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ValerieLouise's avatar
ValerieLouise
Member
7 years ago

No 'kitchen sink' or 'throwing everything at it' for me

When discussing treatment I've heard doctors, women experiencing breast cancer, even concerned friends and family members say "throw everything at this cancer". Usually they mean the full menu ; chemo, radiation, medication etc. While this may be suggested with optimism or at least determination to take control, I decided my own path guided by information I could understand and integrate into my own life. Treatment options present choices and each is very tough, confronting and usually confusing. In view of my additional health conditions and intense consideration all advise and information provided, I didn't choose chemo or radiation. This was my decision and the decisions I make are entirely relevant to my situation. 'Everything & the kitchen sink' is different for each person. I'm throwing everything I know and can PHYSICALLY & EMOTIONALLY MANAGE into benefitting my overall health. Some people may think that it's not enough, but it is everything I can do for me and that's what counts. 'Everything' is relative. 
coping
treatment-decisions
  • Blossom1961's avatar
    Blossom1961
    Member
    7 years ago
    @ValerieLouise What is right for some is not right for others. We know what is good for us. I did chemo and surgery but could not face anymore so I opted out of radio much to their disgust. Who cares? It is a decision I am happy with.
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    You are the only person who counts in this decision. No matter who else is expressing opinions, no matter who has 'vested interests', the first person to whom we have to be true is ourself. You are making the best decision for you.

    To break with convention is sometimes very hard. I applaud your courage. You're owning it and standing tall. Respect. K xox
  • _Millie_'s avatar
    _Millie_
    Member
    7 years ago
    @ValerieLouise you’re not alone 💕. I chose not to do chemo. Max possible difference to my 10 year outcome was less than 2%. Looking at the significant impact it would have on other important organs, didn’t seem worth the minimal potential benefit. Luckily my nodes were clear, otherwise my decision probably would have been different. 

    I was in 2 minds about radiation, eventually I went ahead with it. However, I ended up with lung damage. No one told me this was a possibility! Had I known, might have chosen differently.

    I also said no to Tamoxifen. I know lots of ladies have chosen to take it, I respect their decision. However, for me, I recognise it doesn’t prevent cancer, may stop cancer from growing, can cause cancer, can cause problems with a whole host of body parts. I choose quality of life over this treatment path.

    On the positive side, now I’m in the system, there is now close monitoring to detect any other cancer early. I found my own cancer. According to the recommended early detection program, I’m still 8 years away from my first mammogram! Would have been a big mess then. So, it’s OK to deviate.

    Best wishes to you, and everyone with their treatment plan.
    xx