Adjuvant chemo

Hi Jen74, If you view my profile you’ll see I’ve had a similar journey. Post surgery I was offered and expected additional chemotherapy, in my case CAPOX, my logic in taken the additional treatment, even though I was told it had the potential for a low increased in survival odds, was not to have regrets. I have a C+E license my treatment, less surgery recovery, has not impacted my ability to drive and if I’m honest the risk never even crossed my mind. Faced with the discussion again I would make the same call and have the treatment, we are all different so you need to make the right call for you and your partner. Best of luck whatever decision is made. 

Thank you so much for your reply. I guess we’re looking to find how this has affected others. Need to be able to make an informed decision on factual information and experience from others so I really appreciate your response. Wishing you all the very best. 

Hi Jen

I was diagnosed with a 5cm tumour in my descending Colon, back in 2019, which also resulted in a left hemicolectomy. Similarly, though no affected Lymph Nodes, I had EMVI - extra mural veinous invasion, in one area very close to the tumour site.

I was referred to an Oncologist; however, during our lengthy initial meeting, she was adamant that I did not require any adjuvant chemotherapy, as my margins were so good. Naturally I was pleased with that decision; however, my daughter was not so convinced, but I assumed that the Oncologist must know best.

One year later. my regular check up CT Scan showed that the bowel cancer had spread to my lungs in the form of 2 nodules in one lobe. It was then that I needed chemo. to reduce their sizes, so I would be in a position to have ablation treatment. I was initially offered Capox, but I refused, as I was concerned about possible peripheral neuropathy in my hands. (I am an artist.) & so I asked if I could just have the Capecitabine tablets instead - & so was put on a 6 month course of them.

The dosage is dependent on the size & height of an individual, & can be lowered/ increased as to any side effects a person may experience. I can honestly say I had no side effects for the first four months, & carried on my life as normal; to include driving, & teaching art classes.I was able to eat the things I enjoy, & also have my white wine. Fortunately, the lung nodules both shrunk sufficiently for me to have a lung ablation.

Obviously, this is just my own personal story, & no two people are the same. If he does decide to go along with the treatment, my advice would be to keep a diary - & jot down anything that might constitute as a side effect.

Wishing you all the best in your decision.

Marianne

Marianne thank you, I appreciate your openness and wish you a healthy future 

Hi Jen74 ,

  I had mine removed and had nothing in the lymph nodes or blood, it was removed with clear margins.  It was offered mop-up chemo and I had it.  None the less the cancer came back and I have another more major op and then another six months of chemo and it's come back again.

  I didn't find the chemo affected my ability to drive and I worked full time throughout both sets of chemo (but I do work from home so there is a big difference). 

  I think the chemo was worth it none the less as I think it stopped a more aggressive spread, but it didn't have a financial impact on me and I do realise that I've been quite unlucky in terms of the spread.

Best wishes

Cerysm

Hi

I too was in a similar situation with a stage 2 diagnosis. I was offered adjuvant chemo, capecetabine tablets. I took them for 4 months with no issues. I returned to work towards the end. I was a visiting officer so driving a lot with no issues. 

Sadly my cancer returned 2 years later and after extensive surgery I live with 2 bags. I am 5 years post op for the recurrence. I have my sign off scan next month. 

Your partner must do what he feels is right for him. 

Jen

 I am in the similar situation too， stage 2，T3NOMO， EMVI positive，Last month， oncologistb told me just 3-5% benefit to take chemo，but also not everyone，just a possibility question. I did not go on Chemo，but still warried.

I just hope everything going well.