To chemo or not to chemo, that is the queston
I have done a little research and I question whether getting chemo is worth it. From what I gather, chemo can damage the good cells and cause other problems (bone deterioration). What little stats I can find say that the cancer could still return, even with chemo.
I have had previous experiences with "just in case" drugs/procedures that proved I didn't really need them.
I would rather do frequent CA 125 blood tests to monitor tumor cells, and if they start rising THEN get the chemo. My primary care doctor agreed. Right now, 2 months after surgery it is at 9 (normal range 3-30ish).
Has anyone ever NOT taken chemo after surgery? What were the results? And for those who had surgery + chemo...what were the results? Inquiring minds want to know!
Comments
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Good question
Spidertoe, what GRADE is your cancer. I have grade 3 uterine papillary serous carcinoma which is highly recurrent. I've been on this site for several years and for those with my type of cancer, I have met some with stage 1 cancer that did nothing and fared well while others have recurrence and fared not well.
Based on my experience, cancer treatment is a guessing game. Doctors tend to recommend "best practice" based on research. There are general guidelines on the NCCN website that you can check out.
I appreciate and respect each person's decision and applaud this individual approach rather than the mass treatment approach (getting the most treatment does not guarantee the best result - I've seen that here too!). If you are comfortable with no chemo and close monitoring and your doc is with you on this, go girl. Chemo does take its toll. However for me I did very well with my first 2 courses of treatment -1) 6 doses of carboplatin + taxol and 2) 7 doses of carboplatin + 35 radiation. I'm now on my 3rd course of treatment (second recurrence) and getting Doxil which is really exhausting me.
I think it's good to gather all the info and then make best decision. Basically, my doctor and I agree to go with the least invasive type of treatment and give it a chance to work with close monitoring and then go to more aggressive treatment if needed.
All the best to you. Mary Ann0 -
spidertoe
Hi: I so agree with daisy. I appreciate and respect each person's decision. (getting the most treatment does not guarantee the best result - and not getting chemo still does not guarantee the best result. When I was dx endo cancer stage 1a grade 3 I was told hyst and no treatment, then I went to a highly qualified gyn/onc (world reknown) for a second opinion who told me total hyst and 6 rounds of chemo just to be on the safe side. I had absolutely no qualms about this treatment even though I was told how harsh it is. Thank God, I did the chemo and had no side effects except hair loss which was the least of my problem. Long term effects, well I don't know what the future holds. I am now a 3 year survivor (thanks to our Great Creator) and the wonderful and skilled doctors. I wish you all the best and hope you make the right decision. Sometimes Chemo can be our friend. Do not do research on the internet most of the information is old and depressing. Be well and pray to God and ask him to give you the wisdom to make the right choice. Be well friend.
By the way, the ca125 is not a marker for me.0 -
Spidertoe:
As the others
Spidertoe:
As the others have said, this is a personal choice. When I had my hysterectomy, they were not expecting cancer. They found it after the surgery in my uterus and ovary even though I had a laparoscopy and trans-vaginal ultrasound which did not indicating anything. I had to go back into surgery a month after my hysterectomy for staging wherein they also removed my appendix and omentem plus lymph nodes, etc. They did not find anything else and I was diagnosed with Grade 2, Stage iiia endometrial adenocarcinoma. Since they did not find anything else, I was given the option to treat or not (the doctor high recommended treatment). I went with the treatment because I know that if I didn't I would worry about every ache and pain that I had. I had a port placed and did my treatment . Then I had 3 brachy radiation treatments. That all occurred back in October of 2005. I had one small occurrence in 2010 which all they removed was a lymph node which had a positive biopsy but once removed showed nothing. I did not have treatment for this.
Also, please note that my CA125 was NOT an indicator so I wouldnt rely on that test unless yours actually was an indicator.
Several people that I knew when I was treating came in after being told they didn't need to treat only to have a recurrence within a year.
But everyone is different and YOU have to make the decision that is right for you.
My best to you.0 -
thanks allKaleena said:Spidertoe:
As the others
Spidertoe:
As the others have said, this is a personal choice. When I had my hysterectomy, they were not expecting cancer. They found it after the surgery in my uterus and ovary even though I had a laparoscopy and trans-vaginal ultrasound which did not indicating anything. I had to go back into surgery a month after my hysterectomy for staging wherein they also removed my appendix and omentem plus lymph nodes, etc. They did not find anything else and I was diagnosed with Grade 2, Stage iiia endometrial adenocarcinoma. Since they did not find anything else, I was given the option to treat or not (the doctor high recommended treatment). I went with the treatment because I know that if I didn't I would worry about every ache and pain that I had. I had a port placed and did my treatment . Then I had 3 brachy radiation treatments. That all occurred back in October of 2005. I had one small occurrence in 2010 which all they removed was a lymph node which had a positive biopsy but once removed showed nothing. I did not have treatment for this.
Also, please note that my CA125 was NOT an indicator so I wouldnt rely on that test unless yours actually was an indicator.
Several people that I knew when I was treating came in after being told they didn't need to treat only to have a recurrence within a year.
But everyone is different and YOU have to make the decision that is right for you.
My best to you.
Thanks all who commented! I've gotten more info since my post-- My CA 125 before surgery was 130-something. My primary care doc ordered another one last week (at my request) and it was 9. Also, I got more info from my doc's other nurse in Baltimore (he does surgeries in SEVERAL hospitals..he's a busy dude!! - but VERY good)...She said I had 2 cancers--
Stage 1A Ovarian carcinosarcoma AND Stage 1 endometriod adenocarcenoma. I asked her to send me the pathology reports, which she will do Monday. Also, she sent a message to my doc and he will call me, probably sometime inbetween/after surgeries on Tues. Once I talk to him, I'll make the decision to chemo or not. In the meantime..I just keep praying to God to give me the wisdom to make the right choice. I wish He would attach a note to a brick and drop it down on me! I have half the Eastern Shore praying for me, as well as folks around the country and world. I have a lot of faith, so whatever happens is God's will, and I'm ok with that.
Thanks to all, and may God bless you as much as He has blessed me!
-miles of smiles :-) :-) :-) :-)
Spidertoe0 -
Spidertoe, I'd like one ofSpidertoe said:thanks all
Thanks all who commented! I've gotten more info since my post-- My CA 125 before surgery was 130-something. My primary care doc ordered another one last week (at my request) and it was 9. Also, I got more info from my doc's other nurse in Baltimore (he does surgeries in SEVERAL hospitals..he's a busy dude!! - but VERY good)...She said I had 2 cancers--
Stage 1A Ovarian carcinosarcoma AND Stage 1 endometriod adenocarcenoma. I asked her to send me the pathology reports, which she will do Monday. Also, she sent a message to my doc and he will call me, probably sometime inbetween/after surgeries on Tues. Once I talk to him, I'll make the decision to chemo or not. In the meantime..I just keep praying to God to give me the wisdom to make the right choice. I wish He would attach a note to a brick and drop it down on me! I have half the Eastern Shore praying for me, as well as folks around the country and world. I have a lot of faith, so whatever happens is God's will, and I'm ok with that.
Thanks to all, and may God bless you as much as He has blessed me!
-miles of smiles :-) :-) :-) :-)
Spidertoe
Spidertoe, I'd like one of those bricks with a note, too. Good luck with your decision. My diagnosis was UPSC 1a and I opted for chemo and brachytherapy. Can't say how it's going to work out since I am only 2 months post chemo but I am feeling good. I walk 90 minutes at a time in town and the woods. Don't know if I could go longer since my dog finds that enough. I have some mild neuropathy in my feet and still need a sleep aide for insomnia. I am 66 so not a spring chicken.0 -
God's bricks....Spidertoe said:thanks all
Thanks all who commented! I've gotten more info since my post-- My CA 125 before surgery was 130-something. My primary care doc ordered another one last week (at my request) and it was 9. Also, I got more info from my doc's other nurse in Baltimore (he does surgeries in SEVERAL hospitals..he's a busy dude!! - but VERY good)...She said I had 2 cancers--
Stage 1A Ovarian carcinosarcoma AND Stage 1 endometriod adenocarcenoma. I asked her to send me the pathology reports, which she will do Monday. Also, she sent a message to my doc and he will call me, probably sometime inbetween/after surgeries on Tues. Once I talk to him, I'll make the decision to chemo or not. In the meantime..I just keep praying to God to give me the wisdom to make the right choice. I wish He would attach a note to a brick and drop it down on me! I have half the Eastern Shore praying for me, as well as folks around the country and world. I have a lot of faith, so whatever happens is God's will, and I'm ok with that.
Thanks to all, and may God bless you as much as He has blessed me!
-miles of smiles :-) :-) :-) :-)
Spidertoe
We all wish God would drop a brick with the right answers to life's dilemmas for sure.. but a Preacher told a story/joke once that basically said a man was caught in a flood and had to go up to his rooftop to avoid drowning. The water kept inching up over the roof and the police came in a dinghy trying to save him but he refused saying God was going to save him. Then a helicopter came and tried to rescue him - but no... he was waiting on God. He was a faithful church elder and he knew God was going to provide a miraculous rescue. He drowned.
He got to the Pearly white city and asked God how could he have let him drown? God said "I sent you a police boat and a helicopter - what more did you want?".
All that to say this... sometimes the answers are found in the opportunities provided through the medical system.
That said.. I didn't have chemo - but thankfully my Dr advised me that it was not necessary and in Canada if the Dr says it is not necessary - there is no option other than what he says. I was happy because I had decided I was not going to do the chemo.
I am 2 years next week since my surgery and thankfully I am NED. I have a few issues which keep raising their head but so far they have not assigned them to a recurrence. I will probably have to deal with it sometime in my lifetime again - but I pray not. And if I do - I pray that I recognize the bricks that He drops for me!
Hugs
JanH0 -
CHEMO ABSOLUTELYSpidertoe said:thanks all
Thanks all who commented! I've gotten more info since my post-- My CA 125 before surgery was 130-something. My primary care doc ordered another one last week (at my request) and it was 9. Also, I got more info from my doc's other nurse in Baltimore (he does surgeries in SEVERAL hospitals..he's a busy dude!! - but VERY good)...She said I had 2 cancers--
Stage 1A Ovarian carcinosarcoma AND Stage 1 endometriod adenocarcenoma. I asked her to send me the pathology reports, which she will do Monday. Also, she sent a message to my doc and he will call me, probably sometime inbetween/after surgeries on Tues. Once I talk to him, I'll make the decision to chemo or not. In the meantime..I just keep praying to God to give me the wisdom to make the right choice. I wish He would attach a note to a brick and drop it down on me! I have half the Eastern Shore praying for me, as well as folks around the country and world. I have a lot of faith, so whatever happens is God's will, and I'm ok with that.
Thanks to all, and may God bless you as much as He has blessed me!
-miles of smiles :-) :-) :-) :-)
Spidertoe
Spidertoe
Now that you have that additional info, which includes Ovarian cancer, there is no decision,
As a doctor and, now, unfortunately a uterine cancer patient, I cannot stress enough that you MUST have chemo
Ovarian cancer is not something to fool around with.
The prospect of chemo is terrifying to everyone, but once you have it , you will find it is not so bad at all.
While you are receiving it, you feel nothing....as if sugar water was going into your veins.
Then for a few days you actually feel energized, due to 3 days of steroids
Day 4-6 are the "bad" ones
They are like having a mild flu....very mild
Then you are back to normal, except for low energy.
I had no nausea, no loss of appetite.....only fatigue, which persists, but eventually goes away.
Please Spidertoe, this is your life
Do not be passive and rely only on God's will
I wish you all the best
Dr. Beila0 -
Canadian Health Carejanh_in_ontario said:God's bricks....
We all wish God would drop a brick with the right answers to life's dilemmas for sure.. but a Preacher told a story/joke once that basically said a man was caught in a flood and had to go up to his rooftop to avoid drowning. The water kept inching up over the roof and the police came in a dinghy trying to save him but he refused saying God was going to save him. Then a helicopter came and tried to rescue him - but no... he was waiting on God. He was a faithful church elder and he knew God was going to provide a miraculous rescue. He drowned.
He got to the Pearly white city and asked God how could he have let him drown? God said "I sent you a police boat and a helicopter - what more did you want?".
All that to say this... sometimes the answers are found in the opportunities provided through the medical system.
That said.. I didn't have chemo - but thankfully my Dr advised me that it was not necessary and in Canada if the Dr says it is not necessary - there is no option other than what he says. I was happy because I had decided I was not going to do the chemo.
I am 2 years next week since my surgery and thankfully I am NED. I have a few issues which keep raising their head but so far they have not assigned them to a recurrence. I will probably have to deal with it sometime in my lifetime again - but I pray not. And if I do - I pray that I recognize the bricks that He drops for me!
Hugs
JanH
Jan
I dont understand why you are putting down our FREE health care system
First you said that we have to pay for a ca-125
In what universe did you experience this?????
Now you say that "in Canada if the Dr says it is not necessary- there is no option..."
Well I'm sure that in the USA one could always find some quack who will charge you an arm and a leg to do whatever you want (like Michael Jackson) and administer drugs that are not indicated.
Do you think that a qualified MD should administer highly toxic drugs if he/she feels it is not indicated?
Most Canadians are proud and grateful for our accessible, free healthcare system, as opposed to the insurance hassles Americans must negotiate
Dr. Beila0 -
Planet Torontobeila said:Canadian Health Care
Jan
I dont understand why you are putting down our FREE health care system
First you said that we have to pay for a ca-125
In what universe did you experience this?????
Now you say that "in Canada if the Dr says it is not necessary- there is no option..."
Well I'm sure that in the USA one could always find some quack who will charge you an arm and a leg to do whatever you want (like Michael Jackson) and administer drugs that are not indicated.
Do you think that a qualified MD should administer highly toxic drugs if he/she feels it is not indicated?
Most Canadians are proud and grateful for our accessible, free healthcare system, as opposed to the insurance hassles Americans must negotiate
Dr. Beila
I live in Toronto and Dr. Raymond Osborne at Sunnybrooke Odette Cancer Clinic absolutely refused to even write me a requsition for the CA125 test - even though my Mom died of ovarian cancer. I had my Family Doctor "humour me" into writing the requisition for the test - and I paid $35 each of the 2 times I have had that test done. I have never been given a CT scan, a PET scan or an MRI. I asked for a chest xray and the Dr told me they only treat symptoms. And if I had anything on my lung it is incurable and why would I want to know that?
Our FREE healthcare system is not free. I personally pay 55% income tax and I had no choice in what Doctor I went to for my cancer treatment. If my gynecologist sent me to Sunnybrooke and I decided I want to go somewhere else there is a huge mountain of effort to switch AND I know the new system would wonder why I changed and I would be considered a rebel.
You are a Doctor - I would ask what planet do you live on if you think our healthcare system is good. Yes, there is no consideration as to whether I can afford to go to the doctor or stay in the hospital and I would definitely say that is a huge blessing. But the level of medical attention available in the US is extraordinary - if you have insurance / money.
And didn't I see you asking about a trial or something in the US? Why would you need to do that if it is not to say the US system is superior?
Our healthcare system needs reform. So does the US.
I have lived in both countries and I know from whence I speak.
I would definitely not want the burden of worrying about how to pay for my treaments - but I also would like to be able to choose and actually get the care we all deserve.
I am sorry I touched a nerve - but trust me I see the lackings in both - and I see the benefits in both. It's too bad we can't have politicians that have the ability to combine and find a better option for everyone.
Peace -
Patient Jan0 -
Chemo or notbeila said:CHEMO ABSOLUTELY
Spidertoe
Now that you have that additional info, which includes Ovarian cancer, there is no decision,
As a doctor and, now, unfortunately a uterine cancer patient, I cannot stress enough that you MUST have chemo
Ovarian cancer is not something to fool around with.
The prospect of chemo is terrifying to everyone, but once you have it , you will find it is not so bad at all.
While you are receiving it, you feel nothing....as if sugar water was going into your veins.
Then for a few days you actually feel energized, due to 3 days of steroids
Day 4-6 are the "bad" ones
They are like having a mild flu....very mild
Then you are back to normal, except for low energy.
I had no nausea, no loss of appetite.....only fatigue, which persists, but eventually goes away.
Please Spidertoe, this is your life
Do not be passive and rely only on God's will
I wish you all the best
Dr. Beila
Spidertoe, I am not a professional, but I am a cancer survivor. I would agree with beila that despite the discomfort of chemo, it might well save your life. I have two friends who had State 4 uterine cancer. They went through chemo and radiation and are fine, six and seven years later.
I can only say that were I in your place, I would opt for the chemo. My friends did not have too bad a time with it - they have medications now to lessen the side effects.0 -
Agree with Beilabeila said:CHEMO ABSOLUTELY
Spidertoe
Now that you have that additional info, which includes Ovarian cancer, there is no decision,
As a doctor and, now, unfortunately a uterine cancer patient, I cannot stress enough that you MUST have chemo
Ovarian cancer is not something to fool around with.
The prospect of chemo is terrifying to everyone, but once you have it , you will find it is not so bad at all.
While you are receiving it, you feel nothing....as if sugar water was going into your veins.
Then for a few days you actually feel energized, due to 3 days of steroids
Day 4-6 are the "bad" ones
They are like having a mild flu....very mild
Then you are back to normal, except for low energy.
I had no nausea, no loss of appetite.....only fatigue, which persists, but eventually goes away.
Please Spidertoe, this is your life
Do not be passive and rely only on God's will
I wish you all the best
Dr. Beila
I totally agree with Beila. Necessary and not that big of a deal when all is said and done. Someone told me they heard it was brutal. I told him the only thing brutal about it was being confined to a chair for 6 hours every 3 weeks.
I just finished my chemo on 10/12 and had my first vaginal brachytherapy on Friday. Not a bit of nausea during chemo. I did not even take the meds they prescribed. I did gain 15 lb. but I think it was more because I figured I deserved ice cream than the chemo itself. Hair loss is the hardest but I have cute caps from TLC where complete strangers complement me on what a cute cap it is. No one can tell I am bald. I love their conductor's cap. My neutrophils got low but if it were not for the blood test, I wouldn't have even known. My oncologist prescribed neupogen and I did not have any side effects from that either. I've had fatigue and tingling long before cancer (multiple sclerosis) and chemo did not worsen it.
I just got home from a 13 mile/3.000 ft. hike with the Sierra Club. I won't be climbing Mt. Whitney or Yosemite Half Dome this year, but I can still keep up with the group, chemo, radiation and all.0 -
more update
Hi folks. Thanks for all the comments. As for the health care system in the U.S. and Canada...they could both use improvement,and they both have benefits. I don't have insurance, so whatever medical bills I have, is up to me. I am getting some discounts and financial help, but it still costs an arm and a leg. Any blood tests/pap smears I have are just $30, so that isn't so bad. I can get my mammograms for free.
As for God dropping a brick on my head..well, he did! (ok, not a brick, but 2 rose buds) I've prayed about this for several weeks and asked God to give me the wisdom. Last week, I even prayed w/ my pastor's wife. She added "and give her a sign to let her know that she is making the right decision." Saturday, I was doing some weeding, got all the weeds out from under the rose bush, and noticed 2 rose buds on it! This is NOT the time of year for buds/flowers --the bush is SUPPOSED to be dormant. Sunday morning I woke up and realized those buds were a sign from God letting me know that not doing the chemo was the right decision. I'll keep everyone posted as the days go by. God bless everyone!0 -
I love these signsSpidertoe said:more update
Hi folks. Thanks for all the comments. As for the health care system in the U.S. and Canada...they could both use improvement,and they both have benefits. I don't have insurance, so whatever medical bills I have, is up to me. I am getting some discounts and financial help, but it still costs an arm and a leg. Any blood tests/pap smears I have are just $30, so that isn't so bad. I can get my mammograms for free.
As for God dropping a brick on my head..well, he did! (ok, not a brick, but 2 rose buds) I've prayed about this for several weeks and asked God to give me the wisdom. Last week, I even prayed w/ my pastor's wife. She added "and give her a sign to let her know that she is making the right decision." Saturday, I was doing some weeding, got all the weeds out from under the rose bush, and noticed 2 rose buds on it! This is NOT the time of year for buds/flowers --the bush is SUPPOSED to be dormant. Sunday morning I woke up and realized those buds were a sign from God letting me know that not doing the chemo was the right decision. I'll keep everyone posted as the days go by. God bless everyone!
Spidertoe, I love your story.
As far a cost of health care. The hospital sent cost breakdown - cost of doxil was $25K and infusion another $1K - $26K! They saved the $4K neupogen shot on me, though. How does anyone manage paying for that??
God bless you. Mary Ann0 -
Praying for you too!Spidertoe said:more update
Hi folks. Thanks for all the comments. As for the health care system in the U.S. and Canada...they could both use improvement,and they both have benefits. I don't have insurance, so whatever medical bills I have, is up to me. I am getting some discounts and financial help, but it still costs an arm and a leg. Any blood tests/pap smears I have are just $30, so that isn't so bad. I can get my mammograms for free.
As for God dropping a brick on my head..well, he did! (ok, not a brick, but 2 rose buds) I've prayed about this for several weeks and asked God to give me the wisdom. Last week, I even prayed w/ my pastor's wife. She added "and give her a sign to let her know that she is making the right decision." Saturday, I was doing some weeding, got all the weeds out from under the rose bush, and noticed 2 rose buds on it! This is NOT the time of year for buds/flowers --the bush is SUPPOSED to be dormant. Sunday morning I woke up and realized those buds were a sign from God letting me know that not doing the chemo was the right decision. I'll keep everyone posted as the days go by. God bless everyone!
Hopefully the sign is the right one, but it sounds like it is for you at this time. Please make sure you do all the follow up appointments so they can test you, in case something does come up. Cancer is a funny thing but very serious. Praying that everything will continue to come up good for you. trish0 -
SpidertoeSpidertoe said:thanks all
Thanks all who commented! I've gotten more info since my post-- My CA 125 before surgery was 130-something. My primary care doc ordered another one last week (at my request) and it was 9. Also, I got more info from my doc's other nurse in Baltimore (he does surgeries in SEVERAL hospitals..he's a busy dude!! - but VERY good)...She said I had 2 cancers--
Stage 1A Ovarian carcinosarcoma AND Stage 1 endometriod adenocarcenoma. I asked her to send me the pathology reports, which she will do Monday. Also, she sent a message to my doc and he will call me, probably sometime inbetween/after surgeries on Tues. Once I talk to him, I'll make the decision to chemo or not. In the meantime..I just keep praying to God to give me the wisdom to make the right choice. I wish He would attach a note to a brick and drop it down on me! I have half the Eastern Shore praying for me, as well as folks around the country and world. I have a lot of faith, so whatever happens is God's will, and I'm ok with that.
Thanks to all, and may God bless you as much as He has blessed me!
-miles of smiles :-) :-) :-) :-)
Spidertoe
I'll pray for the brick to hit you and you'll be on the proper path.
Two cancers -- well I can relate to the "carcinosarcoma" which is generally called MMMT...now don't ask me what it stands for as don't have that here, darn it! But...I have that type (uterine) and it's not the general "garden variety", but very aggressive and must be treated as such. I wasn't as lucky to have stage 1, as I'm stage 3 and assuming this will be a grade 3 cancer for both of us, too.
Keep this in the back of your head as even when stage 1 with MMMT you might need treatments. Best to knock it down before it starts to spread and become more invasive. Note -- my opinion so don't quote me here.
In either case, ask lots of questions and avoid the internet...statistics are fairly outdated on this MMMT.
Cancer is not a sentence, it's a word!
Jan0 -
That is wonderful!Spidertoe said:more update
Hi folks. Thanks for all the comments. As for the health care system in the U.S. and Canada...they could both use improvement,and they both have benefits. I don't have insurance, so whatever medical bills I have, is up to me. I am getting some discounts and financial help, but it still costs an arm and a leg. Any blood tests/pap smears I have are just $30, so that isn't so bad. I can get my mammograms for free.
As for God dropping a brick on my head..well, he did! (ok, not a brick, but 2 rose buds) I've prayed about this for several weeks and asked God to give me the wisdom. Last week, I even prayed w/ my pastor's wife. She added "and give her a sign to let her know that she is making the right decision." Saturday, I was doing some weeding, got all the weeds out from under the rose bush, and noticed 2 rose buds on it! This is NOT the time of year for buds/flowers --the bush is SUPPOSED to be dormant. Sunday morning I woke up and realized those buds were a sign from God letting me know that not doing the chemo was the right decision. I'll keep everyone posted as the days go by. God bless everyone!
Be still and know that I am God. It is hard to do - but it works!
Bless you and keep us posted!
JanH0 -
Rose budsSpidertoe said:more update
Hi folks. Thanks for all the comments. As for the health care system in the U.S. and Canada...they could both use improvement,and they both have benefits. I don't have insurance, so whatever medical bills I have, is up to me. I am getting some discounts and financial help, but it still costs an arm and a leg. Any blood tests/pap smears I have are just $30, so that isn't so bad. I can get my mammograms for free.
As for God dropping a brick on my head..well, he did! (ok, not a brick, but 2 rose buds) I've prayed about this for several weeks and asked God to give me the wisdom. Last week, I even prayed w/ my pastor's wife. She added "and give her a sign to let her know that she is making the right decision." Saturday, I was doing some weeding, got all the weeds out from under the rose bush, and noticed 2 rose buds on it! This is NOT the time of year for buds/flowers --the bush is SUPPOSED to be dormant. Sunday morning I woke up and realized those buds were a sign from God letting me know that not doing the chemo was the right decision. I'll keep everyone posted as the days go by. God bless everyone!
I really do admire your strong faith in God. Okay, I know that this is not the time for buds and flowers, where I live they should all be gone by now. I don't have buds I have roses and roses still blooming. I wonder if this too is a sign from God.0 -
love your cap, nancibeenancibee said:Agree with Beila
I totally agree with Beila. Necessary and not that big of a deal when all is said and done. Someone told me they heard it was brutal. I told him the only thing brutal about it was being confined to a chair for 6 hours every 3 weeks.
I just finished my chemo on 10/12 and had my first vaginal brachytherapy on Friday. Not a bit of nausea during chemo. I did not even take the meds they prescribed. I did gain 15 lb. but I think it was more because I figured I deserved ice cream than the chemo itself. Hair loss is the hardest but I have cute caps from TLC where complete strangers complement me on what a cute cap it is. No one can tell I am bald. I love their conductor's cap. My neutrophils got low but if it were not for the blood test, I wouldn't have even known. My oncologist prescribed neupogen and I did not have any side effects from that either. I've had fatigue and tingling long before cancer (multiple sclerosis) and chemo did not worsen it.
I just got home from a 13 mile/3.000 ft. hike with the Sierra Club. I won't be climbing Mt. Whitney or Yosemite Half Dome this year, but I can still keep up with the group, chemo, radiation and all.
I want that cap!!
What is TLC?
Love your upbeat attitude
HOW DO YOU DO A 13 MILE HIKE??????
I will be starting Doxil and, hopefully Avastin, but still have post chemo fatigue 2 months after my Taxol/Carboplatin, which, unfortunately did not work
The fatigue is slowly improving, and when I get in a pool, I can still swim my half mile
Are you in northern California?
I used to live in San Francisco, and of course loved Yosemite, but couldnt hike 13 miles at the best of times!!
Keep up the good work!
hope to hear from you, nancibee,
Beila0 -
Nemparknempark said:Rose buds
I really do admire your strong faith in God. Okay, I know that this is not the time for buds and flowers, where I live they should all be gone by now. I don't have buds I have roses and roses still blooming. I wonder if this too is a sign from God.
Sure seems like it could be!! Super roses!! Awesome.0 -
chemotherapy 'yes or no'
For anyone undecided about going further down the conventional medical route, look at Phillip Day's website 'Credence.com'
I already have some of his books and attended a one day course yesterday, I already had serious concerns about cancer treatment in this country and have spent some time with the Gerson support group in London.
Yesterday totally convinced me that diet is the answer to cancer and other diseases, something the medical profession will not admit. It is for everyone to decide, the problem with chemo is it weakens your immune system and that is required to restore your health.
I am in the medical profession and have been looking into this for years, it is an area that really interests me and I have sadly seen relatives die after going down the conventional route but I have friends who have had chemo and radio and appear fine although still abnormally tired 5 years after their treatment.
Phillip Day has several DVDs, a good start is 'Healing Cancer from the Inside Out'.
I have just seen your post about your faith in God, amazing, I believe the Lord Jesus is the only true healer, may God bless you.
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