Chemo not working

The way my Macmillan nurse explained it was that due to the biology of the cells, it is easier for the chemo to get in and destroy them. Although my cancer is aggressive, they were unsure at first how it would respond as apparently it's caught them out as it"likes to do its own thing".

Good luck for the second opinion,

A x

Hi RHS, my cancer is primarily my prostate, metast to lymphs and bones, I've had RT to shrink the prostate and it worked very well, other tumers are controlled by hormone tablet's, what ever your decision, I really hope it works for you, and you can enjoy a toast with us all in 2024

Thats what  I was told about the chemo but that doesn't seem to be the case for me (mixed results).  It's not helped that the original scan that they used for diagnosis was taken 6 weeks before I started chemo though! 

I have another meeting with my oncologist tomorrow and will ask about a second opinion.  I really don't want to go back onto chemo if its not necessary (it floored me),  but I do feel as though Ive had a tool for fighting this taken away from me.

Rachel

Hi Ulls,

that's good to know that the `RT worked well,  I'm talking to my oncologist tomorrow and I've compiled a long list of questions,  including how much RT is planned long term as they are relying to immunotherapy alone to control some of the tumours.  Hopefully,  it will be effective enough to get me to 2024!

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

Im new to this group too. Im saddened to see the difficulties we are all going through. I hope its not too impolite to ask but was wondering if you are looking for a second opinion there is a state of the art cancer hospital in India that uses Proton Beam Therapy on head and kneck cancers. I believe Proton Beam therapy is only available in wales currently. I myself have asked them for a second opinion on my own situation to see if they can prolong my life not for my sake but my kids. Wishing you the best on your cancer journey.

proton.apollohospitals.com/.../

Hi Bengali mum, there are 2 NHS proton beam units 1 in London and 1 in Manchester and a private unit in Northumberland, this is available but you have to fit the criteria. Everyone one on this incurable group wants to live as long as possible both for our selves and our loved ones, wishing you all the best Ulls 

Hi BengaliMum32 ,

It is rather grim,  isn't it.  My biggest worry is the impact on my children (teenagers).  I have the easy bit, in some ways - I just die.  They need to cope with the after effects for the rest of their lives.  I find that difficult to cope with.

I didn't ask for a second opinion,  but I considered doing so carefully.  My reason for not doing it was that the treatment wouldn't have changed.  I will find out if immunotherapy is working for me at the end of March and if it isn't,  I will ask for a second opinion at that point as its the end of the road for me.  

Good luck with the second opinion,  I'm interested to hear how you get on.

Rachel