Forum Discussion
Got told today chemo failed
Today I met with my surgeon, I'm booked in for right mastectomy and full node clearance for 15th August. He told me chemo has failed and done nothing. Hearing that had my head spinning. I've just spent six long months being poisoned with toxic shit for nothing. I'm due for my very last chemo next Tuesday and unless my oncologist can give me one good reason why I should do it, they can get f##ked. All I can think of is if for the last six months it's done nothing then where else has it spread in the meantime. I feel so pissed off right now and am in tears. Also he said the risk of lymphedema is high given I'll be having radiation as well. Does this mean you have it for life and permanently have to wear compression sleeve. I was told at the beginning of all this it would be just the sentinel node, but seeing as chemo failed the lot have to go. Screw CANCER, there is just so much to look forward to.
109 Replies
- Thanks @primek, I won't be having reconstruction straight up because of radiation and the wait is 2yrs I believe in public system at RBWH. I'll have lots of time lol to think about if its what I want to persue.
- Your pain will be managed. Taking regular pain relief is the key. I went home on panadol and tramadol as endone just made me too sick. I had reconstruction also and it was that which caused most of my pain.
- @primek, 15th August I'm booked in. Just feels really real now. I know it will be a relief when surgery is done,but I'm most worried about how much pain I'll be in and really am baulking at strong meds. I loathe taking anything.
@kat09, I hope it goes smoothly for you. Apparently when I have mine they are doing neck too and said I will have a sore throat. Kinda panicked at that thought. Tell us how you go throughout. - Despite the fear of impending surgery, once surgery is done you probably feel relief that the cancer is gone. I know I certainly did. It's such an emotional as well as physical roller coaster fetting to this point. How long until sugery?
- Hi Lisa @ LMK74, I started radiation on Monday. 22 to go but hey who's counting! I was a little anxious at first as most of us are when facing an unknown but the staff are really supportive and talk you through everything. I have asked that they try to give me an even tan across my chest as my oncologist is aiming for a nice sunburn effect ( to ensure if there are any microscopic cancer cells lurking under my skin that they are nuked ). My Oncologist also showed me how my treatment was targeted on the computer, it was great to see and helped me understand things alot better.
- I don't think there are any words to make this situation any better. @Zoffiel said it best.
Please try and get an appointment with your oncologist and maybe psychologist/social worker.
sending big hugs xoxo
anne - My surgeon told me 17 years ago that i would only survive for about 2 years, he promptly got a serve and i had great pleasure 5 years later in telling him 'up yours'....then lo and behold, when i had a pleural effusion which led to my recurrence diagnosise 2 years ago, the lung specialist proceeded to tell me' this is serious, you will only live 2 years if you lucky'....did i see red, you betcha and ticked him off too .....what do they know they in the business of dianosis not treatment...geez they just want to take away all hope and treat you as a statistic.....
- Thanks @Hopes_and_Dreams, I feel much better after talking with my oncologist. My anxiety disorder does not help and neither does being terrible at reading people.
@Afraser, I think it's important we have trust in our team of specialists too. It takes me a long time to feel comfortable with someone as I really clam up just talking to people. For me I think it's going to take time. - Hi @Hulos, I know it's the best thing to be doing and better chances of getting rid of the cancer, but just hard to accept,it all feels so real now surgery is booked.
@Zoffiel, I love the way you put things lol. Wish I had the balls to say some of these things but I really struggle when it comes to any confrontation or even asking for help. A lot is anxiety related,been that way forever. The surgeon was not rude when he said it, he was pleasant but I do think they could maybe word stuff better.
You do make me smile though at the way you put stuff. Love it. - Hi @LMK74, Some things are better left unsaid - I'm sure surgeons say things without realising that we are hanging on to every little bit of information. Words said unthinkingly or not based on fact can cause us so much worry when that's the last thing we need! When I was first diagnosed, my Breastscreen surgeon told me I proabably had a stage 1 "tiger" and would need chemo. My actual surgeon told me nothing will be sure until pathology post mastectomy. I ended up being stage 1, grade 1 with no chemo or radiation. I really could have done without 10 days of worry.
It's terrible and wrong that you've had such a stressful week Lisa. I hope your next lot of tests bring you better results. Take care, Jane xx
