Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 8 replies
  • Views 740 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Confused.com - looking for advice about radiotherapy

Jono64
Offline

Hi, Newbie here.

Male, 61.

Don't normally use online forums but my head is placed up my backside.

I was diagnosed with a dedifferentiated atypical lipomatous tumour with focal osteosarcoma, basically a lump on my outer chest wall which required the removal of two ribs and associated bits.

This was carried out in October by the wonderful team  in Glasgow.

I attended another specialist hospital, also Glasgow, to discuss any requirement for adjuvant treatment.

They advised that at present the risk of the cancer returning in the same area was 15%, if I have 6 weeks of Radiotherapy then that would reduce to 10%.

The decision to  receive the treatment is mine.

The consultant then gave me an insight into the long and short term after effects of radiotherapy.

I appreciated his honesty but he left me in a quandary.

Is the extra 5% comfort factor worth the possible side effects?

I don't know.

I'm fortunate not to have any family or close friends who have been through it.

But I really don't know what to do.

They gave me a week to decide.

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks.

Parents
  • Offline

    Hello Jono64,

    l live with the after effects of radiotherapy. For me it was the choice of doing everything possible to kill off the thing that was trying its best to kill me, and accept their could be a high bill to pay for doing so. 

    Mine was at the start of my treatment alongside chemo in order to give myself a chance of surgical intervention. Along with post surgery chemo,the regime both took things from me,and gave lifetime problems to me. Like any other medical issues you collect along the way, you compensate and cope and find a new path towards the continued fulfillment of your life

    Ten years on l look upon these additions to my life as a reminder of the gratitude l carry that l can and do lead an active life,and have a clear mind free of any doubts of not doing everything possible to be able to stand here today.

    l live my future, not regret my past decisions, l wish you the best in reaching yours,

    David

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Hi, David.

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    gruntifen said:
    and have a clear mind free of any doubts of not doing everything possible to be able to stand here today.

    Yeah, that is one of the major thoughts running through my head.

    The whole " what if "

    To be honest if the consultant had told me he was 85% confident of it not returning I would have shook his hand and skipped out of his office.

    Now, my head is in a spin.

    Thanks again for your input.

    So glad you are still here and living your best life.

Reply
  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Hi, David.

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    gruntifen said:
    and have a clear mind free of any doubts of not doing everything possible to be able to stand here today.

    Yeah, that is one of the major thoughts running through my head.

    The whole " what if "

    To be honest if the consultant had told me he was 85% confident of it not returning I would have shook his hand and skipped out of his office.

    Now, my head is in a spin.

    Thanks again for your input.

    So glad you are still here and living your best life.

Children
No Data

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.