Forum Discussion
Did I really sign up for this?
Okay. I know the doctors won’t tell you all the side effects just in case they don’t happen. And I know their success rate is what really counts so they don’t want people to opt out. But seriously? People in pain after treatment is not, in my eyes, success. Giving people Endone to shut them up about their pain is not success. Specialists telling you to go to your local GP because they have done their job, is not success. Would I have chosen to opt out if I had known? Not sure, but knowing how I am feeling right now, possibly. I can’t even cry because it hurts to. New GP appointment at 11am. Two of my GPs have left the practice (one on maternity and the other to pursue full time teaching) whilst my third choice is too busy so off I go to bare myself and be poked and prodded by someone new. Sigh! I hope everyone else is having a good day. Thanks for listening.
14 Replies
- I believe its ok to feel sorry for yourself - I call it moments of 'reality check' - Yep, although this experience can be tough and others tell me I have courage right now I don't feel at all courageous so I will indulge in a few moments of 'this sucks and I feel sad'. Feeling a bit sorry for yourself is not depression. Big hugs.
- Thank you @Annski I just need to stop feeling sorry for myself, slowly getting there. I am no longer taking the pain killers as they were causing sharp stomach pains. I got two - three hours sleep last night without them as the back and chest pain has reduced to a dull ache with only the occasional stabbing. The stomach pain has nearly gone now that I have stopped the pain killers.
Here, have some chemicals to treat the side effects of the chemicals we gave you to treat the side effects of the chemicals we gave you. Pfffft. Just put me in a coma and wake me when it is over.
Big hugs back lovelies. I would have fallen apart if you weren’t here for me. 😘 - @millie (and everyone): lung damage following both chemo and radio are quite common and one would think all medical staff involved in prescribing treatments would know about it: here is a quick summary, you can find more at:
http://cancer.unm.edu/cancer/cancer-info/cancer-treatment/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment/less-common-side-effects/organ-problems/lung-damage-acute-pulmonary-toxicity/.Lung Damage (Acute Pulmonary Toxicity)
Overview
Lung damage is a side effect of some cancer treatments. This damage may include inflammation, which reduces the amount of oxygen you can absorb, and/or scarring, which reduces the amount of air you can breathe. Both of these result in uncomfortable symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue. Treatment for lung damage is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms.- What are lung toxicities?
- What causes lung toxicity?
- What are the symptoms of lung toxicity?
- How are lung toxicities managed?
- What else can I do?
So unfortunately this is just another example of the way in which the bad effects of cancer treatments are not fully explained or maybe not explained at all. Also I can't understand why they don't take proper case histories from patients before the therapies start: for instance, how many among us was even asked whether we have lung problems, or bladder issues, or whatever? At least we might be forewarned about what we might expect and not be blindsided by it.
Poor @Blossom1961, so very sorry to hear about the awfulness you are going through. Everyone of course is wishing you well, but apart from cyber-hugs there's so little we can do ... awful to feel so helpless. Hope you are feeling better today, let us know how you are doing.
A.
this is forum developers ;)
;) ;) ;)- The button idea is fairly new - when I started on the forum they had just upgraded the system and some were not happy with the upgrade; the button idea wasn't available until much later -
- @Millie @Blossom1961 That 'empathy' button was requested last year. @Giovanna_BCNA Any word on it? I think you said the developers were working on it?
- We've been asking for a long time for that special button.
- @Millie Spot on. Everything you just said is exactly how I feel, even about the extra button 💕
- @Blossom1961 I agree with you. The treatment is a shock and brutal, especially when I felt perfectly fine when diagnosed. Being in tears with the nurse, who then suggested a mental health plan, didn't help. The last thing I wanted was more drs visits, medication, etc. The staff send you on the cancer train, stopping all stations. Then they'll tell you "Everybody's different" when you mention about side effects you had no idea about. Similarly, I had no idea that the radiation could cause lung damage, and did in my case. I was told it was highly targeted, just skimming the chest wall. Seems like that wasn't the case, made it through swollen boob, through ribs, right to organs I really need.
Sending you good vibes.
On a side note, it would be good if there was another button alongside Like, Awesome and LOL, one to send love, just to let the person know you're feeling for them.
xx - Okay. My organs seem in the clear. Chemo set off my hiatus hernia. Then the stretches required to reduce chance of cording set it over the edge. Now to try and get comfortable. I will wait until the inflammation settles then book in for the endoscopy at the same time as my colonoscopy. What fun. The new Dr was good but when did they start letting high school kids practice? I am sure she was only about fifteen.
If I don’t yawn, sneeze, cough or breathe I should be fine. Oh, and definitely no tears.
@kmakm, that sounds good. However, I am only available on Monday next week. Treatment on Tuesday and working the rest of the week. If that doesn’t suit we can look at later on. I can train into Melbourne CBD for a catch up. Hugs
