Last week was full of doctor's appointments, four to be exact. If you add in the x-ray, you get a good idea of how busy my week was. In addition to my daily appointments, I was experiencing worsened neck and shoulder pain to the point that I was holding back tears. My first doctor visit was to the Radiology Oncology department. I met with Dr. Hunter, and was so impressed because he explained about what radiation does and all the statistics regarding why one person is recommended radiation over another who might not be. He gave me enough information to make an informed decision. My radiation therapy begins July 24th, and continues five days a week for four weeks. I talked to him about my pain, his reply was that I needed to talk with the surgeon. I already tried that.
The next day I met with the medical oncologist, who examined my scar from surgery and made sure it was healing well. She also talked to me about hormone therapy, which is a pill called Tamoxifen, that you have to take for five years. My cancer is 100% estrogen positive, which means that estrogen in my body helps the cancer to grow and flourish, so the pill, Tamoxifen, would deter the growth. The doctor then listed all the side effects of this drug: hot flashes mood swings weight gain joint/muscle ache fatigue low libido vaginal dryness hair thinning skin dryness endometrial cancer blood clots It was an easy decision to make, no thank you. With radiation, a patient has a 95% chance that the cancer does not come back. The hormone therapy only adds another 2 %. I'm good with 95%. I asked the doctor about my pain, she said that I needed to talk to my regular doctor about that. Hmm. My next appointment was back to Radiology Oncology. I was given a C-Scan and fitted for treatments. I also had to get 3 tattoos, yes little tattoos. These are used for placement of my body for radiation, and they are permanent. I was pricked 3 times, kinda painful. I was given info about skincare products to use during radiation, only certain soaps and moisturizers are recommended. ( See info in Breast Cancer 101 *Cancer Radiation Information) I'm told I will get something like a sunburn on my breast and it could be painful. Go figure. As if I don't have enough pain to deal with. Just a side note, during my 8 week experience thus far, every doctor and their mothers have touched my breasts! Seriously, I never imagined. I used to be embarrassed, not any more. My next appointment was with my regular doctor about the pain. Finally! I had an x-ray done first, then later checked in at the doctor's office. All said and done, she didn't know why I was having pain and decided to send me to a physical therapy class. I would learn some exercises to help with mobility. I was given a prescription for ibuprofen and sent on my way. This was not the solution I was looking for. I wanted answers. Why the pain? Where is it coming from? Why did it start right after surgery? How can I get relief? So, I had a meltdown. Right in the middle of the Kaiser medical offices, I started crying and cried all the way to the car. I have been trying so hard to work with the program, do the treatments, keep a positive attitude, fight the fight. While on the inside all I feel is confusion, pain, heartache, inadequacy, frightened, alone, fatigued, and helpless. I feel like each doctor wants to thrust me on someone else, and sometimes I feel abandoned, by friends, by family. Having surgery to rid us of cancer and all the other treatments work, I know. But it leaves collateral damage that affects our quality of life in so many ways. I have a feeling that all of this collateral damage isn't going away anytime soon........... If you have had a similar experience with treatments or have any questions, please comment. I'd love to hear from you!
Valarie Settle
7/23/2017 07:06:27 pm
Hey. I left a comment for today's blog on your last blog. I'm sorry I am new with this If you don't get it let me know and I'll rewrite it
Brinda Embery
7/24/2017 02:09:50 pm
Hey Sherri
Brinda Embery
7/24/2017 02:15:34 pm
Cries for help. I don't know what happened with the other comment 😂❤️😍
Sherri
7/24/2017 02:25:41 pm
Thanks Brinda, I appreciate the advice. Jehovah is a hearer of prayer and a comfort. Sometimes I just need comfort. I can't always hold it in especially when I'm drained physically and mentally. Friends like you are awesome to have also!
Julie Taylor
7/26/2017 02:11:59 pm
Sherri, I am really sorry you are having to go through all this!
Sherri
7/26/2017 08:51:34 pm
Hi Julie, thanks for the info, I'll check into the udder cream. So far I've been using aloe vera on it. I really appreciate your support and encouraging words. Keep in touch! Comments are closed.
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September 2017
AuthorSherri Dunning is a wife, mom, grandmother, and recent blogger. Follow along with her as she writes about her experience with breast cancer. |