I’m not a regular reader of Orac but I saw this post today and it’s a must-read, particularly if you are aware of the furore surrounding a 13-year-old kid called Daniel Hauser and his parents’ decision to refuse conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation to treat his Hodgkin's lymphoma in favor of alternative treatment.
Orac has given a definitive, no-holds-barred list of what actually happens when one chooses to die from cancer rather than undergo chemo or radiation therapy. The proponents of the “avoid chemo and die pain-free” camp remain blissfully unaware of what cancer actually does to the body and the agonizing pain and misery that comes with it. Sure, chemo and radiation cause both short- and long-term side effects, some of which can be fatal, but that plus increasing the odds of surviving sounds a hell of a whole lot better than certain death preceded by an incredible amount of pain.
Have I experienced having to make this decision myself? No. But my mother had to make a choice when diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 5 years ago ... the choice between 100% risk of death and reducing her risk of recurrence to ~5% within 10 years with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. As the family's resident scientist (ha!), she turned to me for help with this decision and my immediate reaction, in between copious amounts of tears was, “you need to have the treatment - I don’t want you to die.”
It wasn’t a pleasant experience for her. Invasive surgery to remove the large lump as well as the lymph glands from the axilla. Chemotherapy which left her bald, immunosuppressed, nauseated and fatigued. Radiation therapy which caused large, painful blisters as well as nausea and fatigue. Her medical team was amazing throughout and made sure she had a constant supply of anti-nausea meds and painkillers which, while not 100% effective, certainly helped. Even now, 5 years later, she is having major dental problems, short-term memory issues and some sun sensitivity. And she has more grey hair now which probably pisses her off more than anything else.
But the best thing of all? My mother is still alive. She saw me graduate with my PhD, was at the birth of her first (and only) grandson and then celebrated his next 4 birthdays, turned 60, and a ton of other things. She wouldn’t have done any of these things if it hadn’t been for modern medical techniques such as surgical oncology, chemo and radiation therapy.
I thank my lucky stars every day that my mother is alive and well. With any luck she’ll be with us for a long time to come. Others, like Arlenna’s cousin, aren’t so lucky.
Consider the choice between modern therapy and death. The choice between short- and even long-term side effects vs excruciating pain and certain death.
It’s a no-brainer.
Go read Orac’s post. He writes much bettererer than I evah could.
Writing, Thinking and Reflecting
14 hours ago
I hate being the "resident scientist" and being asked for advice on things I'm not qualified in. Last night a friend with a pregnant wife called to ask about cord blood banking, which I at least had a chance at, but my parents now keep asking for advice on behalf of their neighbour, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. My standard advice is "do what the real doctors tell you".
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you made a GREAT call with your mum though - it seems like she's doing really well. My auntie is also a breast cancer survivor (8 years now since diagnosis) and she has no regrets about undergoing treatment either, despite the ongoing side effects.
From 2006 to 2008, I watched my mother undergo a mastectomy, lymph node removal, radiation and chemo. Yeah. It was heartbreakingly grotesque. And she still has depression and memory problems that some paper I read says she'll fully recover from in several years.
ReplyDeleteGuess what? That was all infinitely preferable to her dying. She says so herself. She has no regrets about her treatment. Her survival, too, has resulted in the vast improvement of multiple familial relationships, including mine with her. How can you do that with a family member who's given in to the woo and died instead?
My mother received treatment at a world-class facility, but even the best medical schools and centers in this country can't resist that alternative treatment stuff. At least no one tried in earnest to get her to substitute magic mushroom shakes, acupuncture, vitamins and God knows what else for chemo. Not that any one of us would have let her had she wanted to. . .
I'm glad your mom got to see you become a professor.
Cath & Juniper: we're all definitely on the same page with this one. The other supercool thing that makes my mother almost explode with pride is that she took part in several research trials during this whole experience which will then benefit other women in her situation. And she became actively involved in breast cancer support groups which has also been a constant source of pride for her.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! It's great when people take positives out of such negative experiences. My auntie now volunteers at her local cancer hospice; I wonder how common this kind of event is, and how it correlates with long-term physical and mental health outcomes?
ReplyDeleteI wonder how common this kind of event is, and how it correlates with long-term physical and mental health outcomes?
ReplyDeleteI don’t know but my mum went from being a somewhat passive/reserved observer in her own life to someone who was determined not to succumb to Teh Big C and has been an amazing pillar of strength and support for one of her oldest friends who has been battling advanced ovarian cancer for years. It was a little weird as she wasn’t much of a go-getter before the diagnosis. She’s calmed down a bit now but remains committed and determined to enjoying a cancer-free life … whether my father likes it or not!