Having severe pain, exploring the cause

Apr-Nov 2006
Susan was diagnosed and treated for early stage breast cancer, and had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Thankfully, she did not need radiation or chemotherapy since they caught it so early with a routine mammogram. Her oncologist released her believing she would not have any recurrence of breast cancer.

May-Jun 2007
Susan had a visual event called an aura that looked like sparkling or shimmering lights in the peripheral vision while everything looked kind of wavy in front. She began waking up with a headache each morning with severe pain at the crown of her head. Pain relievers like naproxin gave some relief, but the pain was always there. She consulted and visited a variety of doctors – optometrist, chiropractor, general practitioner, plastic surgeon (breast reconstruction follow-up). Blood tests that would have detected metastatic (spreading) breast cancer were negative.
I was focused on the likelihood of a hormonal or pre-menopausal connection and was having her pursue an ob-gyn visit.

Fri 06/22/07
Susan went on vacation to Clearlake in Northern California with her parents and our daughter, Lexie. The boys and I were to follow for a few days the next week since they were in summer school. Susan woke up in severe pain that morning and had been nauseous and vomiting. It was a slow start following a sluggish and disorganized night of packing. I was amazed at how many items she forgot to pack – I shipped a box up north for her on Monday.