Chemo option surprise.

[Irisisme]

Hello all you lovely ladies,

What a rollercoaster ride this damn disease is. We've had some very sad posts lately, but there's also so much hope. I feel so lucky to be part of this support group.

I'm one of the lucky ones who has had good news lately. My scan and CA125 have indicated no new growth, but there is a 'BUT'. I've been told it's up to me when so start back on chemotherapy, and I could start now - isn't that weird?

The issue is the milliary disease along the small and large bowel which causes spasms of pain and a sluggish movements (and one blockage so far), It's even too small to show up on a scan but the surgeon saw it and I'm told chemo won't cure it, but might reduce it some.

I like to know everything and be in control but I'm not sure I want this much control over when I start 2nd line chemo!

I wasn't sick on chemo but I'm sure delaying it is better than jumping in again, but the abdo pain is no joke now. I just have to manage it better, it does restrict activities though, even walking. I know it's up to us whether we have chemo or not, but has anyone else been given such an open choice?

To end on a happy note, we had sunshine here on the Essex/Suffolk border yesterday and I did walk out with hubby and dogs - what a boost to morale that was! 😁👍🐺🐶

Iris xx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Iris For both recurrences I was given the choice when to re-start and opted for immediately, that's a personal choice in that I felt I needed to have some control. Some people opt for watch and wait, I'm too impatient and feel I need to react immediately. Probably due to me being quite an impatient person lol. Hope you make the decision that's right for you xx

[Irisisme in reply to Katmal-UK]

Hi Katmal, I'm not going back on chemo yet, but it is interesting to know this choice isn't unusual. I know we can always say 'no' if we don't want chemo but I thought the Onc would say "you need chemo again" or etc. not "you can have it if you want, it's up to you". How are you doing?

Iris xx

[Lewisriley47]

Hi My oncologist likes to start sooner rather than wait. I must admit I personally like to hit it's butt as soon as it shows it ugly head. Best wishesPam xx

[Irisisme in reply to Lewisriley47]

Yes, that sounds very positive. Mine has never gone away, but it isn't growing bigger, so I'm going to put up with it as it is for a while (and keep my fingers crossed). All the best to you too, Pam, are you on chemo now? Xx

[Lewisriley47 in reply to Lewisriley47]

No I finished 2nd line carbo/caelyx in June last year and so far so good! Best wishes Pam xc

[Lyndy]

Hi Iris

Are you under Colchester or Ipswich? I live nr Colchester but chose Ipswich for my initial treatment...may be back there again if rising Ca125 turns out to be recurrence. Unexpected sunshine here yesterday but gloomy today x

[Irisisme in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy, I'm under Colchester, I am in Essex but only just (Lawford, Manningtree), so I'm half way between the two. I can't remember being offered the choice but I suppose I was, Colchester has been great though. I had my debulking at Ipswich and it went very well. Yes, lovely yesterday, raised my spirits. Where are you? When will you get your CA125 result? I wish you the very best of luck for that. Iris xx