I had surgery for stage IV two years ago
Hi
I live in England and I had surgery for stage IV cancer two years ago at a hopsital in London. My local onc was also against it, but surgical prof in London said it was worth a try. And I didn't fancy dying so I did.
I had three tumours removed from sternum and my sternum removed and placed with prosthesis, some kind of metal mesh I think, and a sub 1cm tumour removed from my lung.
I then had a second dose of radiotherapy and have been on single-agent treatment with herceptin ever since. That was two years ago and currently I am NED (though due for a scan in two months' fingers crossed).
Over here surgery for stage iv isn't common but I think they should do more of it. I have had two years so far of cancer-free life and I have enjoyed every minute of it, so the pain of the op was worth it, and actually I recovered remarkably quickly. I am 45 this week.
Hope that helps you and good luck
|