does chemotherapy really work? or does it hurt you more than help?

Answer 1

it does both...it kills the bad and the good cells. It's a double edge sword. Worth though. My uncle had leukaemia and he's still kickin it. it could save your life too, if you have cancer.

Answer 2

It depends on the person, the stage and type of their cancer and the type of chemotherapy.

I had Hodgkin's Disease and went through 12 rounds of chemo, then three rounds of a stronger salvage chemo when I relapsed followed by 14 rounds of very high dose chemotherapy and I had almost no painful side effects at any time during treatment. I bounced back and lived a normal life (minus the month in the hospital for the high dose chemo) I felt 100% better ON the chemo than when the cancer was spreading through me untreated. So chemo was the right way for me to go, I'm in remission and feel great.

Answer 3

The answer to this is dependent on many variables. It depends on the type of chemotherapy and that particular person's response to those drugs--some people can tolerate a particular drug while others cannot. Examples: My sister-in-law died from lung damage caused by a severe reaction to chemotherapy while fighting breast cancer. The chemo killed her, not the breast cancer. But she was willing to take that risk rather than sit back, do nothing, and die for sure from the very advanced and aggressive form of breast cancer she was dealing with.

I could not tolerate MOPP while being treated for Hodgkins Disease--it was causing nerve damage-- but tolerated ABVD fine and have been in remission for Hodgkins now for sixteen years. Answer: It can cure you or it can kill you.

The point is, most people would not consider undergoing chemotherapy unless they have no other choice. Had I done nothing, I am convinced I would have died within two years of the onset of my disease. I had nothing to lose by trying it, and everything to gain. My attitude is life is very fragile, life is very precious, and life is worth fighting for.

If you are dealing with cancer, God Bless, follow your doctor's advice, and don't be afraid to try chemo if that is his recommendation. Otherwise, you may regret your decision down the line, and there's nothing worse in life than regret and remorse for a road not taken or a decision one did not have the courage to make. If it does not work for you, at least you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you fought your disease with every tool possible--leave the rest in God's hands--He will be with you always and you have nothing to fear.

Answer 4

Chemo is hell. Cancer is hell squared. Unfortunately, there are cancers and persons that only respond to chemo, and since the world isn't perfect, sometimes the chemo doesn't get all the cancer. I personally had chemo, radiation, monoclonal antibodies & Neupogen (rebuilds white cells). Yes, I still have nerve damage, digestive issues, and arthritis setting in (the cancer ate my pelvis & spine - had three large breaks in the pelvis & numerous hairline fractures in the lower half of my torso), but I'm still here 5-1/2 years later. To be honest, though, if I were ever diagnosed w/cancer again I am doubtful that I would permit these treatments and would most likely let the cancer take its course.

Answer 5

chemotherapy worked great for me, but it did have its side effects.
"Question: What are the side effects of chemotherapy and what are some ways of dealing with them?
Answer: The side effects of chemotherapy are different for different people, different drugs, and different drug doses."
http://www.breastcancer.org/faq_chemotherapy.html

nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and anemia, mouth sores, taste and smell changes, suppression of the immune system, which increases the risk of infection, diarrhea

Answer 6

It worked for my Husband.. Now 72 & had colon cancer & was treated at NW cancer clinic in seattle, wa. 6 years ago.Not too bad of a reaction...no hair loss...a little nausea and a little weakness, but not bad enough for medication. Care provider VERY important. He also had a surgery, which detected the cancer, prior to treatment. I would recommend it. Hope this helped. Lots of good info on the web at cancer institute sites

Answer 7

Chemotherapy helps more.Some chemotheraputic agents have bad side effects but research is gradually decreasing the side effects.

Answer 8

It really depends on the form of chemo, but it does do a lot of harm to the body, even if the cancer goes away.

Answer 9

I think it depends on the person, the type of cancer, and the type of chemo. I think all in all I did ok with chemo, and I hope like hell it did what it needed to do. Time will tell....

Answer 10

It hurts and as in my son's case it didn't help or cure him. A home remedy did and the good Lord.