Our oncologist greeted us yesterday for our 3-month visit with polite handshakes and an open, receptive manner. His first words are always: “How do you feel?” The inquiry probes well beyond a polite cliché. He really wants to know. And so we launch into a recital of observations meant to track changes between appointments.
We read from our log, in which we record symptoms, side effects and medications in hopes of correlating one with another to get a tighter grip on effective treatment. So far, the observed changes don’t track with any change in medication or behavior. Symptoms waft into and out of my awareness, some with punch, and others with subtle shifts toward or away from discomfort. Nausea, for example, is the most creative and persistent of all side effects, sometimes hanging around for hours or days and other times departing as quickly as five minutes after manifesting itself.
Both oncologist and nurse diligently searched for something to counteract nausea, prescription or not, that would not interfere with other medications I take. It is so constantly with me that I am almost convinced it is “normal” at least for the course of this illness. Its presence takes the edge off my pleasure with life, living and friends and erodes a positive attitude, a vital component in fighting the challenge of this illness.
A liver and thyroid palpation complete the visit by checking the size and location of tumors shown on the most recent CT scans. When asked what the palpation indicated, the doctor shrugged like someone saying “What can I say? Nothing new to report.” This confirms the findings of the imaging, that is, conditions are stable. The MUSC head and neck oncologist found exactly the same condition and expressed his reaction with an identical gesture. How encouraging to have consensus!
Thank you for being with us.
Copyright 2008
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: September 4, 2008
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