A break from chemo

[Warrio]

hello, I have MBC, essentially I have been on some form of chemotherapy for over 2.5 years. The most recent medication is working well. However, I am feeling burnt out mentally and emotionally with the chemo. I am considering taking a 3 month break from chemo. Has anyone done this? What were the pros and cons? I’ll speak with my onc Dr. next week, but the drs haven’t lived the effects of the poison that is chemo. Thanks for your feedback.

[mathematics]

Really sorry to hear about your predicament I only had to have 6 sessions of chemo TAC and it was really hard going and I felt the affects of it on my body for years after. I know my dad had a different cancer than you it was non-hodgkins lymphoma and he found it hard to tolerate the chemo so stopped having it. Unfortunately he had a very aggressive cancer and he was told he would only live 3 months after stopping chemo and he survived only 6 weeks. my thoughts are with you is there any other treatment that they can give you other than chemo to keep it in check. Take care and all the best.

[NPmary]

Good luck!Let us know how it goes for you.

🫰

[suryakaizen]

Dear Warrio I am sorry to hear how you are feeling right now with continuous chemo of some sort for 2 1/2 years. Feeling exhausted by the whole process only seems natural. If the meds are working, do take them. I want to suggest you listen to music - I heard an EDM musician yesterday for the first time and was blown away by the beautiful lyrical quality of his music. His name is Medasin and he is a musician from Dallas. Do try him out. There are ways to deal with difficult times and situations and for me, music has been the best one. Thank you for sharing what you are going through and wish you all the best.

[BklynCatwoman]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I would definitely discuss this with your oncologist, as you are doing. Then make an informed decision. There's something to be said for our mental health in this journey, and for taking a break, as long as it doesn't harm us. Ten years ago, before my first but with BC, I postponed starting chemo so I could enjoy the premiere of my play in a short play festival in upstate NY. The day after the last show, I began chemo. I was ok with that.

[Brandella27]

Are you taking some sort of CDK 4/6 inhibitor like Verzenio? If not maybe that is an option instead of chemo?

[Warrio]

I was put on verzenio and taken off due to the side effects. We tried Ibrance as well, and it had very little effect. We are adding other treatments to curb the side effects I have right now. Once I give them a chance, I’ll decide on a break. Thank you for your response and suggestions. Best wishes to you. 💕