Chemotherapy - to do or not to do

Hi Wilma Flintstone and welcome to the Online Community.

I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis but I hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.

Talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment path (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this unwanted journey. I have had over 800hrs of chemo for my type of blood cancer, yes it was not great but it did it’s job and I am here 6 years in remission talking with you.

The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups but I see you have joined our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group as this will be a good place for you to connect with other folks who may be on the same cancer treatment pathway.

Navigating the community will depend on the device you are using. To go to the group just click on the green link above then introduce yourself by putting up a post by clicking  on ‘New Thread’ or ‘New here, say hello’ then hit the box with the X on the top right (phones).

You could just copy and paste the text from this your first post and you can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'. 

It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.

To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section. 

All the very best ((hugs))

Hi Wilma Flintstone and a very warm welcome to the online community

Making treatment decisions can be very tricky so it's good that you've joined the community to chat to others who can share their experiences with you.

I can see that you've already found and joined the bowel cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support. When you feel ready to post there clicking on the link I've created will take you straight there where you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'. 

It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.

x

Wilma

i had stage 3 colon cancer with no lymph issues, but a vein near the tumour looked a little dodgy. My oncologist and surgeon both advised chemo but it was my decision.

I went ahead and had 6 months of capecitabine. I had a few infections during the period but tolerated the tablets pretty well. Obviously your decision, but I’m glad I did

thank you, i've added some profile info now. :) 

Thanks Ray that's really helpful. Did you experience many side effects at all? 

Wilma

i had a nasty chest infection about 6 weeks in, then a throat infection. Both were treated with antibiotics and I had to stop the chemo for a couple of weeks.

The good news is you do get seen very quickly once you have been to your GP and you tell them you are on chemo. I got fast tracked past the A&E queue first time then saw an out of hours GP on a Sunday morning.

The decision you take is very much up to you. For my part, I thought what if it comes back and I could have had Chemo ?

Whatever you decide I wish you the best And well done for getting this far !

Thanks Ray,

I totally agree, I don't want to regret not doing it so am swaying towards getting it done, just very apprehensive. I'd really like someone to just tell me to do it. I'm finding this the hardest bit so far. 

It's really good to know you were well looked after. That is very reassuring. 
I'm concerned about having chemo when Flu and COVID rates are on the increase and reading about Sepsis. Do they tell you to monitor your temperature whilst you take the tablet at home? 

Did you get the fatigue and the numb tingly hands? 

Sorry for all the questions but thank you so much for your input. it's so very helpful. 

• Wilma

Ask as many questions as you like ! I’m happy to help/support.
My journey was before covid, so difficult for me to comment on the risks. But as I said, I did pick up a few infections. Sepsis was never discussed with me, nor was I advised to monitor my temperature. You kind of know when you are not feeling well and have a spike in temperature. They did advise me to call in if this happened.

I did have some fatigue, but tried to do light exercise morning and afternoon. Plenty of fluids and a good diet. Also I remember listening to Victoria Derbarshire on the BBC saying she had wine when she wanted it through her cancer journey. I followed suit ! Tried to sleep whenever I felt tired.

I didn’t have any numbness or tingling. 
one thing to consider Wilma, if you start the treatment you can always stop if it gets to tough for you

good luck

Thanks Ray, for the excellent advice! Much appreciated. I'm liking Victoria's mindset. Will make a note of that.  

Hi , I was advised to check temperature whilst on chemo, I have had two different treatments and never got an infection . This has been ongoing before and throughout covid. I did catch covid but not from hospital , I survived that even though I’d had chemo 2 days before. I had numbness in fingers and toes throughout , it completely cleared up after treatment. I personally would have treatment , it’s not that bad honestly. If there are any cells left this will mop them up . Take care x