Ladies,
I am getting tired. I have pain in my feet, my left elbow, I just started my breast reconstruction, my arm is swelling up on the right side, the feeling got worse since the surgery. I am tired of the hot flashes from the tamoxfin. I really need some counseling, what kind of physician should I see. Should I go through my regular doctor, Navy or my oncologist?
Ms. Mary, I'm glad you recognize you need counseling, and are doing something about it. You have every reason in the world to be depressed! But there's no reason to live with depression. A psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to determine a combination of counseling and perhaps drugs to help you over this hurdle. Please tell whatever doctor directing your cancer treatment - oncologist, I assume – that you want some help with your mental and emotional health. S/he'll be able to set you up with the person most able to help; there may be a doctor at your hospital specializing in treating cancer patients. Once you get started on treating this depression, you've taken another step towards good health - good emotional health. And in the meantime, remember; time heals, it really does. How you feel now – physically, and emotionally – isn't how you'll feel forever. There's hope, and a good life ahead of you, post-treatment. Believe it. PJH
P.S. And get that arm looked at; you don't want to develop lymphedema on top of everything else! Best of luck-
First, make sure this isn't turning into cellulitis, which is a medical emergency. If your arm is VERY swelled, red, and hot, see a doctor ASAP; or if it's worsening quickly, same thing. Cellulitis requires an IV antibiotic drip and hospitalization. If you don't think it's an emergency, all you can really do is try not to use your arm, and keep it elevated as much as possible. Take care - and I'm sorry for your troubles. PJH
Mary, this kind of depression is not unusual after finishing treatment when the reality of long-term changes in your life begins to sink in. The arm swelling is probably lymphedema, which needs to be treated by a physical or occupational therapist experienced with it. The surgeon will probably know the most about the best place to go, but any of your doctors can write the referral to the lymphedema clinic once you know where you want to go. I'd ask at the oncologist's office for a good counselor with experience helping cancer patients. The oncologist is also the person to talk to about the hot flashes and foot and joint pain--at least to start. It takes a while to get used to the "new normal," but you will, and a good counselor will help you get there sooner.
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Thanks for the words and I will talk to my doctor about all of this. I have developed lymphedema really bad. I think it is from the surgery and the implant. I notice when I walk up the stairs on my ship and a steep ramp that the pressure is coming from my cut under my right breast and that makes my arm swell up. I have a consult in to see a therapist but that will take 3 days and I am really in pain. Is there anything that I can do?