Advice needed. Do I or don’t I?

On the 10th April 2019 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer exactly one month and five days after my 21st birthday. I had my right testicle removed one month later and started chemotherapy on 1st Jul (7 hours for three consecutive days and then two 30 minute darts the two following Monday’s). The chemo made me very poorly to the point I wanted to stop but found something inside to carry on. On Monday (8th July) I had 30 minutes of chemo as planned and went home where I began to feel unwell on the eve of the Monday I was rushed into hospital by ambulance on a pre-alert as I had developed neutropenic sepsis and was in a very bad way. I am still currently in hospital (due to be discharged today ). I am due my final blast of chemotherapy Monday but am really battling with myself as I don’t want to have it particularly in case it puts me back in hospital and I’m just so fed up of being tired and scared all the time. My family are keen for me to have it but will support whatever I decide. Has anyone else questioned wether to go on with treatment? What did you do? Can missing 30 minutes really make that much of a difference? It was only ever precautionary and to lower my chances of the cancer returning from 50% to 4%. Surely they’re can’t be anything left? It’s wiped out everything good and bad! Somethings telling me don’t have it and something else is saying but what if? Any advice is greatly appreciated

  • Hi,

    I'm no chemotherapy expert, but treatments are based on the best available evidence.

    I'm sorry to hear that your treatment has made you so unwell. These are unfortunate but well known effects of chemotherapy. Following your experiences it's not surprising at all that you're questioning whether or not you should have your last treatment.

    Unfortunately I can't offer you any personal experiences but hopefully some people will turn up soon to start sharing their own.

    Ultimately it's your choice. That being said, I think personally I'd go for it and get that last bit of treatment done, you've done amazingly well so far by the sounds of it despite how unwell you've been.

    Best wishes,

    Rich

  • It’s such a big decision for you to make. I’m not medically qualified, so can only give you my personal thoughts. I think there must be a reason why they recommend a specified number of rounds / cycles of chemotherapy. 

    I recommend you speak to your Oncologist and / or nursing team to get their guidance. 

    It sounds like you’ve had a horrendous time but treatment will be over soon and then you’ve got the rest of your life to make up for it. 

    Whatever you decide, the very best of luck to you. 

  • Thankyou both after a long conversation with my oncologist I have decided to go ahead with the last treatment
  • Thankyou both after a long conversation with my oncologist I have decided to go ahead with the last treatment 

  • Best wishes for your last treatment and onwards.