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Cate64's avatar
Cate64
Member
10 years ago

ONCOLOGIST

Visited the Oncologist this morning after finishing Chem,o on 22/03.

I was hoping to know where I am heading now & settle into a routine etc but instead all I am is more confused.

My post CT scan results she says where good & latest my blood markers have dropped to 87 - they started at 535 before Chemo & I have had another Chemo cycle since they were 87.

I had a melt down in her office because I couldnt cope with not being in active treatment. They wanted to wait until my ovaries are removed before starting me on tablets & that could be 2-3 months away. NO, I cant live that way, I need to be doing something to help myself - they need to be doing something to help me. Big spin out/melt down.

So, in the end we agreed on chemically shutting down my ovaries with a monthly injection so i can start on the tablets while waiting for them to schedule my oophorectomy & the wonderful girls in Day Oncology put me in straight away, did my blood test & gave me the injection to start the process. They are stars those girls, I feel safe when I am there with them. The only department in the whole hospital that has their act together.

Maybe I am just being a difficult patient & thats probably what they say about me in their meetings.

5 Replies

  • Madjeanius's avatar
    Madjeanius
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Cate

    Your reaction is very normal and understandable and taking charge of your treatment is a healthy response. 

    Of course you know that treatment will come to an end. There is no logical reason to continue it past what is scientifically indicated (and too much treatment comes with complications as well). 

    Sometimes continuing treatment can be a psychological safety behaviour that helps to reduce anxiety about the cancer coming back.  If this is the case more medical treatment is not the answer however psychological treatment may be helpful. 

    I sought a referral to a clinical psychologist and got help to adjust to the uncertainty I faced around the cancer coming back.

    Speak to your doctor about a referral of you think this is the case.  

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    YOU are being Human and the outcome was a good one and very sensible. You have every right to feel frightened, scared and emotional and well done to the team for listening and supporting you. It might also make it easier for the next person. Take care. Kath x

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Well done sometimes these doctors don't listen and I think it is great you have made them listen. Your body and you should be able to have imput in to your carexx

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Cate,

    Congratulations on taking charge of your own treatment!  I would have done the same thing - we have to be our own best advocate, as Deanne says.  You will feel so much better knowing that something is being done before ovary removal.  Well done!

    xx Michelle

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Cate,

    No you are not being difficult at all. I would be saying and doing exactly the same in that situation. I'm glad that they have found a solution for now. Hope it goes as well as these things can. Take care and keep being your own advocate. Well done. Deanne xxx