In theory, the body forgets pain. You remember you were in pain, but you forget what that pain felt like – in theory. On Wednesday I developed some mouth sores. They haven’t been bad, but they have had me on edge. Daily, I experience nerve pain – sharp pains that come on suddenly and then…
Since my diagnosis with breast cancer, I’ve seen many different specialists (breast surgeon, medical oncologist, chemo dermatologist, plastic surgeon). My doctors appointments have gone something like this. Medical assistant takes my vitals Medical assistant directs me to remove clothing (usually waist up) and put on a gown (opening in front) I wait for the doctor.…
Saw the plastic surgeon yesterday. I really liked her. This is good. We walked through the different surgeries and options. She validated that I’m a good candidate for DIEP/SIEP reconstruction based on physical exam. There is another test that she will order – a CT of the belly – to see whether or not I…
After a grumpy chemo session and leaving the ITA later than we planned, we decided to go out to dinner. I got the all clear for sushi last Monday, but we had not managed to have a sushi feast yet, so Monday after chemo I finally got my chance. Unfortunately, my favorite sushi/sashimi place isn’t…
I’ve been reading up a bit on the expected pathology reports for post-mastecotomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (that is, what should I be hoping for in the pathology after chemo – and what does that mean?). To start with my new term for the day is “pathological complete response” or pCR – this indicates the degree…
Today I was pretty grumpy by the time we made it into infusion. I ended up waiting an hour after my appointment time before I got a chair – they were out of chairs and beds, so I had to wait until one cleared. Then when I got one, it was in the corner –…
In preparation for my consult with plastic surgery this week, I’ve been doing some reading on patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction. I began by asking the medical information officers at Bay Area Cancer Connections for a link to a few articles. From there, the academic in me took over, and I search and read a…
… but I’m pretty certain now … my oncologist warned that it might happen, and that I should not worry … it has no relation to the effectiveness of the chemo … … the hair on my head has started to grow back! It is still pretty thin – where I had mostly shiny head before,…
This is the second time that I’ve heard this – having nipples makes a huge difference to self confidence (thanks Stacey for the honest and open blog post). There is a company that makes temporary rub-on nipple tattoos for women post-mastectomy. You can even buy them in variety packs, to help you decide which colour…
After chemo on Monday I attended the Look Good Feel Better workshop – this is a free two hour workshop for women with cancer. The focus of the workshop is make-up. Immediately after the workshop, I didn’t feel better, rather I felt guilty. Why did I bother? Had I not be lured into the workshop by people…
