Deciding to stop treatment is a very personal decision. For Jaishri Lakhani, chemotherapy was taking its toll both physically and mentally and impacting on her quality of life.
After attending our information day in north London, Jaishri kindly offered to share her experience of lung cancer and about what life has been like since stopping chemo.
“I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in October 2023 and started on chemotherapy soon after.
“It was a combined treatment with two different types of chemo. I had four sessions and tolerated it well. I did lose my appetite a little bit but other than that, the side effects were minimal.
“After those four sessions, I had a chemo break and enjoyed a holiday with friends in the Cotswolds. I had a scan when I got back which showed a reduction and the decision was made to lower the chemo dose.
“I had six further rounds of chemo every three to four weeks. You would expect with a lower dose the side effects wouldn’t be as bad. But this wasn’t the case for me. The side effects got worse after each round. They were taking their toll on me physically, but also mentally.
“Before I was diagnosed, I was a very busy person. I was part of a women’s group. I did yoga and played badminton. I did voluntary work with the homeless and Age UK. Everyone would joke that I was busier then than I was when I was working.
“But my diagnosis changed me. I lost a lot of my confidence. I didn’t drive as much and so became quite isolated. I felt like I was a different person, so I made the decision to stop my treatment.
More like myself
“I haven’t been on active treatment for a while now. My last scan was stable and I’m feeling more like myself again.
“It’s also quite freeing not being tied to a treatment regime and I have recently gone on holiday to Turkey with my children and grandchildren. It was wonderful. I love warm weather and the sea, so I was in my element.
“After each day, I felt more and more like my old self. I even joined in with the aqua aerobic classes – albeit from the comfort of my sun lounger!
“I did have a little trip whilst I was out there, but the hotel and staff were wonderful and looked after me very well.
Facing that fear
“Prior to the holiday, I was a little nervous about travelling and being away. But my oncologist encouraged me to go and signed my fit to fly letter so I could arrange assistance at the airport.
“But now I’ve faced that fear, I can’t wait to go away again. I’ve already told my friends to start planning the next trip. Anywhere that’s warm and there’s sand and sea is fine by me!
“I’ve also got a friend in Canada. My niece is in the USA and my younger sister is in India so, now I know what’s involved, I may also look to visit them all. I’m also planning a trip back to Kenya.
“I’m 78 years old and I have lung cancer. For me, quality of life is better than quantity and what’s better than being around loved ones and going on holiday!”