I'm a 31 year old female, who recently has had cancer of the appendix which is apparently quite rare. I've been told this is classed as a kind bowel cancer.
I had a right hemicolectomy 4 weeks ago where they removed about 30% of my colon, my appendix and the tumour. 16 lymph nodes were removed and luckily all were clear but there were cancer cells found in the lymph channel. The oncologist has said they're 99% sure they've removed all the cancer but I've been offered chemotherapy as a 'preventative' measure in case there are any rogue cancer cells that can't be found via tests, but the decision is totally mine.
Because of my age, there is a chance I would have to harvest some of my eggs because the treatment could effect my fertility and there's even a chance it could kick start early menopause. I don't have children yet but I always wanted to.
Do I have the chemo for something that might not even be there and risk my fertility or do I not have it and carry on as normal? Because of the rarity of the cancer and my age, they've said I'll be monitored annually over the next five or so years, but if there are cancerous cells left, could they turn into something more sinister in a year?
All this has happened in the last four weeks and it's all just been such a shock. I just don't know what to do.
Any thoughts/advice welcome.
Thanks, Laura