Hi all, I was quite set back by a hospital staff member calling me this morning to ask me some important questions regarding my three appointments at hospital tomorrow. First one 11am Radiation Dept. Next 2.45pm Post Op. my surgeon then again 4pm back at Radiation DeptI was first diagnosed in 2014, then again February 2018 another tumour grade 3 etc( can see my previous post) The question she asked me was. "Do I believe in quality of life as against quantity of life" It threw me as I took it to be as I was now 70 were they considering me to be past certain treatment and choosing more deserving or younger patients?I did choose not to have any treatment after my first WLE in 2014. But surely because I chose that the first time some 4 years ago surely they dont expect me to go that route again as things are much much worse now.My question to all you lovely ladies who have gone through this, or going through this. Is it rough to start at 70 should I consider milder treatment as I have seen both my mother & sister suffer terribly and still pass with no quality for the last couple of years of their lives. I really don't want to put my two daughters through this. Its a memory I have never forgotten seeing them go as they did. It could have been easier I know.So sorry to ask such a serious question but I go in tomorrow for the final discussion with one of my daughters, I need some serious advice. Sadly I have a twin sister to think of as well. Thanks in advance love & hugs to all on here. Dawn x

Hello ladies back with an updat on where I am at. My first chemo session was on 20th June 4 hours of it but all good. hadnt realised one gets other drugs in the iv as well as the hercepton & Paclitaxel which lengthens the process. But I have got the hang of it now as I had second treatment yesterday tuesday & all good. First go next day I was like superman I flew around my daughters house like Buz lightyear didnt realise I had steroids added to my treatment, Today though I dont feel so good but still ok a bit nausea today but no vomiting. With a whole year of this I should be an expert by the end of it. Not that I want to be. Well ladies happy to be going along as good as this, Hope you are all good as well, Till next time healthy times to you all love Dawn

I think it is a reasonable question, but the delivery was a bit off considering it was a phone call and you do not know what will be recommended. Advanced car planning is something that most of us neglect but it is a discussion we should all have when, or before, things start to go screwy. Some people want to do everything they can and will accept any treatment, regardless of the effect on their quality of life. Others would prefer not to.One thing I would recommend is keeping any decisions about accepting or refusing treatment (assuming that is what it comes down to) to yourself until you are fairly sure what you want to do. Family/peer pressure can be intense and can make it very difficult to follow your own path if they disagree with you. Mxx

Thanks ladies for all your input. I have done a lot of very thoughtful thinking this afternoon & have decided to make a list of positives & negatives for treatment & for not having treatment. I will write it up tonight & take it with me tomorrow I wont bring it up unless I feel the need to during the discussion. I had four very very good years from 2014 to 2018 without ANY treatment at all! Maybe I was lucky, but maybe just maybe four more very good QUALITY years would be better than five, six or seven years of chemo, radiation, hormone treatment & all the symptoms & hospital appointments that will go with it might be a healthier option also? Who knows? I have a big decision tomorrow. May God & all his little angels be with me then.God bless you all.

Dads oncologist just before Christmas became very candid with dad saying the bone cancer is taking over. Dad was not impressed and immediately asked for a psychologist. I think the psychologist had a quiet word to the oncologist when he got back from Christmas as he was a different man when he saw dad next and a plan was hatched to have a new sort of chemo. Yes it has risks. Yes there are side effects, some not yet known. Yes they overdosed dad on the first dose of chemo but they got it right now and he is hardly sick at all. Just a bit tired for a few days and then he comes good. Dad has now planted himself a couple of veg gardens. I love his snow peas. Dad is 78 now.

I don't think that's a question you can answer without knowing what is prompting it and while it might be something you need to consider, hardly appropriate in a pre-appointment phone call. As to what you are able to cope with at 70, I think that will depend on the treatment considered, your general fitness, etc. I'm sorry - this is not really what you were asking but it seems so bizarre for you to be presented with this in this way.

Quality of Life or Quantity they asked me?

40 Replies

Brenda5
Member
8 years ago
My dad after suffering chemo last year with out a port, has in a last month gotten a port put in for more chemo. He says its just the best thing out so look forward to getting that one in. I never got a port as my chemo was only 3 months worth and it wasn't worth it for me.
Sister
Member
8 years ago
While there's definitely something to be said for nature I suspect that you have had a lot to do with how your kids have turned out @Dawnc
Dawnc
Member
8 years ago
Will do @Sister & yes they are the best I am blessed.
Sister
Member
8 years ago
What wonderful kids you have @dawnc They must make you feel very proud. Good luck with it and keep us posted.
Dawnc
Member
8 years ago
@Sister I will be moving in with one of my two daughters so will have lots of hugs, cuddles & support even though she works fulltime she has been told any time she needs off just ask which is great. My other daughter on Gold Coast has been transporting me to all my appointments to hospital which is also wonderful. She is not employed but is a potter and a very socially busy lass but has dropped everything to assist me. I am very blessed. I will just live one day at a time but working towards health & independence later in future.
Dawnc
Member
8 years ago
@primek yes I will be going by ambulance my Dr has told me she can organise any trips, I only have to give her the innitial beginning date of first cycle & I can ring her & give further details for ongoing instead of having to go see her all the time for this lengthy continuation of treatment. I am very grateful for this & all free!
MoiraC
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Dawnc - what a lot to take in all at once. Sounds very intensive. I hope all goes well for you in getting settled and being in a good space to got through treatment. Your positive attitude will definitely help I am sure. Take care and go easy one step at a time - very best wishes
Sister
Member
8 years ago
Hi Dawn, It's so bloody hard, isn't it? We've all had our moments (hours, days...) But there's too much living to do to let it stop you. The port, while not fun, will definitely make treatment more tolerable. It sounds like you're moving house for the duration - hope it's somewhere nice and supportive. Take care.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Well Dawn it sounds like you are very comfortable with your decision and I'm so pleased for you. Your determination sounds vigorous, I love it! Highly admirable.

I can assure you that I have been here in disarray, sick, sorry, tired & a mess, and I'm not sure I won't be again!

And you're absolutely right, there's no point looking back, that's gone and nothing can change it. Point your nose towards where you're going, and keep going! Good luck with all your organising and let us know how you get on. K xox
primek
Member
8 years ago
Dawn do you have to travel for treatment?

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Quality of Life or Quantity they asked me?

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