To chemo or not to chemo
Comments
-
Sorry
I'm sorry. I know it's hard to make decisions on this disease, because you want to do the right thing that will give you your life back. I was diagnosed very early, so I didn't do chemo. I don't feel qualified to offer an opinion about it, but I just want to wish you well as you grapple with this.
*hugs*
Gail0 -
Thank you for the well wishes.They are appreciated.tootsie1 said:Sorry
I'm sorry. I know it's hard to make decisions on this disease, because you want to do the right thing that will give you your life back. I was diagnosed very early, so I didn't do chemo. I don't feel qualified to offer an opinion about it, but I just want to wish you well as you grapple with this.
*hugs*
Gail0 -
Hmmm percentages, percentages
I was diagnosed Stage IV, it was recommended that I NOT bother with chemo, go home enjoy quality of life. Chemo saved my life. That my take on the matter.
I think perhaps you should talk to more people whom have the same diagnosis as yourself concerning their chemo. How were the ones you talked with worse? They died?
Winter Marie0 -
I suggest you tell your
I suggest you tell your oncologist (in case you haven't already) about all the bad side effects. He/she may be able to help with some of them, or modify the chemotherapy regime so as to minimize them. Are the side effects of the chemo poisons worth it? On average, I think you can assume that the answer is "yes", otherwise chemotherapy would not be part of conventional treatment. But, as they say, your mileage may vary.
--Greg0 -
hmmmherdizziness said:Hmmm percentages, percentages
I was diagnosed Stage IV, it was recommended that I NOT bother with chemo, go home enjoy quality of life. Chemo saved my life. That my take on the matter.
I think perhaps you should talk to more people whom have the same diagnosis as yourself concerning their chemo. How were the ones you talked with worse? They died?
Winter Marie
Well some have ended up with cancer just in different places,(liver, kidney etc). Some have passed. Maybe Im just in denial I have just never felt like I have needed it, I know that may sound crazy. So many choices. I am very happy that it has kept you hear to be with your family.0 -
Good GregPGLGreg said:I suggest you tell your
I suggest you tell your oncologist (in case you haven't already) about all the bad side effects. He/she may be able to help with some of them, or modify the chemotherapy regime so as to minimize them. Are the side effects of the chemo poisons worth it? On average, I think you can assume that the answer is "yes", otherwise chemotherapy would not be part of conventional treatment. But, as they say, your mileage may vary.
--Greg
Very well put. Thank you.
Winter Marie0 -
Percentagestr71068 said:hmmm
Well some have ended up with cancer just in different places,(liver, kidney etc). Some have passed. Maybe Im just in denial I have just never felt like I have needed it, I know that may sound crazy. So many choices. I am very happy that it has kept you hear to be with your family.
It's just that you kind of have to forget the percentages. Mostly they turn out to be years old. Then you have to figure in the factor of age, etc., and the percentages then change, they are so variable, that there really is no way to factor it in "your chances", and as I stated you have to look at when the percentages were given and it's pretty old mathematics in the ever changing world of chemo.
The cold feeling problem lasts a few days, then goes away until the next time, not something your stuck with lifetime wise. Yes, it's true, quality of life vs. quantity. So far my quality has been pretty fantastic, sure I've suffered from chemo effects, others have suffered way more, but we're still here, still LOVING our lives, and those around us. Many of us are seeing a Christmas we weren't supposed to. Percentage wise, I was dead 4 months ago, still here.
I never felt like I had cancer (well until I found out I did), and then they "fixed" the problem (blockage)that brought on the diagnosis, and I still didn't think I had cancer, heck, even sometimes now, I think they still got it wrong. Denial, yep, that's been pretty big with me.
Again, it's something that only you can decide on whether it's for you or not. I say, give life a chance, try it for a while, see if you're getting improvement, and then make your decision.
Winter Marie0 -
tr71068 -
(Mind if I call you "tr"?)
To do, or not to do.... it's a tough decision. It's an especially
tough decision when 90% of those around you will tell you
do chemo if you want to live. Can you trust the 10% that will
tell you about how they didn't and are surviving quite well?
I was declared as a stage 3c, but a second oncologist said I
was better deemed a stage 4. They took out all of the tumor,
27 lymph nodes, 7 with cancer. The tumor had grown fully inside
one section of the colon (obstructing it), out and into the next
section of colon, where it turns back to go the other way.
They said I had cancer throughout my body, and only chemo
may save me. But I had to start chemo fast, within the first
month after the operation.
They botched up the operation, and had to re-open me a little
over a week later. Same operation, only they disconnected my
colon from the Ileum, sealed it, and gave me an Ileostomy.
I had an infection from all that, and the wound didn't heal fully
until almost six months after surgery. Neither of my oncologists
would start chemo unless the surgical wounds were healed.
So, at six months post-op, they said that chemo would give
perhaps a 2% advantage, if it worked at all.... but they also
strongly suggested that I begin chemo. My surgeons insisted on
chemo. All my friends insisted on chemo, and what family I
have, felt chemo might be best.
During the six months, I studied cancer and chemo, and
radiation. And I studied the statistics and findings from around
the world. I also took time to look at all the alternatives.
My final opinion, was that chemo and radiation, although having
their place, are not the solution to cancer. They can slow down
progression that -must- be stopped as quickly as it can be stopped,
but it's not anything that can stop cancer from returning, and it's
side effects are often worse than it's benefits.
You can click on my name and read the "blog". It'd be easier than
me trying to type it all here.
There -are- other ways to fight cancer. There are absolutely no
guarantees, but those quick to point that out, forget that chemo
and radiation make no guarantees either. The difference between
using an alternative, or conventional medicine, is just a tiny small
difference....... The alternatives do not leave you with the great
possibility of getting a second cancer from the remedy, severe
neurological problems (some permanent), or a very damaged
immune system.
You can use an alternative along with conventional medicine,
and that is something that's most frequently done, but you do not
want to allow the chemo or radiation treatments to do too much
damage to your immune system if you can avoid that.
There are choices for you to make, and there is no one solution.
One thing I've learned, is that we are all afraid of dying. One has
to have had cancer, to know exactly what that fear is like, and
how long that fear lasts. You have to have had a terminal disease,
to appreciate what having a terminal disease is like.
If you're here, you're among good company; we're all here for the
same reason....... To attempt to live in spite of the diagnosis.
You'll do fine, just don't allow fear to steer your course.
John0 -
I was also dxd stage 3B on
I was also dxd stage 3B on May 20, 2008. I had resection surgery, 6 months of chemo, then take down of my colostomy. I am currently and hopefully for many many years to come cancer free.
For me, the decision to do chemo was very powerful and right to the point: yes, yes, yes. Never considered anything different or never having chemo. My thought then, as it still is now, I wanted every weapon western medicine had to offer to beat back this beast. I also trusted my colorectal surgeon, the oncologist at Mayo and my oncologist here in the cities. I never ever wanted to look back and say, what if. I also felt I had one choice to do this, it wasn't like I felt I could just wait and see if it came back and then I would try chemo. No way for me.
Yes chemo is a pain. I am with you on that. I was hospitalized 3 times while on chemo for a week each time- all due to severe reactions on the chemo. It wasn't a fun experience by any means. And I still deal with the after math of the poisons in my body. One of the things that happened for me that helped me deal with this? I had just turned 50 and hadn't been feeling well for a long time. Between age, menopause and unknown cancer, I was in a pretty icky place. I knew my life and body were going to continue to change, er, fail me, and there was no going back to my 20s. Bummer. I also knew then as I know now, that there were trade offs to be made. Mine was for the length of my life the trade for 6 months of hell with chemo. My grandson was born 4 days before my dx. A future with them, him and his future siblings and cousins, was my bottom line. And I grabbed on to that, held on and continue to hold on to that. It has made and will continue to make the worse experience of my life, the chemo, the best shot I had to have the time I wanted.
I have never looked back and never once regretted my decision.
That being said- there are several on this board who were dxd stage 3 who did not do chemo. I am sure they will pipe in and offer their points as well.0 -
JohnJohn23 said:tr71068 -
(Mind if I call you "tr"?)
To do, or not to do.... it's a tough decision. It's an especially
tough decision when 90% of those around you will tell you
do chemo if you want to live. Can you trust the 10% that will
tell you about how they didn't and are surviving quite well?
I was declared as a stage 3c, but a second oncologist said I
was better deemed a stage 4. They took out all of the tumor,
27 lymph nodes, 7 with cancer. The tumor had grown fully inside
one section of the colon (obstructing it), out and into the next
section of colon, where it turns back to go the other way.
They said I had cancer throughout my body, and only chemo
may save me. But I had to start chemo fast, within the first
month after the operation.
They botched up the operation, and had to re-open me a little
over a week later. Same operation, only they disconnected my
colon from the Ileum, sealed it, and gave me an Ileostomy.
I had an infection from all that, and the wound didn't heal fully
until almost six months after surgery. Neither of my oncologists
would start chemo unless the surgical wounds were healed.
So, at six months post-op, they said that chemo would give
perhaps a 2% advantage, if it worked at all.... but they also
strongly suggested that I begin chemo. My surgeons insisted on
chemo. All my friends insisted on chemo, and what family I
have, felt chemo might be best.
During the six months, I studied cancer and chemo, and
radiation. And I studied the statistics and findings from around
the world. I also took time to look at all the alternatives.
My final opinion, was that chemo and radiation, although having
their place, are not the solution to cancer. They can slow down
progression that -must- be stopped as quickly as it can be stopped,
but it's not anything that can stop cancer from returning, and it's
side effects are often worse than it's benefits.
You can click on my name and read the "blog". It'd be easier than
me trying to type it all here.
There -are- other ways to fight cancer. There are absolutely no
guarantees, but those quick to point that out, forget that chemo
and radiation make no guarantees either. The difference between
using an alternative, or conventional medicine, is just a tiny small
difference....... The alternatives do not leave you with the great
possibility of getting a second cancer from the remedy, severe
neurological problems (some permanent), or a very damaged
immune system.
You can use an alternative along with conventional medicine,
and that is something that's most frequently done, but you do not
want to allow the chemo or radiation treatments to do too much
damage to your immune system if you can avoid that.
There are choices for you to make, and there is no one solution.
One thing I've learned, is that we are all afraid of dying. One has
to have had cancer, to know exactly what that fear is like, and
how long that fear lasts. You have to have had a terminal disease,
to appreciate what having a terminal disease is like.
If you're here, you're among good company; we're all here for the
same reason....... To attempt to live in spite of the diagnosis.
You'll do fine, just don't allow fear to steer your course.
John
Yes tr is fine. thank you for your words whenever I tell my family and friends there has to be a different way to deal with this you can imagine the responce. How I am being selfish and giving up. But I truely dont believe that I am if I decide not to continue with chemo. Just wanted to say thanks0 -
My take on itAnneCan said:Welcome tr
Sorry you need to be here, but it is a wonderful place. I am sorry you are having problems with chemo. Greg's advice was good; make sure your onc knows what is going on. I hope you feel better soon.
tr71068,
As others have said, sorry you need to be here, but you couldn't have found a better place for truthful and understanding responses. To chemo or not is a really big question, yes the side effects are not fun. Although if death is the alternative, not saying it is, chemo starts to look pretty appealing.
I myself am still suffering from peripheral neuropathy brought on by chemo, in my hands and feet almost a year after finishing chemo. It will most likely go away with time, but even if it doesn't, I'm alive and that's what counts. I guess what I would like to point out is there is no free lunch with this cancer thing. Chemo may or may not have saved my life. Honestly, I don't know beyond a shadow of a doubt. But what I can tell you is tonight I was able to go out to dinner to celebrate clear scans with no evidence of disease, commonly referred to as NED. My beautiful wife Sheri and my in-laws got to spend that time with me and I with them. Life is good.
More than likely, your hair is only thinning, it does happen with Folfox, which I assume is what your chemo regime is. The sensitivity to cold is only temporary, and the nausea and fatigue will get better. In all honesty, while in the chemo room during treatment. I was taken with how truly beautiful all the bald Breast Cancer women were. I got to see them at one of the worst times in their lives, what I saw was the true inner beauty. Sorry for rambling on, but I just feel so damn lucky to be here now. I was staged as IIIc with 4 out of I believe 22 lymph nodes involved, so our paths are similar, although I was 47 when diagnosed.
Would I do chemo again? Hard to say, it would depend on the situation. What I can tell you is I am here now and loving it. This is a very personal decision, one of the hardest you will ever have to make. One way to look at it is this, don't do it and your wrong in your decision, you may die. Do it and your wrong, you feel like crap for a while. Hope my long winded ramble is able to comfort you and ease your decision, no matter what you decide. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Don0 -
Yes a hundred times yes
You certainly have a lot to think about but really it's an easy decision. Take advantage of every single weapon you have to beat back the beast. Like it was said up above don't find yourself years from now saying what if I had done the chemo. Chemo stinks for sure but it's a key weapon in beating cancer. But it's not the only key to victory you must have a positive attitude, strong support, and if you believe in God put your situation in his hands. You also should always have 2nd or even 3rd opinions to make sure you're getting the best info. Welcome to our board and I pray you will find peace in whatever decision you make.
Bobby in Dallas0 -
Judgment Call
To Chemo or not to Chemo that is the question.
I chose Chemo. This is round two for my colon cancer. Your symptoms seem similar to mine on round 2. I had a total blockage, resection and they found 3 tumors. On at the blockage and two further up stream. No lmyph node issues.
I chose Chemo for the fact that if there are little tumors in me I want them killed. I knew going in I was going to be sick for a year. (6 Months Chemo and 6 months to recover.) I did not know much about the neuropathy. Tender lips, cold tingles, diarrhea, headache, feeling nauseous 24/7, etc.... The nurses and this site have helped a lot in the what is coming next department.
Best Always, My prayers and thoughts are with you!
mike0 -
No to cytotoxic chemicals
Hi there,
I can chime in here for the no chemo side of the equation. I was dx'ed in 2001 with Stage III colon cancer. I had 2/19 lymph test positive with zero mets. Mayo Clinic advised 6 months of adjuvant chemo of 5-FU and leucovorin. I said No Thank You.
And here's why:
The three family members who did chemo did not live--grandfather was lung, aunt was breast and my 33 yr old sister died of adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. Chemo scared me more than the cancer--especially after I read all the potential side effects. I was too young (39) to think about surviving cancer only to have permanent heart and/or kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy, etc etc.
I opted to heal my cancer with a more natural approach based on a more holistic philosophy rather than the allopathic approach (medicine and more medicine to deal with the effects of the medicine etc etc).
Cancer is a symptom of a deeper issue and one needs to go to the root of the problem in my opinion. I have remained cancer free for over 9 years having NEVER DONE CHEMO. I opted to do chemia instead which is the "juice of the plant" and based my protocol on Max Gerson's juicing protocol. (with a few tweaks) I also went vegan and ate macrobiotically, and was under the care of both a naturopathic doctor and a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Hope this helps.
You DO have options and maybe Chemo is not for you. It surely wasn't right for me. IT's not for everyone and it surely wasn't right for anyone in my family.
peace, emily the juice chick0
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