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Is it time to give up?

mo94089
Posts: 1
Joined: Nov 2004

I've been battling OVCA stage 3C for a little over 4 years. This last year has been the worst, starting with the cancer becoming resistent to taxane/platinum chemo. Next came a bowel blockage for which I had surgery, but the bowels have not worked properly since and I'm in an almost constant state of diarrhea. I have not been able to eat much since the surgery and have lost nearly 100 pounds. For the last 8 months I have tried 3 different chemo therapies, starting with Doxil, then VP16, and am now on Gemzar/Cisplatnin for the 3rd treatment. Nothing seems to be working - CA125 is more than 3700 and rising. The Cisplatnin gives me a very bad reaction and I have to take extra drugs just so I don't go into shock. For 3 days afterwards I still feel drugged and can barely function, and all I can think about is I wish it would all end. I have no energy and have breathing difficulty, plus moderate abdominal pain. The chemo just seems to be making me sicker and not doing any good. I do start feeling a little better the last week of the cycle, but it's just not enough - then the chemo comes again and it starts all over. All I can do is sit on the couch and watch the tube. Any time I get up I have a hard time catching my breath. It's not much of a life, and I don't see that the chemo is doing me any good. I want to stop it and just let things take their course. I don't really have much hope for a miracle anymore - I did for a long time, but things have just progressed too far for me to hold out for hope. Is it time to stop the chemo and let my life run out?

Naama
Posts: 1
Joined: Nov 2004

Up to you really, do you really want to go on? do you think this life has anything better to offer you? I cannot judge you, but it sounds like you lost all hope

BonnieR's picture
BonnieR
Posts: 1549
Joined: Jan 2004

I am so sorry you have had it so tough. I know it has been only 2 years for me and a 7 month remission. I have had 2 bowel blockages, but didn't require surgery. The Dr says we'll manage the cancer now, not we'll get it.

I sit next to lady during my chemo who is a