Had my post op appointment with the oncologist my tumour and lymph node was removed successfully but because of the lymph node and vascular invasion there is a 50% chance of it returning in the first 2 years but if I have chemo and possibly immunotherapy it will give me an extra 10% of it not returning. Just wondering if it is worth it putting myself through hell just for an extra 10%
Hi Bratpackstress this is always a difficult decision. Chemo is not a walk in the park, but personally I would do anything to try and stop a reoccurrence, although I know not everyone will make this decision.
So if you did have a reoccurrence would you feel happier knowing you did chemo so at least you know you tried or would you feel better knowing you had 2 years feeling well without the chemo side effects? It’s a tough one, and a question that has been discussed multiple times. From discussions in the past people have looked at it slightly differently, not looking at the 10% but that it makes it only a 40% chance of reoccurrence.
Hopefully someone else will be along soon to share their thoughts with you as well. Good luck with your decision x
Hello Bratpackstress,
I had 2A non small cell Adenocarcinoma and my right lung was removed in 2014. I was told chemo would give me an additional 5 percentage points to long term survival (no idea what the starting rate was) and so far I'm still OK just over 9 years later despite an unrelated prostate cancer dealt with in 2016 and a few other scares along the way.
I decided to take all I the chances I could get to increase my survival prospects and decided that if I didn't like it or if the effects of chemo were too harsh to put up with I could always stop treatment at any time. I wanted to at least give it a try and not be full of regret later if the cancer came back and I had declined the treatment. Fortunately I completed the course and haven't looked back since. It's a very personal decision and needs careful thought but unfortunately you don't have too much time to decide.
It's certainly not pleasant but was doable for me. I has cisplatin and vinorelbine. If you have any questions you'd like to ask about it just ask and I'll do my best to answer.
I wish you a successful outcome whichever route you decide to take.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Well done for deciding, I wish you all the best for a successful course of treatment.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Well done for making the decision. I think that is sensible to think that you can stop if it is too much. They will keep a very close eye on you during treatment, and there are anti sickness meds etc to help, so please make sure you take them. Good luck and please keep us posted x
