January 3, 2007
New Year...new challenges!
Well! I think I've finally caught my breath (figuratively speaking) enough to share the most recent developments in the continuing saga of "Living With Lung Cancer".
You remember back in April 2006 when I introduced that cute little couple, Noma & Gord? Well, the couple has become a trio. Mycobacterium Avium (intraoculare) Complex (or "Mac", for short) has joined the other two in the residence they've set up in my upper right lobe. Got the pantry stocked and everything! Nothing can be done for it for the time being...just keep an eye on things.
Just to be sure of not being left out, my urinary system has decided to get in on the act as well. Bladder lets me know when it wants to empty, but takes its sweet time doing so. Takes forever to begin (though the "urge" feels "urgent") and then slowwwwwly trickles out. I do end up emptying a "normal" amount the "normal" number of times per day. Of course, I asked the G.P. to send me to a urologist to see what could be causing the problem.
Enter "Dr. I Know Everything & How Dare You Ask Questions" who begins by telling me it's probably my hormones (or lack thereof) that's causing the trouble. Happens to women of a "certain age" don't you know. Tubes start collapsing...but he can "fix it". First he sends me for a urodynamics test; the test designed to erase any traces of dignity you may have left. Go back to him for a follow-up and now the cause is "bad habits", he says. I say, "What exactly do you mean by bad habits? Do you mean holding your urine in and not using the facilities when you should?" "Yes", says he. Also, he gives me a slightly technical explanation on the results of the test, and when I ask for clarification by saying: "Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you saying my bladder has shut down?" and he says, "Yes", I'm stunned. But not to worry, he can "fix it" he assures me. Now I don't pretend to know anything about how my urinary systems works, but common sense would say that if urine is flowing out of my body when it's supposed to (ie. when I sit down on the toilet, as opposed to involuntarily coming out on its own) then my bladder must be functioning. Slowwwwwly, but none the less working. After this assault on my intelligence, he proceeds to tell me to go home. He'll have a nurse come around to my house and show me how to catheterize myself, which he wants me to do 3 times a day until he sees me again on January 9th. This is on December 6th. " Measure how much you void and keep a log" he tells me. This may even correct the problem and I may "start going right" he explains. But if not, he can "fix it".
All this during the week we're having our basement waterproofed and guys are down there jack-hammering and raising copious amounts of cement dust to the point we have to leave the house and stay at a hotel because I can't be breathing that much into my already poor, damaged little lung and well..........so you see what I'm up against!
The first visit from the nurse took place back in my home, although for awhile I visioned her tracking me down at the Holiday Inn. I explain my predicament to her, she catheterizes me after voiding and I only supply less than 50cc into the "top hat". We have some discusssion about the whole procedure. Next day, same stuff, same result. New nurse, same discussion. Third day, I'm confident enough to do the deed myself and with the same results, we have the same discussion. This is the 3rd. nurse I've dealt with and we're all in agreement. Why the hell am I putting myself at risk of infection to produce no significant amount of urine,(less than 50cc each time) and should I think about getting a second opinion? Of course, the nurses told me "I'm not saying you shouldn't do this" but I decided that this was ridiculous and I just wasn't going to do it anymore!
Back to the G.P.'s office. She's on holidays but her replacement tells me he's in agreement with my estimation that the urologist is an idiot with no bedside manner who belongs in the research lab and not on the front lines dealing with patients. So now I have an appointment set up for later this month with a female gynocoligist/urologist to see about a second opinion.
To be continued!
Posted by Sue Checkley on January 3, 2007 5:46 PM
Comments
Hi,
My name is Jenny and I am part of an online community called CarePlace, for people experiencing similar health related issues and their caregivers, including Lung Cancer. We have recently added new Lung Cancer related communities to the site.
As your blog relates to what we are doing at CarePlace, I was wondering if you might be willing to check out our site and let me know if you think it might be helpful to the people who communicate through and with you. People can join multiple communities, share experiences, check out info on medical conditions and treatments and form their own groups within the site.
We have gotten great feedback and as you know the more people in various communities the more outreach and support that happens. Our users have really liked it so far and we are adding new features all the time based on what everyone is telling us.
It’s really important to us to get feedback from people like you about the site as we develop features – the site is www.careplace.com. You can add me as a friend (jend) and let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!
Jenny (jend)
Posted by: JenD at February 21, 2007 5:08 PM
I am in Australia. My mum was diagnosed last week with lung cancer. She has been a smoker for 40 years. She goes into hospital on Monday for tests. I don't know what stage or type yet. I have been looking at the internet for some hope - survivors, statistics that show she has a good chance. Reading your story made me optimistic. Thank you!
Posted by: Sarah at April 21, 2007 5:21 AM
Good to see you still try to blog some. I check weekly to get a smile on my face. You have a wonderful way with words. Hang in there. I send up prayers for you always..
Posted by: Tatess at October 27, 2007 5:35 PM