When to stop treatment

funbeadgirl

yamster34 said:

If the tumors are still

If the tumors are still growing and the disease is still progressing, it would make me wonder if the chemo and radition are really doing anything to help.

Well I have started my next

Well I have started my next round of chemo, three on and one week off, I'm getting Taxotere this time, doc wants to do three or four complete cycles before doing another PET scan. Much will depend on how my blood counts cooperate . So far I'm tolerating treatment well, but I do know it is accumulative. All the same I take it one day at a time. i had treatment yesterday and today I felt so good and so energetic, I walked a mile and ran errands! Then spent over hour on phone with a friend going in for more testing on abnormal mammogram, she's flipping out completely, which is opposite of how I handle things, I need to be compassionate to her personal way of handling things but I do hope to help her try to tone down the emotion and constant crying, she doesn't even have a diagnosis yet. She says she can't be strong like me...well who of us here would have ever believed about themselves that they could be strong through such a hellish process? No one I'm guessing. It evolves and you learn how to do,it by watching how others handle it, and digging deep into yourself and pulling out that determined warrior! So I was mentally exhausted from the phone call, but glad she called me. Then I took chicken soup to my sick mother and visited with her from a long distance, I don't need to pick up something bad now. Now I will collapse into my comfy pillow and sleep well, and hopefully have another good day tomorrow...actually I see everyday as good, even if I'm a little sick from chemo, every day of life is good.

looks like my cycles will take me through July, then scan, then more chemo, either continue with Taxotere or move to something else, my doc admitted to me they are just guessing at this point, but they have to try something. I'm okay with that, so far I've been kept alive for nearly 7 years and having a pretty good life at that! i expect more to come. Whatever it takes I will do. There will always be progression of disease but if the chemo keeps it from overtaking vital organs that's a good thing, right?

in June I'm doing a walk for my ortho oncologist doc team, I did it last year and got 45 friends to sign up with me, this year my goal is 60, it's for Lombardi foundation, very good cause for cancer and it all goes to patients in local area. Gives me something to look forward to. I will do it.

Thanks all for your support and encouragement, I'm doing great, I just needed that break and now I'm fighting again. I'm not depressed or sad, I'm determined and strong.

yamster34

funbeadgirl said:

Well I have started my next

Well I have started my next round of chemo, three on and one week off, I'm getting Taxotere this time, doc wants to do three or four complete cycles before doing another PET scan. Much will depend on how my blood counts cooperate . So far I'm tolerating treatment well, but I do know it is accumulative. All the same I take it one day at a time. i had treatment yesterday and today I felt so good and so energetic, I walked a mile and ran errands! Then spent over hour on phone with a friend going in for more testing on abnormal mammogram, she's flipping out completely, which is opposite of how I handle things, I need to be compassionate to her personal way of handling things but I do hope to help her try to tone down the emotion and constant crying, she doesn't even have a diagnosis yet. She says she can't be strong like me...well who of us here would have ever believed about themselves that they could be strong through such a hellish process? No one I'm guessing. It evolves and you learn how to do,it by watching how others handle it, and digging deep into yourself and pulling out that determined warrior! So I was mentally exhausted from the phone call, but glad she called me. Then I took chicken soup to my sick mother and visited with her from a long distance, I don't need to pick up something bad now. Now I will collapse into my comfy pillow and sleep well, and hopefully have another good day tomorrow...actually I see everyday as good, even if I'm a little sick from chemo, every day of life is good.

looks like my cycles will take me through July, then scan, then more chemo, either continue with Taxotere or move to something else, my doc admitted to me they are just guessing at this point, but they have to try something. I'm okay with that, so far I've been kept alive for nearly 7 years and having a pretty good life at that! i expect more to come. Whatever it takes I will do. There will always be progression of disease but if the chemo keeps it from overtaking vital organs that's a good thing, right?

in June I'm doing a walk for my ortho oncologist doc team, I did it last year and got 45 friends to sign up with me, this year my goal is 60, it's for Lombardi foundation, very good cause for cancer and it all goes to patients in local area. Gives me something to look forward to. I will do it.

Thanks all for your support and encouragement, I'm doing great, I just needed that break and now I'm fighting again. I'm not depressed or sad, I'm determined and strong.

My husband and I will be

My husband and I will be praying for you and your friend as you go through the journey ahead! Your good attitude is very helpful! Hopefully your attitude will rub off on your friend. 

funbeadgirl

funbeadgirl said:

Well I have started my next

Well I have started my next round of chemo, three on and one week off, I'm getting Taxotere this time, doc wants to do three or four complete cycles before doing another PET scan. Much will depend on how my blood counts cooperate . So far I'm tolerating treatment well, but I do know it is accumulative. All the same I take it one day at a time. i had treatment yesterday and today I felt so good and so energetic, I walked a mile and ran errands! Then spent over hour on phone with a friend going in for more testing on abnormal mammogram, she's flipping out completely, which is opposite of how I handle things, I need to be compassionate to her personal way of handling things but I do hope to help her try to tone down the emotion and constant crying, she doesn't even have a diagnosis yet. She says she can't be strong like me...well who of us here would have ever believed about themselves that they could be strong through such a hellish process? No one I'm guessing. It evolves and you learn how to do,it by watching how others handle it, and digging deep into yourself and pulling out that determined warrior! So I was mentally exhausted from the phone call, but glad she called me. Then I took chicken soup to my sick mother and visited with her from a long distance, I don't need to pick up something bad now. Now I will collapse into my comfy pillow and sleep well, and hopefully have another good day tomorrow...actually I see everyday as good, even if I'm a little sick from chemo, every day of life is good.

looks like my cycles will take me through July, then scan, then more chemo, either continue with Taxotere or move to something else, my doc admitted to me they are just guessing at this point, but they have to try something. I'm okay with that, so far I've been kept alive for nearly 7 years and having a pretty good life at that! i expect more to come. Whatever it takes I will do. There will always be progression of disease but if the chemo keeps it from overtaking vital organs that's a good thing, right?

in June I'm doing a walk for my ortho oncologist doc team, I did it last year and got 45 friends to sign up with me, this year my goal is 60, it's for Lombardi foundation, very good cause for cancer and it all goes to patients in local area. Gives me something to look forward to. I will do it.

Thanks all for your support and encouragement, I'm doing great, I just needed that break and now I'm fighting again. I'm not depressed or sad, I'm determined and strong.

Decision made!

I just finished first cycle of Taxotere, three weeks on, one week off. I am desperately sick, nausea, intestinal distress, neuropathy on tongue and face, so I have no ability to taste anything and food tastes very bad. Even water tastes like soap to me, I've tried lemon, mint, cucumber, Apple, strawberry, etc. to no avail. I have no appetite and force myself to eat which usually ends up gagging  me and then I can't eat. Neuropathy has now moved up to my forearms and fingertips are worse. The weird thing is that I can still smell food and it seems appealing but when I try to eat, I have an aversion. I'm subsisting on peanut butter, only thing I can taste.

I have made the decision to stop treatments. Oncologist scheduled three more cycles...so through summer, I know I cant do it, I don't want to do it. I want some quality of life now. My decision to stop is no less educated than their  educated 'guessing' which chemo will work, he admitted that this is all just a guess because they don't know  which chemo will be effective. He said if this one doesn't work, we can try others, then he named 5-6 other chemo drugs...I just don't want to be a guinea pig anymore.

I am resolved and at peace with my decision, I will recover from this, gain some strength back and then move on and live my life by my terms, whatever that means for my future. 

 

NoTimeForCancer

funbeadgirl said:

Decision made!

I just finished first cycle of Taxotere, three weeks on, one week off. I am desperately sick, nausea, intestinal distress, neuropathy on tongue and face, so I have no ability to taste anything and food tastes very bad. Even water tastes like soap to me, I've tried lemon, mint, cucumber, Apple, strawberry, etc. to no avail. I have no appetite and force myself to eat which usually ends up gagging  me and then I can't eat. Neuropathy has now moved up to my forearms and fingertips are worse. The weird thing is that I can still smell food and it seems appealing but when I try to eat, I have an aversion. I'm subsisting on peanut butter, only thing I can taste.

I have made the decision to stop treatments. Oncologist scheduled three more cycles...so through summer, I know I cant do it, I don't want to do it. I want some quality of life now. My decision to stop is no less educated than their  educated 'guessing' which chemo will work, he admitted that this is all just a guess because they don't know  which chemo will be effective. He said if this one doesn't work, we can try others, then he named 5-6 other chemo drugs...I just don't want to be a guinea pig anymore.

I am resolved and at peace with my decision, I will recover from this, gain some strength back and then move on and live my life by my terms, whatever that means for my future. 

 

funbeadgirl, you know what is

funbeadgirl, you know what is best for you.  I am sorry the latest chemo had caused you so many problems.  I pray for your strength and peace.

ccfighter

funbeadgirl said:

Decision made!

I just finished first cycle of Taxotere, three weeks on, one week off. I am desperately sick, nausea, intestinal distress, neuropathy on tongue and face, so I have no ability to taste anything and food tastes very bad. Even water tastes like soap to me, I've tried lemon, mint, cucumber, Apple, strawberry, etc. to no avail. I have no appetite and force myself to eat which usually ends up gagging  me and then I can't eat. Neuropathy has now moved up to my forearms and fingertips are worse. The weird thing is that I can still smell food and it seems appealing but when I try to eat, I have an aversion. I'm subsisting on peanut butter, only thing I can taste.

I have made the decision to stop treatments. Oncologist scheduled three more cycles...so through summer, I know I cant do it, I don't want to do it. I want some quality of life now. My decision to stop is no less educated than their  educated 'guessing' which chemo will work, he admitted that this is all just a guess because they don't know  which chemo will be effective. He said if this one doesn't work, we can try others, then he named 5-6 other chemo drugs...I just don't want to be a guinea pig anymore.

I am resolved and at peace with my decision, I will recover from this, gain some strength back and then move on and live my life by my terms, whatever that means for my future. 

 

You deserve the best quality

You deserve the best quality of life this world has to offer.  You are so strong and so inspirational and I hope you know that.  Chemo sucks.  No ifs ands or buts about it.  Many scientists believe that chemo is like trying to hit a target the size of a pin head with a shot gun.  You hit everything but your target.  I commend your strength and courage in your decision.  This is your life.  You call the shots.

 

in your quest for health and happiness I hope that you look into alternative treatment.  Curcumin with black seed oil, propolis, indole 3 carbinol,  massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, marijuana.  Chaga tea also.  Perhaps some of these things can help you feeling good as long as possible.  Daily ibuprofin and evening antihistamine also good.  Once your taste returns lots of fresh fruits and veggies with as much of anything else your heart desires to go along with it.  Chocolate!  Gotta love the life we're living. Enjoy!  Bring the grandkids around a lot.  Love and laughter kills cancer cells.  Keep those bad boys in check.  Get plenty of rest too.  Sleep is restorative to more than just our energy levels.  

 

what did your last scan say?  Before you started treatment.  Do you mind me asking where your tumors are located?

 

please keep us updated.  If I can help in any way, you know where to find me.

love and peace and warm comforting hugs

funbeadgirl

ccfighter said:

You deserve the best quality

You deserve the best quality of life this world has to offer.  You are so strong and so inspirational and I hope you know that.  Chemo sucks.  No ifs ands or buts about it.  Many scientists believe that chemo is like trying to hit a target the size of a pin head with a shot gun.  You hit everything but your target.  I commend your strength and courage in your decision.  This is your life.  You call the shots.

 

in your quest for health and happiness I hope that you look into alternative treatment.  Curcumin with black seed oil, propolis, indole 3 carbinol,  massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, marijuana.  Chaga tea also.  Perhaps some of these things can help you feeling good as long as possible.  Daily ibuprofin and evening antihistamine also good.  Once your taste returns lots of fresh fruits and veggies with as much of anything else your heart desires to go along with it.  Chocolate!  Gotta love the life we're living. Enjoy!  Bring the grandkids around a lot.  Love and laughter kills cancer cells.  Keep those bad boys in check.  Get plenty of rest too.  Sleep is restorative to more than just our energy levels.  

 

what did your last scan say?  Before you started treatment.  Do you mind me asking where your tumors are located?

 

please keep us updated.  If I can help in any way, you know where to find me.

love and peace and warm comforting hugs

th

Thank you for your words of encouragement and suggestions. Yes I know this is right decision for me. This afternoon I had to go to ER, I was sweaty, clammy, nearly passed out and raging diarrhea , I knew I was dehydrated so I called nurse and she said to go to ER. I feel better but weak, I'm sure in next week I will start feeling much better.

my last scan showed a decrease in SUV of a couple tumors, but increase in others, and new tumors also. My mets are on right hip bone, left pubic bone, thoracic spine T1-T6, left shoulder, in at least five ribs, some ribs have 2 tumors, that's the one I broke a few months back. Oh, I also have tumors in the sacrum .

ill be here and there as things develop to tell you about it. Well I'm sleepy now so I have to take advantage of it!

Thank you all!

babe12

funbeadgirl said:

th

Thank you for your words of encouragement and suggestions. Yes I know this is right decision for me. This afternoon I had to go to ER, I was sweaty, clammy, nearly passed out and raging diarrhea , I knew I was dehydrated so I called nurse and she said to go to ER. I feel better but weak, I'm sure in next week I will start feeling much better.

my last scan showed a decrease in SUV of a couple tumors, but increase in others, and new tumors also. My mets are on right hip bone, left pubic bone, thoracic spine T1-T6, left shoulder, in at least five ribs, some ribs have 2 tumors, that's the one I broke a few months back. Oh, I also have tumors in the sacrum .

ill be here and there as things develop to tell you about it. Well I'm sleepy now so I have to take advantage of it!

Thank you all!

I say AMEN to everything

I say AMEN to everything ccfighter said. Funbeadgirl, you have been thru hell with this nasty cancer & fought it hard. You give so much courage & inspiration to others. Take care and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hang tough!!!!

Dana

yamster34

Not long after being

Not long after being diagnosed, my pharmacist niece read an article that stated the vegan diet has cured some people with stage 4 cancer. I tried it for around 2 months and felt pretty good. I was not able to get enough protein and eventually had to go back to eating meat. Of course you have to wait until you can eat again first, but you may want to find out if it is something you want to try. It is a shame that chemo drugs are so hard on the body. Hopefully you will be feeling amazing soon!