I have had a type2 colon tumour (t4) removed. It had gone through the bowel wall and touched the uterus - so with my agreement the surgeons did a full hysterectomy as well. Surgery was successful and the surgeons were confident they had taken it intact.
I am in my early 70s and precautionary adjuvant chemo has been suggested. Without the treatment the Oncologist has estimated 75% chance of 5 year survival and 25% chance of mortality from either cancer or anything else. They estimate that chemo would improve survival % by around 3%. I’ve had a slow recovery from the surgery and I’m not sure whether it is worth 6 months of tablet treatment on top of that.
It’s my decision whether to take the chemo - but need to decide in the next 2 weeks. Has anyone else had to make a similar decision and what did you do?
Hi and a welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to see you joining us and to hear about your diagnoses and the challenges you are facing.
A cancer diagnosis can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are in the same position.
The Community has various support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Womb (uterus) cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
Macmillan have many support platforms so do check out the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Give me a shout if you need further help.
Best regards.
