Life after treatment: What I plan to do next, what about you?

I am in the process of deciding when to stop treatment. Stage IV rectal cancer (I have posts elsewhere on this site if anyone is interested in more detail), currently stable since June. I feel just fine apart from neuropathy in both feet which is numbness not pain, but will likely not resolve. I have just reached a point where my mental health is beginning to suffer. I'm tired of being tied down to appointments and infusions every two weeks with chemo ball for 46 hours. I was told that this schedule will be for the rest of my life -- there is no break, there is no cure, and there are no surgical options for me. I had a second opinion at Moffitt earlier this year, and I'm in the process of getting another opinion from MD Anderson in Houston. If they offer no other treatment beyond what I'm currently doing, it will make my decision much easier.

I'm 58, no kids, limited support network, no debt, both parents have passed, and I have just a few family members who live in other states. I have been traveling to bucket list places, but it seems very limited because I need to be back home for treatments every two weeks. I am currently fostering kittens, and I want to keep them, but feel I cannot give them much time with me. It wouldn't be fair to them to have to adjust to another home in a few years. It's easier to find homes when they are still small and cute.

When I decide to stop treatment, I will focus on traveling, going to musicals/ballets/symphony concerts, wonderful restaurants for great food (I'm fortunate that money is not an issue for me), good quality sleep every night which is challenging on those nights I'm wearing a chemo ball for 2 nights every two weeks, spending time with family/friends in other states, yard work/plants inside and out, going through my things to sell/toss so it is less for my beneficiary to do (which I think will be my brother but I'm not sure), getting paperwork in order to make it easier when the time comes, watching TV/movies/reading books I haven't read yet when I'm home relaxing, and allowing myself time to reflect and make peace with my decision. I do attend church and I do pray, so some of my peace comes from God and the promise of Heaven. I hope this response is helpful to you!

Hi,
I think you have made a good decision! More importantly you feel that you made a good decision too. My husband had lung cancer and after he almost died from Keytruda treatments he quit all treatments! We ate healthy and that did include good quality steak and vegetables, enjoyed each other's company, did the things we liked doing such as watching John Wayne movies, doing puzzles, making cookies, praying together etc. My husband lived with Stage 4 lung cancer for 14 years until God called him home last July, 2024. Now, I'm adjusting to life alone but with God anything is possible and things are getting easier. All we have to do is ask for God's help and he's there. I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

@pml I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your husband. I’m on my last radiation treatment today for skin cancer. Sadly, it’s caused me a lot of other problems and I’m currently also battling a UTI, not too fun. I could use some extra prayers for healing, ❤️‍🩹, for strength, for God's peace that I get through all of it. It is really hard at times. I will pray for you as well, thanks so much! God bless you!! 🙏💕💐💕🙏