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Too old for chemo?

Cait1941
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I'm 77 and have cancer all over.my left arm can be painful but take oxicodon and Bicalutamide so don't have a lot of pain.i am very weak at times and very thin can't put weight on yet I eat as much as I've  always  done, I have been offered chemo but don't like the targetive one as it seems to have a lot of side effects. I wonder if I should have any treatment or just carry on as I am, my doctor  thinks I'm healthy enough but I think I can handle the way i am now untill the end with good pain releif, I was in a hospice for a few weeks and would be happy to spend there near the end or at home.to me it's all about no pain. I live alone but have a good G P who I know would refer me back to the hospice or treat me at home with a McMillan nurse. My family say I must do what I want and I see them every day.what do you think?

 

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    Hi there , I just wanted to say you sound wonderfully brave and positive and that will surely stand you in good stead .

    Did the doctor explain fully why he/ she suggested having chemotherapy? Is it to try to reduce a tumour which might cause you pain or other symptoms? As for side effects I believe every person is so different and reacts so differently . So maybe if you know the exact reason your doctor thinks it’s a good idea then you could weigh up the pros and cons more clearly ?

    It sounds like you have a wonderful support system around you who will be there for you in whatever decision you make . I know it’s stating the obvious but the only person who can make the decision is you . Try to simply follow your instincts on this one ? I don’t think 77 is at all too old to do anything really but it’s how you feel deep down that will guide you . 

    Mall the best to you . 

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    Hi there ...

    Well that must be so hard to decide ... If only we had a Cristal ball ... I had a masectomy last year with a grade 3 breast lump .. the only thing I'm doing is tamoxifen tablet once a day .. as I have lots of problems with my bones ... I weighed up both sides and decided what was right for me ... And I'm at ease with life and whatever it holds ... This was my decision... There are lots of side effects with treatments, and I wanted quality over quantity ...

    But you must think what you want and sometimes treatments can only delay things .. some get a lot longer ... I think we should always be the ones to decide .. and you like me have family support whatever we decide to do ... And like you feel confort in the hospice route too ..

    Sending you a vertual hug ...  Chrissie x

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    Hello,

    I to refused treatment for my bladder cancer.

    I have a useless GP live alone no support.

    To me the quality of live is important.

    I don't want to bore you with my problems.

    I wish you the best of luck x

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    Hey Reet75 

    youre not boring anyone with your problems :) that’s what brings us all here , we care about other people’s problems and need help with our own . 

    I’m sorry your gp is so useless ! We had the same experience with my mums gp , very uncaring :( thankfully we pushed ahead and got hospice services involved sooner rather than later . Would that be an option for you ? You would have to get a referral from your gp and then hopefully never have to see him / her again : ) the hospice nurses are as good as any doctors ... they have a team of doctors they consult with . 

    Keep in touch .. I’d love to chat on here with you :) 

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    Hi Cait,

    What a terrible dilemma to have!

    If your cancer has spread everywhere, it sounds as if you've been offered chemo to buy you more time. You are quite right that it can bring with it some nasty side-effects. This means that it may prolong life without improving your quality of life - if only we could see into the future.

    It sounds as if you have faith in your GP. That being the case, I'm sure that he will be able to control your pain at the end and, treat you at home with a Macmillan nurse, or refer you back to the hospice.

    You are fortunate that your family supports you in whatever decision you reach. Nobody can make this decision for you. It is one that only you can make, once you have all the facts to hand.

    I sincerely hope that, whichever you choose, it is the right decision for you.

    Please stay in touch and let us know what conclusion you reach. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    I’m 76 and am in the process of having chemotherapy for ovarian and lung cancer, so no, you’re definitely not too old!  Yes, everyone has side effects of varying sorts and to different degrees.  In the end the choice is entirely yours, but your age shouldn’t be a decider.

    Good luck with all your choices

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