topic Re: Had the rug pulled out in Wellness

Had the rug pulled out

hyacinth003 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:19:44 GMT

I have been undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I am in the second round of chemo. I have completed one round, had surgery, had radiation treatments, and thought I had ONE MORE chemo treatment. My doctor had told me that when we last meant.

So, I went in yesterday expecting it to be my last treatment. I am starting to lose my whatever from the treatment. I can get really depressed and discouraged, and I want to heal from it.

Then yesterday, I was told I needed 2 more treatments (besides the one I was there for) to complete the round - according to the protocol. I had been given a different drug, once before surgery and once after. Then my doctor changed it to Kadcycla. Protocol is 13 treatments AFTER surgery. He was counting the other 2 treatments, so the math was incorrect. And then they tell me to get an ultrasound of the liver because my liver enzymes are slightly elevated.

I started to cry in the office! The doctor apologized, but I didn't feel it! He said "you don't have to have any more treatments or we can reduce the dose 20%." I am probably going to take the other 2 at full dose. I figure in for a penny, in for a pound.

Feeling somewhat shell shocked today!

Hyacinth

Re: Had the rug pulled out

wismiss — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:40:06 GMT

Hyacinth003, I feel so bad for you. That had to be a LARGE disappointment to think you were through and then to learn you had two more treatments. I also don't understand how such a miscalculation could be made, but I support your decision of going ahead and getting the other two treatments. When you do have your last treatment, celebrate by doing something wonderful for yourself. And, good luck in the future. My cousin had breast cancer 23 years ago and is still with us.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Starpolisher — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:49:14 GMT

Re: Had the rug pulled out

beach-mom — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:06:14 GMT

@hyacinth003 - I'm sorry you have to go through this. Like a lot of others I have many friends who have gone through this protocol.

I will say a prayer for you and for your medical staff. I pray the right doctors are there for you and giving you the right advice. I pray for your comfort and healing as you approach your last treatments.

You are confident in the choice you made for the next two treatments. You have confidence and you have strength. You will get through this! (((HUGS)))

Re: Had the rug pulled out

elated — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:25:24 GMT

I am sorry you are going through this rough time. Just think you are near the end of the tunnel and sunshine is waiting for you at the end. Just keep trying to be positive and do something for yourself that helps you get through this journey. I know they say the darkness before the dawn but don't give up. I will be praying for your healing. Please let us know how you are doing. Wishing you well.Take care.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Lilysmom1 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 10:00:16 GMT

@hyacinth003 , sending a cyber hug to you. I understand how disappointing this was for you to hear. Plan something nice for yourself at the end of treatment. You have done so much already, only a bit farther to go. Hang in there!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Carmie — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:33:34 GMT

How disappointing. No wonder you are upset.

Try not to be discouraged. You will be done soon. It will be behind you before you know it.

I am sending healing prayers your way. Hang in there a little longer.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Natureluvr — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:38:36 GMT

Do you have a cancer support group in your area @hyacinth003? I’m sure most have a hard time going through this. I’m glad you reached out to your fellow forum members. I wish you well!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Skyegirl21 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:50:54 GMT

I'm so sorry this happened, mistakes happen... I think you are absolutely doing the right thing, taking the treatment exactly as the doctors originally wanted. That's what I would do.
Please try to reframe it to yourself that this is killing every cancer cell so you don't get a recurrence! Just accept it and you will get through. Agree with last post that a support group is a great idea. Sending love and wishes for a perfect outcome, NO recurrence. 💝💝🙏🙏👍🏼

Re: Had the rug pulled out

LTT1 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:10:59 GMT

@hyacinth003

@Skyegirl21 @Natureluvr @Carmie @Lilysmom1

I feel badly for you too!

Doctors should really be taught the proper way to respond to a patients concerns. There are right ways to respond empathetically and wrong ways.

Where do they get off dismissing us?

My encounters with doctors have often been discomforting...and it seems to happen at the worst, most crucial times.

I can only wonder at this behavior...as a patient I don't care if they were #1 in the med school class or not....it is MY BODY. And that makes my treatment VERY PERSONAL.

I cannot imagine having to endure the raggedness of chemo...❤️‍🩹

I am wishing you mental peace, calm and wellness as well as comfort. Hang in there.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

ciao_bella — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:28:40 GMT

@hyacinth003 I'm sorry you're going through this. Know that each day forward will bring you strength, determination and healing. We're all here and cheering you on. Cancer begins with “can.” You "can" do this!

Check with your health care team at the hospital or medical center where you are receiving cancer treatment. Many hospitals and cancer centers host support groups for their patients. Also, a social worker at your local hospital can help you find a community support group.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Roscoe the Rascal — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:18:46 GMT

You are almost there and I pray for strength for you. Not an easy time for sure. I have had my husband, my sister and my mother go through this over the years. They have all had their moments of being down and out but you can do it I am sure of it. I know easier said than done but sometimes we just have to.

My prayers and my best wishes are just for you today.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:23:36 GMT

@hyacinth003

That news must have come as such a horrible shock to you. Especially when you are counting down the treatments and trying to be so strong and brave --- which you are! You are entitled to cry and be upset about this. You are going through so much, physically and mentally. I can't say that I know exactly what you are going through and I won't pretend to. But I have empathy for you and I know how upsetting these chronic health issues and treatments can be. I have quite a few chronic health issues which there are no cures for and these things often get the better of me. I try to approach it all - one day at a time, but it's not always easy to do this. You are an amazing, kind, and strong woman!!! We are all rooting for you!!!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

meallen616 — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:40:22 GMT

@hyacinth003,

Re: Had the rug pulled out

LindaSal — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:15:23 GMT

@hyacinth003 Glad that you checked in with us as I wonder how you are doing at times.

You made the right decision to finish the rounds of chemo, as tough as it is, you are this far in so keep it going. It is disheartening but you will cross the finish line! I remember I broke down and cried at my last treatment, for me it was tears of joy and the feel of a burden lifted........stay strong, we're all behind you!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

wagirl — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:53:13 GMT

@hyacinth003 ---well I have to say--I would be mad as HE$$ !!! And you have every right to sob your head off over that huge miscalculation on your doctors part!!! where is his bedside manner ??? sorry but that makes me mad ----and then suggesting you don't have to have any more treatments??? well dang it-- of course you are going to go thru more treatment!!! reducing the dose may be an option, but will it get the job done in the end ---guess you have some research to do ----AGAIN!!!

I am very sorry for this being sprung on you. Getting depressed and discouraged is all part of this game, I'm afraid. I remember those days myself. But give yourself a break and then ask what the whole treatment plan is ---for real now---and jump back into it. This cancer thing is not for sissies. Stay tough and get mad!!!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

cindyNC — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:10:09 GMT

@hyacinth003 I'm so sorry this happened to you. There is nothing wrong with crying about it - heaven forbid a doctor should have to experience an patient expressing emotion! Please continue to post on your treatments and recovery.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Shelbelle — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:27:31 GMT

Hyacinth, yes it was a huge blow, but it will all be over soon and there is so much light at the end of your tunnel. Your condition has not changed, you are healing and will continue to do so, at least the news was not that you are not healing. Take it one day at a time and look ahead to what is positive in your future. You will be done in early 2024 !!!

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Terrywu — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:54:39 GMT

@hyacinth003 what a disappointment. Sending an extra prayer for you and for your medical team. Wishing you well.

Re: Had the rug pulled out

Still Raining — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 16:44:09 GMT

Sorry you were taken aback. Cancer really knocks out the props out from under you doesn't it?

For me, I would take the max treatments so I would never wonder if I should have done more.

❤️