Big Shout Out To My Cancer Care Heroes

What a great feeling having reached the second-year mark living with lung cancer. The huge impact definitely comes from the roles my healthcare providers have played. A great deal of their expertise is needed as I go through with treatment and monitoring.

Treating my cancer

Two oncologists have been assigned to look after my condition and treatment options. My brain Mets has been looked after by my radiation oncologist. He checks my brain Mets and saw it was gone after two months of taking my TKI. The Gamma Knife is set aside for now. On the other hand, my medical oncologist handles my ALK Positive treatment plan and manages my side effects. One of my side effects is anemia but not to the level of needing blood transfusion yet.

Reading of my scans

Cancer patients on treatment need scans to monitor the cancer tumor. For my case, I get CT scans quarterly and brain MRI semi-annually. In addition, the information in determining abnormal tissues within my body can help properly diagnose specific conditions like metastases. Thus, I surely acknowledge the radiologists’ eye for detail and a great memory of interpretation.

Dispensing of my prescription

The oncology pharmacists make sure I get my proper and timely doses. I do get good tips especially watching for possible side effects. I am also under the care of regular pharmacists who dispenses my other medications. Both parties have emphasized always taking my prescriptions with food to avoid severe side effects.

Scan days

Every CT scan I take pre-medication to avoid an allergic reaction to contrast dye. One of the scan technologists went beyond her tasks of trying two contrast types and found the better one for me that does not cause a severe reaction. My chart shows the specific contrast dye to prepare for me. On the other hand, I have no reaction to the brain MRI contrast dye. When I am on the scanner, they made sure I am comfortable.

Collecting of blood samples

Blood work for me happens at the beginning of each month at the mandated cancer care center. Such monitoring is important while under treatment. I am one of those patients who need extra boosting like a hot blanket to find a small vein on my arms or sometimes get more than one needle poking.

Finding good nutrition

Dealing with cancer and other side effects requires guidance in the quality and quantity of nutrition. I am fortunate to have a registered dietician who is readily available for a quick consultation. Her advice has helped me achieve good overall health during my cancer treatment.

The focus and strategies of my cancer care heroes deserve my recognition. Hence, their presence has improved the quality of my life as a patient with lung cancer.