Yesterday had my 7th session of Radiotherapy....(7 down 18 to go!) - my skin is already quite burned and they think it will remain scarred afterwards however not many people get to see my bum so I'm not that bothered :-)
It isn't actually too sore or painful (from the burns anyway - it's only the 'usual' pain caused by the actual tumour site) so just sticking with the Aqueous cream and hoping it doesn't get to be unbearable uncomfortable.
Met with the Consultant afterwards and had already made up my mind earlier in the day that I didn't want to continue with the Chemotherapy treatment.
My gums bled badly again Tuesday morning, inside of my mouth is still painfully sore, the chest 'ache' is easing a bit but still a bit of a concern and after weighing up the percentage odds of it either killing me or possibly helping (or not) in the long run I decided the risk to my overall health is too great a price to pay.
I expected some opposition simply because Doctors/Consultants are the ones who know what they're talking about, whereas with me it's just a feeling that it's not the right treatment.
I got no opposition whatsoever, he completed agreed with my reasoning and logic and said he personally was 100% comfortable with my decision.
He also admitted that they don't really know for sure whether it does actually make any difference - in some people it possibly helps and in others it causes different problems so on those grounds he was happy for me to refuse to continue Chemo.
He also said that it is important to remember that Chemotherapy is a very powerful poison that just doesn't suit everyone (*personally I'm surprised it suits anyone never mind everyone*) and that he would expect to see some of the symptoms I've had (gums/chest discomfort/rashes) towards the END of the treatment and certainly not at the beginning
We then discusssed that should a new tumour surface, Chemo could/would then still be an option - I agreed that this could be a possible consideration in the future (just not now).
Left the hospital feeling like a weight had been lifted off me :-)
My next plan now is to tackle the eating problems I've been having and go onto a healthy eating plan involving Flax Oil & Flaxseeds/Linseed and Green vegetables....before anyone starts wondering if I've lost it completely - it's NOT a cure, it's a plan, there's a difference!
