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

Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Wipes and flushed twice, same drill.
Shellshocked201
Member
7 years ago
Can I ask another question, what if you’re out somewhere and you had to use a public toilet or a relatives toilet?
What did you lovely people do? Carry wipes, toilet seat covers?
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
I accidentally sprang a chemo line when going to the toilet during treatment (in day oncology) - truly not my fault, the cannula was faulty. But much running in gowns and gloves and wellie boots, as you don't want this stuff on you. In you is a different matter! Same thing with toilets. Lid down and flush twice. If you are having three weekly chemo, problem abates a bit after the first 4/5 days. To be honest, I have never heard of anyone having a bad outcome so I think the scare tactic works a treat!
Shellshocked201
Member
7 years ago
Thank you kmakm that makes sense, did read about using condoms during sex when having Chemotherapy, not sure I would have the energy lol...
Lots to learn
Thanks again xx
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
NO the toxicity of the chemo drugs
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Shellshocked2018_ No such thing as a silly question!

As the chemo passes through your body, some of it comes out in your urine. These are highly toxic substances. You'll see the nurses wear thick protective gloves, glasses and gowns to handle it. You don't want anyone except yourself anywhere near the stuff. Almost all loos splash/spray when flushed. So keep the lid down and no drips! It's also why they tell you to use a condom if you have sex during chemo.

My husband and I still used the same loo but I was very very careful. K xox
Shellshocked201
Member
7 years ago
This might be a silly question so I apologise up front.
May I ask why people are not sharing a toilet? Is this to do with your low immune system during Chemo?

I haven’t started Chemo yet, due to see oncologist at cancer clinic next Friday.
The more information I have the better
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
We didn't have two toilets, so I was just very scrupulous about cleaning and flushing. Curiously when my partner got early bowel cancer and elected to do a full course of chemo, he got no dire warnings about toilets. I know who's the least careful on the loo stakes in our house!!
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
we kept my toilet for me alone throughout my whole treatment we were in a house with 3 inside loos and 1 dunny ;) but we decided it best if mine was solely mine until month after last chemo....
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@Zoffiel thank you for your advice it really is a matter of awareness and I truly appreciate any advice. Day 3 and nothing as yet just panadol for aching legs last night. Yes my cancer nurse came to my radiation mtg yesterday and said to make sure I have nausea pils on hand and take even at the slightest feelings.

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New and so confused

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