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Confused.com - looking for advice about radiotherapy

Jono64
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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

  • Hello jono

    Itts a hard choice. 1 in 6.5 odds verses 1 in 10 odds of recurrence. Possible side effects, fatigue, nausea, skin burns colour changes, loss of hair. Long term 15 years+ a small chance of a new cancer. Im sure your oncologist listed more. I had radiotherapy 10 years ago I still cant grow a beard on half my face and I have a permanent suntan but it has kept me cancer free with a good quality of life until last year. Increasing the odds 30% in your favour to remain cancer free is worth consideration. Modern machines give a more targeted and precise dose than the ones used on me 10 years ago. All the best whatever you decide.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Hi, Ed.

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Yeah, I keep looking at the odds.

    I'm thinking of it like a football coupon.

    Should I cash out early or let it run and see what happens.

    I never have much luck with football.

    Maybe I should learn from that.

    Thank you so much for your input.

    It is much appreciated.

Reply
  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Hi, Ed.

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Yeah, I keep looking at the odds.

    I'm thinking of it like a football coupon.

    Should I cash out early or let it run and see what happens.

    I never have much luck with football.

    Maybe I should learn from that.

    Thank you so much for your input.

    It is much appreciated.

Children
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