Stage 2 invasive grade 3 24mm size lump they want to do chemo first before any surgury how long is chemo in months and how long can they keep me waiting legally for surgury xxx
of course they could plough on in and risk spreading it,or they may feel that size,position,relationship to other organs and lymphs,and the ability to remove safely with good margins,point to the better course of checking,containing and reducing tumour size before surgery, which would give a far better eventual outcome.This is sensible and of course you would be closely monitored to ensure the chemo is having the desired effect, and if not intervention could then take place,albeit as not the preferred option.Remember the overwhelming odds are that the tumour cannot grow whilst under chemo pressure.
l had stage 4 bowel cancer that broke out into the liver and had chemo and radiotherapy before surgery to both, with post surgery mop up chemo..Seven years later l am leading a full life and able to write this post.l understand how you feel and the overwhwelming sense of urgency to get it cut out,but liken it to a bomb,if you are going to go delving around inside,best to remove the detonator first. l had six weeks of treatment with six weeks to recover before going under the knife.
As for legally keeping you waiting,l think you are missing the point that this is diagnosed as the best course of action leading to the best possible outcome for your very personal and unique cancer,rather than a standard herd approach that has both winners and losers,l know which one l would choose
Good luck with the chemo,and remember to take satisfaction in the fact that the cancer is getting a bad dose of medicine,serve it right,
Hi Amy ,I have not got all the answers im afraid, but I do know of people who have had chemotherapy before surgery,it is usualy done to shrink the tumour before, to make it easier to remove it ,its not unusual to do this, I'm sorry you are feeling left with out answers to your questions and I think the best thing you can do,is contact your oncologist and talk things through with him or her. I suggest you write everything your not sure of down on paper,as well as the answers your oncologist gives you as I think its a lot to take in. I do hope you get some answers soon,and all your planned treatments go well. Always here if you need to chat.xx
sorry that my post was not too clear, my stage 4 cancer was completely removed from my body thanks to the treatment l received and l am cancer free.The only issues l now have are the after effects of the chemo/radiotherapy since l am one of the very small number, 2%, of those who suffer permanent nerve damage from the treatment.You ask how effective is chemo against cancer cells and l have to say it is very powerful. treatments are getting better in regard to targeting,it destroys cells good and bad,like l said most people can repair damage to the good cells after the cancer is destroyed and the treatment stops
.You need to stop thinking that you are being fobbed off with a second rate,less effective treatment to cure your cancer,and instead start believing that you are being offered the blue riband treatment seeking the result of leaving you cancer free.You will understand just how powerful chemo can be once you undergo treatment.
My experience showed me that the cancer specialist teams are very focused,exceptionally knowledgeable,and totally commited to the best outcome for each individual patient.What you need to provide ts trust in their abilities,and be as stressfree as is possible with a positive attitude in order to allow the treatments to work to the maximum within your body and minimise any counter effects that you could produce to work against them.This is what is your contribution to a succesful outcome and you should not underestimate the important role you can play in your treatment.
