I've read a little more about CBD oil (sometimes referred to as Phoenix Tears), and I realized that the concentrate I bought is not very potent. I think I need better stuff, and since I'm not going to start making my own, I need to find a place or person who can supply me with it very soon. I increased the amount I'm taking to 1 drop 3x a day ... but I still feel like it's not enough to make any impact.
I got a call today from the Colposcopy doctor. The lab results came back, and confirmed it was squamous cell carcinoma.... no surprise there. He said I would be getting a call today or tomorrow to book in for a CT Scan here in Nanaimo - he figured it would be within 1 to 2 weeks (still more waiting). Then I would be contacted to head to Victoria for a consult at the BC Cancer Agency, where they would discuss the treatment plan and options. He said it would likely be a radical hysterectomy and radiation treatment. The good news is that he said my type of cancer is highly treatable. The bad news is that radiation treatment will likely be 5 days a week for 5 weeks in Victoria. There is no option for treatment in Nanaimo ... it's the same with the hysterectomy. It would be done in Victoria.
He said the government has funded a place to stay in Victoria for about $39/night that includes 3 meals a day. So, that will save me driving back and forth. Not ideal, but definitely a great option. I'm not sure about availability and if you need to qualify for a spot.
What I'm learning about our healthcare system from a patient perspective, as opposed to being on the other side as an employee, is that things are very slow moving. I also think that doctors are not providing access to the information that patients need after hearing this type of diagnosis. They should be providing them with psychosocial support, if nothing else. To expect patients to wait 2 weeks, then another 2 weeks, to get bits and pieces of information creates a very stressful environment. I never received any handout, brochure, or other information. Both doctors I've seen talked to me about things, but when your head is spinning and trying to come to terms with the news, absorbing the details just isn't possible. They should also be writing down the important notes from each appointment. I know I'm capable of researching on my own, but I am concerned for those that don't have the same capacity to do that. It's an enlightening experience.
I am, however, EXTREMELY grateful that I live in a country with universal healthcare, and that I have work benefits that will permit me to take some of my time off with full pay. Having to worry about finances at a time when you're already worried about health, is not conducive to recovery. Furthermore, I am happy that we have access to cannabis products now, and the judgements around using them is pretty much a thing of the past. Thank you, Canada, for supporting all people with their healthcare needs ... not just the wealthy! Now, can we just speed it up a little??
Finally, from an emotional perspective, I am having more good days now ... yesterday was quite positive. Well, it was my birthday, so how can it be a bad day, right? Getting tons of beautiful, funny, and thoughtful messages really helps to make for a good day. On the other hand, I still feel that I have to be careful to protect the emotions of others. Not sure how I can overcome that. It might be just part of who I am.
Despite having a few tears here and there, I am finding that this is not consuming my every thought anymore. That is why I am avoiding phone calls ... I'm still on a roller coaster of emotions, and so most of the time, I don't want to voluntarily subject myself to more tears. It's a little exhausting.
Thanks to everyone who is reading ... there were over 160 people who have read my first post, and considering I only shared this with approximately 40 or 50 people, there must be others out there who are going through something similar. Don't hesitate to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them!
My 4 year old Gerbera daisy plant has decided to bloom again. This is only the second time since I got it ... and there is another bud coming up, as well. Must be a positive sign!
I got a call today from the Colposcopy doctor. The lab results came back, and confirmed it was squamous cell carcinoma.... no surprise there. He said I would be getting a call today or tomorrow to book in for a CT Scan here in Nanaimo - he figured it would be within 1 to 2 weeks (still more waiting). Then I would be contacted to head to Victoria for a consult at the BC Cancer Agency, where they would discuss the treatment plan and options. He said it would likely be a radical hysterectomy and radiation treatment. The good news is that he said my type of cancer is highly treatable. The bad news is that radiation treatment will likely be 5 days a week for 5 weeks in Victoria. There is no option for treatment in Nanaimo ... it's the same with the hysterectomy. It would be done in Victoria.
He said the government has funded a place to stay in Victoria for about $39/night that includes 3 meals a day. So, that will save me driving back and forth. Not ideal, but definitely a great option. I'm not sure about availability and if you need to qualify for a spot.
What I'm learning about our healthcare system from a patient perspective, as opposed to being on the other side as an employee, is that things are very slow moving. I also think that doctors are not providing access to the information that patients need after hearing this type of diagnosis. They should be providing them with psychosocial support, if nothing else. To expect patients to wait 2 weeks, then another 2 weeks, to get bits and pieces of information creates a very stressful environment. I never received any handout, brochure, or other information. Both doctors I've seen talked to me about things, but when your head is spinning and trying to come to terms with the news, absorbing the details just isn't possible. They should also be writing down the important notes from each appointment. I know I'm capable of researching on my own, but I am concerned for those that don't have the same capacity to do that. It's an enlightening experience.
I am, however, EXTREMELY grateful that I live in a country with universal healthcare, and that I have work benefits that will permit me to take some of my time off with full pay. Having to worry about finances at a time when you're already worried about health, is not conducive to recovery. Furthermore, I am happy that we have access to cannabis products now, and the judgements around using them is pretty much a thing of the past. Thank you, Canada, for supporting all people with their healthcare needs ... not just the wealthy! Now, can we just speed it up a little??
Finally, from an emotional perspective, I am having more good days now ... yesterday was quite positive. Well, it was my birthday, so how can it be a bad day, right? Getting tons of beautiful, funny, and thoughtful messages really helps to make for a good day. On the other hand, I still feel that I have to be careful to protect the emotions of others. Not sure how I can overcome that. It might be just part of who I am.
Despite having a few tears here and there, I am finding that this is not consuming my every thought anymore. That is why I am avoiding phone calls ... I'm still on a roller coaster of emotions, and so most of the time, I don't want to voluntarily subject myself to more tears. It's a little exhausting.
Thanks to everyone who is reading ... there were over 160 people who have read my first post, and considering I only shared this with approximately 40 or 50 people, there must be others out there who are going through something similar. Don't hesitate to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them!
My 4 year old Gerbera daisy plant has decided to bloom again. This is only the second time since I got it ... and there is another bud coming up, as well. Must be a positive sign!
To my girl and her gerbers blooming for years and years to come. xoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for you.