chemo breaks

antcat
antcat Member Posts: 270
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi, has anyone ever taken chemo breaks. I guess I'm at the point where I can use a chemo break because I've been on constant chemo since last October. It just gets to a point when a person says to themself, I need a rest. Although my dr. hasn't mentioned any chemo break yet, I think, if this treatment doesn't work, I'm going to ask for one at least for the holidays and start again next year. I know that people can run the risk of the cancer still growing, but mine still seems to be growing a little even while on chemotherapy. I'd also like to give my counts a chance to get better, as I am considered borderline anemic now. Anyway, any information people can share will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
    you deserve a break
    so ask your Doctors for one, sometimes you just need time to be off chemo and it feels good to not feel so crummy all of the time. If your counts are stable go for it, Good luck..val
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #3
    Vitamin C IVs
    antcat,
    I don't know whether you have followed any of the information on this board regarding IV vitamin C. If I was going to take a chemo break, I'd do the IVC. If you tried it before you completed the chemo, you may find that you feel weel enough and may be able to handle more. If you stopped the chemo, the IVC would help your body recover from all the treatments you've had as well as keep the cancer more controlled. Your oncologist may not support you in this treatment, if you decided to do it.
  • VictoriaSF
    VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165
    #4
    i am on chemo break
    hi,
    i was dz october 2010, surgery in november, chemo finished in may,
    tumors got smaller , but i am not in remission, it did not dissapear.
    still have one on liver and another on spleen. my doctor actually said that she thinks chemo break will do more good for my body.
    my ca125 low and i am feeling well. also she thinks it is not very aggressive cancer.
    i had ct scan in may, pet scan in august and next per in october - most likely after that i will be on 2md line chemo.
    very happy to have break

    hugs
    v
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #5
    thanks
    thank you everyone for your response. I'm going to speak to my gynecologist/oncologist about taking a chemo break because my medical oncologist has not mentioned this. I need a break from chemo for a couple of months, not just the 2 weeks I'm off chemo as my oncologist mentioned for a break. I guess they don't understand when we've been on chemo for over a year constantly, the body just keeps getting one different chemo after another, and I can't understand how it would work correctly. But, that's me and I guess I just needed to vent.

    Thanks again.
  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #6
    I understand
    I was on treatment for a year with a small break to remove my right kidney( not related to ovca ) and I was ready for a break. It has been almost two months now and I feel renewed.
    Tell your dr you need it for your mental health but I would follow his advice if he says no the treatment you are getting might lead to a long remission and not just a break.Good luck
    Colleen
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #7
    Cafewoman53 said:

    I understand
    I was on treatment for a year with a small break to remove my right kidney( not related to ovca ) and I was ready for a break. It has been almost two months now and I feel renewed.
    Tell your dr you need it for your mental health but I would follow his advice if he says no the treatment you are getting might lead to a long remission and not just a break.Good luck
    Colleen

    breaks are a good thing
    I agree that your body is going to really appreciate a chance to recover from the chemo...the platinum accumulates in the body as a heavy metal toxin and has a long-term effect on your immune system. I have been getting chelation therapy to remove the platinum from my bones--apparently, there's lead and cadmium in me, too.

    The doctor told me that cadmium activates estrogen receptors so it is important for me to get the cadmium out of my body so it doesn't stimulate the cancer.

    Carolen
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #8
    I'm dreaming of a chemo break
    I would sooooo love to have a break from chemo. I'm going to talk to my ONC about it next visit. I'll look forward to hearing what your Dr. says.
    (((HUGS))) Maria

Discussion Boards