Hah. They haven't begun to see belligerent and aggressive. I'm sure that phone "followup" was just another way to generate an insurance claim. Here's the 'Visit Summary' from MyChart. Apparently I have had an intervention by answering the phone call. What a crock. Psychosocial Health Information Understanding of Medical Diagnosis: Good Coping Concerns/skills: Patient reports indicated emotional concerns are related to Chemotherapy. Patient reports her experience with her current Chemotherapy is not what she anticipated. Patient denies any other emotional concerns at this time. Clinical Impression: Patient was pleasant and engaged during phone conversation. Patient was open to discussing how Chemotherapy has impacted her emotionally. No other concerns were identified at this time. Patient agreed to contact Social Work in the future as needed. Outcome/Plan Interventions Counseling: Active/Empathic listening, Normalization and Rapport building Resolutions: Decreased emotional distress through the enhancement of coping strategies Time Spent with Patient (in units): 3 Intervention Level: 4 - Clinical Interventions
Oh good heavens; I was about to say "things are about to get real," but then I realized things have been real for several months now. I got a call from the surgical oncologist's PA a little while ago, advising me that my surgery has been tentatively scheduled for August 23. I was thinking that sounds far off but then tomorrow is JULY so ack. Suddenly MyChart has blossomed with all kinds of appointments so here we go again. Part of me is relieved to see that surgery date, and the rest of me is filled with dread... but whatever. "It is what it is," as many annoying people love to remind me.
Beth, Your writings of this ordeal it's so vivid your pain, anxiety, fear, and all the other feelings that come with this Dreadful disease have to be bared a little longer. Your Doctors are the miracle that will cure you. Be reminded that when you first found out you had cancer, I am sure your thoughts were I won't let this beat me, how do I beat this. I know it's difficult but try to go back to that initial strength and fight that you had. You're in the stretch run, from what I've been reading what the doctors have said I got a very strong feeling you're way ahead of the pack you're going to beat this thing with flying colors. I've been praying to Saint Agatha since I first heard of your problem, she's the patron saint against breast cancer, it's about the only thing I can do, I wish I could do more. I always worry I'm going to say the wrong thing please believe my intentions are always to help.
Aw, thank you so much, Tony. Don't ever worry about saying the wrong thing; you are always so kind and supportive, and I sincerely appreciate it. I'd like to say that I had a "I can beat this" attitude, but sadly I was a terrified blubbering mess from the get-go. I will never turn down prayers or good wishes, believe me. So thank you again. I was wondering where you've been lately; hope all is well with you.
I'm okay now I had some physical problems that led to mental depression. I had a outpatient procedure done to my back on Tuesday, it was some kind of nerve block to relieve me of the severe back pain I had. I live in a basement apartment I could barely climb the 10 steps to reach street level. A lot of little things happened that I couldn't take care of cuz of my walking problem. The procedure seems to work, the pain is very minor now so I'm happy about that.
Beth, Thank you, I have grudgingly decided not to overdo. I posted a poem I wrote during one of my down moments. It took about 10 minutes to write so it's not perfect, but it shows some of my thoughts at the time.
Here are some semi-interesting facts about my upcoming surgery. A mastectomy and removal of 2 levels of lymph nodes, plus a microsurgery to hopefully reattach lymph vessels to blood vessels will all be done OUTPATIENT. Yep; I'll be fresh out of surgery and on my way home in the car; not even an overnight stay. Who knew?? (More proof that the insurance companies are running the world, but whatever.) I'm very hopeful about the lymphovenous bypass microsurgery since it is relatively new and offers some hope to breast cancer patients to avoid lymphedema. This procedure provides a path for the lymph system to empty into the bloodstream after the nodes are removed, which helps prevent the swelling and pain of lymphedema. Next to dying from breast cancer, my second biggest fear is lymphedema, so naturally I'm onboard with ANYTHING that might help me avoid that particular horror. I'm scouring the internet for any tidbits of information about the surgery, particularly success rates. Oddly, I'm not very concerned about the mastectomy since it is a relatively routine procedure. I think I will be sad about that, but not totally terrified. (We'll see how that pans out as the surgery date approaches.)
So what does "2 levels of lymph nodes" mean? Regarding insurance companies giving us the bum's rush...I've always been of 2 minds on this. Sure, I hate to be ushered out when my health might be best-served by additional observation, but who among us isn't chomping at the bit to get home? It's not as though we want to stay. I had a disc done in my neck and I stayed overnight solely to make certain my organs woke up from that deep sleep, but I was ready to beat feet the next morning (and I didn't sleep a wink. I got stories from that stay and being moved 3 different times with stinky drunken roommates.) When I had a bladder stone removed, I was in Walmart walking around a couple of hours later in a post-anesthetic state of mind (probably the most enjoyable shopping trip I've ever had.) I'm encouraged by the new microsurgery. I got in an FDA pilot program for a new cervical disc procedure when I had mine done. No one wants this stuff, but progress is good if you gotta have it.
From BreastCancer.org... There are three levels of axillary lymph nodes (the nodes in the underarm or "axilla" area): Level I is the bottom level, below the lower edge of the pectoralis minor muscle. Level II is lying underneath the pectoralis minor muscle. Level III is above the pectoralis minor muscle. A traditional axillary lymph node dissection usually removes nodes in levels I and II. For women with invasive breast cancer, this procedure accompanies a mastectomy. It may be done at the same time as, or after, a lumpectomy (through a separate incision).
That's true, but I can't help but wonder if a person having a body part removed doesn't need at least overnight observation. I'm very hopeful that the lymphovenous bypass will be successful. Lymphedema is a horror.