Seeking Help for My Mother's Ongoing Pain After Cancer Treatment

Q: Seeking Help for My Mother's Ongoing Pain After Cancer Treatment

Hello： 1. <br>Your mother's current PET scan shows no issues, indicating that there is no spread of cancer. <br>Although she is in pain, there is no immediate risk to her life, so she may not be in danger; however, her quality of life is diminished. <br>2. <br>It is recommended t

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Your question: Hello, my mother is a breast cancer patient.
In 2000, she had her right lymph nodes removed, and in 2002, there was a recurrence, leading to the removal of her right breast.
Recently, she has been experiencing frequent pain near her stomach.
Various tests have been conducted, and both her stomach and liver are fine, but there is a cyst near her gallbladder.
The doctor said it is not the main cause of her pain, but my mother is in so much pain every day that she doesn't know what to do.
What direction should she take for further examinations? Response from the physician: Oncology, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong suggests: Hello, 1.
Has a bone scan been done? 2.
A PET scan could also be considered.
3.
If the PET scan does not reveal any issues, it is possible that sometimes pain can occur in different areas without a clear cause.
Response from Dr.
Chen: Hello, this is a follow-up to my previous question.
My mother’s bone scan was also normal, but what is a PET scan, and which specialty does it belong to? Where should she go for this examination? Response from the physician: Oncology, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong suggests: Hello, positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the advanced medical technologies, which includes functions such as cancer detection, assessment of myocardial perfusion and viability, and diagnosis of brain lesions.
You should consult your mother’s attending physician or visit a medical center outpatient clinic.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.
Chen, I apologize for bothering you again.
My mother has also undergone a PET scan, which was normal.
I have discussed her case with her attending physician at He Hsin Hospital, but the doctor is also unsure why she is in pain.
What should I do? I really feel helpless.
Recently, she has been taking medication and receiving injections at a private clinic, and she is drowsy every day.
I am very worried about her.
My father passed away last year, and I do not want to lose another family member.
Can you help me?

Xiao Dong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/11

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Hello: 1.
Your mother's current PET scan shows no issues, indicating that there is no spread of cancer.
Although she is in pain, there is no immediate risk to her life, so she may not be in danger; however, her quality of life is diminished.
2.
It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Sih-Jung, Oncology.

Reply Date: 2005/11/11

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's ongoing pain and the challenges your family is facing. Managing pain, especially in cancer patients, can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes. Given your mother's history of breast cancer and the treatments she has undergone, it is crucial to approach her symptoms with a comprehensive strategy.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that pain in cancer patients can arise from various sources. It could be due to the cancer itself, treatment side effects, or even unrelated medical conditions. Since your mother has undergone significant surgeries and treatments, her pain could be multifactorial.
You mentioned that she has already undergone several tests, including a bone scan and PET scan, which have not revealed any significant issues. However, it's important to consider that even with advanced imaging techniques, sometimes the cause of pain may not be immediately identifiable. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach is often beneficial. This means involving various specialists, including oncologists, pain management specialists, and possibly palliative care teams, who can provide a holistic approach to her care.

Here are some steps you might consider taking:
1. Consult a Pain Management Specialist: A pain management specialist can help assess the pain more thoroughly and may offer treatments that are not solely reliant on imaging results. They can provide options such as nerve blocks, medications specifically for pain management, or alternative therapies.

2. Palliative Care: Engaging a palliative care team can be beneficial, even if your mother is still receiving curative treatment. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. They can help coordinate care and ensure that all aspects of her health are being addressed.

3. Re-evaluate Medications: Since you mentioned that your mother is feeling drowsy from her current medications, it may be worthwhile to review her medication regimen with her healthcare provider. Some medications can have sedative effects, and adjustments may be necessary to improve her quality of life while managing her pain.

4. Explore Additional Diagnostic Tests: If the pain persists and remains unexplained, further diagnostic tests may be warranted. This could include imaging studies focused on specific areas of concern or even exploratory procedures if deemed necessary by her medical team.

5. Emotional and Psychological Support: Chronic pain can take a toll not just physically but also emotionally. Consider seeking support for both your mother and yourself. Support groups, counseling, or therapy can provide a space to express feelings and cope with the emotional burden of illness.

6. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or mindfulness practices. While these should not replace conventional treatments, they can be used alongside them to help manage symptoms.

7. Regular Follow-ups: Ensure that your mother has regular follow-ups with her oncologist and any other specialists involved in her care. Continuous monitoring can help catch any changes in her condition early and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

In conclusion, while it can be frustrating when the cause of pain is elusive, there are many avenues to explore for relief. It’s important to advocate for your mother’s needs and ensure she receives comprehensive care that addresses both her physical and emotional well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or additional consultations if you feel it would be beneficial. Your concern for her health is evident, and with the right support and resources, there is hope for improving her quality of life.

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