43 lymph nodes removed during surgery 15 of them cancerous

Hi VJS1985

Welcome to the forum . I will leave others to address the chemotherapy experience side . My understanding is chemotherapy due to the rate of cell division works at its best on visible tumours however significant amounts of research has also gone into its role with microdisease . Small cells that may be circulating but not big enough to see . Catching it before it has a chance to set up in a distant organ . The research shows  improvement in overall survival for particular groups and grades of cancer when they have certain characteristics, in your position the lymph node involvement. Your oncologist will be able to go over the percentages with you .

My mum was in a different position as hers had managed to grow in her liver at the point of diagnosis. Chemotherapy had a big job to do and worked well .

The decision is entirely yours and consent forms required so you won’t be forced however given the lymph node involvement they do a risk / benefits analysis.

A couple of other reassuring points . My mum had chemo over two years . The dose can be adjusted to reduce the side effects . After each cycle your bloods are taken and assessed . Someone will also meet with you to get feedback on side effects and how you are tolerating it . If it was intolerable they would stop or switch to a different chemotherapy if required . They would not leave you to suffer .

It might surprise you to know my mum’s oncologist advised  a third of people experience hardly any symptoms at all and can maintain most activities. The next third have more moderate symptoms but with a bit of intervention they get there and the other third have more sever side effects. I would say hand on heart my mum made it into the last category. But they worked away and got her to where she is today .

Loads of people pass through here feeling exactly the same as you . The fear of the unknown and lots of frustration that they have to endure more . You can see them on the forum working through each stage . 
We have a thread on top tips you might like to read nearer the time . 

Others will be along to share how they found it .

Take care ,

Court 

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../chemo-care-top-tips--

Hi VJS1985. Chemo is the belt and braces. I like to compare the tumour to a dandelion - it’s been dug out (surgery) with some surrounding soil (the margin) and they’ve found 15 dandelion clocks (lymph nodes) in the soil removed. The issue is whether there are anymore clocks lurking in the remaining area that have not been removed? The best option is to give the area a good blast of weed killer (chemo) to zap anything that can’t be detected yet.

Chemo isn’t pleasant but I think sometimes it’s reputation can be more scary than the actual treatment. Yes there are a lot of side effects but there’s also a lot of pills and potions to counteract them. You’ll be closely monitored by the chemo nurses and your dosage can be tweaked if you’re struggling. 
My friend told me to take everything I was offered when I was diagnosed so I knew I would have no regrets if I ever did have a recurrence. It can be tough but it is also doable and we’ll be happy to support you through it

Take care

Karen x

It’s a belts and braces approach a mopping up to make sure they are doing the best fir you. I would take it if I were you. Don’t fear it embrace it. Good luck . 

Wow thanks for that, perfectly explained x 

Hi, VJS1985, good advice from court and Karen. Mine was 0/40 nodes, but vascular invasion so I had adjuvant chemo . It got cumulative but was doable. Let us know when you know which chemo you will be offered, as others will have been on the same, and can help.

Your very welcome. You take care.