Should I continue cancer treatment that makes me feel awful?

I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I don’t know your initial diagnosis but nobody should have to go through treatments that basically make you even sicker. You are the “ captain of your ship, and the master of your fate”. Wishing you the best💕

Dearest Christine🌹 breathe… One day at a time. All the best to you & your family at this difficult decision making time. Please stay in touch.

Christine I completely agree with you. You want to live in this world not just exist. If you have been told the treatments are just buying you time, get a second opinion, my insurance covers that. As crazy as this may sound if these treatments are just buying you time, maybe look into alternative treatments of some sort. In my mind I’ve always thought that if western medicine didn’t fix me, maybe eastern medicine or some protocol out there might. Good luck and I’ll keep you in my prayers.

I’m so sorry. I am not in your shoes and don’t face your choices, but I can imagine that I would feel the same way. I think doctors and family often push treatment because it’s something that can be “done” without considering what you have to give up to get a few weeks longer of life — including more time spent at the doctor and feeling sick. If you don’t want to do it, don’t. No one should make you feel guilty about it. Talk to a patient advocate or social worker at the hospital to help sort your feelings out and even help facilitate a conversation with your family (and doctor) if you need to.

Christine L. I am sorry this is happening to you. I have several suggestions, talk to a palative care Physican. They can help you with so many things related to cancer. Patient advocate can help. Get a second opinion from a hospital that specializes in cancer or outcome4me offers a special program. There is a link on the bottom of the home page to ask questions. Another idea is to have a family conference with the oncologist and a nurse navigator. I hope you get some help. Maybe if you tell us a little more about your cancer you will get other answer. Are you er/pr positive what is your her2 status. What stage are you?

Christine L. Wishing you the best. If you are up to it keep me/us posted. Just thinking of you and I am feeling so bad you are going through this.

Yes Christine many prayers and 💕hugs go out to you and your family. I felt the same way 3 years ago. Stage IV metastatic breast cancer Prayed and everyone around me was praying. By the grace of God I am still here on this earth. Like you I was tired worn out after 8 years but my husband kept researching and called a Dr Tran at Portland Provident hospital that takes late stage cases and figured out I had a genetic disorder as well. Which my body did not have the ability to mark cancer cells to allow my t-cells to fight. My oncologist would have never found it. Short story I have weekly infusion of immunoglobulins and now through PET scans no tumors detected. If it wasn’t for my husband I don’t know where I be right now. 🙏🙏❤️

This sounds like an incredibly difficult journey, and it's completely understandable to question whether continuing treatment is the right choice when quality of life has been so severely impacted. The decision about treatment continuation is deeply personal and only you can determine what feels right for your situation and values. Many people in similar circumstances struggle with balancing potential time gained versus quality of that time, and there's no universally right answer. Consider having an open conversation with your medical team about your concerns and exploring all options, including palliative care resources that focus on comfort and quality of life. Your feelings about this are valid, and whatever choice you make deserves respect and support.