Pain, Pain, Painful Pain

So this is why I blog.

Because with the blog, I have friends who check in with me when I don't post anything new for a few days, as was the case this past week.

In answering their questions about how I am, I see the answers more clearly.

I've been in quite a bit of pain for weeks now. Some is the pain in my groin left over from the last advance from the cancer side--the mets in my pelvis and upper left leg that were radiated in September.

Dr. Eulau, radiation oncologist, who I saw this week for a follow-up, agrees that the pain is "just" soft tissue pain, and I should carry on with the massage, exercise, icing, and so on. And pain meds when necessary.

The problem there is that the pain meds upset my stomach, to the point that I sometimes throw up after taking them, as I did the other night. Not fun. But I made it to the sink, at least.

I had decided not to see an accupuncturist, because I didn't want to add another medical appt. to my already full weekly schedule of doctor's visits. I may revisit that decision. There is an accupuncturist two blocks from my house, although it's not the one I was referred to, and that might be doable. And I already have the prescription in hand.

The point here is that pain is exhausting. And I'm still anemic from the last round of radiation, so between the two I have only about six hours of good energy a day. That's not enough.

The plan for today is to exercise, gently, especially back stretches, because my back is killing me, and that's not cancer pain. Then a sauna, for further stretching. Followed by ice to all the places that hurt. Also will take some pain meds on a full stomach (just had a peanut-butter milkshake, all organic ingredients, and hormone-free milk, of course), and see if I can have a better day.

Thanks to Amorette for the e-mail in which she said:

Any doctor who uses "just" and "pain" in the same sentence hasn't had a very hard life.

When I get caught up, I'm going to write a profile of Amorette, who has lived with cancer all her life, and who is also a bento* artist. How cool is that?

* Bento: Japanese box lunch. These are works of art in themselves, in the presentation of the food inside the box, but Amorette goes a step or two or three further. Stay tuned.

@ Jeanne Sather 2007.

Comments

[Sara]

Oh, you poor thing. I was wondering what was happening.

I do hope you can get some relief soon.

[jessica]

wish i could do more to help you through the pain, jeanne. i've never had acupunture myself but know it can help tremendously. oh, and i L-O-V-E peanut butter shakes. sometimes with banana. ack! my mouth just started watering!

take good care, and know that we are all right here with you.

[pocketina]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you're having a rough time! Here's my wish to you that you'll be feeling better soon.
:-)

[Carver]

Hi Jeanne,

I wish you weren't having to deal with so much pain and it is particularly bad that the meds which should help upset your stomach. Amorette certainly nailed it with her line about "just" and pain. I will be sending out thoughts for you to be having a better day and an even better one the next day and the next. As ever, Carver

[jeanne]

Thanks, Jessica. I agree about the banana--would have put one in, but I was all out. The potassium in bananas is good for my leg cramps, and it makes the shake even thicker.

Carter and Pocketina (and Jess): the pain is better now after following the regimen above: meds, stretching, sauna, icing, and support from friends. Right now I am almost pain-free.

Also nailed it by making myself a big potl of udon (chubby Japanese noodles) with eggs, tofu, and miso in it. Lots of protein, and not much fat.

Food Porn, if you're reading this, Sara!

[Lisa]

Jeanne,

I'm so sorry about the pain. Pain stinks, pain meds stink, and the whole thing is exhausting. I agree that "just" and "pain" don't belong in the same sentence. I think that is one of the things that I really appreciated that I can take into my doctor world is how much pain stinks. I hope that you feel better soon.

[Jacqueline]

I've been missing you lady...

[Jacqueline]

I've been missing you lady...

[bibliogrrl]

I agree wholeheartedly. 'just' and 'pain' should never be n the same sentence. I can't begin to imagine what you deal with. A week of a tooth in need of a root canal was terrible for me...

I'm glad you're... ok? Not the right word, but it will have to do in my undercaffeinated state.

Thank you (again and again and again) for doing what you do. You have no idea how much it means to some of us.