Thank you to everyone for all of your lovely supportive messages and suggestions. I saw my oncologist today and my neutrophils have risen a bit since last week after the 4 filgrastim injections. My onc does not think that they will recover in time for my holiday in 3 weeks time if I have chemo tomorrow. My last chemo was 6 weeks ago and I have had 7 filgrastim injections since then.
I have decided not to have the last chemo and to make the most of going on a lovely holiday to Turkey with my husband to celebrate out 35th wedding anniversary.
This does mean that I won't be able to be considered for the icon 9 trial but to be honest I think my chances of being accepted were fairly slim anyway since I have reacted to so many drugs so far.
I have a blood test in 2 weeks time to check my neutrophils as apparently they can drop suddenly. As long as they are ok then we will be off in 3 weeks.
I really hope that I've made the right decision but I am looking forward to the holiday so much.
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Welshandproud
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Oh I don’t blame you, go on that lovely holiday with hubby it will do you the world of good! I’m sure you’ve made the right decision and if you have your oncs blessing then I’d go ahead. You can celebrate your anniversary in style, relax, no cooking, just chilling and eating, drinking and the charging your batteries which is priceless 🥰
You can review on your return and take things from there, I’m sure dropping the last cycle won’t make much difference and it sounds like you’re doing great with lots to look forward to! Have a wonderful time!
Thank you so much. I do feel that the holiday will do me more good than the chemo and more neutropenia. Your reply has reinforced my decision. Thank you xxx
I turned down Rucaparib so I could go skiing - the overall consensus was that it was unlikely to do much for me and to be honest I just wanted a break from feeling ill from drugs. I did reoccur a couple of months later and am now on third line chemo, but have absolutely no regrets about my decision - except that the skiing conditions were awful!!
I hope you have a fantastic holiday with your husband - 35 years is worth celebrating (we’ve just passed 37!).
Thank you Ali. Im sorry that the skiing conditions were awful. That made me smile but do glad you had the holiday and didn't regret the decision. Congratulations on your 37th anniversary. Sending much love xxxx
I guess sometimes it's our prerogative to pull the plug on a treatment, just like I stopped Avastin, due to side effects. You still did most of it , so hopefully you'll reap the benefits anyway. At least that's what I was told by my oncologist when a) my Taxol dosage was reduced to 80% for the last 3 chemo sessions and again b) when I stopped Avastin after 20 infusions. And I choose to believe it.
Enjoy the holiday and hopefully you'll recover swiftly now. xx. Maus
Thank you so much Maus. That means a lot to me. Sometimes our bodies tell us when they've had enough of a particular treatment and we need to listen. Hopefully I've done enough of them to have made a difference xxx
I think the stress of the effects of the treatment cause more inflammation and potentially cancer (Prof Sir Cary Cooper “Psychosocial Stress and Cancer “) so feeling better and in control of your body will do you a lot of good. Getting away from the area helps too. Have a wonderful anniversary and holiday! Big hugs
Thank you so much Alex. I agree with the quotation about stress. I really am hoping that the holiday will do me more good than the last chemo. It will certainly be more enjoyable!!! Sending you big hugs too xxxx
Lovely photo of you and your husband. Have a wonderful holiday and celebrate that anniversary. I wouldn't be surprised if it does you just as much good as the chemo would have done after all your oncologist isn't telling you not to go. It will build you up for your next attack on the beast. Wishing you a wonderful time xxx
Thank you so much Jenny. I agree about the health benefits of a lovely holiday in the sunshine and a break from treatment. I can then come back and start on Niraparib in September xxx
What a lovely photo of you and your husband of 35 years and most of us would have come to the same decision, so go enjoy. A break is really worthwhile and it sounds as though you have a caring onc who will keep a eye out for your bloods going forward. Have a fabulous time in Turkey xx
Thank you so much Georgina. That's very kind and it makes me feel better to know that you would have come to the same decision. My onc is lovely and she really wants me to go on this holiday. She thought that cancelling would have done me more harm than good.xxx
You both look so happy. Go enjoy that holiday and have a wonderful anniversary. I feel sure you will both get a great deal of benefit from your holiday. Sylvia XX
Thank you Sylvia. Yes I'm very lucky to have a lovely supportive husband. We deserve this time together. It will do us both so much good.xxx
Chemo treats the disease, holidays treat the soul. You wont regret getting a break from the treadmill that is "cancer treatment" We went on a cruise while I was on "watch and wait" best decision I could have made, what was the point sitting at home worrying. When you get back you can meet with your oncologist afresh and re plan your treatment. x
Thank you Lyn. My thoughts exactly. I've always loved holidays but they are even more important to me now. I'm so glad you enjoyed your cruise. Sending hugs xxxx
Great decision! I always think what’s the point of staying alive if it’s just miserable treatments all the time. Your 35 years need to be celebrated and you need some quality time to recharge and enjoy your life. More treatments will be waiting for you later. Xo
Thank you Delia. Very good advice indeed. I remember being told that people never regret the things they did in life at the end but they regret the things they didn't do. Thank you for your support xxxx
I think you’ve made the right decision for you at this moment. I believe that sometimes our bodies and our psyche need a break from the physical onslaught that is OC and it’s treatments. It becomes all consuming and we need to take a step away to recharge and prepare for whatever is next. I hope you have a fabulous holiday with your lovely hubby if they say you can go, stunning photo of you both, happy anniversary to you both for when it arrives. Love and hugs lovely ❤️Xx Jane
Thank you so much Jane. That is a lovely message. Yes this time around the chemo has really taken its toll and I need a break away from blood tests and treatments and delays I really appreciate your support xxxx
Like the others I think you have made the right choice and you will benefit from a break and the change. Happy anniversary, I hope you have a lovely relaxing holiday. Love the photo, like the last one it sends out "happy rays"! please keep posting.
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