Hi I'v been offered chemo because some of the cells in my bowel tumour were aggressive. The chemo only potentially improves reaccurance rates by 5 percent, shall I have it? It's 8 rounds over 6 months
This is a difficult question and one which only you can answer. It has to be your decision because you have to live with the outcome.
If your cells are agressive perhaps it is worth throwing everything at them and even 5% is better than zero.
I had to refuse radiotherapy for various reasons, but I had to put up with a lot of opposition and coercion from my care team before I did it. If you decide to refuse chemo, I expect that you will experience the same pressures.
You have obviously looked up the recurrence rates but have you also weighed up the possibility of side-effects from the chemo? Don't let your care team rush you in to this. Ask the oncologist would she be recommending this path if you were her own daughter?
I hope that you can reach a decision that you are happy with.
Thinking of you and praying that you manage to make the right judgment.
I am sorry to hear of your situation and predicament. I thought it might be helpful to let you know about my own situation. In 2012 I had surgery for rectal cancer and was advised to have 6 months chemo. I went ahead with it ,but found it caused me a problem. I was then prescribed another chemo drug called Raltitrexed which I could tolerate. I feel looking back that it was the best thing to do , I am still here , no sign of cancer. It was hard, but worth it. I hope this helps to give you another perspective form someone who been through it. Good luck with your descision and I wish you all the best for a full recovery.
