Hello Pumpkin-2

I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It's understandably a difficult time for you at the moment and natural that you have concerns about the treatment plan going forwards. 

Whilst any cancer diagnosis is hard to hear, it does sound like there are some positives in what you've shared in your post. There's no spread to other organs seen on any of the scans that you've had. The Consultant feels that this cancer isn't palliative - that things can be treated. He's confident that surgery will be appropriate even if there isn't a full response to chemotherapy. It can be really easy to get caught up in the negatives and the what if's following a cancer diagnosis but try to hold on to the positive points that you do know. 

Many people worry about the strain their diagnosis and treatment puts on loved ones. I'm sure that your parents will want to support you in any way they can over the coming weeks and months and wouldn't want you to decline treatment based on the strain that you feel you are putting them under. Talk to them about how you feel so that you can all support each other through this phase. 

If it would help to talk things through with someone you're most welcome to call our team of nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any support, information, and advice they can. 

Keep in touch Pumpkin. We're here to listen and help you as much as we can. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi Pumpkin,

Only you can decide whether the side effects of chemo are worth the extra months or years of life the treatment might give you. 

It is a cliche I know but, like the lottery, you've got to be in it to win it. In 2013 I was told my chance of survival was as low as 5% with chemo and 0% without. I was lucky and still feel like a lottery winner. 

Whatever you decide, I hope things go well for you.

Best wishes

Dave