Opinions on chemo

It's a bloody hard decision isn't it! I had the same quandary back in May 2019, but my Oncologist back then quoted only 5% & said that it wasn't worth the risks involved with Chemo, even though my margins following surgery were very good - but I had vein invasion.

I went along with her expertise, & had no follow up chemo.

However, after a routine CT Scan in March 2020 - I was told that I had two lung nodules (mets. from the bowel cancer,) & then I needed chemo - prior to lung ablation procedure. I was told the chemo I would have, but chose not to have infusions, & just went for the oral form of Chemo (Tablets.) Fortunately, these worked for me - in that they caused shrinkage of the nodules, & I was able to have the ablation - which was relatively easy, but obviously - not wanted.

Looking back - I would probably have insisted on some form of mop up Chemo treatment - regardless of the low percentages offered - as no one wants to be told that they have a spread elsewhere, a year after bowel cancer surgery.

Best wishes in your decision

Marianne x

Hi Milkmaid66 Deciding whether to have chemo or not is a personal decision. When I was diagnosed my friend (who’d just finished breast cancer treatment) told me to throw everything I was offered at it. In view of the fact that they’re not sure that they’ve been able to remove all the tumour then I would say yes to the chemo. A couple of thoughts are

If the cancer was to return would you always wonder ‘what if I’d had the chemo?’ or would you be able to live with your decision?

What are your concerns about chemo? If you know which chemo they are suggesting then people might be able to post with their own experience.

Could you give it a go but agree with your oncologist to reduce the dosage or stop altogether if you’re struggling?

Obviously this is just my personal opinion but you could ring the support desk tomorrow to talk it through with them

Take care

Karen x

Hi there had much same diagnosis with microcells in veins that were feeding the tennis ball growth. Got agreement to have pills ( Capecitabine ) of daily doze 5,000mg (2 x 2,500 mg after two meals) while side effects stopped me working ( look for my other postings) it’s great to be able to self administer at home and saves daily visits and intravenous at hospital. It’s only 6 months of 8 sesssions of 3 weeks ( with two weeks on and one off) 

pleased to answer any further questions 

from BOWEL67 

Thank you for taking time to reply. I am a farmer so concerned about the amount of time away from the farm and the hour and a half trip to the hospital.  I think I would go for tablets but oncologist says my stoma output is too loose

Thanks, that sounds sensible 

Hi Milkmaid66

Could looking at your holistic needs and preferences help your decision? By this I mean documenting what is important to you and your quality of life in terms of independence, work, family, travel, pain, passions, beliefs, risk and so on. You can then share this with your oncologist and CSN so that they can offer treatment plans that align on many fronts not just medical.

The other thing to remember is that even if you start on one treatment plan route, you can change your mind or even pause to rethink if you want to.

I have thought long and hard, I never react well to drugs, and feel at 66, I can't waste 6 months possibly feeling rough for a potential 10 percent benefit. My family will support whatever I decide,  so on balance its going to be no to chemo, I really appreciate all who took time to reply