I NEED HELP!
Thanks for letting me whine and *itch. My husband tries to be supportive but oftentimes I don't let him in because he wouldn't understand.
I guess my question is knowing what you know now, would you choose chemo or try alternative medicine?
Comments
-
Chemo is tough but I chose life.
Chemo is not easy, but the doctors and other helpers are working hard so the side effects are minimized, it was the fear of what it would be like that was the most difficult to deal with.
I chose chemo, but I have also chosen to follow the suggestions of diet changes, juicing when appropriate, and adapting a more positive life style.
After surgery I thought I would just walk away and not face the fact that I needed to to deal with cancer, then I found this board and the many people here who are looking at each day with super human strength. It is these individuals on this board that encouraged me to choose life, not to quit but to persevere, they said it in nice ways and some put it in a more direct terms, but I listened and decided I wanted to live.
You have already made steps in that direction. You are doing what needs to be done, don't let one greasy meal determine your future.
Jan0 -
chemo
I would choose chemo but not radiation. I would have gotten a second opinion before I consented to surgery. I had mild side effects from chemo and I was on oxiplatin. I was able to stay active the whole time. This may have been due to the fact that I had a mediport and a pump on, releasing chemo 24/7. It was probably a lower dosage. I am cancer free since Feb 2007. I still have very hard days mentally. I had a ileostomy reversal Dec 2007, this has been harder to deal with mentally and physically than all of my treatment. Remember that it is your decision, in what you choose to do.0 -
Chemo
Even though I had a rough time with it, I would still chose chemo. And even though my current colon issues were caused by radiation, I would still chose radiation as well. Because in my case, without them I would not be here. My tumor was not slow growing...went from nothing to stage 3 in a year or less. Imagine where I would be today if I did not chose chemo/radiation.
Having said that, I have also tried to change my eating habits and lifestyle going forward. So I guess I have the best of both.
It is a very personal decision and I wish you the best.
Hugs, Vicki0 -
chemo
I would choose chemo, without any hesitation. Not everyone suffers from chemo side effects -- I didn't -- but naturally in this forum you hear mostly about some people's bad side effects. Please don't even think about substituting alternative medicine -- it doesn't work. Almost all the positive reports you hear from people about alternative medicine are from people who have had some conventional treatment, were helped by it, then report that some alternative treatment they took is what cured them. Does it make sense? No. Of the people who refuse chemo in favor of some alternative treatment, some will be lucky and would have survived anyway, others will die and will be unable report that the alternative therapy did not help them.
--Greg0 -
Everyone has to make their
Everyone has to make their own choice - what works for them. You don't say what stage you are, which does have a little bearing on the decision making.
As awful as I feel right now (headed to the Dr for Neupogen shots in an hour), on day #5 after round #2 of 12 scheduled, I'd still do chemo. I've been hit with almost all of the awful side effects of FOLFOX - right from the first cycle, to extremes. And I'd still do it again. It isn't easy, but this is a fight for my life. I have a family, with children still in school. I plan to see them all graduate from college and become adults (one graduated, three to go). Without chemo, my chances of that happening would be lower. It is still a possibility, but not as good of one. My CEA has been slowly rising since surgery. It is time to blast every last remaining cancer cell out of my body.
At stage IIIc, with nodes involved it seemed a no-brainer for me. The more I researched, the more I found out how aggressive colon cancer is. Even when margins are clear and you get a lot of clear nodes, it seems to come back in many cases.
I also am incorporating non-traditional and complimentary medicine. Anything that can possibly help is worth a shot to me.
I might make a different decision if I were at a different point in my life, or had a different DX. Each individual situation needs to be assessed and do what you need to for you.
Oh - and the "take control type of person" - good luck to you... that is my biggest struggle. I'm a strong type A and don't do well when I feel no control. We don't have control when fighting cancer - just give it your best shot and go with the flow when you have to. Learn the Serenity Prayer - it might save your sanity.0 -
Depression?..Is that all?
Depression?..Is that all? What became of the fear, Anger, Resentment, and Self Pity that are also part and parcel of this insidious disease.
Of course you feel bad, of course you're fearful, and of course you want to take the easiest route to get past this and put it into the History book of your life, we all do, but DO the Chemo if it's recommended and the radiation as well. We only get one (or maybe 2) chances to do this right....and we don't get a refund or another opportunity if we guess wrong.
If your cancer was resectable, consider yourself fortunate, the next time you may not be so lucky and Chemo & radiation may not be fast enough.
Chemo is difficult, so is radiation, you get sick, you get over it, then you do it all again until the cancer is killed and gone from your body.
The side effects aren't all that bad, I've had every one of them numerous times, I got over it and the cancer is gone. You're a strong willed person, take charge of this little obstacle and overcome it with the same determination you rely on for every other aspect of your life. You CAN do it|
DennisR0 -
This is a personal decision.
This is a personal decision. I choose surgery and chemo unfortunately I'm kras mutated so none of the chem worked for me. Have you had you cancer genes checked to see if your cancer is a kras wild or kras mutated? If I had known I was mutated earlier I could have avoided a lot of chemo. But if I knew I was not mutated kras I would do chemo as treatment.
The very best to you and chemo is a little different for each person. I would choose the known.
Good luck I hope you do well.
Cyndi23240 -
Some being nice and some being stern ....DennisR said:Depression?..Is that all?
Depression?..Is that all? What became of the fear, Anger, Resentment, and Self Pity that are also part and parcel of this insidious disease.
Of course you feel bad, of course you're fearful, and of course you want to take the easiest route to get past this and put it into the History book of your life, we all do, but DO the Chemo if it's recommended and the radiation as well. We only get one (or maybe 2) chances to do this right....and we don't get a refund or another opportunity if we guess wrong.
If your cancer was resectable, consider yourself fortunate, the next time you may not be so lucky and Chemo & radiation may not be fast enough.
Chemo is difficult, so is radiation, you get sick, you get over it, then you do it all again until the cancer is killed and gone from your body.
The side effects aren't all that bad, I've had every one of them numerous times, I got over it and the cancer is gone. You're a strong willed person, take charge of this little obstacle and overcome it with the same determination you rely on for every other aspect of your life. You CAN do it|
DennisR
When we discuss the possibilities of whether or not to do chemo it becomes a little touchy for some of us. You see all of the people in here are friends of ours and close friends. As friends face this we hate losing them so when the situation arises to answer a question like this it gets to be close to the heart for us. We don't mean to sound mean, but we are adamant about keeping all of our friends alive for as long as possible. You my friend are a part of us also, you became part of our family here when you signed in, so in that respect we will answer like a brother or a sister and tell you exactly how we feel about what we think might help in saving your life. Please take our advice as you need it, but know that any answer here is from your closest friends and we only think of our brothers and sister best well being....My opinion, do the chemo, why go this far and get off the train before its stopped rolling ?......Your buddy, Buzzard0 -
Kras mutated doesn'tcyndi2324 said:This is a personal decision.
This is a personal decision. I choose surgery and chemo unfortunately I'm kras mutated so none of the chem worked for me. Have you had you cancer genes checked to see if your cancer is a kras wild or kras mutated? If I had known I was mutated earlier I could have avoided a lot of chemo. But if I knew I was not mutated kras I would do chemo as treatment.
The very best to you and chemo is a little different for each person. I would choose the known.
Good luck I hope you do well.
Cyndi2324
Kras mutated doesn't determine if chemo will work or not. It only affects two drugs being used, Erbitux (Cetuximab) and one other.
Standard 5-FU, FOLFOX or XELOX do work on KRAS Wild or Mutant. I have KRAS Mutated too - and I am doing FOLFOX, but did not join the study for adding Erbitux due to the mutation.0 -
Thank you all for yourKathryn_in_MN said:Kras mutated doesn't
Kras mutated doesn't determine if chemo will work or not. It only affects two drugs being used, Erbitux (Cetuximab) and one other.
Standard 5-FU, FOLFOX or XELOX do work on KRAS Wild or Mutant. I have KRAS Mutated too - and I am doing FOLFOX, but did not join the study for adding Erbitux due to the mutation.
Thank you all for your comments and recommendations. I will truly take them to heart and listen to experienced survivors. I could really feel your concern and love through my screen and am touched beyond words. I guess the nights are hardest - during the day I have my friends to call and my dogs to attend to.
By the way, I was dx'ed stage 3A, 1/10 nodes positive. However I also have Hep B from birth and am diabetic so I really have a full plate.
What is this Kras mutation? Is this something that I should ask my oncologist at my first appt?
My admiration for all of you is off the wall. To have you fighting so hard for your lives makes me feel like a wimp for complaining about my depression. But I'm sure you all have been here. I only hope that I can gain the strength and hope that I see in all of you.
God Bless
Laureen0 -
Laureen......minibull said:Thank you all for your
Thank you all for your comments and recommendations. I will truly take them to heart and listen to experienced survivors. I could really feel your concern and love through my screen and am touched beyond words. I guess the nights are hardest - during the day I have my friends to call and my dogs to attend to.
By the way, I was dx'ed stage 3A, 1/10 nodes positive. However I also have Hep B from birth and am diabetic so I really have a full plate.
What is this Kras mutation? Is this something that I should ask my oncologist at my first appt?
My admiration for all of you is off the wall. To have you fighting so hard for your lives makes me feel like a wimp for complaining about my depression. But I'm sure you all have been here. I only hope that I can gain the strength and hope that I see in all of you.
God Bless
Laureen
We have all been where you are now so we understand depression, we understand the feelings like loss of control, fear of dying , the relentless thoughts that go on and on about the disease, but we all get through, because we won't let each other down, we do not fail here, we persevere so that others someday will not suffer from this. That is the satisfaction that we take for the mess we go through. Our admiration for you is the same, we all fight the same fight, we all stand behind each other in our fights. Thats what makes us strong. We have plenty of people behind us...Clift0 -
stage 3 a, hmmBuzzard said:Laureen......
We have all been where you are now so we understand depression, we understand the feelings like loss of control, fear of dying , the relentless thoughts that go on and on about the disease, but we all get through, because we won't let each other down, we do not fail here, we persevere so that others someday will not suffer from this. That is the satisfaction that we take for the mess we go through. Our admiration for you is the same, we all fight the same fight, we all stand behind each other in our fights. Thats what makes us strong. We have plenty of people behind us...Clift
chances are there are a few cells already growing in distant places or were dislodged during surgery and will be growing soon. I won't lie and say chemo doesn't suck, but you will get used to feeling bad and then it's not so tough. If I were you, I would definitely look into at least 6 cycles of folfox 6 with avastin. They will probably try to prescribe 12 cycles. You should see how far you can go but do at least six. Six cycles is three months that will pass pretty quickly and you can consider it a trade for the rest of your life.0 -
Stage 3 - Systemic Chemo!
I'm stage 4 and I've been on chemo twice. Each time it has helped me to enjoy fairly lengthy disease and treatment free periods.
As Stage 3 I doubt if you would find an oncologist who would advise against systemic chemo for you. One of the first organs hit after the lymph nodes is the liver. The lymph system functions a little like an interstate highway transporting cancer around the body.
I can't believe you haven't been able to see an oncolgist yet! I hope you get on this soon.
All the very best... Rob; in Vancouver0 -
chemo
I also had a lot of concerns about the chemo. Way more than the surgery. Starting chemo was very emotional and depressing. I am glad to say, however, that I was able to complete 12 rounds of oxy and 5fu with minimal side effects. I can't say that it was great but after finishing it and getting a positive outcome I know that it was worth it. I also know hiow you feel about those closest to us and their inability to understand. That makes it tough, no doubt. But even though my wife didn't seem to get it either I hope that she never does have to understand.0 -
Laureen
Laureen,
Are you trying to get in with Dr. Cho? I don't know how to start a PM but I can respond. Feel free to PM me and I can give you some info on Dr. Cho.
Best to you. Thinking of you.
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
my thoughts
Hi,
I do hope you get in to see an oncologist soon. (I just edited my message- thought you hadn't said what stage you are, but now see that you did say you're a stage III).
If you have not had a CT scan or a PET/CT scan, please request to have one done- it's best to know upfront exactly what is or isn't in the rest of your body.
I'm stage IV but, in spite of that, I had two well meaning friends who tried to convince me to not do chemo and just go the natural route (they told me the chemo might kill me more than the cancer would, how poisonous it is, etc.) Chemo is definitely toxic and tough on your body, but I needed something that would do in those cancerous tumor cells! I might have considered just going natural more at the beginning if I were a stage I or II, but I am convinced that I would not be alive today (2-1/2 yrs after diagnosis) if I hadn't done the chemo. Incorporating good eating, cutting out sugar, juicing, eating organic, looking into certain supplements are still things that would be good to do, in addition to chemo.
As a stage III, I would most definitely do the chemo if I were you. When you finish the chemo, then you can really change a lot of things that you do, such as eating habits, exercise, supplements, etc. I would be very nervous as a stage III patient not doing everything possible to kill any possible microscopic cancer cells floating in your lymphatic system and/or blood vessels. On the other hand, Emily (2bhealed) is someone on this board who was stage III and did not do the chemo, but definitely did lots of natural treatments & she is now cancer free. You might want to PM her and ask about it if she doesn't give a reply here. Just my thoughts...
You take care. It is always a good idea to get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion if you are not sure. Insurance companies have to allow you a 2nd opinion & pay for that consultation. Make sure you get those opinions with a major cancer center, not just a small private oncology office. It really makes the difference- the major cancer centers are more up on the latest.
Best wishes to you-
Lisa0 -
Me tooKathleen808 said:Laureen
Laureen,
Are you trying to get in with Dr. Cho? I don't know how to start a PM but I can respond. Feel free to PM me and I can give you some info on Dr. Cho.
Best to you. Thinking of you.
Aloha,
Kathleen
I was so scared in the beginning, and went through all of the emotions - thought about the chances with or without chemo. There were days during treatment that I felt that I just couldn't do this anymore. I have even said that if it comes back i would take my chances and not ever do it again. But, I love my kids and my family, and when I said that out loud I really hurt my fiance.
Laureen, I would do it again. Looking back, it was annoying, but I LIVED through it. And everyone here is living through it and with it, and I believe would do it over again (as many have already).
I can't believe you haven't had a Dr. appt. yet tho....
Good luck in your journey, we're here for you.
And, just as FYI - I was also dx'd with diabetes the same time as the cancer. Nurses kept coming in my room and saying "so you're a diabetic?" before anyone had mentioned it to me, and I kept saying no. I had a hard time dealing with all of that at once, so I chose to deal with the cancer part first. I am now just beginning to read up on the other, and do what I am supposed to, well, sort of.....0 -
On the other side of the coin?
Western medicine can only offer chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
What else can anyone expect to be directed to by their doctor, than
what the doctors are "allowed" to prescribe?
But there isn't one doctor that will guarantee that chemotherapy or radiation
will -absolutely- work, or that it will -not- cause other serious problems.
There are many,many cancer victims that have died from cancer in spite
of taking full courses of radiation, and chemotherapy.
That said.........
There are many, many thousands that have survived many, many
years with cancer, after taking Chemo (or radiation).
There are also many, many thousands that have gone alternate routes,
and have survived as long, or longer than those that have taken chemo.
And as many that have died of cancer, in spite of the alternatives.
I was colon cancer 3c (or 4 depending on the onco). Seven nodes
infected, tumor growth sealing the inside of one part of my colon,
gone through the intestine wall, and into the next colon wall as it
folded back. They took out a tumor the size of your fist, and over
four feet of colon. They gave me a Ileostomy, after their surgical
errors caused me to be reopened after infections.
I didn't want to do Chemo initially, but after long conversations with
oncologists, I was convinced it was absolutely needed for my survival.
Unfortunately, my surgical wounds took so long to heal, that they told
me that Chemo was not likely to work 6 months after initial surgery. It
was less than a 50/50 chance, and the odds just weren't with doing
chemo at that point.
Not knowing what else to do, I studied the alternatives, and took
imported medicinal strength Chinese Herbs in an attempt to kill
cancer cells and build my immune system.
That was just over three years ago. I have been "clean" since.
If I die of cancer, then I will die of cancer.
If I took Chemo, etc., and died, they would say that I gave it my best shot.
If I took Chemo, etc., and lived, they would say I would not be alive if it weren't for the Chemo.
I took herbs - If I die, they'll say I was stupid for not doing Chemo.
If I live, they'll say it's all just sheer luck, since I didn't do Chemo.
If the hypocrisy can't be seen, it's only due to the blindness of fear.
They know how a cancer cell survives and grows, but they just can't
seem to be able to find out how to stop it without killing every other
cell along with it; I find it difficult to believe.
Yet there are other alternatives out there that have been proven to stop
cancer cells from surviving, and without killing all other cells to do so.
If your heart tells you to try something else, you alone should make
that decision. Weigh all the information and statistics, learn as much as
you can about every alternative out there, and try to locate people that
have tried those alternatives.
DO NOT spend BIG money on "cures" offered on the web, or
anywhere else; most alternatives cost very,very little.
Fear is what drives the industry, and it's driven it for a very, very long time.
The industry isn't just comprised of the "alternatives", it's the mainstream
"accepted" health care industry as well.
It's very difficult to not let the fear of dying sway your judgement.
No-one wants to die; no-one wants to have cancer.
On this web site, and many, many others, you will find more that
have taken Chemo and radiation, than anything else. Since they are
still alive to post to forums, they of course give thanks to what
they feel kept them alive.
There are others however, that are also alive, and like myself - -
who are not -absolutely sure- if they can give thanks to the alternative
for their life. But they are alive and did not have to suffer the consequences
of neuropathy, second cancers, or drastic surgery to fix what chemo
or radiation destroyed.
The choice is yours; just don't make it out of fear alone.
Weigh all the choices, all the alternatives, and educate yourself as
best you can. There are alternatives that work.
You only live once.
Good health to you.0 -
I expected you to postJohn23 said:On the other side of the coin?
Western medicine can only offer chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
What else can anyone expect to be directed to by their doctor, than
what the doctors are "allowed" to prescribe?
But there isn't one doctor that will guarantee that chemotherapy or radiation
will -absolutely- work, or that it will -not- cause other serious problems.
There are many,many cancer victims that have died from cancer in spite
of taking full courses of radiation, and chemotherapy.
That said.........
There are many, many thousands that have survived many, many
years with cancer, after taking Chemo (or radiation).
There are also many, many thousands that have gone alternate routes,
and have survived as long, or longer than those that have taken chemo.
And as many that have died of cancer, in spite of the alternatives.
I was colon cancer 3c (or 4 depending on the onco). Seven nodes
infected, tumor growth sealing the inside of one part of my colon,
gone through the intestine wall, and into the next colon wall as it
folded back. They took out a tumor the size of your fist, and over
four feet of colon. They gave me a Ileostomy, after their surgical
errors caused me to be reopened after infections.
I didn't want to do Chemo initially, but after long conversations with
oncologists, I was convinced it was absolutely needed for my survival.
Unfortunately, my surgical wounds took so long to heal, that they told
me that Chemo was not likely to work 6 months after initial surgery. It
was less than a 50/50 chance, and the odds just weren't with doing
chemo at that point.
Not knowing what else to do, I studied the alternatives, and took
imported medicinal strength Chinese Herbs in an attempt to kill
cancer cells and build my immune system.
That was just over three years ago. I have been "clean" since.
If I die of cancer, then I will die of cancer.
If I took Chemo, etc., and died, they would say that I gave it my best shot.
If I took Chemo, etc., and lived, they would say I would not be alive if it weren't for the Chemo.
I took herbs - If I die, they'll say I was stupid for not doing Chemo.
If I live, they'll say it's all just sheer luck, since I didn't do Chemo.
If the hypocrisy can't be seen, it's only due to the blindness of fear.
They know how a cancer cell survives and grows, but they just can't
seem to be able to find out how to stop it without killing every other
cell along with it; I find it difficult to believe.
Yet there are other alternatives out there that have been proven to stop
cancer cells from surviving, and without killing all other cells to do so.
If your heart tells you to try something else, you alone should make
that decision. Weigh all the information and statistics, learn as much as
you can about every alternative out there, and try to locate people that
have tried those alternatives.
DO NOT spend BIG money on "cures" offered on the web, or
anywhere else; most alternatives cost very,very little.
Fear is what drives the industry, and it's driven it for a very, very long time.
The industry isn't just comprised of the "alternatives", it's the mainstream
"accepted" health care industry as well.
It's very difficult to not let the fear of dying sway your judgement.
No-one wants to die; no-one wants to have cancer.
On this web site, and many, many others, you will find more that
have taken Chemo and radiation, than anything else. Since they are
still alive to post to forums, they of course give thanks to what
they feel kept them alive.
There are others however, that are also alive, and like myself - -
who are not -absolutely sure- if they can give thanks to the alternative
for their life. But they are alive and did not have to suffer the consequences
of neuropathy, second cancers, or drastic surgery to fix what chemo
or radiation destroyed.
The choice is yours; just don't make it out of fear alone.
Weigh all the choices, all the alternatives, and educate yourself as
best you can. There are alternatives that work.
You only live once.
Good health to you.
I expected you to post something here, John, and I'm pleased that you did. Did you ever hear the G&S opera Ruddigore? You would be interested. It's a commentary from the 19th century on doing what your heart tells you: "In sailing o'er life's ocean wide, your heart should be your only guide."
--Greg0
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