Thinking Of Quitting Chemo! Help

2

Comments

  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #22
    Christina82 said:

    Holding on!

    I don't know what to do, I am so confused! I mean I know for a fact that I don't want to go through this again!!! Will finishing chemo and getting a double mastectomy guarantee that the cancer won't come back?? 

    I have two lumps on my right breast, one is at 6 o'clock and the other is at about 9 or 10 o'clock close to my under arm. On my left breast I have nothing. Everything is good with no problems. (For now) I had the genetic testing done and it came back positive. My mother passed away at the age of 27 (I was 2 yrs old) of breast cancer and two of her sisters have been diagnosed with BC also. One of my aunts passed away from it about 4 yrs ago. That's why I am thinking of having a double mastectomy done. To be honest I really just wanted a lumpectomy done but after the genetic test results I am being told this is better for me. 

    All of this has happened so fast in a short period of time and has been very emotional for me. I am still working at a full time job just to try and keep my mind busy. I haven't really spoken to anyone about all this till now with all you guys. Smile 

    It sounds like you guys have gone through so much more than me and it makes me feel even bad for complaining of my issues but at the same time it's giving me that push and strength that I probably need to finish my chemo!

    Last night I also spoke with my kids (I have 4) about my thoughts of quitting chemo and the look on their faces just broke my heart. First question I got was "Why? So are you going to die?" 

    So this takes me  back to my first question, will doing and finishing all this treatment Guarantee that it won't come back?? Will I ever feel back to my normal self again?

    I wish there was an iron clad

    I wish there was an iron clad guarantee that with whatever treatment each of us goes thru, that would be it!  But, that isn't reality or life. 

    I choose to look at it that I've done everything I can to fight the beast. If it comes back, and, that is a big IF in my mind, I will fight it again.  I don't plan on that happening though. I plan on being NED forever!

    I always figure I will die of something else, not cancer.  Maybe that is what helps me to always think positive.

    Hugs to you Christine!

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #23
    jamiegww said:

    You don't have to put up with nausea and vomiting.

    You need to let them know what is going on and that something has to be done about it.  There are lots of meds they can prescribe for nausea but you have to let them know you need help.  Maybe you need Emend or maybe you need suppositories but you definitely need something that works for you and please don't let yourself be that miserable for that many days.  Yes, chemo is tough but with the proper treatment you can get through it.

    HUGS!!!

    Jamie

    I also am asking that you

    I also am asking that you don't stop chemo.  I know it is very tough, but, you have to fight this and chemo is one of the weapons.  Your doctors can help you with any side effects.  Ask, insist on some help please.

    Keep fighting, keep doing the chemo! 

     

  • deeb111
    deeb111 Member Posts: 141 Member
    #24
    Christina82 said:

    Holding on!

    I don't know what to do, I am so confused! I mean I know for a fact that I don't want to go through this again!!! Will finishing chemo and getting a double mastectomy guarantee that the cancer won't come back?? 

    I have two lumps on my right breast, one is at 6 o'clock and the other is at about 9 or 10 o'clock close to my under arm. On my left breast I have nothing. Everything is good with no problems. (For now) I had the genetic testing done and it came back positive. My mother passed away at the age of 27 (I was 2 yrs old) of breast cancer and two of her sisters have been diagnosed with BC also. One of my aunts passed away from it about 4 yrs ago. That's why I am thinking of having a double mastectomy done. To be honest I really just wanted a lumpectomy done but after the genetic test results I am being told this is better for me. 

    All of this has happened so fast in a short period of time and has been very emotional for me. I am still working at a full time job just to try and keep my mind busy. I haven't really spoken to anyone about all this till now with all you guys. Smile 

    It sounds like you guys have gone through so much more than me and it makes me feel even bad for complaining of my issues but at the same time it's giving me that push and strength that I probably need to finish my chemo!

    Last night I also spoke with my kids (I have 4) about my thoughts of quitting chemo and the look on their faces just broke my heart. First question I got was "Why? So are you going to die?" 

    So this takes me  back to my first question, will doing and finishing all this treatment Guarantee that it won't come back?? Will I ever feel back to my normal self again?

    keep hanging on

    hi christina please keep hanging on for you and your kids things do change but its cause you enjoy and appreciate so much more and you no longer sweat the small things i wish the best for you and the women on this site r very kind and caring no problem to small to talk about good luck

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #25
    Caseycm2013 said:

    Need more meds
    Hi Christina,
    I was so worried about nausea, but it hasn't been bad. I take emend one hour before chemo, then one the day after, then one more on third day. They are frightfully expensive, but worth it, I've been told. By expensive, I mean about$500.00 for three pills. My insurance pays about two-thirds. Then put stuff in before the chemo. The afternoon of the fifth day, some nausea but I managed to control it with lorazamam and promethazine. Also, I've heard that acupuncture works wonders.
    Were they trying to shrink tumor so you could have lumpectomy?
    If mastectomy was planned, I question some clinics pushing chemo first, but, hey, I'm no doctor. Good luck, and please try some more before giving up.

    Chris

    Christina, how are you? 

    Christina, how are you?  We're all concerned and hope you post again soon.

    Hugs, Angie

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #26
    jnl said:

    I'm so sorry Christina.  I

    I'm so sorry Christina.  I hope that you will let your doctors know how you are feeling physically and mentally.  They can help you if they know what to deal with.  Please keep fighting and never give up.  We will help you however we can and keep posting so we know how you are.

    We're here!

    Hugs, Leeza

    Thinking of you and I hope

    Thinking of you and I hope you will come back and let us know how you are and what you've decided.  We're all praying for you!

     

  • burcu123
    burcu123 Member Posts: 66
    #27
    Christina82 said:

    Holding on!

    I don't know what to do, I am so confused! I mean I know for a fact that I don't want to go through this again!!! Will finishing chemo and getting a double mastectomy guarantee that the cancer won't come back?? 

    I have two lumps on my right breast, one is at 6 o'clock and the other is at about 9 or 10 o'clock close to my under arm. On my left breast I have nothing. Everything is good with no problems. (For now) I had the genetic testing done and it came back positive. My mother passed away at the age of 27 (I was 2 yrs old) of breast cancer and two of her sisters have been diagnosed with BC also. One of my aunts passed away from it about 4 yrs ago. That's why I am thinking of having a double mastectomy done. To be honest I really just wanted a lumpectomy done but after the genetic test results I am being told this is better for me. 

    All of this has happened so fast in a short period of time and has been very emotional for me. I am still working at a full time job just to try and keep my mind busy. I haven't really spoken to anyone about all this till now with all you guys. Smile 

    It sounds like you guys have gone through so much more than me and it makes me feel even bad for complaining of my issues but at the same time it's giving me that push and strength that I probably need to finish my chemo!

    Last night I also spoke with my kids (I have 4) about my thoughts of quitting chemo and the look on their faces just broke my heart. First question I got was "Why? So are you going to die?" 

    So this takes me  back to my first question, will doing and finishing all this treatment Guarantee that it won't come back?? Will I ever feel back to my normal self again?

    yes you can do it

    you think you can not but you can do it. Keep going

  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #28
    Two of my friends

    Two of my friends did chemo treatments.One of them had problems with her heart racing.She finally was given something to keep her calm.She was terrified of her chemo treatments.She is now a 18 year survivor but when she was dx I didn't think she would make it.That many years ago and also she only had a lumpectomy with Stage 3 BC.

    Another friend was allergic to chemo.She got deathly ill after each treatment but it was the best one for her fast growing cancer. She's a 8 year survivor and doing great.She just weathered it but usually ended up in the hospital with IV's.Her doctor told her if the cancer ever came back he wasn't sure she would make it.She was very allergic which is rare.

    Wishing you the very best and when you get a chance let us know how you are doing.We're all thinking of you and we care.

    Lynn Smith  

  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #29
    DX at 32~



    Hi pink sister, I was dx at 32 so we are about the same age! I was wondering if you were doing all the suggested things in order to help your body deal with the treatments. I took the chemo (AC/T) but I tried very hard to follow every recommendation so I could minimize all side effects, as best as I could.

    First, how is your diet during chemo? Are you eating little bits several times a day? And I mean, very little (picture your fist with food, that's how much). You can eat a fruit, then hours later, oatmeal, than hours later broth, etc..Foods that are super easy in your stomach.

    Here's a great recipe book that helped me. This is a book written for women going through breast cancer treatments, and it suggests what foods to eat and NOT to eat:

    http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Fighting-Kitchen-Nourishing-Big-Flavor-Treatment/dp/1587613441


    Something else that's good is juicing. But be careful. Do not add sugar as adding more sugar can cause your stomach to hurt. Here's an amazing book on juicing:

    http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364866072&sr=1-1&keywords=the+big+book+of+juices


    Another key thing to do is to drink alot of water, at room temperature (not cold). Eating very light will help you. Eating things that your stomach can process easily. Eating really light starting 48 hours prior to your chemo is highly recommended.


    Are they giving you anti-nausea meds? That helped me. Not only the one they give you through iv, or the ones you take 3 days after chemo, but also additional pills. Please ask.

    You asked: Would chemo guarantee the cancer won't come back? The answer is NO. But it will give you the peace of mind you will need when you look back and think to yourself: I gave it all I could. Instead of saying: "What if I had taken the chemo?". Which one sounds better?

    I think you can do this! You are young and you have what it takes to finish this journey joyfully. Please, please keep going if you can. Ask for suggestions from your Doctors. Go see an ONCO NUTRITIONIST ( I am still doing that!). Eat light. Work out. Rest often. Pamper yourself. You will be OK!

    BTW, ask for ATIVAN. This pill was a miracle for me. Did you know that anxiety causes nausea, especially during chemo? Ativan controls both: anxiety and nausea. And it makes you want to eat! Please try it and see if it works for you. It is not addicting...at least not for me. I only took it when I needed it which was a few times during my AC treatments (which were harder than taxol).

    Sending prayers your way!!! Please keep us posted on what you decide.

     

    HUGS

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #30
    Lynn Smith said:

    Two of my friends

    Two of my friends did chemo treatments.One of them had problems with her heart racing.She finally was given something to keep her calm.She was terrified of her chemo treatments.She is now a 18 year survivor but when she was dx I didn't think she would make it.That many years ago and also she only had a lumpectomy with Stage 3 BC.

    Another friend was allergic to chemo.She got deathly ill after each treatment but it was the best one for her fast growing cancer. She's a 8 year survivor and doing great.She just weathered it but usually ended up in the hospital with IV's.Her doctor told her if the cancer ever came back he wasn't sure she would make it.She was very allergic which is rare.

    Wishing you the very best and when you get a chance let us know how you are doing.We're all thinking of you and we care.

    Lynn Smith  

    Sending more prayers!

    Sending more prayers!

  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #31
    Thinking of you!

    I hope you're feeling better. I pray you have peace of mind whatever your decision may be. We're here for you.

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #32
    Caseycm2013 said:

    Need more meds
    Hi Christina,
    I was so worried about nausea, but it hasn't been bad. I take emend one hour before chemo, then one the day after, then one more on third day. They are frightfully expensive, but worth it, I've been told. By expensive, I mean about$500.00 for three pills. My insurance pays about two-thirds. Then put stuff in before the chemo. The afternoon of the fifth day, some nausea but I managed to control it with lorazamam and promethazine. Also, I've heard that acupuncture works wonders.
    Were they trying to shrink tumor so you could have lumpectomy?
    If mastectomy was planned, I question some clinics pushing chemo first, but, hey, I'm no doctor. Good luck, and please try some more before giving up.

    Chris

    Christina, I hope you will

    Christina, I hope you will continue to post and express to us how you are.  We all care and we worry.  We're here 24/7 for you, we never close.

    Hugs, Jan

  • kmenurse
    kmenurse Member Posts: 217
    #33
    LoveBabyJesus said:

    Thinking of you!

    I hope you're feeling better. I pray you have peace of mind whatever your decision may be. We're here for you.

    You have friends here and

    image

    You have friends here and please never feel that you can't tell us exactly how you are feeling because more the not you will find someone that has had the same feelings, fears and anger.  Hugs and Prayers!...

    Kathy

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    #34
    kmenurse said:

    You have friends here and

    image

    You have friends here and please never feel that you can't tell us exactly how you are feeling because more the not you will find someone that has had the same feelings, fears and anger.  Hugs and Prayers!...

    Kathy

    Praying for you..

    Been thinking of you Christina and hoping you will log on soon to update us. 

    Hugs, Rose

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #35
    LoveBabyJesus said:

    DX at 32~




    Hi pink sister, I was dx at 32 so we are about the same age! I was wondering if you were doing all the suggested things in order to help your body deal with the treatments. I took the chemo (AC/T) but I tried very hard to follow every recommendation so I could minimize all side effects, as best as I could.

    First, how is your diet during chemo? Are you eating little bits several times a day? And I mean, very little (picture your fist with food, that's how much). You can eat a fruit, then hours later, oatmeal, than hours later broth, etc..Foods that are super easy in your stomach.

    Here's a great recipe book that helped me. This is a book written for women going through breast cancer treatments, and it suggests what foods to eat and NOT to eat:

    http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Fighting-Kitchen-Nourishing-Big-Flavor-Treatment/dp/1587613441


    Something else that's good is juicing. But be careful. Do not add sugar as adding more sugar can cause your stomach to hurt. Here's an amazing book on juicing:

    http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364866072&sr=1-1&keywords=the+big+book+of+juices


    Another key thing to do is to drink alot of water, at room temperature (not cold). Eating very light will help you. Eating things that your stomach can process easily. Eating really light starting 48 hours prior to your chemo is highly recommended.


    Are they giving you anti-nausea meds? That helped me. Not only the one they give you through iv, or the ones you take 3 days after chemo, but also additional pills. Please ask.

    You asked: Would chemo guarantee the cancer won't come back? The answer is NO. But it will give you the peace of mind you will need when you look back and think to yourself: I gave it all I could. Instead of saying: "What if I had taken the chemo?". Which one sounds better?

    I think you can do this! You are young and you have what it takes to finish this journey joyfully. Please, please keep going if you can. Ask for suggestions from your Doctors. Go see an ONCO NUTRITIONIST ( I am still doing that!). Eat light. Work out. Rest often. Pamper yourself. You will be OK!

    BTW, ask for ATIVAN. This pill was a miracle for me. Did you know that anxiety causes nausea, especially during chemo? Ativan controls both: anxiety and nausea. And it makes you want to eat! Please try it and see if it works for you. It is not addicting...at least not for me. I only took it when I needed it which was a few times during my AC treatments (which were harder than taxol).

    Sending prayers your way!!! Please keep us posted on what you decide.

     

    HUGS

    Hugs and prayers!
     

    Hugs and prayers!

     

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #36
    Caseycm2013 said:

    Need more meds
    Hi Christina,
    I was so worried about nausea, but it hasn't been bad. I take emend one hour before chemo, then one the day after, then one more on third day. They are frightfully expensive, but worth it, I've been told. By expensive, I mean about$500.00 for three pills. My insurance pays about two-thirds. Then put stuff in before the chemo. The afternoon of the fifth day, some nausea but I managed to control it with lorazamam and promethazine. Also, I've heard that acupuncture works wonders.
    Were they trying to shrink tumor so you could have lumpectomy?
    If mastectomy was planned, I question some clinics pushing chemo first, but, hey, I'm no doctor. Good luck, and please try some more before giving up.

    Chris

    Christina, please don't give

    Christina, please don't give up.  Keep fighting!  We all know how hard it is, but, you've got a full life ahead of you, free of treatments.  You deserve that, your family and friends deserve you! 

    Sending prayers and hope to you!

  • lori1961
    lori1961 Member Posts: 56
    #37
    Oh No,

    Hi Christina, So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Please do not quit chemo, I had terrrible nausea when they added adrinomycin to my cocktail and told my oncologist I could not do it.  I  was very surprised to hear how empathetic he was and put me on some lorazepam and Zofran and compazine as well as the IV meds I got before chemo. He is an awesome doc.  I have been done with chemo for 2 years last week and glad I stuck with it.

  • lori1961
    lori1961 Member Posts: 56
    #38
    Oh No,

    Hi Christina, So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Please do not quit chemo, I had terrrible nausea when they added adrinomycin to my cocktail and told my oncologist I could not do it.  I  was very surprised to hear how empathetic he was and put me on some lorazepam and Zofran and compazine as well as the IV meds I got before chemo. He is an awesome doc.  I have been done with chemo for 2 years last week and glad I stuck with it.

  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #39
    Caseycm2013 said:

    Need more meds
    Hi Christina,
    I was so worried about nausea, but it hasn't been bad. I take emend one hour before chemo, then one the day after, then one more on third day. They are frightfully expensive, but worth it, I've been told. By expensive, I mean about$500.00 for three pills. My insurance pays about two-thirds. Then put stuff in before the chemo. The afternoon of the fifth day, some nausea but I managed to control it with lorazamam and promethazine. Also, I've heard that acupuncture works wonders.
    Were they trying to shrink tumor so you could have lumpectomy?
    If mastectomy was planned, I question some clinics pushing chemo first, but, hey, I'm no doctor. Good luck, and please try some more before giving up.

    Chris

    Like Vicki Sam wrote, we are

    Like Vicki Sam wrote, we are surrounding you in prayers and good thoughts!

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #40
    deeb111 said:

    keep hanging on

    hi christina please keep hanging on for you and your kids things do change but its cause you enjoy and appreciate so much more and you no longer sweat the small things i wish the best for you and the women on this site r very kind and caring no problem to small to talk about good luck

    I hope you decided to

    I hope you decided to continue with chemo.  I wish we all could get a guarantee that after we finish with our surgeries and radiation and or chemo treatments that we would be cancer free forever, but, no one can make that guarantee.  We just have to do the best that we can to prevent it from ever coming back.

    I know you can do this and I will be praying for you.

     

  • Lynne P
    Lynne P Member Posts: 165
    #41
    lori1961 said:

    Oh No,

    Hi Christina, So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Please do not quit chemo, I had terrrible nausea when they added adrinomycin to my cocktail and told my oncologist I could not do it.  I  was very surprised to hear how empathetic he was and put me on some lorazepam and Zofran and compazine as well as the IV meds I got before chemo. He is an awesome doc.  I have been done with chemo for 2 years last week and glad I stuck with it.

    Please listen to everyone

    Please listen to everyone here and don't quit chemo.  I know you can do it.  Your doctors have to know of something that will help you.  Just don't give up.

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