Treatment or watch and wait?

Hello I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer which has metastasised to a vertebrae in my neck. I had the cancerous kidney removed two months ago and had one session of radiotherapy on my neck. There is now no obvious evidence of further cancer at the moment. My oncologist tells me that there will be cancer cells in my blood which are invisible to the naked eye. I have been given the choice of having immunotherapy for the rest of my life or watch and wait and have treatment if and when another cancer materialised. I am in such a dilemma. Has anyone been in this same situation and which road did they go down.

  • Hi RubyC1,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's good to hear that the treatment went OK and I hope you're getting on well with the recovery.

    I can understand this being a very difficult decision and that it would be useful to get the thoughts and experiences of others. My reply here will give your post a little boost, so hopefully you'll get more replies - particularly if others with similar experience see it.

    Do of course get all the information you can from your doctor, and ask any questions that may help with making the decision.

    We also have nurses available if you'd like to talk things through. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    I hope the forum can be helpful for you. Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator