Hi Friends,
I've had two appointments over the last two days, the first with the radiation team yesterday, and the second with my surgeon today. The appointment yesterday had its challenges: it was strange going to the radiation area of the hospital to start a new treatment (aren't we done already?) and I got into the CT scan clearly before I was physically ready to do so. I didn't realize that they would need my left arm above my head so they could map out the area to be radiated (I was told it was to see where my organs were so they wouldn't radiate them by mistake). It took three technicians to get my arm in place (they place it in a little arm stirrup) and ohhhh was it sore. The lead technician was a bit of an ass, and commented that it was too soon for me to be there (buddy, I didn't book the appointment!), asked if I was in physio, and generally made me feel like I was way behind where I should be in the healing process. Before I left he gave me four tiny tattoos that will help them isolate the area to be radiated.
So today when I saw the surgeon, I went over my progress with him. He didn't seem concerned, but noted that I should be better healed before I start radiation so that I don't re-injure my shoulder each day I get into the machine. Also, I have a buildup of fluids on my left side, and those fluids need time to disperse. If radiation starts too soon, the fluids will have a harder time moving to new areas. So he told me not to rush things. Of course, the radiation oncologist wants me in as soon as possible so they can do their 'cleanup'. I feel strongly that I have some healing to do before I can manage the next step, and I don't want to add more injury. So I might need to argue for more time.
I also asked him about my other big concern, the discomfort under my left arm. It's pretty intense sometimes, hard to sit it on anything, or even have clothing touch it. It feels like a really bad burn. He said this was not atypical, and that it can take up to a year for that feeling to go away. So it's good to know that it's still in the normal range, and that it will just take time.
Catherine is still sick, but feeling a bit better today. There's hope that she is winning the battle with this virus and will be feeling more like herself again soon.
With much love,
Kip
Dear Kip,
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating when your healthcare providers do not agree with each other, isn't it?
I would tend to vote for a bit more healing myself, but I'm not you and I'm not a healthcare provider. For my mother (she is in her 80s) the radiation treatment itself burned, so it was important for her to have greater healing from the surgery before beginning radiation. I hope you can get some additional advice. Maybe the homecare nurse?
Another thing that really helped my mom was homeopathic calendula ointment. This was something the nurse recommended. Calendula is so soothing. I always have it on hand. But you don't want to put it on broken skin.
It seems that one-year mark is important for a lot of things, so keep your patience going.
Your progress seems phenomenal to me. Continuing to keep you in mind, dedicating for you. Love,
Roberta
Dear Kip and Catherine:
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish we could wave a magic wand and have you both past all this. But how far you have come already!! Only 3 short weeks since your surgery, not long to be preparing for a new phase, physically or emotionally. What is right, will be. Thinking of you always.
Love, Carol-Lynn