Recurrence of Peritoneal Cancer

I have been on my second round of chemotherapy because of a recurrence after 16 months. Unfortunately this time around I have suffered so many side effects. After the first session the chemo was reduced to 80% in the hope that would help, plus stronger anti sickness drugs. The nausea wasn’t quite so bad but still needed more help with it so was prescribed another stronger drug given at time of chemo and for the two days after. They did help but not enough! Also my neutrophils were too low for sessions 3 and 4 so they were each deferred by a week. It has taken me longer to recover between chemo sessions to the point that I was only feeling “normal” for a couple of days prior to the next session.

I saw the oncologist the day before my 5th session was due. I told him I felt so unwell and didn’t feel I could continue with the chemo. We discussed everything and he agreed that my quality of life has not been very good and that quality of life is what they want everyone to have more than quantity. Chemo sessions 5 and 6 have been cancelled. The nurses and oncologists have all said that I have done really well and to bear in mind that I have had 10 sessions of chemo in total and the cancer has responded well. I had been told at the start of this round of chemo that I would to have cancer targeting drugs at the end of chemo. However it turns out that my cancer doesn’t respond very well to the drug and also the side effects are the same as I have had with the chemo! One other factor was that even if they did work it usually only gives another 3 months of life.

My family were of course upset but they understand and are being very supportive. We are now looking at holidays! We have a family Christmas booked at a cottage in the Lake District and a few days at October half term booked near Whitby. Lots to look forward to for the rest of this year. Now looking at where to go in 2026.

It is very difficult finding people with Primary Peritoneal Cancer so we need to stick together and share our experiences, we are a rare bunch. Hope all of you in this forum are feeling well. ️