Is chemotherapy worth it when you're terminal

[Leonie1111]

Hi All, I'm hoping for some advice from others who have had chemotherapy and/or other treatments, after being given a terminal diagnosis.I have stage 4 liver and pelvic bone cancer with unknown primary. Up until today, after 6 months my oncologist thinks that the liver lesion is likely the primary cancer. On April 17th I completed 5 sessions over 10 days of pelvic bone radiation. After my recent pet scan unfortunately the pelvic bone is showing little change and my oncologist is recommending chemotherapy combined with an immunotherapy drug Durvalumab. Due to losing my two older brothers to cancer, I am petrified of the affects of chemotherapy. My oncologist knows this and has tried to work this out for me, but due to not being responsive to radiation, he now recommends chemotherapy. I'm aware that with no treatment I may not live long, but I don't want to spend my remaining time extremely sick, with all of the side affects of chemotherapy. I know that with no treatment I will also become extremely unwell. I just don't know if treatment is worth it. Any advice, feedback or suggestions is more than welcome. Thank you 🌼

[Miranda_ccnsw]

Hi @Leonie1111 , you've certainly got a lot to navigate and many tough decisions to make. I'm so sorry to hear you have also lost your two older brothers to cancer and watched them go through treatment. It must have been really hard and I can see how that would carry through into how you're feeling about your own journey.

It sounds like you're in good hands with your medical team as they guide you through your treatment options. I can hear how you're struggling with making the best decision for you though. You're not alone in that as many others also have found this challenging.

Perhaps someone here in the community can offer some words of wisdom?

Here is a resource that might give you a bit more information: Chemotherapy.

Also, you may wish to call our support line and talk to one of our health professionals, many of whom are oncology nurses, and speak to them about different support options that might be available to you. Counselling may be one option that could help to talk through what you're feeling about your situation. You can call them on 13 11 20 on weekdays. 

Stay strong,

Miranda 

CCNSW