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Jaci's avatar
Jaci
Member
14 years ago

TO CHEMO OR NOT

Well, have to make the decision whether to move to chemo or not.  Was on Femara and Bondronat until March this year when the Femara seemed to plateau.  Then switched to Aromasin still with Bondronat for the bones.  Recent blood work shows that the CA 15-3 markers have gone up on this combination and that the bones are not doing as well as they should.  The oncologist is suggesting that we now switch to chemo (don't remember what concoction he mentioned) in a bid to get control and bring the levels back down.

I am having some second thoughts about jumping into this as I feel relatively well and although the numbers have gone up on the tumour marker results, it is still WAY below what it was 16 months ago when first diagnosed.

Has anyone else had to make this decision and which way did you go and why??  I am open to all views but looking for some guidance.

Main concern is that chemo will take away quality of life that I now enjoy as I am still working 20 hours a week, taking grandkids on the school run twice a week, going to soccer games, enjoying the garden etc.  Yes there is pain in the bones but I have come to accept that and can deal with it.  Also have ascite due to secondaries in the liver but used to the discomfort which comes along and know how to deal with this.

Havings a bone scan tomorow and another CT of chest and abdomen on Monday prior to seeing the oncologist again on Tuesday when I will find results and need to make a decision.

Any views and suggestions are most appreciated and welcome.

3 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    I'm so sorry to hear that your ct scan wasn't too good.What a crap disease this is.Glad you've made your informed decision about chemo.You can but only try the new combo and see how you fare.Sounds like there is a good plan in place for you.I sure hope the chemo is easy on you.Take care and let us know how you get on with it.

                                                    Tonya xx

  • Jaci's avatar
    Jaci
    Member
    14 years ago

    After results of boe scan which were actually good and CT of abdomen and chest which were not so good, the decision has been made to proceed with AC (Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide) at 3 weekly intervals for 6 times, depending on results of checks after 2 rounds to see if this is working or not.  From the sounds of it this can be a nasty treatement, but lots of drugs and techniques to assist with the side effects from what I read.  Oncologist says this is just the first of a lot of alternatives out there to continue treatment and if this is positive it is possible to go back onto the Femara/AromosinArimidex type treatments for a while.  We will see.  Thanks again for your words - it is just not possible to make these decisions unless you have the news in front of you and in order to extend time you make them.  Best wishes to you all for your continuing journey.

     

    Luv, Jaci

  • Tania67's avatar
    Tania67
    Member
    14 years ago

    What Tonya said Jaci. One day at a time. Once you have all the facts, then you can make an informed decision. For me, it all came down to the numbers. If I was a 1-5% risk if not having chemo, then no, I wouldnt go for it personally. I went down the chemo path with a 17% chance. I have really found this whole thing all about the numbers. And that comes with no guarantee! Good luck next week

    Tania x