Worried about break from chemo

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016 after an emergency operation. They removed the whole tumour and I had 6 months of chemo as a prevention. Unfortunately the cancer has come back in my bowel  and I also now have a spot on my lung.

I have just finished 6 rounds of chemotherapy and had a scan which came back that the cancer is stable but it hasn't shrunk. My oncologist wants me to have a 3 month break from chemo as I've had some bad side effects but I'm worried about the cancer growing again. 

Has anyone else had a break from chemo and what was the outcome?

thanks,

Suzanne

  • Hi Suzanne, 

    I am really sorry to hear your cancer has returned and I’m also sorry to say that I can’t offer much advice as I never had a break from treatment but I couldn’t just scroll past and not say anything. I know I was always scared when I was waiting for treatment, it’s the worry that it could spread and get worse before treatment starts but I’m sure if this was a big risk then the doctors would have maybe took an alternate route for treatment? The unknown is a scary thing, all we can do is try and stay positive and take things slowly, at a pace that we can manage. I’m sure you will have some replies from people that can help you more I just want you to know I’m here if you want to chat.

    Bex 

  • Hi Suzanne I've just come across your post, and it's as if I am looking in a mirror.  Everything you have described is my currently my life.

    Did you take a break, what was the outcome, i hope and pray the cancer stayed stabled.

  • Hi Suzanne, hope you don't mind me answering you (male) I had 6 sessions of cemotheropy middle of Feb 2016 since then they have been keeping a check on my cancer it kept getting smaller for over a year before it started to grow again it's still safe (bad word to use sorry) it'll grow more before it gets dangerous to me again,, I'd better explain I'm uncurable just have to live with my uninvited guest, when it rises more I'll have more cemo good luck and best wishes.. Billy