Hello,
Following a 2019 hysterectomy my scheduled CT scan showed an enlarged spleen and further PET/CT confirmed a tumour plus other hot spots, including an inoperable one in my chest.
A splenectomy was perfomed just before Xmas 2020 and, following complications, I was hospitalised for two months. The tumour and further 'hot' lymph nodes having been dealt with.
I'm now at home and trying to build up my strength. The original projected chemo didn't happen within the originally projected timeframe and my oncologist thought I'd not survive it anyway due to my weakened state. He thought I should concentrate on quality of life.
However my gyny surgeon hopes I will make myself strong enough to undergo chemo and, possibly the only other option, radiation, for the inoperable chest cancer.
Meanwhile, with the passage of time, there may well be other hot spots yet to be discovered. As it's an agressive stage 3 I wouldn't be suprised, but that's me speculating at the moment.
I've researched my prognosis which is grim. Anything from 8-15 months in the examples I've found and there aren't that many examples it seems as such a recurrence is rare. However, it would appear that it's a small club I've been joined up to.
I was wondering if there is anyone else out there who might be in the same boat?
In fact, anybody else having to think about whether it's worth having chemo, when the payoff can be so little?
Thanks for being there.
RD
Hi RD Rainieday and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your diagnosis and ongoing challenges.
A cancer diagnosis like this brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress. Although I have an incurable blood cancer I am not in treatment but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
The Community is organised into support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only group. You are having to make medical choices so this is a full list for our Cancer specific Groups where you can have look through and decide if you want to connect in with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
