Content Overview

Recurrence

What If I Don't Want To Go Through Treatment Again?

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10/15

Repeated recurrences can become exhausting and discouraging.

It is up to you to decide whether to go through treatment again. There is no right or wrong. It is your life and you are in charge.

Before you decide not to take a treatment, consider the following:

Check for depression. It may be the depression, rather than you, that is evaluating the situation. Survivorship A to Z provides a list of symptoms to look for, as well as suggestions for treating depression.
Speak with your religious or spiritual advisor.
Speak with your closest loved ones.

Keep in mind that even if there is no cure for your cancer, treatments can help prolong life and possibly turn your cancer into a chronic condition like diabetes.

NOTE: No matter what your decision, there is no reason to be in pain. Pain can be controlled and possibly eliminated. This is known as Palliative Care. If your doctor cannot control your pain, there are Palliative Care specialists with whom you can consult.

Other side effects of your cancer can also likely be reduced or eliminated with the use of traditional medicine or complementary therapies. Speak with your doctor.