declining chemo

Hi Wendy

I can't help you with the decision about whether you should have chemo or not - that has to be your decision.  

But I maybe able to help with the worries you have about the central line.

I have had three central lines fitted, two under sedation and the third without.  

To begin with I experienced a stiff neck for a couple of days and bruising round the site for a bit longer.  It was sore for a while but as it healed, it was fine.  

The line will be kept dressed and looped round to stop it pulling and once the bruising and soreness goes you should be able to sleep normally.  

I used to wear a vest with what M&S call 'Secret Support'.  You can always wear a soft bra in bed just to tuck the line into to stop it getting in the way.

I have a very close friend with ME so I can understand your concerns regarding chemo.  

They say that people with ME symptoms can feel the same as people undergoing/have undergone chemo.  

In fact this friend and I, when talking about how we feel definitely have things in common.

Whether having ME will make your side effects of chemo that much worse, or indeed whether having chemo will make your ME worse is something that may be worth discussing with an ME specialist.  Perhaps you could ask your oncologist to refer you.  Alternatively have a word with the ME association.

This is a very scary time.  Don't make any hasty decisions and don't read too much on the Internet, talk to the experts.

Well I hope this has helped a little.

Take care

Jo

I declined chemo for my acute myleoid leukaemia and opted for support instead.  They gave me 8 weeks to live last June.  I am still here and still fairly well.  Have seen others who opted for chemo - some dead and some pretty ill - but again some are in remission.  Tough decision but go with your instinct! I have no regrets - sure I would not have been here if I had opted for the chemo.

Good luck

Christine xx

Hi Wendy,

Like Jo, I can't tell you what you ought or ought not to do. I hope her experience and the way she coped with a line hve reassured you.

It is your body and yur decision.  Can I just suggest  that you talk everything through, and discuss all your worries with your oncologist or specialist nurse so that you have all the information you need to make your decision.

Whatever yo finally decide, all the very best

Daffie

I

Like the others Wendy, I can not tell you what to do love. For me chemo saved my life, it almost killed me also but my medical team didn't expect me to make it and that was 2008 and now I am doing well and back to work as a female bouncer in a nightclub incharge of men. There is a good chance that my cancers will return at some point, would I do it again............I wouldn't want to but I would but that is me. Do what you feel is right for you...love Carol x

thanks everyone, i would if it was a matter of life and death, or to shirnk a tumour before i was removed, but its not! it was all localised, nothing in the nodes, i do worry its fear puytting me off! i have called the breast nurse so i can chat with her....hope your all well