have experienced uncertainty over their adjuvant therapy.
"I’m new here and feeling a bit lost. I had 2 tumours removed from my sigmoid colon, and have now got to face chemo. Today I was told I will be on capox and it willl be for 6 months. I was floored. I had prepared myself for 3 mo this, but 6 is so long. I guess I’m here asking for your support, I don’t know what to feel, I think I might be devastated." Community member, Bowel cancer forum
"Does anyone have any thoughts on whether going through adjuvant chemotherapy is actually worth it?" Community member, Bowel cancer forum
“I'm surprised at the amount of adjuvant therapy they have prescribed for me after my hysterectomy but they are the experts. We just have to take their advice and crack on I suppose. Its good to have everyone's contribution of their experience and as we know, every one's is different. Some of the things I've expected haven't happened and some I didn't expect have but its good to share then at least we all have an idea of what some of the things are we will be experiencing.” Community member, Womb cancer forum
“I agonised over this issue and came within a whisker of refusing adjuvant radiotherapy last year after a dissection to remove lymph nodes and surgery to remove the primary at the back of my tongue. I decided to go ahead with the radiotherapy….although came close to reneging on that decision along the way.." Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
Whatever you want to know, or talk through, our members are here for you. Lots of people find it really helpful to connect with others in similar circumstances.
"I’m in the middle of radiotherapy, 25 sessions. It is adjuvant just to make sure that they got it all. My final staging was 1b grade 3. My experience has been caring, professional and communicative, I hope you have the same experience." Community member, Womb cancer forum
"Your comment and description has made me feel miles better. Thank you so much, you have put my mind at rest." Community member, Womb cancer forum
"I hope everything goes smoothly for you, please keep us updated with your treatment and recovery. This is an amazingly supportive group and will be with you all the way" Community member, Womb cancer forum
We hope you have found this blog helpful. If you're facing treatment decisions or have questions about adjuvant or neo-adjuvant therapy, we'd encourage you to start a new conversation in your forum.
If you're not sure where or how to start, get in touch with the team for help by email at community@macmillan.org.uk
