Radiotherapy

[Madmolly]

Other active modules were found after pet scan. Have been offered radiotherapy instead of surgery as near blood vessels behind my right kidney. After speaking with me by phone stated I would need to attend hosp daily for five weeks to receive treatment which only takes a few min. I have been informed I will have are joints and be really fatigued I already have sore joints due to rheumatoid arthritis which I have just had an appointment to attend rheumatologist. When I asked for her opinion she said if she was me she would not have it done. I am 74 and I don’t know if she was referring to my quality of life. I should have stated I had ovarian cancer stage 4c have had op chemo etc on trial ICON 8b so the nodules I have in my lymph nodes will be ovarian. I know a few younger people who have had radiation after Brest cancer but not on lymph node. She said I could be given a hormone tablet which is supposed to stop nodule growth but not reduce it. I am in a quandary as she has said if she was me she would not. Has asked me to talk it over with my family Apologies for rambling on has anyone else had this done

[Gemimablackvelvet]

Morning Molly, I personally would give my right arm to be offered and kind of treatment. I’ve begged for surgery or radiotherapy now chemo isn’t working any longer. I wish you well whatever decision you make. Love Angela x

[mizpurple]

Hi Molly - Just a data point for your consideration. The "hormone pill" I am taking as a maintenance drug is letrozole, a class of drug called an aromatase inhibitor, which suppresses estrogen. Since my original tumor was estrogen-sensitive, this drug prevents any remaining cancer cells from using the estrogen to get reestablished. HOWEVER, one of the major side effects of letrozole is joint pain. Which of course I am experiencing. My own preexisting arthritis was osteo and not rheumatic, but if you are trying to avoid aggravating your current joint pain at all costs, then make sure they tell you about the potential side effects of the specific hormone pill they are offering and if joint pain is one of them. Hope this is helpful! Deb in Colorado

[Madmolly in reply to mizpurple]

Thank you so much for this information I found it very helpful

[SUE7777]

Hi Molly, I don't think a rheumatologist should be giving this sort of advice. I think if you want to talk it over talk to your CNS. They can help with joint pain as well. All the very best Sue xx

[delia2]

I agree with Sue. What if the choice is life with joint pain vs death? I think you need more information from an oncologist. What about the trial supervisor? Or get a second opinion from a top cancer center. I had bad joint pain from Olaparib but it went away eventually, at least most of it. It was worth it on balance. Not saying what you should do , just that you need more information. Xx

[Madmolly in reply to delia2]

It is the oncologists who is giving me this info I feel it should be from the rheumatologist I have never heard of anyone having it for five weeks every single day if I get an oestrogen pill will that stop the growth of the nodule to prevent it from becoming a tumour

[Lyndy]

Hmmm, I also have rheumatoid Madmolly and I would put OC treatment ahead of any rheumy treatment. I think you need to know why the doctor advised against? Also she isn’t you and with respect it isn’t her call. Why don’t you ask to speak with the radiology team to see what they think xx

[Madmolly in reply to Lyndy]

Yes I have been thinking along these lines thanks lyndy