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Completely overwhelmed
so, found lump a week ago, had biopsy 3 days later after mammogram and ultrasound. Had to wait to today for results. Thought was going to have lumpectomy and radiation but today told it's a triple negative high grade tumour so seeing oncologist next week to talk about chemo.
feel very under researched! I had spent the intervening days looking at all the lumpectomy reading and therapy, now feel like I have hit by a truck...
my main worry (after the cancer and my kids) is costs, I do not understand how the health system works for cancer. My consultant has sent me to a private oncologist, is this normal? I have bupa (who, when I thought it was lumpectomy said they cover costs) but I don't know what they pay. I am having CT and bone scans on Monday, and I know there is a rebate on that. I am just so confused, just wanted to talk, thanks X
feel very under researched! I had spent the intervening days looking at all the lumpectomy reading and therapy, now feel like I have hit by a truck...
my main worry (after the cancer and my kids) is costs, I do not understand how the health system works for cancer. My consultant has sent me to a private oncologist, is this normal? I have bupa (who, when I thought it was lumpectomy said they cover costs) but I don't know what they pay. I am having CT and bone scans on Monday, and I know there is a rebate on that. I am just so confused, just wanted to talk, thanks X
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- Let your onc know about the tingling fingers before your next infusion @Loobylou.
AC folk, are you able to help @Loobylou with her query about feeling how she does two days later?
Hang in there lovely. K xox - Should add, spoke to chemo nurse yesterday while getting injection and have taken all the meds they said to..
- Wow feel like crap today. Lack of sleep massive headache nausea and tingling in my fingers. Going to be a tough day. Is this normal 2 days after chemo?
- @Loobylou Give your oncologist or breastcare nurse a ring to ask about the meds, or call the chemo ward. Some bizarre things get contraindicated along the way so it's always best to speak to one of your medical professionals about it.
The hormone therapy I'm on is fine with everything except grapefruit! None of that for me for 5 - 10 years. Weird! K xox - @Loobylou so u have some good pain meds? I got bone pain from the neulasta injection and it was the worst the first time. Ended up taking panadine forte for 2 cycles and had an endone every now and then. Worth asking for a script to have something on hand. @Zoffiel swears by antihistamines for the bone pain too.
- @Loobylou I never got reflux in my life u til chemo. Get a script for nexium 40mg to have on hand. I had to take it every day while I was going through chemo.
- @Loobylou nausea and vomiting was my big thing so I also went onto Somac as well as Phenergan with my next chemo. Big Hugs hope you can get the nausea under control soon. Lemonade icey poles helped me as well or red pawpaw, watermelon or pineapple when you can't eat much.
- @Sister thank you, when I go for the neulasta injection today I will ask, don't see my onc until the 13th before my next round. Although I was very impressed, I emailed the rooms with a question and got a reply in 10 mins. The nurs yesterday kept saying what a good oncologist I have, which was reassuring.
- Got dexamethazone for next 2 days for nausea, just taken 2 after forcing some breakfast down! Did get anything for reflux, will gaviscon be ok?
- I was able to take Panadol and when needed, Panadeine, during chemo but always best to ask. My onc prescribed Ativan for nausea which was fantastic, but does make you drowsy (it's generally used as an anti-anxiety med but works well for nausea). It certainly doesn't hurt to sleep a lot of those first few days away! I also took Somac and later, Nexium, for reflux. I'd never really had reflux before so didn't recognise it but apparently that's the reason that I felt so sick when laying down.
