Hi all.
Newbie here.
Got to be honest, not a place I ever wanted to come but I guess that is the same for all of us.
I was diagnosed with a form of sarcoma in September with a lump on my chest wall/ ribs.
I had two ribs removed in October, which wasn't ideal, but it worked thanks to the wonderful team at the Golden Jubilee.
Also had a lattisimus flap done as part of the reconstruction.
I was advised that I may need some follow up treatment.
At the Beatson last week and they said they are 85% happy that the tumour won't return in the area that was treated but if I have 6 weeks of radiotherapy then they would be 90% happy that it wouldn't return.
The consultant then reeled off a series of short and long term complications that may/ may not occur and asked me what I wanted to do.
My head is still spinning.
Is the 5% upside better than the possible downsides?
Friends and family, while supportive, all say it is a decision only I can make.
I still don't know and I have to inform them of my decision on Thursday.
Can I ask what other members experience after radiotherapy has been, long and short term, do they regret having it and has anyone decided against having it?
Thanks in advance.
John
Hi jono64b33e1b and welcome to the community.
My journey is rather different although I spent a total of 11 weeks in The Beatson in June 2014 then Oct/Nov 2015.
You may get some reply’s in the group but can I suggest that you also join and put up the same post in our dedicated Soft tissue sarcomas group as you may get more replies there.
Hi John, I see you have successfully joins the group and put up your post - well done.
I had a total 45 radiotherapy zaps…. with 40 of them being done at The Beatson - the team were great.
My radiotherapy was rather different and it did the job that was required. My only lasting side-effects 10+ years on is my immune system is permanently affected…… (it’s rather complicated See my story)…… and I have some permanent skin damage on my bum
