No cancer journey is without setbacks. To this point I have been very lucky. I guess the biggest problem I have faced is the asthma. It is 4 weeks today since surgery and my breathing is still not right.
The greatest issue this causes, is talking (and for me that is a problem!!). Fortunately I have found writing because if I tried to say all this, I would have simply run out of breath. But, it is frustrating and worrying for me. I have managed my asthma for some 45 years and I don’t remember many times it has lingered like this. Usually it would have been hit with steroids by now, but the doctors are reluctant as it may disturb my healing.
What I have noticed, is the more I worry about it, the worse it gets. I never realised how much anxiety also plays a role. Of course, the anxiety I am feeling is not easily dealt with. Yesterday my asthma was terrible…….. later today I see the oncologist…… I see the link.
In the last few days I have suffered another minor but irritating setback. Over the weekend I had a reaction to the dressings over my wounds. Having been there for 3.5 weeks, I decided the best course of action was to get them off.
I am sure things will settle, but at the moment where the dressing were is red raw with rash, and it has spread over much of my chest. Somehow I am resisting but I want to scratch myself to pieces!!
The good news is, now that I can see them, the wounds are looking good. It is amazing how the body heals. In many places there is only a thin red line evident…… amazing. Others areas are slower but I guess that is normal.
So, today is a big day. First up, I see the GP for an asthma check up and hopefully a plan for my rash. Late this afternoon I see the oncologist for a plan on how we eliminate this nasty bugger forever.
It may well be time to hit the steroids (both oral and topical) to knock these setbacks on the head and give me the strength for the next phase. We’ll see, but whatever happens today, I am ready to face it head on.
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The BooBee Journey 