Well it's 2 weeks since my first CHEMO and to be honest apart from stomach problems (wind and bowel) it was not bad. To.orrow was supposed to be the second one but it is not going to happen due to my immune system falling to a third of the required level for the treatment
Was told off by the nurse for going out of the house)) apparently I am supposed to isolate. Well that makes a difference to me because sitting inside for 3 months while undergoing Chemo is not on my bucket list)) need to speak to the oncologist and might decide the downsides are not worth it and come off Chemo. Especially as its just palliative with no possibility of stopping or curing the cancer, we shall see.
As for the COPD have my second appointment with a new pulmonary doctor today - on the phone, really don't know why they bother to be honest - no x-ray and no CT to refer to so what's the point((
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andyrrc
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Sorry to hear no joy with the cancer and I understand your point about not continuing with chemo. It’s nice for you to get out if you want to and to enjoy life if you can. Interesting to hear what the pulmonary doctor has to say to you.
It's pro's and con's as you say. My stepdaughter's mum had extensive chemo and was isolating last year but her prognosis was better than yours. She did become stir crazy though after a couple of months and started going out 'carefully' with no harm done. She too had gaps in treatment due to very low immunity levels. It's a difficult decision for you. A good chat with your oncologist sounds like a good idea Andy. Hope your second phone consult with your new pulmonary doctor turns out better than you anticipate it too.
Update on the pulmonary doctor, it was just a case of carry on as you are - the main reason for the call, apparently, was a follow up on the Pulmonary embolism which led to the cancer diagnosis and the blood thinners to prevent another one. Pulmonary has stepped aside on the thinners because the Oncologist has taken this on due to the higher risk of clots from the cancer and Chemo. I guess it makes sense))
Thanks for the update Andy. It might have been helpful to know the reason for the call beforehand but what he said makes sense in respect of the blood thinners. I hope your consult with the oncologist will be more worthwhile.
I suppose it’s all about getting honest answers from your Oncologist and deciding what you want to do Andy. Hope the lung doctor isn’t a total waste of time for you. Hope you are feeling ok and you have good support around you. Peppermint capsules are said to help with the tummy upset .Hope you get on that motorcycle tour? 🤞🤞
With such a poor prognosis and if you have the energy i personaly would don as much protective gear as possible and try to continue with my bucket list Andy,dependant on whats on your list that may be easier said than done but i have a feeling that you may probably feel the same?Best wishes whaever you decide.
Lost my husband to cancer 9 weeks ago if we had our time again we would not do chemotherapy or radiation it bought us no extra time and made him ill when we could have done our bucket list !!
I'm very sorry to hear this Petrie, I'm afraid I have had friends who had chemo and it seems to me, they almost have to kill the patient with it before it kills the cancer in some cases. I don't think I would do it. My condolences on your loss. 🌹
Wishing the best for you in your choices over chemo. Not easy decisions to make. Some honest talk with oncologist hopefully will help you decide. All the very best.
I also would not want to be stuck in the house, but the nurse has a valid point. With your immune system already compromised you could pick up something and then it would be a long slog to feel well enough for the next round of chemo. Not an easy choice at all. I hope though that you are comfortable. I think it is important to enjoy life as much as we can. Although sometimes under the circumstances it is not easy.
What a decision for you to have to make . Being stuck indoors isn't much of a life. If it would achieve something it could be worth it, but otherwise perhaps it's better to do the things you want to and see the people you want to, and just be abundantly cautious going out? Sending you lots of good wishes.
It’s a very difficult choice to make when I knew I had terminal cancer I declined any treatment I wanted to enjoy what time I had left. It is a very personal choice what’s good for one may not be good for others. I’ve had very good input from the palliative care team, the Doc even did a home visit!
Sometimes my house is like a circus with nurses visiting.
Very sorry indeed about the prognostic. Such a difficult time for you. Based on what happened to two friends in the same position as yours it seems that choosing the bucket list whilst protecting yrslf might be a better option. Talk to yr oncologist . Hold on in there. With my best wishes Zephir
Hi Andy. I'm sure you will make the decision which you feel is best under the circumstances, it's never easy but I hope you will be able to make the most of whatever time is left. Thinking of you xxx🤗
Quite a decision for you andyrrc. Sometimes it’s better to enjoy fully what is left than to be stuck inside and having cancer meds. Only you can decide with your oncologist. Take care. 🤗
I have to ask this and it sounds cruel but what is the point of chemo if your cancer is termial, surely its better to feel well rather than sickly and in pain. Please forgive me if this sounds harsh but I have never understood this reasoning . I really wish you well and hope that you can do all the things on your bucket list x
Yes it always seemed crazy to me as well. I guess it all depends on what happens during the Chemo. For some it can mean a couple of years extra for others less. Statistically (in the US according to John Hopkins University?) pancreatic cancer survival at stage 4 (M1) median is 3 1/2 months from diagnosis without Chemo and 8 months with Chemo, so I guess for many people that extra time is worth the 3 months of Chemo. For me I cannot get any timescales so in a bit of a dilemma over it))
I suppose it depends on what state the chemo leaves you in, if you are ok then its well worth it to get extra time. I will have my fingers crossed for you that you feel ok and get extra time, big hugs x
Sorry it tough for you right now. Totally understand the not wanting to isolate when you want to live the best days right now with your prognosis. It’s a really difficicult choice for you to make regarding chemo. Wishing you relief x
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