Chemotherapy dilemma

Hi Nannyjanet

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad reaction. As you know I had stage 1b grade 3 adenocarcinoma so a different type to yours.

After a lot of soul searching and consulting Oncologists, Macmillan nurses and Maggies centre I decided against chemotherapy. When I told my Oncologist my decision she said she was happy I had decided against it. She went as far as to say she would have been more concerned if I had opted for chemo. My further treatment was  classed as belt and braces adjuvant therapy. My Oncologist said the chemo could potentially give me an additional 5% increase to my chances of preventing recurrence but it came with the risk of bone marrow damage which could cause leukaemia plus other nasty organ damage. In other words the cons outweighed the pros for my case.That was besides the potential side effects which she described as "brutal" The brachytherapy was a different matter, this was not given as an optional thing, they said that I needed it. The brachytherapy could offer an additional 10-15% against recurrence. Like you I  don't consider myself old at 55. I want to give myself the best chance of survival. I think you have made the right decision for you to halt the chemo. As we all know we have no guarantees that even if we had all treatments that we will remain cancer free. I finished my brachytherapy last week. The macmillan nurse said once you have made your decision about treatment then be happy with it and don't second guess yourself. Just take one day at a time and allow your body to recover. I am eating healthy and doing light exercise as well as trying to keep my stress levels down. Please just be gentle with yourself. 

I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you feel better soon 

Julie xx

Thankyou Mrs Bjh. I imagine I will be checking in now and again as I think the term ' living with cancer' is very real. As once it's there the thought never leaves you. It's only as I'm writing this I realise what a scary situation we are all in and I'm feeling very emotional right now. My heart goes out to everyone touched by this dreadful condition. I don't know how some souls cope with an  incurable diagnosis. I sometimes feel a little guilty complaining of my aches and pains when you think what some have to go through.......

Hi Julie . I wasnt given as much negative info as you about it being brutal etc. Just to be aware of side effects and no guarantees. Certainly no mention of bone marrow issues !! .I was told after I made the decisiosion to quit that it was for the best as they treat 10 people with the hope to help 1 ..I think if they had said that in the first place I wouldn't have even started due to the early diagnosis..but its being me now and once this chest infection clears up il feel much better

Take care x x x