staypositive's Cancer Blog
October 11, 2008
| In Defense of Chemo | Views: 271 |
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my oncologist told me I had an 89% chance of survival if I followed his recommended treatment plan: lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I trusted him, I was scared and in a hurry to “do something”. Fifteen months later, I am back to my old self with a full head of hair. In that time, I have grown tremendously to be a better, kinder, more giving and thoughtful person. I have a new grandson. I have turned a job I hated into a job where I now am getting personal satisfaction. My point? Don’t dismiss chemo because of all the horrible side effects you have heard about. I NEVER ONCE HAD NAUSEA. I didn’t lose weight and I didn’t gain weight. I actually continued working and missed only 4 days of work. The only side effect I had besides hair loss was fatigue and it was exhausting when it occurred. While I read everyone’s posts, I have much guilt over my “easy” time with cancer, but I know I’m not the only one who has had this experience.
I am Her2 positive which means a more aggressive cancer and where would I be now if I had been afraid to go through a treatment plan? I know there will always be a chance I could get cancer again. But, I’m thankful that I never even considered NOT getting chemo. I’m not glad I had cancer, but I learned so much about other people and myself. It changed me for the better. My point more clearly? If your oncologist suggests chemo, maybe you should at least try it. If the side effects are too much, you can always stop. If there is a chance it can prolong your life with a minimum of side effects——why not try?
Enjoy!
Thanks for your support -
Amen!
I agree that chemo works for a lot of people, and it is worth trying. For me, chemo was a must (according to my doctor), and I am planning to follow my doctor’s recommendations and continue to the treatment to see what happens. I envy you for having less side effects, but I know it was still hard for you. Great job working through the treatment, I know it is not easy. I am also Her2 positive, I am curious what chemo combo you were on, if you don’t mind me asking.
Yuyu
Staypostive,
Sorry, I didn’t see that you have listed your chemo combo on your profile! Yuyu
I’ll defend chemo as well! We’re doing the best we can with what we have. I’m somewhat of a baby, and I complained during my whole treatment. But I did choose the course that seemed best for me. With all the scary side effects you always wonder if it was worth it. It is worth a try!
Hi gal. I wanted you to know that the packaging of the Arimedex will be changing to a easy opening pack.
I had trouble getting the pills out. I called the company and they told me they will be changing it.
I think each one has to decide on what they need to do. It is your choice on Chemo.
Hug Sherri
I feel compelled to add to this – my side effects were nasty and required me to actually be inpatient for several days after each treatment. But it’s been over a year now and I do not really have ANY lingering side effects from the chemo. From the radiation, yes, but not the chemo. Unfortunatley I did have the nausea really bad but I still believe having the chemo was the best decision I could make and I do not regret it at all.
Thanks for showing me another side of chemo. How lucky you were/are.
Thank you for giving me info on your chemo treatment details. My oncologist decided to change my chemo regimen and actually I am going to be on similar combos that you were on. I will be doing Taxol and Herceptin. Then, 5FU, Cytoxan, and Epirubicin after that. I am hoping this regimen will KO my cancer.
Yuyu
Dear Staypositive,
Thank you so much for posting this. It is so wrenching to decide whether to have chemo and, when one hears about the side effects, it can be downright terrifying. It is so kind of you to share your survival story and your ability to look back on your chemo as the right decision. I’m sure this will be a help to many people who are at that decision point in their lives.
Peace,
Kathy
Dear Stay P. I haven’t had chemo but I have posted my concerns about it on this blog a while ago. I got a lot of feedback at that time, and most people opted in a positive way for chemo. I am in agreement with others. The sound of it is so terrifying, but the thought of being taken before my time is even more, so I now have a different opinion. It seems that we are dealt this hand of chemicals that either we take and pray, or we ignore and implode. I guess I know which side of the coin I would take. Thanks for your enlightening story of which many can take hold and learn.
Weezie