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

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
You are absolutely right @kitkatb. Doing a lot of dashing about with Mum's Taxi tonight. Distracted!

@Newby24 Somewhere above a message meant for you.

Stay dry Queenslanders. K xox
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@kitkatb Sending you some dry vibes! I was born a North Queenslander - became a city girl in adulthood.
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
I think you mean @Newby24 , @kmakm not me for post above. But not good you are having a shitty day. Hope will feel better for the weekend. Big Hug from N Queensland ( a very wet N Queensland ) xox
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
That's lovely to hear @kitkatb!

Not such a good day today. But I'm trying. K xox
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@kitkatb yes it does feel good to say half way through. The chemo unit here is amazing for a base hospital and we are currently building a multimillion dollar oncology unit so it should be amazing but hopefully by the time it’s done I don’t ever have to use it again. @kmakm hope you are going okay. It’s now Chemo 2/4 down and day 3 and I feel alright so far and actually mostly doing everything by myself with the keen eyes of my daughters watching lol. We have always been close but this has even brought us more closer. One is 41 and the other is 40 this year, a couple of weeks after I finish radiation in May. Thanks for the comments always appreciated 💕💕
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24 I hope it's a first cycle thing only like it was for me. Fingers crossed. K xox
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Just think @Newby24 you will be half way through by then. I'm glad you didn't suffer in silence as they can really give you other drugs to make the going a bit easier. xo
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@kitkatb thank you and yes I went to see my onc and he has give me a script of something with a mix of codeine to help with the gastric so I have been good for a few days. I really felt like I was going down hill fast as I couldn’t control my bowels and glad my daughter took the initiative to ring and make an appointment with the local gp attached to the chemo ward three days a week. The doctor put me straight on the drip. Yes I am not looking forward to round 2 next Wednesday but I do think I am more prepared.
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Newby24 On my first chemo I had exactly the same as you. I had what my Onc called "Chemo Induced Gastro" and I too had to go onto a drip for dehydration at my local hospital. It made little difference and I came out the hospital still as bad as when I went in. However after talking to the Onc and giving him my symptoms that's when he changed my pre chemo drugs around and my after chemo take home drugs. On the day of chemo he introduced Phenergan into the mix which I stayed on for the whole time up to about a month after all chemo finished, he also introduced a strong slow release Nausea drug which lasted for up to 4 days after the day of chemo ( sorry can't remember the name of that one ) just that it releases over 4 days, This all added an extra 3/4 hour to my chemo but boy was it worth it. Also the steroid you take the day before and for 2 days after he increased it for me to take for 4 days post chemo instead of the 2. These changes made a huge difference for me and made the other 3 much more doable apart from a bit of a hiccup on my 2nd chemo with the Doxetaxin. Hope this next one is a lot easier. Big hugs xo
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Well haven’t been on here for a few days. I got floored with a few side effects and one was looking at my phone. Chemo 1/4 down and a little over a week until chemo 2/4 goes down and hopefully a little more prepared for this session. Ended up on a drip for dehydration and unbelievable and unbearable gastric so if anyone has any home brews for handling gastric can you please help....

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