Post surgery Chemotherapy

I should start by saying my experience was eight years ago and I sailed through my pre-op ecx chemo no problem.

I was in the same dilemma, whether to have post op chemo given that the staging had reduced to 1bn0m0 by the time I had my surgery. I was persuaded by the oncologist however; just to be on the safe side.

Please understand I am not making a recommendation but I did not manage to complete the first round of the recommended Three cycles. Everyone reacts differently and it may be no worse this time than before for you. Remember, I did accept that post op chemo would probably improve the chances of a cure.

You are not alone in wondering if it is necessary, but the science says, while not necessary, statistically it improves the chances of a good outcome.

Brent, thank you for your honest response. I too went from T3N0M0 down to T1N0M0 prior to my surgery. I guess I know in my heart of hearts that I need to follow the science and go for more chemo, even if I don’t manage to complete it. The Oncologist did say that even if I only manage 2 of the 4 cycles that there would still be a great benefit.

I really do appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it can feel like such a lonely journey at times, helped by shared experiences of those who have been on the same path.

I hope I too can be responding to others in eight years time, like you. Very day is a blessing.

Shondon

Hi Shondon,

Same disclaimer as Brent; this is not a recommendation. 

At my surgery there was a small army of clinicians from various clinical trials I had signed up to that were disappointed because they all wanted a bit of my tumour and there wasn't enough to go round. My first cycle of FLOT had hugely shrunk my tumour and my 6 infected lymph nodes were no longer infected. All 36 lymph nodes removed were biopsied and proved negative. I was advised to have a second cycle of post operative FLOT (4 sessions over 8 weeks) to clear up all stray cancer cells from my body that I found much more painful that the surgery! However I finished my treatment in 2018 and am still in remission. 

The second cycle of FLOT made me lose all my hair again and has effected my autoimmune system which I am still undergoing treatment for. However I'm still here! given the choice again and knowing how hard and painful I found the second cycle of chemo was for me, I would still make the same decision. 

We are all different and react to treatment in unique ways. Which ever decision you make will be right for you. 

Hi Anon613,

thank you for your response and honesty. I kind of have made my decision.

I am starting round 2 of Chemo at beginning of December and am preparing myself for feeling ghastly and losing my hair, again, just as it had started to grow in so nicely too. But in the grand scheme of things what does hair matter? 

If I am fit and well and enjoying life this time next year or indeed in several years time it will all have been worth it.

Kind regards

Shondon