Chemo

[sacc51]

I started chemo and radio last Monday, having had four days worth I can see why some opt out of the treatment. Wouldn't wish this on anybody. And only another 5 weeks to go.

[rwbuild]

I have a friend going through similar treatment at the moment and it is wearing him down. His friends and family is what keeps him focused as well as his faith. Hang in there, wishing you the best result.

[Handyjack]

Sorry to hear you are having treatment.
All things being equal, after the next five weeks you will have a much better prognosis and think it was worth going through.
Where you are having treatment might have a group of former patients who you can talk to for encouragement.

While things might be bad, I am sure there is someone going through a harder time. Look forward to the end of the year when you might be able to treat yourself or a loved one to a special gift or trip away.

[Chris Parks]

Best of luck with the treatment, I had radiation therapy for seven weeks and that was bad enough on its own.

[ericks2]

Sorry to hear about your health problems......all the best with your treatment

[woodPixel]

What advice can anyone give that is meaningful? Everyone's journey is unique. I sincerely wish you well.

My wife has a nasty and inoperable brain tumour. A filthy demon of a thing. It has changed everything.

After all her treatments I can only offer what I'd consider a slice of our wisdom, in that the very simple things in life matter.

Good food (quality not quantity), taking the time to cook it yourself. A slow coffee in the morning. Getting out when you can. Be in a garden, sit, be still and listen. Surround yourself with good people, dispense with those who are negative. Take your time to learn something new with your hands. Enjoy the sound of the rain.

For ages my wife has suffered. Chemo (many), hospitalisations (many, many, many), radio (hmmmm) and all the attendant indignities therein.

But, we wake each morning, do our things and really take time to enjoy a good well made coffee.

Keep us up to date. There are a vast number of people who genuinely care and genuinely want to know. Your words are important.

[KBs PensNmore]

Sorry accidentally hit the wrong button.
Not having gone through it, I can only imagine what it's like!!!
Having quality of life is the most important, live each day as it comes. Please keep us informed.
As woodpixel said [QUOTE]"Keep us up to date. There are a vast number of people who genuinely care and genuinely want to know. Your words are important [QUOTE]

[sacc51]

I've only had five sessions so far but I've decided enough is enough, I'll talk to the Doc on Monday and see what other options there are. If none then I'll more than likely stop treatment. I think quality of life is more important than quantity so I may decide to venture down the sorter path!

Sorry to hear of your wife's problems WoodPixel, give her my best!

[woodPixel]

sacc51, I spoke with my wife about you this morning, over our coffees. See, people do think of you.

Invest in a good coffee machine. A Breville BES860 is our favourite and has made thousands of delicious coffees :)

On stopping treatment, there are many who choose this path. It is rational. One of the very best questions we have ever asked SWMBO's doctors is "would you do this yourself". They *universally* hesitate, look down and say "no". By not having surgery to remove part of her brain followed by grueling chemo and radio, we believe as you have: quality over quantity.

Just like good coffee :)



BTW, happy to talk. My IM/FB/telegram/WhatsAp is the same as my handle :)

(as a side note: she was diagnosed with a horrendous Oligoastrocytoma. By *initially* choosing to do almost nothing has, we believe, given her a longer quality of life. Of course, everyone is different. Be wise. Be thoughtful and live the moment).

[Lappa]

I had 5 weeks of radio. Last two weeks were not pleasant. Would I do it again? Looking back - yep. Just on 4 years and still clear.

i know it’s not chemo, which I hear is worse, but a friend of my wife is just finishing off almost 6 months. She was thinking of quitting during the first week but they tailored the dose and things improved to the point that it was bearable.

However, every situation is different and you should do what you feel is right for you. As already expressed, there plenty of people here to back you up with whatever decision you arrive at.

Feel free to PM at any time.

[sacc51]

I'm taking into account the last 'cure' I had! I had 60% of my right lung removed a little over 12 months ago. The Doc proclaimed me cured and said he hoped I'd get 10 years - minimum. 12 months later it returned, same lung. I'm a little wiser now, cancer cannot be cured, it will always be lurking waiting to return, so I now think, why on earth would I put myself through this knowing it will, in all probability, return. If I have six months, great. If I have two years, even better, but I don't want to spend whatever time I do have left in pain and discomfort. Even if I was to be cured my life with PsA is not something I'm particularly enjoying. Imagine, just for a moment, not being able to tuck your shirt in, having your food cut for you, needing someone to dry you, not being able to turn a doorknob, workshop time being extremely painful, wearing braces to support your wrists, rattling as you walk from all the pills, feeling nauseous 24/7 due to the pills. It's about quality from my point of view, with PsA there is no quality, with PsA and chemo and radio it is just a miserable existence.

Bring on voluntary euthanasia, I'll be first in line!

[verawood]

My very best wishes to all going through such situations.

[Lappa]

I'm taking into account the last 'cure' I had! I had 60% of my right lung removed a little over 12 months ago. The Doc proclaimed me cured and said he hoped I'd get 10 years - minimum. 12 months later it returned, same lung.

I don’t know your Doc but none of the ones I’ve met would be brave enough to pronounce a cure after 12 months.
I’ve been told if my tests keep coming back negative for seven years then I can be confident that i’ve probably seen the last of it.
Tests every 6 months and I now visit the oncologist every two years rather than every 6 months.

[Chris Parks]

I am screened every 12 months and always will be because in my case they haven't got enough information to say anything due to the rarity of the condition. I am sure the open chest surgery was more for the benefit of the medical profession than for me but they will never admit that.

[thedge]

yeah the cure is worst then condition. All the best mate and hand in there.

[sacc51]

Everyone who has undergone cancer treatment is screened, the timing depending, had I not been screened, I would never had known the cancer had returned. Generally speaking, Docs will answer questions as best they can, when I asked what the percentages were for the cancer returning he gave me the time frames and percentages and added I should get at least 10 years. Ten years at my time of life is probably all I can expect, given my general health, genetics and a number of other factors, That would take me to nearly 80, I'd be happy with that, although I may wish to leave the room sooner should my health continue to deteriorate at it's present speed. Similarly when I asked the Oncologist what my time line was without treatment he also gave a time line: 6 months to two years.

The medical fraternity are not always forthcoming when giving out information , but they will, generally, answer your questions as best they can.

[Chesand]

The medical fraternity are not always forthcoming when giving out information , but they will, generally, answer your questions as best they can.

We tend to forget that medicine is not an exact science - there are too many variables.

Take care.

[Foo]

I think that so long as you're happy with your decision, then that's all that matters Sacc51 and you family and friends are supporting you. All the best and I hope that you quality of life is good for you, for what you have left, whether it's a short or long period.

Foo

[sacc51]

I had another go with the Chemo but this time I only lasted three days. Radio is still ok, so hopefully that will be enough. I have a scan late November so will have to wait till them to see if the treatment was successful. If so, then just a matter of sitting back and seeing where else it can pop up.

[woodPixel]

Not wanting to hijack this thread, or offer "just another option/opinion/time-waste", but my wife was talking to her radio doctor (a man of near infinate education, it would seem) and they were considering the use of Gamma Knife surgery: https://muh.org.au/services-specialties/gamma-knife/for-patients/faqs/

It isn't a cure, nor a miracle, though this thing literally slices up the tumours via a computer down to the atomic level and with incredible precision. They will review your case for free and advise what their opinions are.

There is also talk that this technique is soon to be rolled out to many places around the country.

[DaveTTC]

All close to home for me. Thinking of you and wish you strength and endurance.

DaveTTC
The Turning Cowboy
Turning Wood Into Art