When do we know to stop Chemo?

Talk to your Dr about the issues you are experiencing.  Also the potentials consequences for stopping early - can be different with the different types (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC).

What chemo are you on and far into the plan?  I see this is your first post so,with a little info as to what you are experiencing, some of us might have some tips that might help you.  We all react to different chemos.  For me, my neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C was easy and adjuvant 12 weekly Taxol were nasty - it's the opposite for some.  When I saw Dr T before my 10th Taxol I talked about how bad it was.  Basically, he said it was up to me and he'd put in that I could stop at any time if I felt I wanted to.  I don't remember the exact words he used but that the worst (at least time wise - 2 mths on A/C and 9 weeks Taxol) was over.  The chemo I had already done had done accomplished approx 85% of what finishing could do.  I thought about it and decided that for me I HAD to finish and not possibly throw away,all that I had already been through - 3 more weren't that many.  I also thought about how could I tell Hubby (of 34 yrs at the time) and 31 yr old Son that I had quit before I had done everything possible if 'things' went bad in the future.  Between them, they had taken over all chores (Hubby - house, cooking, dogs and my rabbit; Son - barn/horse chores) so that all I had to was fight the Monster.  I believe I made the correct decision for me and mine - I'm IBC, Stage IIIc which the 'stats' say between 25% - 45% make it to 5 yrs post DX - I'm 5+ yrs post DX and still NED (No Evidence of Disease). Every bit as active as ever and loving life.

That said - we are each so UNIQUE (thankfullly) and there is no "One Size Fits All". It is great to seek input when one feels a need for it, but the bottom line is YOU (and ONLY you) can decide what you feel/know, what is the best for you AND your loved ones.  Thoughts and prayers for you to decide what is right for you and never regret ' second guess'.

Winyan - The Power Within 

Susan

Puffin2014 said:

possible to reduce dose

Yes, talk with your doctor before making any decision. When my doctor heard how I had reacted to the third of my 4 chemos, she reduced the dose by 20% and said it would have no effect on my reoccurence rate, and I was able to finish all 4 rounds.

 

We are all in charge of the Choices we Make.........I always think about how Jackie Kennedy quit and then she died.   Very Sad.     I was a Widow and living alone but I did have a part time job and they were wonderful in letting me work my own hours.  When I got really sick I could take off.... and I got really sick with each chemo... but not nausea sick...just infections and high fevers....weak and could barely walk....and there were times when the white blood cells hit rock bottom and it was dangerous to get around people.  I remember asking my Oncologist how many people he had killed with the stuff he was giving me...and he was so cool....he kept his head down and kept writing...then stopped. put his pen down and turned   and looked at me and said "One Person".............  HA **    But he understood me...and he knew I could do it...and he was really good...and did adjust the dosage.    Talk to yours........ and don't forget that God has you in His Hand...EVER.     Sending you encouragement and prayers for more strength because believe me I know the HELL you are in right now...and hope you just take it day by day and hang in there. Love and Hugs.... keep posting.  We are here for you and all of us understand.