After the port nurse accessed my port, and before I went upstairs for my infusion, I met with a medical oncology NP. My oncology appointments now alternate between the doctor and the NP, and this was my first time meeting the NP. She was great, like everyone else I've met at the Cancer Center.
We went through the whole history of the numbness and tingling in my hands. The symptoms have been at baseline since the beginning of June, and since they're not disrupting my daily activities anymore, there's no sense of urgency to get an MRI. The NP decided to wait, and to have me see the physical therapist in person first. If the physical therapist still thinks I need an MRI, maybe they'll order it then. I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other about it at this point.
As instructed by my PCP, I asked if I should get a colonoscopy before age 50. The NP seemed surprised by the question, and said no, they do not usually recommend early colonoscopy for breast cancer patients.
I also asked her opinion about getting my ovaries out. Based on the genetic counselor's advice, I should feel fine about not getting them out. I guess I'm just curious to know if anyone has any thoughts or information that I haven't considered. Anyway, she said she understands how complicated the question is, but she isn't very knowledgable about this particular issue, and would defer to the medical oncologist.
After the NP appointment, I went upstairs for my Herceptin treatment. When the infusion was finished, and the infusion nurse took off the dressing on the port to de-access it, I asked her to take a closer look at my port incision; lately I've noticed two little dots, and a tiny black shadow between them, on the incision scar. I think it's a tiny stitch! Not the dissolvable kind, either; it looks like the regular kind that was used for my re-stitch. The infusion nurse agreed, and said maybe it's working its way out. She put some antibiotic ointment on it, and a bandaid. I guess we'll see if it comes out. I figure, they can always take it out when I get my port out. I just don't want it to get infected or anything in the meantime.
Today's appointment took about 3 hours total. Back at home, I checked my blood work online, and my vitamin D levels are back to normal! I'm taking a daily supplement of 2000 IU, and it's good to know for sure that it's working.
No comments:
Post a Comment