Treatment Decisions

Hi.you have to decide what is right for you and your circumstances.

I had over 60 lymph nodes removed and all were clear but there was a question over whether there was an odd cell in the fat.

So I decided to go with the chemo then I had tried my best and if it came back I could say "well I threw everything at it"

If you try chemo and really cant get on with it they can lower the dose or even stop it.

But as I said  its a personal decision

Kath

Hubby and I are in exactly the same position. My hubby is 4 weeks post op. We went to see the consultant yesterday and although they were able to remove the tumour, they also removed 22 lymph nodes, 4 of which tested positive. We were originally told it was stage 1 but given that it is in the lymph nodes I’m guessing it’s now stage 3. He has now been referred to the oncologist next week to look at options. They have told us that it will be my husbands decision as its not “treatment” as such but belt and braces. To say I am scared is an understatement whilst hubby is taking it all in his stride. I’m hoping that if he does go down the chemo route that it’s not an aggressive one. Reading your post and the responses has certainly helped but it’s a really hard decision to make.

Hi Georgia

My personal view is that there is no equivocal decision to be weighed up. Thousands are on the Capox caper as the standard worldwide response.

I'm electing to go back on it again. If there was something better i'd grab that.

It's definitely going to be a crap year. Just think about crap year,positive resuts,clear PET scan, rear view mirror to the sun ny uplands.

Hi FionaC

Sorry to hear about your recent shock.

If you click on my name it will show where i'm at in case you want to ask any questions.

To prep for your husband's 1st oncology meeting, i found the bowelcanceruk publications very helpful

All the best and try and stay positive. I truly positivity helps wellbeing and recovery chances.

Hi, 

I had adjuvant chemo 10 years ago there was 3 lymph node positive it was stage 3. Had the op then the chemo. It was belts and braces looking to cure. 

Sadly my cancer has returned after 10 years. No regrets would do it all again. Clearly never got everything some cells must have lay dormant however, the treatment has gave me 10 great years. 

Good luck on your journey. 

Hi Cath, Thank you so much for your reply. Can I ask which adjuvant chemo you had and how long did you have it? The whole thought of my hubby having to have chemo scares me beyond belief but if I can get some understanding then I can cope.

xxx

Thanks CrumpetsOrToast I will have a look. I’m really not good with coping with the unknown so the more I can find out the better xx

Hi, 

I had Oxaliplatin and capecitabine. I started 6 weeks after my op to let me body heal. I was to have 6 sessions but never had the last one as I wanted to be at my granddaughters birth. She’s 9 now and I’ve saw another 4 grow up. 

Hi again,

I was never sick, lost a bit of appetite and a bit fatigued but still managed to go to a concert with my daughter lol. I had some throat spasms but quickly learned to drink something hot during and after chemo which helped. I also could not have ice in my wine lol a bit annoying. And had to wear gloves to go into fridge. 

Thanks Cath, it’s the side affects that really bother me so hearing how you coped has really helped. Xxx