Not entirely the result that I was hoping for
By Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
Manchester, England
February 6, 2018 10:41am CST
After 7 or 8 months of scans, X-rays, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I had an appointment with the oncologist today to discuss the progress so far.
I was expecting a favourable result and the reduction of appointments to a quarterly visit. All in all that was basically what transpired, making it a promising prospect.
However, when I mentioned the pain that I have experienced behind my shoulder blade and at the base of my back, I was informed that this was due to the cancer being in the bones. I was advised to take pain killers to compensate for this, along with the prognosis that the level of pain will gradually increase and require increasingly potent pain killers to control.
It seems as though this information would not have been supplied if I had not mentioned my pain, which surprises me.
36 people like this
38 responses
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Feb 18
I have had more than one doctor or nurse tell me over the years that they do this on purpose so as not to cause additional worry and alarm in their patients. People tend to freak out and over-worry when they hear negative medical news, and always immediately think the worst. Doctors want to avoid this scenario in their patients if they can, because they know that often it does not help the medical situation. It's quite the balancing act determining how much information a patient should know about their medical condition.
Sorry to hear about your pain Barry, I hope you can find relief so that you are not in pain all the time.
5 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
10 Feb 18
This would make sense apart from the fact that when she told me that I had stage 4 cancer she asked me if I had heard and understood what she had said. Apparently she was surprised at how well I took the information.
I pointed out that the previous reference to tumours and the arrangement of a biopsy was clearly a prelude to such a diagnosis, therefore I was already aware.
It makes little sense to withhold information afterwards, which simply makes the news worse.
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
10 Feb 18
@moffittjc I raised the subject of the pain in the hope of being given a viable solution, but instead was told that it would only get worse.
I currently spend several hours every day lay in front of a convection heater to dilute the pain, although this is not likely to continue to help.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Feb 18
@Asylum Yes, as in your case, it simply didn't make any sense to withhold that information.
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@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Feb 18
Doctors seem to do this. I have no idea why. Vince has had a leaking valve in the heart for years apparently, probably since birth, but he was only told a few years ago whereas the doctors have known for ages. It does seem very remiss and I'm sorry the news wasn't better.
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Feb 18
I had assumed that the pain was related to either lying strangely during the night or maybe that my condition made me susceptible to the cold. Now it turns out that the bones are cancer ridden and the condition will increase with time.
Had I not raised the subject I would still be unaware.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Feb 18
@Asylum And it seems a bit under-handed to me. I don't think patients should need to be continually trying to work out what they should be asking and worrying about what they may not be being told.. Doctors should tell them what is going on.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
9 Feb 18
Can't they treat the bone cancer? It seems they should be treating it. Masking the pain is like putting a bandaid on a bleeding artery, not very effective in the long run. I am not impressed with the communication abilities of your doctor.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64362)
• United Kingdom
16 Feb 18
It seems that doctors often don't inform you about everything. I'm sorry that the cancer is now in your bones as if you didn't have enough to put up with.
My husband has had a heart condition for years, and last year one doctor casually mentioned his ongoing kidney problems. Apparently he has had them for years, but no-one told us.
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
16 Feb 18
It is totally absurd. I am realistic enough to realise that I have little choice but to accept my condition. The consultant knows by now that I am not likely to overreact, whereas I do feel that I have a right to know the whole situation.
4 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
14 Feb 18
I am so sorry to hear you are in pain Barry. I hope that they have managed to control it a bit better for you now. An important thing is to keep warm and to make sure you eat regularly.
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
14 Feb 18
@garymarsh6 A member of the Macmillan team are due to visit me today, so I shall enquire when she arrives.
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
14 Feb 18
@Asylum Well if he does not ask him to refer you to the pain management clinic or Macmillan team!
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@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
6 Feb 18
That was what I thought. There seems no reason why I was not previously informed about this.
Since this condition exists then it is a fact of life and has to be accepted as such, but the lack of previous knowledge made it quite a shock.
2 people like this
@shaggin (71655)
• United States
7 Feb 18
I can't even imagine how terrible that would be to deal with pain in your bones. I had juvenile arthritis due to a disease I had and it left me with achy bones in my legs when there is extreme weather changes or heavy rain etc. I imagine what you go through and will go through is going to be so much worse 
2 people like this
@celticeagle (158670)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb 18
You'd think so. I think they forget what all they have discussed maybe. Sorry to hear this. Dependence on pain killers is not a fun way to go.
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@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Feb 18
@celticeagle It certainly would so I must give the consultant the benefit of the doubt.
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@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
7 Feb 18
are you on chemotherapy? i hope the cancer cells will be reduced
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@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
12 Feb 18
@ridingbet Unfortunately they have. I have been told that there is a danger of the spinal column being damaged, but so far it has not happened.
2 people like this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
12 Feb 18
@Asylum i hope the cancer cells has not reached your back bones (spinal column).
2 people like this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
7 Feb 18
That's kind of odd. I think doctors should give every information to the patient and support to somehow alleviate the pain. They of all people know and are experts at this kind of illness.
They should have mentioned it earlier.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16517)
• China
8 Feb 18
I find out that doctors tend to tell patients as less things as possible. As a whole,they have kept the cancer in check.Hope you will get better and better !
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73201)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Feb 18
So sorry to hear this. Blessings to you and always all my prayers. There really are no words Surely this matter should already have been brought up. I did find this link though.
People consider the phrase cancer cure to be controversial. But according to much research there are many natural cancer treatments that may be effective
2 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (58103)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
7 Feb 18
They should of asked you if you were experiencing any pain. At least in my opnion that's what a good doctor would do.
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