Newly Diagnosed And Frankly, It's Scary

I am being sent to a new Oncologist in town that came from MD Anderson. My PCP was is so excited that he chose us in his search for a small town near the mountains. I am excited to see him in December.

 

Congratulations Beth!

 

I had a followup with the plastic surgeon on Friday; he proclaimed everything healing well and removed one of my drains. I'm trying to do some range-of-motion exercises but they are painful so
I'm taking it slow. I see the surgical oncologist on Wednesday and also have a PT appointment where I expect to get more exercises and probably some lymphedema avoidance instruction.

I think the remaining drain will be removed on Wednesday, hooray! I meet with the radiation oncologist on the 22nd; lots of anxiety building about that. I really don't want radiation. (Of course, I haven't "wanted" any of this.)

 

We are still pulling for you and sorry you have to go through this.Hope its bettter real soon.

 

On Tuesday I saw my medical oncologist, who released me from treatment and said he would send the order to have my chemo port removed. Hurrah! That is supposed to happen tomorrow (Friday). I can't wait to have that disgusting thing off of me and out of my neck. I will have followup appointments with him every 3 months for the next 2 years.

This morning I had my first consult with the radiation oncologist, who explained my upcoming treatment and possible side effects, etc. I signed the consent form and treatment will begin on October 4, every week day for 6 weeks. I was then sent for a radiation simulation where they made a mold of my upper body and marked my torso all over with permanent markers. I look like a topographical map of Montana.

I dread radiation but I have also dreaded chemo and surgery and I'm still standing. A bit worse for wear, but hanging in there.

 

Hope its over before long Beth. We always think of you in our prayers.

 

Thank you, Marie. This has been a hell of a year.

 

I understand and sorry you have to go thru this.

 

Thanks, Yvonne. Yes, I have to drive to the medical center for the radiation treatments, 45 minutes to an hour or more each way depending on traffic. They validate parking for radiation patients so at least we won't have to pay to park every day for 6 weeks.

Regarding the port; my oncologist told me that less than 25% of IBC patients achieve "pCR" (pathological complete response) to chemo, and I did! The unlucky 75% have to keep their ports for additional treatment. So I am doubly glad to be having that thing removed.

 

Beth,
As you enter the Final Phase of your treatment, I'm so happy things are looking positive. Will be thinking of you and praying that the remainder of your treatment go smoothly, with excellent results.

 

Thanks so much, Tony. How are you doing these days? Did you get moved?

 

I did get moved with the help of my daughter and her husband. I've had three rounds of injections in my back they didn't help, the pain is now spread to my right hip and thigh, I need a cane to walk. I was just prescribed a new medication which is supposed to fight the inflammation better and be a better painkiller. X-rays of my hip have shown no arthritis or any reason for the pain, next will probably be an MRI. I am researching going to a different doctor, we'll see.

 

An MRI is probably a good idea. I hope the new medication helps with your pain and you feel much better soon. Let me know how it goes.

 

Glad to read that you’re doing well Beth snd that the outlook is good. Sending you all best wishes.