IM THINKING ABOUT ASKING FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY

[hollyboo]

HAD SABR END OF MARCH DUE FOR A CHEST XRAY IN SEPT

MY NON SMALL CELL TUMOUR HAS GONE FROM 8ML TO 6ML

IF IT HAS NOT GOT ANY SMALLER IM THINKING OF ASKING FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY

HAS ANY HAD GOOD RESULTS FROM THIS TREATMENT

ARE THE HOSPITAL STAFF WILLING TO LET YOU TRY IT AS A FORM OF TREATMENT

[2greys]

Hollyboo, to me it seems that you are entering panic mode, please realise that the treatment can take many months to take full effect and would advise you to ask your consultant to confirm what I'm saying.

It works by damaging the DNA of the tumour so that it cannot reproduce itself. So that as the tumour cells die off, they cannot be replaced thus the said tumour starts to shrink, eventually it should calcify and be inactive. This of course does take time, you are letting your thoughts run away with themselves.

I know that is a great worry for you but you cannot let this rule your thoughts and life to this extent or it will make you ill. My tumour was so, so much bigger than yours, the size of a tennis ball and I am quite happy that it has started to shrink and will continue to do so.

I have researched the treatment extensively and I am happy with the first report of it's shrinkage. Please try and be relaxed, you are just making yourself so much worse with worry.

Please, please, ask your Oncologist to confirm that what I am saying is true, to put your mind at rest. I wish I could prove it to you beyond any doubt.

[hollyboo in reply to 2greys]

yes i know your right it is taking over my life

i work in a hospital and i see and know to much

my dept has closed ( medical records ) because patients notes are going on a computer system

so i now having to learn a new job

im trying to learn and keep focused but as you have already realised this tumour doesn,t leave my thinking

i know my down falls and patience is one of them !!!!!

[2greys in reply to hollyboo]

I do understand about that niggling, doubting voice inside your head, perhaps this period of waiting is the toughest part of the treatment. Like you I work full-time too and to start with wondered if I should give it up and concentrate on enjoying life, but so glad that I didn't. It helps to be occupied.

Do you have a Macmillan Center at the hospital? If you do, then go and have a chat with one of their nurses, they can reassure and support you.

You may even find it beneficial to tell your GP that you are having trouble dealing with this and causing you anxiety, there is help available.

[hollyboo in reply to 2greys]

yes i have a centre at the hospital where i work

i have been there and talked to them

they understand but there is nothing else but to wait

and so thats what i have to train my mind to do