Tuesday 23 August 2022

Better - Aug. 23, 2022

 It is amazing what being treated by professionals who know what they are doing does to change your peace of mind. I understand that's a convoluted sentence. I'll explain. 

This last Friday, husband and I drove in the early morning hours to "the city" so I could have more tests done at a centre which is "all breasts, all day" as it was put to me. Apart from a slightly brusk (is that correct?) receptionist, everything was done at a much higher degree of skill, detail, and care. 

For those who want to know / care / don't get weirded out, my procedures were, in order, a contrast mammogram on both sides (I, at this point, was told I had cancer in my left breast), another very thorough ultrasound on the left side, and a stereotactic biopsy (one using mammogram to guide it) on the right side. Throughout all of these procedures, I was given explanation and detail and felt like I knew what was happening at every stage. I was treated with kindness and was provided with water, juice, and a warmed blanket. Every attempt was made to make the procedures as pain free as possible. I was given information that I didn't even know to ask about. There were even huge apologies provided because the biopsy was being delayed by an hour. I was told they were very thorough there, making sure that they knew exactly what was going on with my body. I was initially seen by a nurse navigator (there's that word again) who went over the day's proceedings with me, provided me with a very informative booklet, and gave me three phone numbers of navigators that I could call if I had any questions, concerns, or worries at all. 

Probably the biggest difference for me was the aftermath of the biopsy. My first biopsy was, of course, my first biopsy. I didn't know what was "normal", what to expect, how it should feel, etc. The bruising, pain, difficulty sleeping in a comfortable position, did I mention bruising? (think eggplant) took about a month to finally dissipate. 

This time, pressure was applied, a compression bandage was used, an ice pack was provided for the drive home, and a very detailed information sheet was given to me and explained. This was a much more "robust" biopsy and the difference in pain, bruising, swelling is mind blowing. I couldn't get over how little bruising and pain there is by comparison. 

I now wait until results are sent to the nurse practitioner who is overseeing things, and then an appointment will be set up with a surgeon at the same "big city" place who will determine the course of action. Yes, I know the wait will be weeks, but I feel confident now that these people know what they are doing. I feel that I will be given good, consistent, knowledgeable and skilled care. 

Yes, I still have breast cancer, but I now also have some peace of mind. I am now able to relax, focus on reading a book and having some of the words sink in (impossible a while ago). Yes, I still don't have a family doctor (and likely won't), but I feel taken care of by the professionals at this place and am so grateful that I made that choice for my next steps in care. I don't feel like I'm in this vacuum of lack of knowledge, although I still don't know everything.

 I am able to enjoy my time, laugh, notice the little things, proceed on a quest to find the dastardly tomato horn worms (shudder!!), think about getting a hair cut, binge watch the entire new season of Indian Matchmaker on Netflix, and freeze my peas from the garden to enjoy this winter. The other part of me is so angry about the lack of care that I have received at my little town hospital where this all first happened, and so angry at health care in general here in Ontario (or anywhere in Canada for that matter), but I'm pleased to say that the peace of mind trumps the anger right now. 

56 comments:

  1. It's good to know that somebody cares isn't it? That feeling that you are not alone and somebody is there to help you. Lifts a great weight off. I am glad you are able to return to some normality. I binge watched all the Indian Matchmaker, it's great isn't it! Rachel x

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    1. Actually, it was reading your blog a while back, where you mentioned it, which got me thinking about it and wondering if our Canadian Netflix had the new season. Yes, I love learning a bit more about the culture and just marveling at how demanding some of them are. My daughter went to an Indian wedding a little while back and it was incredible- it was a many-event kind of thing with a ceremony for the groom's side and a ceremony for the bride's side and a huge party with dancing and food, food, food, drink, drink, drink.

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  2. Good to hear that the system has got itself into gear. And that you are being positive and keeping yourself informed..both help much.
    And life...and garden pests...go on!!

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  3. New to commenting, but I've been following along. I am so glad you are receiving better care and focusing on staying positive. Specialists can sometimes make ALL the difference. Sending prayers for healing.

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  4. Reading your post, it seems that everything was done very thoroughly... but I just have one question. If they confirmed BC in your left breast, and I understand that they would check both breasts with mammogram and ultrasound, but why the stereotactic biopsy on the right breast? Did they see an abnormality? Just curious as I had my BC surgery and radiation 22 years ago - possibly things have changed.

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    1. Calcification that was noted from the first mammogram but this place wanted to be very thorough and check it out anyway. At this point I’d rather have thorough than missing something.

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  5. I'm glad to hear this second biopsy was done efficiently and with care. I hope you don't have to wait long for your results and next appointment.

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  6. Oh likely 2 weeks for results and then 2-3 weeks for surgeon appointment. Such is health care in Canada.

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  7. I can feel your relief. It's such a huge difference, you can call it 'care' when they actually try to keep you comfortable and informed in such a way you understand. Understand what's happening to your own body!
    Sending all my positive energy!! But you sound positive anyway!!

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    1. Ill take all the positive energy you want to send! I'm more of an energy than a prayer gal anyway.

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  8. I am so glad you are feeling peace of mind and know that you are being taken care of. The big cities make the difference as they have more knowledge and know how to proceed. the same thing happened with my husband we fooled around in little local hospitals until we headed for Boston. They made the difference. But it was a 2 hour drive one way in rush hour traffic. But it is worth it. Sending prayer and a hug.
    Cathy

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    1. Yes, this is over two hours away but we are used to having to drive distances for lots of things.

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  9. Well, there are professionals . . . and there are professionals. So glad you were proactive (I knew you would be) and made the decision to go to the "big city." It's amazing the difference it can make to your emotional and mental well-being because of the care you are given and the useful information you receive I'm so happy to hear you generally feel better now and are able to have a more overall optimistic feeling. I, too, am asking the Good Spirits (there are lots of them out there!) to be with you. Hugs!

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    1. Well I didn’t have a choice in being proactive. Thank you for your good spirits!!

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. It is so helpful to know the steps you are taking and I am so glad you have found an informative, professional group to take care of you. Sending positive healthy thoughts your way.

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  11. Sounds like things are falling into place regarding your treatment. Good news!

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  12. This is a great update. You have a highly skilled team with state-of-the-art knowledge and this means everything. You you are in good hands. Your post shows great confidence in the team. This is all important. I am very happy for you. Sending positive vibes.

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  13. So glad to read this positive post. It sounds like you're in very good hands now.

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  14. I'm glad that now being under the care of such expert breast cancer professionals is giving you peace of mind. Sounds like you're in excellent hands of people who have seen it all before, which is exactly the kind of experienced people you want around you at a time like this.

    (And since you asked about the spelling of that word, it's "brusque." Must be a French word originally, I quess.)

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    1. Ahh yes. Why didn’t I check the spelling? I’m happy to be in good hands.

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  15. Whoever invented the unlimited warm blanket machine and put them in hospitals is a saint on earth, in my book. It is so easy to understand what is being told you when the blankets are warm and arrive with a smile.

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    1. It’s a little gesture that makes things easier to deal with! I agree, Joanne.

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    2. I too think the warm blankets offered at hospitals are a blessing... and comforting.

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  16. Oh Jenn, I read you but rarely comment. I haven't been reading at all lately because for the last 17 months I have been navigating the Canadian healthcare system due to a problem with my heart. I too had to advocate and get more assertive and even aggressive until I hardly recognised myself and didn't like the person I had to become. Finally, finally, finally, after I had become completely incapacitated, I was referred to a clinic at the University hospital in Vancouver. Like you, I have found them super efficient and the nurse navigator has been wonderful and reassuring. So much has been sorted out in the last month. I think you will find the same now you are being seen at a specialized unit. One thing I vowed was to give back to the healthcare system if I ever got out of the mess I was in. Not sure where to start but something needs to be done! As Red Green says, "Remember, I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together".

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    1. I said something to my husband that when ( not if) I’m over all of this, I want to do something about rural health care - sit on a hospital board, become part of a recruitment committee, something!! I’ve already written two emails to our premier’s office with suggestions to fix the lack of doctors. I feel for you, Susan, I really do. The advocating is exhausting isn’t it? Take care and thank you very much for leaving a comment!

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  17. Sounds like you are in a 'better head space' after such an experience..and I'm glad you received such good care and feel more positive..onwards and upwards.

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  18. It has all been said already so I can only agree how much better it sounds now you are getting proper help and information. It's good to hear you so positive.

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  19. It sounds as though you had first class treatment and was treated with care and dignity. I do hope all the following treatments will be as good if not better and that the outcome will be a positive result. Every Blessing and Take Care( I was blog hopping and found your delightful blog)

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  20. Jenn SO happy to read that you had such a positive experience during a very not so great diagnosis. Our nurses at most hospitals are gold & IMO Doug should start treating them as such ... I think your very positive attitude will carry you through the next steps. I continue to keep you in my prayers. ... Mary-Lou =^[..]^=

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    1. I would never want to be a nurse. I believe I mostly saw radiologists and other technicians but everyone was great.

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  21. Thank you for the update. I'm so glad you found the "all breast" center in the big city. It sounds like their expertise and compassion have put you in a much better place. Something has to change with the health care system in Ontario, (and all of Canada.) I think I will write the premier's office as well. Positive thoughts are being sent your way.
    I binged watched Indian Matchmaker (S. 2) a few days ago- loved it!

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    1. Being felt to be cared about makes a big difference. Health care needs so many fixes.

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  22. Oh, Jenn, I was thinking about you all day last Friday, hoping that you would get the kind of care you so desperately needed. Sounds like the city center place is going to give you just that in the months to come. So relieved for you. I live in a semi-rural location in the US, so know 'local hospitals' can be okay in certain situations (even if most of the buggers here are for-profit hospitals), but when I need specialized care, I head to the city, as I did this summer when I needed ACL reconstruction. You want doctors/nurses practitioners/negotiators who do what you need to have done to have THE maximum experience; people who do the types of surgery/treatments every day and not just once in a while. Happy you are in better hands. Hoping you get the results sooner rather than later, so you can make the appointment with the surgeon asap. Keeping you in my thoughts. x

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    1. The problem is that new medical grads don’t want to move and practice here. They just want to stay in the larger centres.

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  23. So very glad to read this. Steps forward. Information provided. It all makes a huge difference on a path no woman would willingly choose. Consider yourself cyber hugged. --Elise

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  24. Good to hear this, and know that the ball is starting to roll. Glad you are now able to enjoy your surroundings with a little less worry. We are 'pullin' for your!'.

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  25. I am overjoyed that you are now in good, caring, capable hands. Amen!
    Sending you the biggest (and gentle) hugs from way down south. XO

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  26. I am so glad that your appointment went well. Knowledge is power, so I am sure that having so much more information all along the way alleviated some of your anxiety. I stopped to pray that the information flow as well as skilled care continues throughout your entire treatment. Blessings.

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  27. Oh, Jenn, I am so pleased that you are being well cared for! I can just imagine what a world of difference that makes to you, especially your mental and emotional health! I hope you continue to find joy in each day and reasons to smile. Sending you lots of hugs from my little city in Ontario!

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    1. Thank you, Martha! I appreciate your lovely comment!

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  28. This is such a good post to read, Jenn, and I'm so glad you have finally received the care, respect and services/treatment that you deserve as a patient. It sounds like a world of difference (and possibly worth a letter to the president or CEO of the local hospital, copied to the various departments, outlining the differences and how they made you feel. One letter may not change the world but it might start the ball rolling and get them the in-service they need on patient relations!) I'm glad you can relax a little bit, although I know you won't fully until you have a plan. But you are on your way and that's huge. It makes me very happy to know this.

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  29. Jeanie your ideas are good, however I will wait until everything is done and dusted to put my thoughts onto paper. I wish our health care could be fixed with one letter - haha. I am more relaxed - yes, I know I haven't even begun whatever treatment I'll be assigned, but at least I know now that I don't have to fight for it to happen.

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  30. So glad your getting proper care sounds like your in good hands. Will be keeping you in my prayers.

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