Whew! I am feeling much better today. I had a couple pretty rough days with great pain.What happens is the chemo drugs leak out of my veins, called extravasation.
It starts to occur 2 - 3 days after the drug is administered and lasted this time for 3 days. That is a day longer than the first time. It is my understanding pain and duration will increase with each treatment.
It is an extremely destructive symptom. The pain is severe and persistent and impairs my sleep and appetite, and effects me physically and emotionally.
At one point yesterday, I though I might call off this therapy.
Today, I have had a chance to read about what I can do about pain.
Fortunately, pain can be controlled. I have been reluctant to ask for pain medication but have decided to overcome my reluctance and talk to my doctor about the right narcotics.
I made the mistake of thinking pain was inevitable and builds character. I also have the fear of addiction. The text I read today said that people who have real pain do not become addicted to narcotics, that is is ok to take as much as it takes to have pain control.
So many of us are raised to think taking narcotics is "wrong".
I'm glad you've decided to do what is needed to be more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteAt times we all need as much help as we can get and there's nothing wrong with using whatever it takes. Very glad you are choosing to accept you need medication for the pain. We feel for you Dodi.
ReplyDeleteLove, DR Cgy