I am Grade 2, sentinel lymph node free, deciding if the 4 or 5% difference of having Chemo or going straight into radiation and onto tablets and with the added severe family history of kidney and heart disease. So confused ‘do I do Chemo or not’ I know it’s my decision but would like to know if other women have same or similar diagnosis. The oncologist said last week you have 6% extra chance of survival and then today said 4 or 5%.

All I know is @Newby24: when I was diagnosed with stage 1, 16 years ago, a nurse near where I worked, chose to try the natural route. She didn't have chemo. or any sort of conventional treatment. She died not long after.I had AC chemo., Tamoxifen for 5 years, tried Arimidex but it gave me migraines, so I didn't continue with it.I am still alive. I do have mets but I can still do most things I used to. I push myself continuously.To look at me, you would have no idea of my diagnosis. Do what ever you can to stop this disease. Your doctors know best.

This is so hard cause today I woke and am thinking as most people say if I want to fight I have to throw everything possible at it. I also sometimes feel guilty as some people on here are giving it all they can and in some cases over and over. Thank you to everyone that commented it really means a lot.

You know, they talk about fighting and battles as if it's something that we can win if we try hard enough. The truth is, you do what you can do, and hope that it is enough - there's no fighting involved. You listen to the experts' advice, weigh it up against quality of life, and go ahead. You either get lucky with the draw or you don't. So, do what feels right for you and then move on without guilt.

If you are running out of the spew pills, ring oncology and they will organise a script for you. Do not go without, just don't. It sounds like you are coping really well, so give yourself the best chance you can of being comfortable. If, and it is an 'if' you end up getting bone pain from the Neulasta shot it will probably be on Sunday. Don't muck around with it, take what ever pain relief you can and if you are still in trouble on Monday, go back to the hospital and demand something stronger. Suffering is for saints, no need for the rest of us to put up with it.Reactions to the colony booster (it stimulates your bone marrow to make more white cells) vary greatly; at least your nurse gave you a heads up. Some people have a bit of discomfort, for others (like me) it was a totally body toothache and I needed to pull out the big guns --targin is good-- until I found out about taking Claratyne to help reduce the pain. The theory is the pain is bone odema and the antihistamine reduces it. The key is starting the day before chemo and continuing for a week. Every chance you won't have any trouble, but if you do,, ask your oncologist if you can try it next round. It's standard practice in many clinics and others poo poo it and say it doesn't work. I had chemo twice in ten years, it worked for me.Keep up the good work! Mxx

Have you a doctor or specialist who can advise specifically in relation to your family history? The oncologist is trying to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence but you may find a decision easier if someone else with specialist knowledge can advise about the potential risks some chemotherapies may have in relation to other health factors. These risks may actually be very small but you are entitled to know about them. Your treatment is your decision but you want to make it with as much information as possible. Seeking a second, specialised opinion is just being practical. Best wishes.

New and so confused | BCNA Online Network

165 Replies

iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
Agree with @arpie
arpie
Member
7 years ago
I agree with @Afraser re possible intake of too much water.

Maybe also consider adding a watered down 'exercise drink' to your drink regime? When drinking copious quantities of fresh water, it also flushes out a lot of the necessary 'micro' nutrients that are essential for the healthy use of the body ..... a friend ended up with a pace maker after drinking too much 'clean water' (after doing a heap of dragon boat racing!) She actually needed the electrolytes to be replaced, but had watered them down instead! :(

Take care xx
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
I drank coconut water as well as water
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
Whilst in NT we were amused by the coloured charts in the public toilets which showed your hydration levels according to the colour of your pee. Then of course, someone came along and put the name of different types of beers/lagers alongside their respective colours.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
In rare cases, drinking too much water can be harmful. Think about how much fluid you are consuming, not just water as it all adds up. Water is usually about the best thing you can drink, but there is water or fluid intake from other sources. Thirst and urine colour are still the best indicators of hydration. I get amused by people clutching their water bottle in hand on a 20 minute tram ride......
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
Oh I’m pleased about that @kmakm. I was beginning to have doubts
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
TC here too @Doodoo. I was told to drink lots of water as well.
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
I was told to drink heaps because tc Chemo can cause damage to the kidneys
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Not oodles of water here either. I thought it was a bit contradictory as well. Put the stuff in then flush it out??? Drank a bit the first day to get rid of the red pee but that was it. I am terrible at drinking water and that didn't change.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
I didn't drink litres of water either - as always, I drank when thirsty.

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New and so confused

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