How much chemo can we take?

[Patty H]

I was wondering how much chemo can are bodies handle. Except for a break now and then ,I have been on one kind of chemo or another for 2 years now. Does it do damage to things like our kidneys or liver? What's the longest anyone of you have been on chemo at one time? Patty H

[Kristen]

Dear Patty H.
I don't know the answer to your question but it seems valid. I know I have met women at the infusion ctr. that have been on and off for 4 yrs.

What it does to our bodies, I am just learning. Neuropathy, hearing loss, imposed menapause, thin cracking nails, loss of hair, dry skin, mouth sores and it just goes on. Internally, just probably what you know already. Long term effects? I am sure someone will answer that for you.

I admire all you women who have had to fight the battle off and on again and for years. You are all truely amazing to me. NED will come for you Sandy and you will be free of doctors and clinics except for your follow-ups. Hang in there. We are all pulling for you. take care k

[Steph N]

Many women in ongoing treatment have become my aquaintances through my cancer center. The longest I know of is one woman who went over 7 years mostly on some chemo or another. She also had brain mets. Her life ended due to heart failure at age 62. She was not HER2 pos - had Inflammitory BC and outlasted the predictions by a long shot. Stubborn-Bravery was her middle name!

[Lolly]

I've been in treatment off and on for 5 years now, but like Steph I've known women through my treatment center who fought amazingly long, hard battles. One had been in treatment for 9 years, another for 8. Both died recently, after deciding to stop treatment when quality of life was no longer good enough. I believe it boils down to that, quality of life, and the benchmark for that is going to vary as to what's tolerable.
Love, Lolly