Anyone asked for more chemo?

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Hi
I know this might sound a bit mad but I’m wondering has anyone ever asked their oncologist for extra chemo?
I was diagnosed in June with surgery and recon and started 6 Taxotere in July.
I have four down and two left to go.

I am so scared of this thing coming back that I have been considering asking if I can have two more Taxotere. He may not think it’s a good idea- it may not even be an option but I feel that I’m strong enough to handle two more.It has been tough but in my logic I feel if I could be really sure now that all the stray little sods are gone then maybe longterm it would be better.

Has anyone any thoughts on this - or has my chemo brain really lost the plot.

MuddyXX

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Hello Muddy

Why not just ask your onc’s opinion? There’s nothing wrong with expressing the idea, and you may get a very reasoned and sensible answer to say why it would or would not be a good idea.

Just wondering also if you have been offered any counselling - not because I think you have a problem! - but because I have found counselling very helpful for dealing with my fears about the cancer coming back.

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Hi Muddy

Great idea! Saw my onc last week and said if I had to have radio or chemo again and was given a choice then please mark my notes - I prefer chemo!

I actually tried to get them to dose me 2 weekly but they wouldn’t and when explained I understood.

Towards the end of the 4th Tax (after 4 FEC) I was losing a bit of weight (only a stone so not a concern) but my feet we getting really numb from the Tax and the onc said perhaps don’t bother with the 8th one = "we don’t want to disable you! I told him there was no way that I wasn’t going to finish a course of cancer treatment - I had enough keeping me awake all night and didn’t need that worry too!!!

Sorry, doesn’t help you but I’m killing time in an internet cafe “in the foreign”.

You ask - he can say one of two things, or may surprise us all with a 3rd!!!

Good luck
D

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Thanks for the comments ladies - like I said I’m not a glutton for punishment but would like to do all in my power to beat this.

My OH is a bit apprehensive - he sees how hard the chemo can be and is worried if the onc says no I will be disappointed.

Thanks again. I won’t see oncologist for two more weeks (all being well) and will keep you all posted.

MuddyXX

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Hiya Muddy,

Im sorry to burst your bubble but my onc advised me they can only give up to 6 Taxotere.

You can always ask but please be prepared for the answer.

Julie x

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Julie
Thanks for that at least if I ask and he says no then I’ll know there is some logic behind it. I know that it is a strong drug and it will do it’s job - but as you know in the position we’re in you’ll give anything a shot.
Flyright thanks for the post - no I don’t have counselling. To be honest I have trained in counselling myself and know it’s value but right now I don’t feel I want to go down this route. I know i probably am bottling stuff inside - went to teacher meeting for oldest boy yesterday and found myself quite emotional when i worried about future.

This really is a tough journey.

Thanks folks for replies - at least here i get informed responses, at home my family just think I’m mad!!

MuddyXX