Going off anti-cancer meds?

Question

So about 3 years ago my mom found out she had breast cancer.  She was in her mid 60's.  She had a mastectomy on the breast and was pronounced cancer free.  However to prevent cancer from getting into her other breast they have her on cancer fighting medicine.  So far she has taken 3 and had bad side effects.  She told me she is sick of the side effects and wants to just not take anything and risk getting cancer again.  I was just wondering if any women out there have done this or know of ways to help make things better.  It has been really hard on her dealing with everything and I just do not know what to do to make it better for her.

Tarkarri · Accepted Answer

She needs to discuss this with her oncologist so she has all the facts before making her decision.

I hate the side effects too, but as the medication reduces my risk of recurrence over 5 years from around 35% to around 25% i decided I could put up with them for 5 years.

Following discussing with my oncologist I now take evening Primrose Oil to help with the hot flushes, glucosamine to help with the joint stiffness and Vit D and calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and also reduce the risk of the cancer returning,

This is a personal choice issue between your mother and her Dr.

Danielle D · Answer

There are a couple of drugs available for this purpose. Has she tried to switch medications? Sometimes one drug is more tolerable than another. It's worth a try if she hasn't been done that yet.

Of course, they recommend that you stay on the drugs for 5 years because that's the period of time that's what the research suggests is the best length of time. However, the decision to remain on the drug for that long is ultimately a personal decision.

If mom's side effects from the medication are so bad that she would risk a recurrence, she is obviously suffering. So, the question becomes -- what's more important? Length of life or quality of life? Most cancer patients will say quality.

Mom should talk to her oncologist about her concerns. If she hasn't tried any other drugs, she should really consider that first. If that doesn't help, it's really her decision whether to continue or not. Three years is actually pretty good compliance. Some folks don't even make it that far before deciding to quit.

Whatever her decision, support her in it. She just wants to feel well again.

R J · Answer

Hope all goes well.  Our nurse had a double mastectomy eight years ago and her doctor has had her taking an herb called resveratrol as a preventative.  You can google "clinical and preclinical trials of resveratrol on cancer".  This is a 48 page report and see wat it says about how it works to correct the brest cancer.  You can buy it any where.  Als they study was done by M D Anderson cancer center in Houston, part of U of Texas.  Main doctor is Aggarwal and you can e-mail him and he will answer.  Take care.

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Going off anti-cancer meds?

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