Precautionary chemo

Hi JM84 , I had similar to you , tumor removed but one iffy lymph node in 31 removed . I was offered 3 months chemo which was 4 rounds . Basically it’s to mop up any stray cells swimming around just in case . I wanted to say no with every fiber of my being but I also thought, what if it came back and I didn’t do everything possible? I’m glad I went ahead . It wasn’t easy but as someone else said on here it’s doable . You have a 24 hour hot line to your oncologist if you have any intolarable side effects and they can change the dosage or give meds to help . It’s over in no time . I’m a year out and scans are clear and 100% back to normal( well my new normal with part of my bowel missing ) . Best of luck with what you decide 

Nelly X

Hi JM84,

My husband sounds to be in the same position as you. Unfortunately his stoma has been very awkward from Day 1, and he actually had another operation last Wednesday to sort it out. I think he has missed the slot for chemo, and I don't think he has ever been well enough for it. His consultant said all along he didn't need it. We've just had no choice in the matter.

Thanks for the reply it's just such a daunting position to be in. So many questions and a complete life shock. I'm only 37 and having to face all this is a bit overwhelming. I'm reading that tablets seem to he less harsh on the system, have you any say on what treatment you get or do they just tell you. I'm really not looking forward to chemo. 

Would he have been happy taking it or would he rather not. I don't want to go against medical professionals if they want me to have it but if there's only a very small percentage of benefit i don't feel like putting up body under the strain. 

Hi. I was expecting chemo after and I swayed from yes to no in a pickle.
My reasons for No was that I haven’t seen my Irish grandchildren for two years and I thought if  I had chemo I wouldn’t see them Christmas again. 
So I decided No. I wanted to make sure I could see them 

I told my sis in law who had lung cancer op two years ago and she refused chemo after as she was so sick. It’s come back. 

So then I thought I will go for it because I would be blasting any cancer out of my system. I liked the idea of making sure it’s out. 
 
Then I didn’t need it. 

And COVID stopped me from seeing my grandchildren anyway!!!

It’s a big decision and yours to make however I would go and find out every thing about it  

This is a brilliant place to get advice from people that have had it. 

I totally empathize with you . You get strapped onto this rollercoaster with no way of getting off and not much time to think . I had infusion and tablets . Ask all the questions you can think of . Write them all down when you talk to the oncologist. It’s the unknown isn’t it ? . A lot of people can manage quite well on their chemo , even work . I was very tired and felt sick ( wasn’t actually sick) and had pins and needles in my hands and feet . Im sure someone else will hop on and give you more advice . I think you get told what sort of chemo you will have . Mop up is normally infusion in hospital ( about 2 hours) then two weeks of tablets to take at home then a week off . Then start again . Hope this helps , sending a gentle hug , you’re not alone X

It's great being able to talk with others who have been there. It's not the same as talking to friends and family who have no idea what we're actually going through. I'll know more on tues after my meeting. I'm going in prepared with notes and questions. I'm covering all options. Thanks 

Yes that’s exactly what I would do.

I even chose some nice hats and colourful wigs. I thought I’d brave the shave. But I didn’t need it. Then I worried because I didn’t get it. 
I probably sound crazy. 

Hi again JM84,

I think my husband had decided against the chemo. Our daughter had chemo for breast cancer at age 35. She had infusions and was pretty rough for a week each time. She had an 18month old daughter, so we stepped in to help. That was 8 years ago, and she has been fine since. They said they would throw everything at it because of her young age.

My hope is that because I've had the cancer removed I'll be on a milder shorter dose if that's even a thing! Thanks for all the replies everyone.