SECOND ROUND OF CHEMO
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Hi:
You’re not alone. I have a young son, and I too, do not want him to go through that kind of pain. I was diagnosed with stage IV over a year ago. My first line chemo worked, then stopped. So, I decided to try, try again. Guess what – I’m still here. So are you . That’s such a personal decision, and it’s one you should make with as much information as you can get your hands on. Just remember, information doesn’t take into account each individual person. Your miles may vary, and you might respond beautifully to one chemo while it might work miserably for me. You can try and then stop whenever you want, or decide no chemo, and then change your mind and give it a shot. Just don’t do it alone. No matter what you decide, give yourself an outlet. Sometimes just talking about it will help you decide what you want to do.
I agree wholeheartedly with everyone that recommends second, third, tenth opinions. Go with an oncologist that’s had some experience with this cancer. Go with an oncologist that mirrors your desires. I choose to be aggressive. My oncologist is down with that, and is as aggressive as I am. We know that sometimes treatment hurts me, but it’s my decision to keep going, and I am grateful that he won’t hold back.
The people here are so stinking supportive. They’re like extended family caregivers, and they’re so selfless with their time. If you need support, it’s hard to find a better place. Utilize the wealth of resources that you have available.
I’ll say a prayer for you tonight – I’ve been where you are.
dlbonder,
Just wanted to tell you that even though your ultimate decision is your choice, please make it after gaining much knowledge about this disease and what your options are. Although not everyone responds the same to chemo, radiation or surgery (if possible), you never know if you WILL be one of those that responds well.
Get second and sometimes third opinions too. One doctor doesn’t always know everything about this illness.
I am 53 years old with a 5 yr. old son. I was diagnosed in April 2009 with Stage 4 CC in the bile duct in the liver, with lymph node involvement. I had a liver resection and follow-up chemo. I had another tumor in the liver that was burned during surgery. That has grown again and I have mets to the lungs. I feel almost as if there is nothing wrong with me. I have minor problems, but otherwise you wouldn’t know that I had this life-threatening cancer.
Never stop your quest for more information, and make decisions based on knowing everything you can. That way you will never regret any decisions, or wonder if you did “this” or “that” what would have happened.
Come back here often and good luck.
Linda
Hi dlbonder,
I would just like to add my welcome to the board along with everyone else.
I cannot comment on chemo as like Gavin my Dad too wasn’t a candidate for it.
Instead he went forward for a liver resection but sadly this failed,
What we always say about cc is the only thing we know is that it certainly has a mind of it’s own and generally doesn’t follow the path the ‘experts’ predict.
Have you sought a second or even third opinion?
Thinking of you as you make your decisions, please come back and let us know how you are doing. Sending positive thoughts and strength.
Katie
Hi dlbonder,
I empathize with your strugle and this disease has so many ups and downs and only you can know what is right for you.
I was diagnosed in April 2010 with Stage 4 cc. I have 2 children 9 and 11 years old. I too don’t want them to see me sick all the time.
I started chemo with gemcitabine/cisplatin for 2 months. After the first 3 cycles I had definite improvement to my pain and abdominal discomfort. I went for a CT scan in July thinking I was feeling so well that it was working. It was working on the liver tumors but I had metases to my spine.
I just started my 2nd treatment regimen yesterday with 5-FU/oxaliplatin after delaying my treatment because of low platelets. Today I’m feeling Ok but I hate being hooked up to the 44 hour continuous pump with 5-FU.
In my situation I am on very little pain medicine right now and sleep a lot, but there are many more days that I feel almost normal and can spend time with my family enjoying them and trying to teach them everything that I know before my time is up. I just booked a 7-day cruise to the Bahamas for April 2011 for me and my family — this disease is not stopping us from planning some great times together. I don’t know how I will be physically from day to day, but my life isn’t over yet and I need to be there and present for my children so that they have great memories.
Doctors can quote statistics but there is no exact time they can give me or you and you need to decide what is right for you. And that decision for me does change from day to week to month and that’s OK!
I wish you the best!
Jane
Hi dlbonder,
Welcome to the site. Sorry that you had to find us all but I am glad that joined us. I can’t help you with your chemo question as my dad wasn’t able to do that, but I just wanted to join in with the others in welcoming you here. I do hope that you will come back here again as you will get a load of support from us all. And please, feel free to ask any questions that you have and we will all help if we can.
My best wishes to you,
Gavin
Some people on this board have done very, very well with only chemo– Lisa especially. I believe she has been on chemo for three years now, and is still here with us enjoying life and her two daughters. I hope she’ll come along soon and tell you about her experiences.
My very best wishes to you,
Kristin
July 09 I was diagnosed stage 4 inoperable with 3-14 months to live, median time 12 months . Some members have “survived” years with no additional treatment. Some have not, with treatment. It look me a long time to decide if I wanted more chemo after last fall radiation and chemo because I felt so well and normal when I recovered. It can be a hard decision.
Point is, I wouldn’t take those statistics as fact. They are about the masses (with limited numbers) in past data, not the individual now.
dlbonder….hello and welcome to our site. You are bringing up a much discussed issue: chemo vs. no chemo. It is a tough decision to make and has been discussed numerous times, on this site. I believe in the power of knowledge, as it allows us to make informed decisions. You also have to remember that no one can predict with certainty your response to treatments. And, you are the boss. You can always quit whenever you chose to do so. However, whichever decision you come to make you can be assured of the support by the members of this site. I am looking forward to the responses coming our way and am sending all my best wishes your way.
MarionWelcome to our family and sorry you had to find us. Can you give us a little more information on you Diagnosis/Prognosis? Where are you being treated?
Chemo is a very personal thing. A lot can hinge on what the doctor has told you as far as what it can do for you. Please send us some more information if you can. We do have members who were told Stage 4 but have survived longer than initially thought.
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