Donna in Hollywoodland

Doctors and Communication

Called my regular Family Doctor, and made an appointment for him to see me this afternoon, after my radiation treatment.
Since the Radiation Doctor has gone into "God" mode - I need to talk to a medical professional who will actually communicate with me.
And I know my family Doctor will look out for the rest of my body, not just the cancer cells in my breast.
so I trust him to tall me if there is something else going on.

So I went and had the "Boost" Treatment. It is a shorter treatment than the regular radiation.
And so far I don't feel any different.
Just mad at the Radiation Doctor.

Then I drove over to my regular Family Doctor, who is a somewhat cheerful guy. And knows that he can't pull anything over on me.

I was in the paper hospital gown when he walked in.
"Ok, let me see it" he said.

I pulled the hospital gown so he could see the huge radiation burn under my armpit.
"Ouch !" said my doctor, "Believe it or not, I have seen worse. This is actually pretty mild."

I rolled my eyes.
And he chuckled.
"Don't worry" He said "This is normal. Keep putting the Aloe Vera on it and the Aquafor."

I showed him my swollen left hand.
I told him about the stupid conversation the other day with the Radiation Doctor where he tried to convince me that I injured my hand.
"This is edema, because the tissue in your arm is irritated from the radiation. Chances are, about a month after the radiation is over with this will go away. It is not permanent, I can 99% guarantee it."

He said "Look, you are an intelligent person. If, after one month after the radiation is over - it has not gone down - Come and see me, or go see your radiation Oncologist. You know not to fall through the cracks. Don't live with any swelling.
If the swelling does not go down, we can do things. We can fix it. For now it will be swollen because of the Radiation. But I am positive, it will go down about a month after you are finished. I see this all the time."

See - a simple statement. Explaining it to me. Making me feel reassured. Now I understand what is going on.

I said "Okay, so after examining me, you think everything is normal?"

"Yes" he said, "Everything is normal for where you are at with the radiation. If it gets worse, come and see me again. Or come back to see me once you are done. But you are fine for what you are going through. Just hang in there for now."

And he chuckled, and patted me on the shoulder.

Ah, Communication. I feel so much better.