Treatment options- empty hope?

Hello Missclarabo 

My treatment was to be Paclitaxel and Carboplatin combo, but after three cycles it was evident that the Paclitaxel was giving me severe allergy reactions so for the final three cycles I chose to have just the Carboplatin and I was fine, I didn't have any of the sickness or achey bones, I felt normal. Hope this helps you in some way. I hope your mum  goes well with whatever she decides, it's a difficult decision. What she could do is try one Carboplatin and if it's not for her then she's tried it and  no regrets. Xx

Hi Missclaeabo

In response to your post about whether or not your mum should have treatment, then I would say that we all respond differently to the various treatments on offer.

I was diagnosed back in Feb 2021 with uterine cancer.  I had a hysterectomy and the cancer was staged at 3A.  This was followed by 6 monthly doses of carboplatin.  I had just turned 60 and was in good health. I wasn't sick but sometimes felt sick, but tablets are given to help combat this. My biggest problem was constipation and bloating which then made me feel lethargic and sluggish. Eventually it was eased by taking lactose a few days before and after treatment. It did take me a week to feel OK after each session. I don't know if it needs to be given in one monthly dose, or if it could be given fortnightly, which might reduce side affects?

My follow up scan in December 21 showed no evidence of disease, but another scan July 22 showed it had spread to my peritoneum which is now incurable, stage 4. I had 4 more monthly doses of carboplatin but it wasn't working so I'm currently on weekly paclitaxel which I'm tolerating much better. 

I'm about to start testing and screening for clinical trials.  I'm 62 and not ready to die yet so I've told them I will take whatever is out there. 

I don't know how old your mum is and what her attitude is, but she could try the treatment offered and if it doesn't suit her, then stop it and maybe try the hormone therapy.

As I said at the beginning, we are all different. I hope this gives you some kind of reassurance.

Helen xx

Thank you so much, it helps to hear how others have felt on their journey and their experiences.  Ultimately it will be her choice and I’ll 100% respect and support her decision. 

Thank you Mad, 

it’s such a help to learn and reflect on the experiences of others. I really appreciate you giving time to comment and share your knowledge. It all helps to better educate me and I absolutely don’t want to influence mum’s decision but I also want her to be informed as well as can be x

Hi Missclarabo 

It's a hard situation to be in and to have to decide on the options. I agree with Mad and Nan, I think it's possibly worth trying the chemo to see if it gives extra time. I am Grade 3 Stage 4c as my cancer had gone to pelvic bone and lung. I had carboplatin and paclitaxel, which wasn't great but was do-able. I was on 3 week cycles and felt ill the 1st week after treatment. I had 6 cycles and the fatigue grew worse as the treatment went on. I am still fatigued 6 months after chemo but currently well and the cancer is stable. I hope this helps your mum with her decision making.

A x

Thank you   

I think she will attempt the carboplatin and see how we go. Placitaxel not an option as it could heighten her neuropathy and not be reversible they said. But I am relieved we will give this a go. We’ve been told there will be much fewer and much milder side effects too. 

I am delighted that despite a rocky start, it’s been a positive treatment for you 

c x