May 19 2023 was supposed to be a happy day for me as I was due to go for my 5th year end review scans and blood test. My oncologist would then decide if there was a need to continue with my AI drugs.
As they needed to have an accurate reading of the blood test, I had to fast before it took place. After my blood was drawn, I knew that I needed to consume some food as I could feel my blood sugar level dipping. (Ever since I started taking my AI drugs, I became hypoglycemic. No carbs could bring up the level of my blood sugar except fruits.) I told the nurses and the staff in the clinic that I needed to have some food but they did not accede to my request as I still had more tests to do.
When I reached the imaging clinic, I developed a major headache. It didn’t help when the majority of the staff were out for lunch. After suffering in silence for 15 minutes, I went to the counter and asked when my turn would be as I was having an intoleable headache. The counter staff called up my oncologist’s clinic as I was hitting my head so hard and I was barely aware of my surroundings. When the nurses came up, they took my blood to check the blood sugar level. It had dropped dangerously low. They had to give me some biscuits and an extremely sweet drink, trying but failing to bring up my blood sugar. It was too late as I had already gone into a hypoglycemic shock. I was shivering and the imaging staff were not able to get the ultrasound images as there was no fluid in my body to show the status of my organs. In the end, they had to send me down to get some food before redoing the scan. In the meantime, the nurses from my oncologist’s clinic called her and informed her about my condition. She arranged for an emergency brain MRI due to the abnormal headache I had had.
After consuming some dried fruits and fruit juice, I was feeling slightly better. I went back to the imaging clinic to finish up my scans. After many tedious tries, they managed to get the images. By that time, I felt so drained and extremely tired.
When I went for my brain MRI , they had to insert the needle catheter so as to inject the MRI solution into my body. When the first nurse came, I told her that I had very thin veins and I advised her to use the same vein where my blood was drawn from. She decided against it, saying that it may cause a strain on that particular vein. She decided to insert the needle catheter into a new vein and as I expected, the saline choked at the vein and she had to take it out and find another vein for the insertion. I broke down and cried. It triggered my PTSD that I got from the time I was undergoing chemotherapy. They had to get a more experienced nurse to come and insert the needle catheter. After 4.5 hours, my torture from the scans had finally ended.
Even though fasting may be required for some tests, we must trust that we know our body best. If at any point in time you feel discomfort, just voice out and do what is necessary to get your condition under control. What happened to me was most unfortunate and I learnt that no matter what the medical professional says you must do, they don’t know your body as well as you do. When it is really necessary, insist on what you know is right for your body to get your necessary treatment.
I will share my review after 5 years on hormonal therapy in the next post.
“The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.”– Frank Sinatra ( credit @ https://parade.com/937586/parade/life-quotes/)
Journey of Wendy 