Marci Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi Everyone- My mom's cancer has metasicized to her scapula which is her shoulder blade. That is not a new development just one that has gotten bothersome. We thought the cancer was only in the tissue there but now I believe it is in her bone there and is so very painful for her. I suppose the Doc thought I knew it was in her bone but I did not. Anyway what is important now is for me to get her relief from the pain that she is constantly in. I had put a call in to the Doc and he referred us to either a Orthapedic or a Pain Management Doctor for this. Why can't this be radiated to relieve pain there? I am so confused as to what to do. My mother feels like a pain management doc would just cover the issue up with meds. I have no idea of how they would handle it and definitly not sure what an Orthapedic would do for her. Any advice on this I really need to get her the proper help on this to relieve her pain. Once again so frustrated with this Oncologist who just unloads us off. I am working on gathering her records now and making an appointment soon somewhere else for a consultation. Thanks Marci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi Marci. That for sure sounds very frustrating. Nobody should have to suffer from pain. The pain specialist at the clinic should help. I do not understand or know of any reason why they would not radiate there for pain relief. If you can, phone and ask for an appt with a radiation oncologist. Your medical oncologist does not sound very helpful at all. What are your options in getting a new one? Keep pushing for appts and solutions. Bone pain is very bad, it just aches and aches, interferes with sleep etc. I hope your mom is free of pain very soon. Thank goodness she has you looking out for her. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hi Marci, My husband can relate to your Mom's pain in the bone due to his experience with that issue last year. Bill had a shoulder (blade) pain (and neck nodes in the neck area) which were giving him a lot of pain. They tried meds, but they didn't do the job. No one seemed to suggest any other solution. Finally, we asked our chemo oncologist about having the areas radiated. He said that would be an option. We made an appointment with a wonderful radiation oncologist and after treatments last year, June of 2007, Bill has been totally pain free. The radiation treatments worked. Hope you find a solution to your Mom's pain. Bill and I know only too well how very frustrating it is to find the right treatment. With this disease, many questions need to be voiced. It's definitely a disease that requires the patient and/or the caregiver to be proactive. It's not always straightforward, but answers can be had. Stay with it, and wishing you success, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marci Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Thank you very much for the replies. I too feel that radiation should be explored as an option. Its so crazy that I feel I have to think of these things myself instead of the Oncologist suggesting ways of reducing and relieving pain. So very frustrating. I have learned through this that you need to demand treatment and care or you can fall between the cracks or at least thats how I feel. Thanks guys for listening and for giving me feedback it makes me feel heard at least to someone. P.S. I have a call out to the radiation oncologist we dealt with before and we are awaiting a call back. Marci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellen in PA Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 As another bone-met person, I also heartily endorse radiation if possible. In the meantime, I just wanted to say that the usual pain-killers I was prescribed for the bone pain -- oxycodone, Oxycontin, etc -- did absolutely nothing for me but ibuprofen was great. I took 800 mg 3 or 4 times/day, along with an antacid (e.g. famotidine) to protect my stomach, and it helped enormously (tho not as much as the subsequent radiation tx). Good luck. Ellen in PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coni Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 My brother just had radiation on his spine, he was in such horrible pain..it helped so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marci Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Thanks all for sharing and thank you for the ibuprofen advice for pain. Radiation Doc called going tomorrow for appt. so happy he is an angel taking us in right away. Marci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coni Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 soooo happy to hear that! my thoughts and prayers be with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marci Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let you know that the Rad.Oncologist will begin radiation on my mom's shoulder immediately. My dad was so peeved that the regular Oncologist never recommeded this to us and we had to find this out on our own. He told my mom to stop being so nice and worrying about niceness and start worrying about her life now. My mom is very polite and we were raised to respect doctors, people I guess you would say high professions but respect is one thing here and doing the right thing is another. My dad said she should say to him if you don't have time for me than I need to move on here. Or I don't know if he has the mentality that my mom is Stage 4 amd thats it now. That is not the kind of Doc I want on my mom's team right now then. I am hoping this radiation gives her relief soon. I wonder how long into it you would generally get relief? I know he said she will do everyday Mon-Friday for 3 weeks I think. Thank you all- Marci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hi Marci. I am glad to hear your mom is now scheduled for some radiation. You and your dad are right. It is so important to advocate on our own behalf. Docs don't all do that for us and sometimes it is time to move on and find another more suitable doc. That is sometimes easier said than done depending where you live. Your mom will get some relief for sure. If it is over a 3 week period though, I would think/guess that it will be some time before it is noticeable. And the effects of radiation continue for months afterward. Take care Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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