New to this forum thingy but here goes...
Diagnosed 12 years ago with metastatic breast cancer. Had spread to lymph nodes, liver, lungs and bones.
Following chemo lung and liver clear but multiple sites in bones remain. Currently on Herceptin and all stable.
The last 5 years have been hell with multiple health issues... renal aortic stenosis resulting in limited ability to walk (PVD). This followed by an angiogram and stents in legs 3.5 years ago. Surgeon basically said I wasn't worthy of having the aorta cleared and a Stent wouldn't work. Result.. bugger all. Apart from nerve damage lower back caused by stent placement procedure.
Renal failure 2.5 years ago (unknown cause but all good after a week in hospital). While in hospital discovered I had osteonecrosis of the jaw due to the use of bisphosphonates. Now have four teeth at the ONJ site that are loose and need to ge removed. One is infected but very loose..... the cause of the pain which specialist said was from ONJ.
Surgeon wants to remove affected jaw bone which means altered facial features (I'm definately no stunner as it is), speech, ability to drink and eat. Feeding through a tube is not something on my bucket list!!! I refused the surgery and am hoping the tooth removal will eliminate the pain. I don't think I could go thru
with it and if I did, would be as miserable as buggery for the rest if my life.
Should it be the only option I'm seriously considering stopping Herceptin and letting nature take its course. I have enough daily pain, which is manageable, limited mobility and need to hire a cleaner, gardener and dog walker. Kids have grown and moved away (although visit regularly) and partner passed away two years ago. Will just wait and see I suppose.... anyone else in a similar predicament?
