To Chemo or Not to Chemo, That is the Question.
I just got back from seeing Dr. Chemo and as pleasant as everyone is at the clinic, it’s not an appointment I look forward to.
This is probably my third or fourth “follow-up” with Dr. Chemo. The poor guy … he’s such a mellow doctor and here I come flying in at a million miles an hour with millions of questions and probably look like a neurotic nutcase!
When I first saw him at the end of December, 2008, he gave me information on a treatment cycle called “FEC Chemotherapy” [link opens UK cancer site] — the FEC stands for the 3 types of injectionable drugs used during a cycle — and “cycle” or “regimen” stands for the drugs given every 3 weeks typically over a certain period of time, i.e. Dr. Chemo recommended I do 6 cycles of FEC which lasts approximately 15 weeks.
Confused yet?
I found out today that I do indeed have “node-positive breast cancer” [link opens a PDF document that is very self-explanatory]. This is news to me! Two of my lymph nodes had cancer cells which means that I probably should seriously consider chemotherapy as a preventative measure to hopefully save my life.
Right now, I’m told I have approximately a 75% chance of survival — add chemotherapy for a few short months of my life and my chance for survival jumps to 90%-95% — an easy decision, right? Wrong! I still have lots to think about … and if I’m really sick from chemo, how on earth am I expected to pay my bills? Anyway, it really isn’t an easy decision, and yes, I realize that I’m playing Russian Roulette with my life.
Oh, and I’ve lost a few more pounds for a total of 15 pounds so far …
I also don’t feel sick, nor do I look sick, and most people who see me say I look healthy … I guess I”m a better actress than I thought 
Towards the end of the appointment, I’m sure he notices how squirmy I am, he says that I have another chemotherapy option called “TC chemotherapy” [link opens eChemotherapy site and here's another discussion about it at MayoClinic's web site]. I only need 4 cycles for a total of 9 weeks of treatment. I have to look it up, but it certainly sounds more promising than the prospect of being bald and nauseous for almost 4 months. I know I’d wear my bald proud (no wigs for me!) but man …
I ask Dr. Chemo if he recommends a cold cap or ice cap — I’ve read somewhere that these sometimes can prevent hair loss during chemo — he says it’s an old wive’s tale, so I won’t add any links to information on them. If you’ve used them and can absolutely say it worked for you, feel free to comment.
So I still need to answer my own question: to chemo or not to chemo.
I just got back from seeing Dr. Chemo and as pleasant as everyone is at the clinic, it’s not an appointment I look forward to.
This is probably my third or fourth “follow-up” with Dr. Chemo. The poor guy … he’s such a mellow doctor and here I come flying in at a million miles an hour with millions of questions and probably look like a neurotic nutcase!
When I first saw him at the end of December, 2008, he gave me information on a treatment cycle called “FEC Chemotherapy” [link opens UK cancer site] — the FEC stands for the 3 types of injectionable drugs used during a cycle — and “cycle” or “regimen” stands for the drugs given every 3 weeks typically over a certain period of time, i.e. Dr. Chemo recommended I do 6 cycles of FEC which lasts approximately 15 weeks.
Confused yet?
I found out today that I do indeed have “node-positive breast cancer” [link opens a PDF document that is very self-explanatory] – this is news to me! Two of my lymph nodes had cancer cells which means that I probably should seriously consider chemotherapy as a preventative measure to hopefully save my life.
Right now, I’m told I have approximately a 75% chance of survival — add chemotherapy for a few short months of my life and my chance for survival jumps to 90%-95% — an easy decision, right? Wrong! I still have lots to think about … and if I’m really sick from chemo, how on earth am I expected to pay my bills? Anyway, it really isn’t an easy decision, and yes, I realize that I’m playing Russian Roulette with my life.
Oh, and I’ve lost a few more pounds for a total of 15 pounds so far …
Towards the end of the appointment, I’m sure he notices how squirmy I am, he says that I have another chemotherapy option called “TC chemotherapy” [link opens eChemotherapy site and here's another discussion about it at MayoClinic's web site]. I only need 4 cycles for a total of 9 weeks of treatment. I have to look it up, but it certainly sounds more promising than the prospect of being bald and nauseous for almost 4 months. I know I’d wear my bald proud (no wigs for me!) but man …
I ask Dr. Chemo if he recommends a cold cap or ice cap — I’ve read somewhere that these sometimes can prevent hair loss during chemo — he says it’s an old wive’s tale, so I won’t add any links to information on them. If you’ve used them and can absolutely say it worked for you, feel free to comment.
So I still need to answer my own question: to chemo or not to chemo.
Update: April 3, 2009
I’m quite positive I will not do the chemo — Dr. Chemo gives me an additional 3 months to think about it, or talk with a social worker or psychologist. He’s given me an appointment for April 27th and since I still have not heard from a therapist, it’s likely I will cancel the appointment.
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