xmomtofourx

John23 said:

Bonnie -

I think any invasive procedures, and/or life changing treatments
or conditions deserve second and third (or more) opinions.

It'd be in your best interest to make some appointments and get
those "other opinions" as soon as possible.

Also, Don't overlook the ability of the UMass Cancer Center in
Massachusetts. They're pretty well advanced, and can do wonders.

All that said.....

Re:
"On my first visit the oncologist said I *could do chemo but he
VERY strongly (over and over) suggest that I didn't, it wasn't
worth it as it would only up my chances 2% at the very most, if
that. Now I wonder if I should have done it."

It's very difficult to find an honest and straight-forward physician
that doesn't pull punches. He's telling you what his experience
and learning has provided. The risks of chemotherapy are not to
be taken lightly. All chemotherapy drugs are carcinogenic, and
all can have permanent, debilitating side effects. A 2% advantage
isn't an advantage at all, if the results are going to be more damaging
than the cancer.

Also keep in mind, that he was also (likely) acknowledging that
the "2% advantage" may only provide a few months more of life,
than if one did not take the chemo. Most all of chemotherapy's
"success" is measured in months, not years beyond the individuals's
life expectancy with cancer.

If he had weighed all that, and decided that not doing chemo was in
your best interests, then he was being honest with you in his archaic way.
But lousy bedside manners isn't always a great reason to fire a physician.

Get other opinions as soon as you can, but do yourself a favor, and
don't burn any bridges along the way.

Best wishes for your better health and looooong life!!

John