On 5/6/2008 rose01 wrote:
I hope this isn't an insensitive or dumb question but I'd like to know how others have approached this. If and when there comes a point that the treatment is taking such a toll on quality of life that it's not worth it, how do you recognize this point?? Do you let the doctors tell you first that they've done all they can? Do you just "instinctly" know? I want myself and my husband to fight this cursed disease with all we have but at the same time, doesn't this have to be weighed against quality of time and living life on one's own terms? I really don't have any answers right now. In fact, I pray we never get to this crossroad.
My sister had surgery, chemo and radiation for breast cancer. She was to be on tamoxifen and effexor for five years. She did well through the surgery and chemo/radiation treatments. After three years on tamoxifen/effexor she has decided to stop taking the medicine. The medicine had diminished her quality of life. She was very energetic prior to the treatments. While on the medicine (and they tried different types) she could not sleep at night, her whole body was in pain. She used to walk five miles a day; on the medicine she had difficulty walking two blocks. Since not being on the medicine, she feels like her old self. She has her quality of life back. She sometimes worries if she made the right decision, but she is so much less stressed now. We are firm believers that stress plays a big role in cancer. She keeps up on her mammograms, bloodwork etc and feels if she keeps a close watch, she will be able to catch the cancer if it comes back.
It is a hard decision. There have been lots of prayers. Goof luck!