Help! Scanxiety & stress over watching my sister in pain.
My sister has MBC, stage IV, mets to the lungs & bones. Originally diagnosed Stage 2-A, IDC, underwent radical right breast mastectomy in 2020. In 2022, metastasis to the bones & lungs. Her 2nd line of treatments, Capecitabine & Lapatinib, poisoned her system resulting in stomach issues (diarrhea, gastritis, etc. She has stopped treatments for now. Early this month, she suffered a hip fracture. Orthopedic surgeon says she need hip replacement surgery. We'll be seeing an onco ortho surgeon next week, also, MRI will be done. The problem: she can't lie down on an MRI table, as she suffers excruciating pain when lying down. she sleeps in her wheelchair now. Anyone here with a similar/same experience? How did you help deal with the pain? Due to her previous stomach issues, she can't take Tramadol or anything stronger. As caregiver, how did you deal with your anxiety, stress in watching your loved one in pain?
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There is an Upright MRI which allows the patient to be sitting or standing. These are not available everywhere (I know of locations in NY and FL) but it would be worth checking out. Open MRIs are more common and allow some flexibility in body position like lying on your side in a seated position. The ortho onc will know what imaging he needs and how it can be done.
I would suggest your sister be referred to a palliative care doctor. They are experts in managing pain and other side effects. Painkillers can be given via the skin (patch form) if someone can’t manage oral meds. Palliative care providers do more to help improve a person’s quality of life than just prescribe meds. I hope your sister’s surgery goes well.
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Great point, @maggie15!
@sister131 here's some info on palliative care that might be helpful — keep in mind it is NOT reserved for end-of-life or hospice patients, it is available for all stages of disease and "helps manage symptoms and stress. It’s an additional layer of support that doesn’t replace any other medical care you receive. Instead, palliative care adds extra symptom management, and provides emotional, legal, spiritual, and social support."
We hope this helps!
—The Mods
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Thanks very much Maggie for this valuable info! We live in the Philippines, so I don't think the recent technology in MRI has caught up in our country? Still, it's good to know that such technology exists! RE: Palliative care, I've always thought that it's only for terminal/end-of-life cases? Now I know better! Will look for a doctor and/or a facility ASAP! Thanks moderators! You've been a big help! To forewarn you, this will not be the 1st or last time I'll be posting my questions and problems regarding my sister!
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Please feel free to post and ask as much as you'd like. That's what we're all here for. We're happy we could help!
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Hi again @sister131, we're just checking in on you since you joined — have you been able to locate a palliative care team to help get your sister some relief?
We're thinking of you both!
—The Mods
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