Over the past two months I have seen a handful of
specialists at Princess Margaret Cancer Care Centre
in Toronto, ON. Each appointment begins with a nurse, then the resident doctor
(PMCCC is a teaching hospital), then the oncologist and finally the nurse
returns to help put everything together. The nurse and the doctor are always
the same on each team (radiation oncology and medical oncology) but the resident often changes.
They are always very
patient and clear. They answer all my and Bruce’s questions about the treatment
and what to expect and even have some advice on how to manage side effects. I like all of them, mostly; there is one team member who doesn’t seem to be at the same level as the others.
At my most recent appointment they even provided a pile of literature
for us to read.
The problem is that not all of the information is unanimous
and I get conflicting information.
My chemotherapy medication will be delivered intravenously and I will need to have a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC Line) inserted in my arm.
By the way, I am really freaked out by having a half-meter plastic tube shoved up a vein to my heart. I know they do this all the time but it makes me squeamish.
Energy levels aside I wanted to know if I could exercise. Can I perform weight-bearing exercises such as lifting dumbbells at the gym or doing push-ups? What about using the rowing machine? Will the catheter interfere with mobility? Is there the possibility that the catheter will be damaged or slide out? One said I shouldn’t do weight bearing exercise, another said yes, I should maintain my level of fitness and routine as much as I am able too to stay healthy ... if your body can tolerate it?
By the way, I am really freaked out by having a half-meter plastic tube shoved up a vein to my heart. I know they do this all the time but it makes me squeamish.
Energy levels aside I wanted to know if I could exercise. Can I perform weight-bearing exercises such as lifting dumbbells at the gym or doing push-ups? What about using the rowing machine? Will the catheter interfere with mobility? Is there the possibility that the catheter will be damaged or slide out? One said I shouldn’t do weight bearing exercise, another said yes, I should maintain my level of fitness and routine as much as I am able too to stay healthy ... if your body can tolerate it?
What about drinking alcohol? "No, but if you do we don’t want
to know about it and if you do, don’t drink your favourite wine. The chemo may
leave a metallic taste in your mouth and ruin your favourite wine and you will
never want to drink it again." While another said, "Yes ... if your body can
tolerate it."
It seems that all side effects are potential and not
predictable.Each individual has different reactions to treatment and different tolerance levels.
In fact, one team member (the one I like the least) at my
final appointment before treatment begins on Monday said, “You are receiving
low dose radiation so you probably won’t have any side effects.” WTF?
I could experience it all or nothing at all … maybe ... maybe not.
I could experience it all or nothing at all … maybe ... maybe not.
I highly doubt it will be nothing.
References
Princess Margaret Cancer Care Centre - Information for Patients and Families
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