topic Re: Terminal diagnosis in Living with cancer

Terminal diagnosis

susanDA — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 04:27:49 GMT

Hi , I have rectal cancer which has metastasised to the lymph nodes but here is the weird part, my primary tumour has totally responded to the chemo/radio and is not there.... but it left its calling card all over my lymph nodes. I have been offered palliative chemo. Having gone through all this before and still suffering the effects in the form of Chemo Induced neuropathy I am very reluctant to have more. At present I feel well am able to carry on my life as normal if I was able to I would jump on a plane and start ticking things off the bucket list! ....thanks Covid-19.

I am in a Dilemma , at the moment I have been given 6 weeks reprieve before starting more chemo, as my last CT scan hadn't shown any major changes. I feel fine and I would be putting my hand up for loosing that and feeling dire with all sorts of side effects. Do I say leave me alone until I feel sick?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially if anyone has been in my position

Re: Terminal diagnosis

wildmama75 — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:27:02 GMT

HI, I feel you. I don't have any advice but I just wanted to weigh in and offer a virtual hug.

Re: Terminal diagnosis

Lolie — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 08:51:23 GMT

I think I would want to clarify why they've chosen 6 weeks as the time for starting palliative chemo. If that's just an arbitrary number, then find out how long it would take for them to organise chemo if you wait until you feel you need it.

It might also be worth finding out whether the palliative regimen is the same as the active treatment one or whether it involves different drugs/lower doses.

Re: Terminal diagnosis

susanDA — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:48:34 GMT

Thank you that is helpful. I think 6 werks was chosen as that was the time between the CT scans. I will have another CT scan before my next appointment.

I think my treatment will be Folfiri. I know there will be side effects.