Practicing Medicine

This day marks my second day of the six-cycle treatment regimen I’m undergoing for breast cancer. This time, I’ve made some adjustments based on my experience from the first treatment. I’m determined to avoid the complications I faced before, so I packed a temperature-controlled blanket I bought from Amazon. I also decided to start my day with a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and some extra hot tea from Starbucks. To keep my drink warm throughout the day, I brought along a thermal cup.

For my attire, I opted for something a bit different this time. Last time, I wore yoga pants, tennis shoes, a T-shirt, and a jacket. Today, I’m dressed in long compression socks that come up to my knees, blue jeans, a shirt, and a jacket. I also brought a thermal hat. My goal is to ensure I stay warm, as last time I experienced chills that escalated into rigors, delaying my treatment. As you can tell, I am on a mission today to avoid any delays or mishaps with my treatment regimen.

Coinciding with my treatment, I had an appointment with my oncologist. She came to see me while I was in the middle of my infusion. One of my primary concerns I wanted to discuss with her was the recent elevation in my amylase level. When I asked her about it, she initially dismissed my concern, stating that she didn’t see the elevation as significant. Healthcare providers often focus on lab values that are markedly abnormal or show a concerning trend. This was the first time my amylase was out of range, so she reassured me that everything was fine.

I expressed my concern about the lab value jumping from 69 U/L to 103 U/L. Even though 103 U/L is just three units above the normal upper limit, the significant increase worried me. I asked if this could be an early indicator of something happening with my pancreas. She reminded me that while we had discussed the potential impacts on my heart and lungs, I wasn’t informed that my pancreas and other organs might also be affected. She confirmed that the treatment could indeed impact various organs.

Despite the reassurance, I decided to continue monitoring my lab results closely. This conversation reinforced the need for me to be vigilant about my health. It became clear that unless lab values were significantly out of range, they might not prompt immediate action or lifestyle recommendations. I realized I needed to pay close attention to all aspects of my health and not just rely on the medical team to flag issues. I needed to remain proactive in asking questions and seeking clarity on any abnormalities, no matter how minor they may seem.

After my oncologist left, I refocused on my treatment. I couldn’t allow the visit to disrupt the calm that I had created in the room. Once the treatment was complete, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and ensure I had all the information I needed.

I felt relief as I left the infusion center. The drive home was a time for reflection, planning my next steps, and thinking about how to better manage the side effects and stress associated with my treatment. With each cycle, I learned more about my body’s responses and how to advocate for my health. This journey is challenging, but staying informed and prepared makes all the difference.