Chemotherapy alone, or chemo w/radiation? - Chemotherapy Message Board

singer78 · 10-15-2007, 05:57 PM

Hi.
Well. I said I'd never do it, but I did.
I did some research online about chemotherapy alone, versus chemo plus radiation for Hodgkin's. I found article after article about secondary cancers, caused by radiation. There seems to be strong evidence mounting that Hodgkin's can be effectively treated with only chemotherapy (which I had) ..but, more rounds than I received. I had 8 treatments...they seem to suggest at least 12.
On one hand, I'm thankful I just had 8, as they were very difficult for me.
On the other hand, even though today my first radiation treatment didn't seem like "that big of a deal," I am now petrified with the possible occurence of secondary cancers, moreso than ever.
I know every "regular" on here is probably sick of my whining.
I resolve never to go online again during the duration of my radiation. Everytime I do, I regret it.
Any one of you can send me a big cyberspace kick for doing that!
I guess I should've asked more questions to my Radiologist and Oncologist about the risks and exactly how strong my radiation is. There's different "strengths," of radiation, right? I will not go online, other than here, anymore.
When will I learn my lesson?
S.
p.s. Linda, if you're reading this, I'm seeking more support tomorrow, as you suggested. I can't take this up & down stuff I'm doing.

CancerChick · 10-15-2007, 06:32 PM

Singer I have no answer because I have NHL and I'm due for 30 days of radiation in my chest area. So I'm just sending you a cyberhug.

singer78 · 10-15-2007, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the hug....back at cha'.
I feel bad I even posted this thread. I know one thing---no more researching the net! Every time, I get burnt.
I'm so sorry, everyone....I know there's risks involved & there's no getting around it.
Please excuse me. I think the internet can be downright evil sometimes.
love, S.

LINDA505 · 10-15-2007, 07:33 PM

Dear, dear Singer,
Alot of the information that you read on the internet is general info and not always accurate. That does not go without saying that there is a small risk with radiation . Chemo also has risks and so do many drugs have risks. It is
good to be informed but you must not stress yourself with this. You are having radiation....so are you going to live the rest of your life worrying about something that may never happen. Give yourself a break and trust in your physician. Does it really matter how much radiation you are getting?
Can you change any part of your treatment if you know the dose you are getting? No. The only thing you can change is how you are going to deal with this. I know its easy for me to say, I'm not the one going through it. You are right. I would be just like you. But you need the voice of reason and
I am going to be it for you. You have choices....you can tell your doc you do not want to have radiation because of your fear of secondary cancer. Then you can start worrying about not having the Hodgkins cured. Right? Make
a list of questions that you want answered. Bring a tape recorder with you and then play and replay it over and over.
Do this for yourself. Write down on a piece of paper all the things that you are worrying about. Put those things into a balloon, blow it up and let it go.
Then start to worry about where you are going for dinner and where your
next vacation is going to be. Okay.? Calm down. Stay off the internet.
This is not anything you do not already know. Don't drive yourself crazy
with the what ifs. Trust your medical team.

Now go rest and eat something that tastes real good.

Love
Linda

singer78 · 10-15-2007, 07:47 PM

Linda,
Again, you're the "voice of reason."
I thank you.
It's probably a good thing that we're anonymous on here....
I'd be at your front door, ready to move in with you! (JK...just kidding)...
Now, where's that balloon????
LOVE, S.