From what I am reading in her report, my wife's benfit from Chemo is just 3% … Think about how you want to spend time with them. Surveys suggest the vast majority of consumers with medical conditions use CAM in addition to, rather than as a substitute for medicine – that is, it is truly “complementary”. If your loved one refuses cancer treatment There are people who choose not to get any cancer treatment. You will have regular checkups with your doctor to make sure that the cancer hasn't come back. still exercising, praying, no stress, eat well, and being grateful/enjoying what I have. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But this would also infer that notseeking treatment is "abnormal," and that's rarely the case. Many patients decline chemotherapy for low odds of benefit especially if they have gotten very weak or have other symptoms that make their quality of life very poor. Will continuing treatment make a significant difference in my cancer growth? Plant foods can be hazardous to people and pets through physical contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion. Almost everyone is willing to try chemotherapy if there is a meaningful chance for cure. It's … Here’s our guide to the best blue-light-blocking glasses available right now, starting with some of the research that’s been done on blue light. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. But if you have a cancer that can be cured, statistics are in your favor, and your health is otherwise good, there is no reason to forego chemotherapy. For some, chemotherapy treatments may not kill the cancer cells, or the cells may return after a remission. Most women in the mid-range can avoid chemo When cancer reaches this stage, it’s usually called advanced or terminal. Unfortunately, in the case of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the additional chemotherapy is necessary to maximize the chance of cure. But when the treatment isn’t working, the toll on your physical and emotional health can be exhausting for both you and your loved ones. If your neutrophil count is low, the doctor may say you are neutropenic. Deciding to stop treatment. Survival statistics most often come from studies that compare treatments with each other, rather than treatment with no treatment. What you are imagining is probably far worse than the reality of it. Welcome to Reddit, the front page of the internet. Others are fully committed and made with a complete und… How safe and effective is herbal medicine compared to chemical medicine. Last medically reviewed on August 7, 2018. It has been very difficult for us to make the decision to go with chemotherapy due to the frightening side effects. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET BREAST CANCER - VIDEO BY KAREN LEXKIE. My wife's score ononcotype DX reoccurrence score is 29. What Do I Do If My Chemotherapy Isn’t Working? My wife and I are on this roller coaster together and we do not always agree. Science and clinical trials have told us that. In these cases, the potential risks versus benefits must be discussed before deciding on the treatment. Step 2: Decide on a goal. There often comes a point in poorly treatable cancer situations that the treatment is as bad or worse than the disease. DECIDING NOT TO HAVE CHEMOTHERAPY - VIDEO BY KAREN LECKIE. The best choice is whichever one you feel comfortable with, whether that’s continuing chemotherapy, exploring experimental treatments, or stopping treatment altogether. But for the large group of women with intermediate scores (11 to 25) and their doctors, the need for chemotherapy has been less clear. Chemotherapy drugs kill or disable cancer cells. I am here in 2017, I have effects from the lumpectomy & radiation and it is manageable. If you’ve undergone three or more chemotherapy treatments for your cancer and the tumors continue to grow or spread, it may be time for you to consider stopping chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is meant to kill cancer cells, but it doesn’t always do its job. Medications and other treatments, such as radiation, are part of palliative care. Long life not guaranteed for anyone – cancer or no cancer. Researchers are getting closer to identifying women who can safely skip chemotherapy as a treatment for breast cancer. If you decide to stop chemotherapy, be sure you’re still getting relief from symptoms such as pain, constipation, and nausea. Long-term side effects may include early menopause. The decision to use chemotherapy is based on the tumor stage and certain tumor characteristics (such as hormone receptor status), as well as your age, overall health and personal preferences.. 1 . Step 1: Set your ground rules. This conversation can put you at ease and relieve your loved ones of trying to guess your intentions. It is also true that more chemotherapy will make the patient feel lousy again for a time. There are specialists who assist in managing cancer symptoms. You and your caregivers should talk with your oncologist about your needs in the upcoming months. Concerns About Chemo and Your Natural Defenses. Cancers metastatic to bone are often painful but in some cases the discomfort is mild or more severe pain can be relieved with radiation therapy. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. No one can tell for sure how it will affect you. Although this shape looks like a breast, you will not have the same feeling in it because nerves were cut during your mastectomy. The decision of whether to have chemotherapy or not is, thus, a very important choice for hundreds of thousands of women receiving treatment for breast cancer. originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. How Is Blackness Represented In Digital Domains? Advanced-stage breast cancer generally means cancer that is classified as: some stage III; stage IV Chemotherapy for advanced-stage/metastatic disease. How do we decide? The researchers looked at this intermediate group. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for most types of breast cancer. This creates a new breast-like shape. Chemotherapy for early and locally advanced breast cancer Does it hurt to let yourself die from cancer (no chemo)? Everyone should understand the goals of chemotherapy as well as potential side effects and common complications. Some people decide that finishing lifelong goals or taking an overdue vacation is a better way to spend time than coping with more chemotherapy treatments. Even if you decide to stop chemotherapy, you may still want to explore other treatment options, including experimental ones such as immunotherapy. Remember, you are not alone in this. Some people decide that the benefits of chemotherapy are not worth the poor quality of life due to the side effects. What are the newest treatments for prostate cancer? To help you make your decision on when to stop chemotherapy, ask your oncologist these questions: Being open and honest with your oncology team is very important during this time. For some women under 50 in this group, chemotherapy could also be spared. Hodgkin’s disease frequently relapses without the additional courses of chemotherapy. But I read enough info that chemo and tamoxifen not 100%. Your oncologist might suggest you speak with a social worker or attend a support group with other people who are facing similar decisions. Instead, like many other patients with advanced cancers, they became weaker and more frail as their cancer worsened, then became wheelchair and then bed bound. Almost everyone is willing to try chemotherapy if there is a meaningful chance for cure. Here’s what you should consider if your treatment plan isn’t working. Its aim is to foster a conversation between healthcare providers and the public about “unnecessary medical tests and treatments.”. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. Don't have chemotherapy Don't have chemotherapy. I can see why some cancer patients decide not to do chemotherapy, if you are old or feel that you have lived long enough and your body is so full of cancer that it would be useless. The most frequent outcome when cancer patients die is that whatever pain they have is controlled with narcotics and or sedatives. If his Docs have done their best to impress on him the importance of an all out assault including chemo, and yet he has decided not to go that route, then, you have only to wish him well and be there in support as he goes through Rads. 1 . However, there’s no right or wrong decision. Why More People Are Refusing Chemotherapy Claims That Chemo Is "Poison". Learn the symptoms and how to avoid…. While your oncologist may be able to tell you the odds or chances of a new therapy working, this is always just an estimate. Cancer treatment is at its most effective the first time that it’s used. Continued "When someone had an intermediate score, it was hard to decide whether or not to proceed with chemotherapy," Bernik said. Discuss any physical symptoms that you’re having as well as any emotions that are troubling you. It is not about surgery or hormone therapy. They concluded that for most women in this group over the age of 50, chemotherapy didn't have any benefit, and hormone therapy alone led to similar survival rates. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Chemo or No chemo? 11 Best Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses for Adults and Kids. Stopping treatment isn’t easy. Short-term side effects may include such things as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and mouth sores. Ask your oncology social worker for help in making your plans. Many people who face this point in their treatment have to consider if continuing chemotherapy for as long as possible will change their chances of survival. After you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your oncologist may recommend many different treatments. Before exploring treatment options, establish some ground rules. Your oncologist might suggest new treatments, such as trying different combinations of chemotherapy drugs that include experimental options. Chemo affects your healthy cells. But there is a smaller population that uses CAM as a true “alternative” to medicine. Where Is There Still Room For Growth When It Comes To Content Creation? You'll usually have several treatment sessions, which will typically be spread over the course of a few months. Hormone therapy. Deciding what you want out of treatment can help you narrow your treatment choices. Don't have chemotherapy. Step 3: Research your treatment … That said, I would definitely go for a second opinion on your treatment. Also, be clear on what you need in the coming weeks and months. But I’ve had many patients with pancreatic cancer where pain wasn’t a problem. “I don’t want to think about cancer all the time.” You’re much more than a patient. Use this time to discuss your wishes with your family and friends. If you decide to stop chemotherapy, be sure you’re still getting relief from symptoms such as pain, constipation, and nausea. You may decide to have a nurse come to your home for weekly care visits. Previous studies have found that women with scores of 10 or lower did not need chemotherapy, while women with scores higher than 25 did benefit from chemotherapy. But for the most part, people who are able to make decisions for themselves have the right to refuse any and all treatment. It must be given with care - even to healthy individuals. If you choose to have an implant, chances are you will need more surgery later on to remove or replace it. If you decide not to have treatment, the doctor who knows your situation best is in the best position to discuss your prognosis. A couple things to keep in mind: Until you have a biopsy, you don’t have a definite diagnosis, so it’s harder to make a decision. This can cause undesired side effects. DECIDING NOT TO HAVE CHEMOTHERAPY // Cancer treatment without chemo and radiation is an option. All rights reserved. Some may be transient and fade with time. If you're struggling with the treatment and are having doubts about whether to continue, it's a good idea to speak to your care team. This is called palliative care, and it’s meant to improve your quality of life. What other experimental options are out there for me to try? Don't have chemotherapy. For cancers sensitive to hormones, certain treatments can stop hormone production in your body or block the effect of hormones. Will stopping chemotherapy mean I stop seeing you and your team altogether. Answer by David Chan, MD from UCLA, Stanford Oncology Fellowship, on Quora: Every cancer situation is different. HELP! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 WISHES FROM KAREN LECKIE. Chemotherapy is among the treatment options available. It is not about surgery or hormone therapy. More questions: Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Chemotherapy. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Clubhouse’s Future Depends On Data - How To Build A TikTok Like Algorithm, President Biden Is Man, Woman And 40 Years Old - Why We Need Algorithmic Transparency, WhatsApp: We Should Discuss What Our Data Is Used For, Not Who Has It, Three Things You’ll Need Before Starting A New Business. Chemotherapy usually is NOT recommended for non-invasive, in situ cancers such as DCIS because they have very little risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Review the recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) and Choosing Wisely as you grapple with this decision. My Oncologist has given me the stats - only 1 in 20 women in my position would have had their life saved by chemo in 10 yrs time. This information is for those who are deciding about chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Need advice I have a week to make a decision, chemo or not Thanks X Reply Cancel Cancel; LondonLass over 3 years ago. Chemotherapy can cause a range of unpleasant side effects. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. And remember, they have 4 legs to our 2. There are a plethora of reasons why a woman may not be willing to pursue or continue breast cancer treatment. People who are extremely old and frail or who have other medical complications may not be able to tolerate certain chemotherapy protocols. Hi, chemotherapy is not nice, but it is doable. Accepting that you may have reached the limit in your care can cause more anger, sadness, and feelings of loss. It’s normal to feel obligated to try every possible treatment. You may opt-out by. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. You’re a … How Can Tech Companies Become More Human Focused? Deciding what to do if this happens can be incredibly tough. Of course in the end it's a personal decision, but you want to be as informed as you can when you make that decision. Learn about the short- and long-term side effects. If I stop treatment, will my side effects, such as. We rounded up some of the best reading glasses you can buy online and in style. A study by Have chemotherapy after your surgery for early-stage breast cancer. Does it matter if I stop chemotherapy now or several months from now? now have the huge dilemma of deciding whether or not to have chemo. Become a Redditor. So, it may not be easy for your doctor to give you an accurate prognosis. Still, you and your oncologist must consider whether more treatment will improve your health, or whether it’s best to stop treatment altogether and pursue palliative care. There are many reasons to pursue or not to pursue chemotherapy. This information is for those who are deciding about chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. You do have to respect his decision, though it be perhaps a risky one. Some cancers are more associated with pain than others. Pancreatic cancer can be particularly bad when it grows into nerves near the back of the pancreas. But the condition of her other legs and hips is a big factor as well. Most people would consider it "normal" to want to seek treatment for breast cancer the moment you are diagnosed, particularly at a time where survival rates are ever-increasing. And talking about it with your healthcare team and your loved ones can be difficult. Does it hurt to let yourself die from cancer (no chemo)? How Do Employee Needs Vary From Generation To Generation? Choosing Wisely is an initiative created by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation. Be sure your treatment team knows your wishes. I still remember their disappointed faces at me. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. What Impact Is Technology Having On Today’s Workforce? The Advanced Breast Cancer Community and the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) are just two of the resources you may find helpful. There's 20% chance of death which is reduced by 5 to 6% by hormone therapy and removal of ovaries and chemo would reduce bu a further 5%. Breast implants do not last a lifetime. chemotherapy tablets (oral chemotherapy) – this usually involves taking a course of medicine at home, with regular check-ups in hospital; You may be treated with one type of chemotherapy medicine or a combination of different types. This can be very hard for family and friends who may not agree with this choice. Have chemotherapy after your surgery for early-stage breast cancer. When deciding whether or not to give you chemo, doctors look at the number of neutrophils you have. WELCOME TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL FROM KAREN LECKIE. Radiation therapy. 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