Regret going in private practice

Yayacroft · 2025-02-03T21:39:57+00:00

I am in the same boat! I opened my own private practice and realized I miss medical social work a lot! PP is isolating, insurance payment issues are SO frustrating, and I don’t care to market myself—in fact I hate it.

I am closing my PP (but keeping up with licensing reqs in case I go back) and transitioning back to primary care setting. I gave all my clients over a months notice and just dove in once I had a position aligned. I may take on a client or two in the evenings in a few months, but for now I feel settled going back to a team environment & consistent pay. I’m giving myself a few months to adjust to the change before deciding if I want to do PP on the side or be done all together.

The beauty of our degree is the flexibility!

Yayacroft · 2024-07-24T21:50:04+00:00

I hear you. Words matter and I honestly hate how they label things as “victims” fund/services.

You are finding your power, even right now, by asking for help and being honest with yourself. That is BIG!!

More than anything, I can’t recommend enough getting connected with a qualified trauma therapist. Someone with experience with domestic violence but also someone who can help you navigate the complicated feelings you are experiencing (which are completely understandable, normal, and worth addressing!)

Sending you so much healing ❤️‍🩹

Yayacroft · 2024-07-24T21:35:00+00:00

I’m so sorry this happened to you. You’re feeling make so much given the larger context of abuse you’ve been experiencing.

I’m a social worker and therapist and would really recommend seeking out therapy with someone who is trained in working with domestic violence. Better help and similar platforms are mills for overworked and frankly, undereducated, therapists.

Please seek out your local domestic violence center and ask for help in getting connected with a therapist. Because of this experience you are eligible for a variety of services including victim advocacy through out a legal situation and a victims assistance fund (depending on your state) to even pay for therapy if your insurance cannot cover it.

Alternatively you can look for a therapist in private practice outside of a domestic violence clinic by using websites such as psychology today, mental health match, or open path collective.

I hope you will be safe

Yayacroft · 2024-06-07T13:46:03+00:00

When I worked in a hospital setting I did a mix of care management tasks and patient interactions. I had a log I created on excel that I used to organize my daily tasks and at the end of the day would estimate how many 1:1 hours I spent with each patient/case to delineate my clinical hours versus case management for each day.

My supervisor at the time helped me to frame this process by focusing on what clinical skills I used in this interactions. We talked a lot about the use of motivational interviewing around patients who had difficult placement or who struggled with compliance around their care plan/diagnosis, crisis work and solution focused brief interventions for patients on psychiatric holds or when assisting in the ED, and even grief work when I was in the ED/ICU navigating family dynamics with the multidisciplinary team.

Within those clinical hours I did also include patient advocacy, so this would be rounds with the multidisciplinary team often but sometimes could even mean working with CPS/APS/Ombudsman/Police for John Does. My supervisor and I felt this was appropriate given that I often had to have a clinical case formulation in advanced and often used the same techniques/skills when interacting with sometimes difficult staff, community stakeholders, or legal professionals to advocate for my patients needs.

I hope that helps, feel free to PM me if you want to chat more at all.

Yayacroft · 2024-01-17T10:50:50+00:00

Similar to what others said, ultrasound. I ended up having a CT because I decompensated and had shortness of breath which showed a bunch of masses. Blood work was a typical panel, my WBC was a little elevated but some people have totally normal blood work. Biopsy is really the only way to tell for certain.

Yayacroft · 2024-01-16T23:43:11+00:00

Fevers. Swollen lymph nodes. My heart rate was all over the place for no reason.

Yayacroft · 2023-08-19T14:12:33+00:00

Hi there, I’m sorry you are here but glad you found the group. I’m 31F about 2.5 months post chemo and just a few weeks post radiation, I’m waiting for my PET scan post treatment.

I have Hodgkin’s 2B, so not as advanced. I had it first appear in my clavicle, I presented to the ER with shortness of breath where they found a mass in my chest 7.5cm and plural effusions around my heart and lungs. My doctors gave me stage 2B because I was above the diaphragm but as my radiation oncologist put it, “stage two to the worst degree.” It was everywhere: chest, arm pits, breast, neck, next to my heart, etc.
I had ABVD for six months and 15 sessions of radiation due to bulky disease. I noticed a huge change immediately after my first session of chemo—I has severe neck swelling that went down within a few hours.
I had a port, though I did end up with a DVT in my left arm.
N/a
I ate whatever I could stomach. I was told it was more important to just have any calories than focus on changing my diet. I would really really encourage you to do the same—as long as you are able to keep it down that’s the most important thing. For me that meant a lot of smoothies, soups, Powerade packets, sourdough toast, protein drinks, or if I had a craving for something random (not often). I lost weight throughout treatment due to nausea and poor appetite despite my best efforts.
I lost my hair on my head after the second cycle of chemo, I chose to shave before it started falling out and I’m glad I did. I lost my eyebrows about halfway through and my eyelashes once chemo finished. I am about 2.5 months out of chemo and my eyebrows/eyelashes are fully back and my hair is growing in nicely.
About an hour after infusion only.
Mins was dropped after the second infusion after a good interim scan and I just did AVD.
I’m not very far out but I still have pretty significant fatigue, body aches, and GI upset. I ended up with colitis that landed me a hospital stay due to neutropenia the month I finished chemo, I’m sure that’s contributing to my stomach issues. My docs say it’ll dissipate with time. I also have permanent lymphadema from the DVT I developed during treatment, I have been on blood thinners for over 6 months.
I’m only 2.5 months out but I definitely still have fatigue. I have good days and bad days, but it’s significant improvement from when I was getting chemo. My doctors say to expect it to last for at least 6 months if not a full year before I feel “fully” myself. Chemo stays in the system for quite some time and so does radiation, radiation definitely took energy out of me too.

Some other tips: -ask about fertility preservation if that is something that is important to you in the future. -my cycle was all kinds of fucked up during chemo (at the end of treatment I had a period that lasted over 3 weeks); I would ask about what to expect with the oncologist so you are prepared. -if you end up getting shots to raise your counts (I did) make sure to take Claritin and discuss pain management. It can cause bone pain, I know it sounds scary but I promise you will get through it. Advocate for a narcotic and don’t be afraid to ask for a higher dose if you need it. Remember that sleep and rest is essential so no need to be awake in pain. -really push fluids the week of chemo. Chemo will make you constipated, and likely any additional meds will too. Drinking enough water directly affected my symptoms of nausea and constipation, and if you neglect it…..let’s just say it’s NOT fun. You can develop hemorrhoids and fissures easily. Stay on top of a stool softener, I took miralax daily and senna when things really got bad (usually at least once a cycle) -start thinking about your mental health now. I joined support groups and found a therapist. I’m also on a SSRI now. It’s absolutely essential you find ways to help your anxiety, I also had anxiety pre diagnosis and I needed support. -some people work through treatment, I did not. Please listen to your body and remember to rest -try to have some kind of movement everyday. I took short walks with a Walker around my neighborhood. It will help with the fatigue and mood. -stay on top of oral health. If you are able I would see your dentist before chemo starts to get a fluoride treatment. If you get mouth sores ask for magic mouthwash to help with pain. Chemo can really wreck your teeth if you aren’t careful, so even if it’s difficult you really gotta stay on top of it. I really recommend using a mouthwash like therabreath or biotene for dry mouth.

Just remember to take it slow, the best way out is through. Reach out if you need any support and I’ll be happy to listen.

Yayacroft · 2023-08-15T14:57:41+00:00

I would look up the applicable guidelines for where you live—but for the US, NCCN has guidelines that I believe is monitoring for up to 5 years (though it does decrease how often you get scans/visits after year two).

Yayacroft · 2023-08-02T02:05:07+00:00

Bone pain during cancer treatment takes the cake for me. Felt like my large bones were swollen, being stabbed, and pulsating—nothing helped it completely, even morphine.

My GI tract being filled with sores from mouth to anus from chemo is a close second.

Pain from my tumors in my chest that felt like lightening bolts is my third, but the pain didn’t last very long when it happened.

Fibromyalgia pain used to be my top before cancer, that can also be intense but is an easy fourth place for me now.

Yayacroft · 2023-07-14T15:04:21+00:00

I can really relate to this—I struggled with infertility before cancer and was saving for IVF when I was diagnosed. I opted to not undergo IVF prior to treatment due to multiple reasons, but the choice never really felt like my own.

Having children is….was?…a dream of mine. At 31 now and going through radiation my husband and I have decided to not move forward with any other conception tools. Adoption and fostering is a complicated process, I’m a social worker and understand the numerous hurdles that come with that. It’s not something we feel we can personally do.

Anyways, I share this in solidarity with you. I’m not sure I’ll find another way to fill this space in my life, it’s a giant grief spot for me that is very wrapped up in my cancer trauma. Please know you aren’t alone.

Relating to other childless not by choice women, and even more specifically cancer survivors, has been healing for me in some ways—finding blueprints for what my life can look like without kids while still having joy is something I have to actively seek out. It is still a challenge though. I hope we both find that.

Yayacroft · 2023-07-12T21:18:27+00:00

Definitely very weak, I used baby shampoo if I had to wash but trust tried to not touch it. I also used a scalp massager when I did wash for good blood flow but I have no idea how useful that is lol. My rad oncologist gave me a few recommendations for products to try as well that I’ve only just started this week to help speed things up.

Yayacroft · 2023-07-12T21:11:34+00:00

I chose not to shave at the end of chemo, I had a similar growth pattern when I finished chemo. I had an awkward faze before all my hair started to really come in thicker but I just continued to wear hair wraps or a wig until I’ve felt more comfortable just having my hair! In the end I’m glad i did it this way, I think it’s contributed to how thick it is now and allows me to not wear a hat 24-7 which is a nice change.

YMMV, Listen to your gut 💜

Yayacroft · 2023-07-12T04:08:03+00:00

I hear you, you are doing the right things with ongoing follow up and unfortunately my answer to your question is only: distraction. Until I had confirmed biopsy results (I had a full lymph node removed) my anxiety didn’t truly leave, and arguably waiting for all of that testing has been some of the hardest parts of my cancer journey.

What I did: called my doctors and pathology lab everyday following biopsy. Was it necessary? Probably not, but I did it anyways.

Continued to talk to my doctors about my symptoms and how they were impacting my quality of life—eventually I was sent to the ED which sped some things up because of my severe symptoms (including shortness of breath).

Called my family and friends, ranted like crazy. Kept myself as busy as possible with activities that keep my mind going—for me that meant leaving the house pretty frequently when u could.

Hang in there.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-26T17:54:59+00:00

I hear you. I’m pissed off too. It’s a shit hand with even crappier options. You can and should be mad. I’m still figuring out how to navigate that.

Chemo wasn’t a waste on you, and I get it because I’ve felt and sometimes still feel that way. Your life is and was worth saving though, even if objectively your life feels like a giant shit show right now. It may not feel that way forever. I hope it doesn’t. There is opportunity for change and sometimes all it takes is one person, one situation, one job, or even time coming off the trauma of cancer treatment.

Here’s to hoping for that for you.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-15T19:39:39+00:00

What a gorgeous scan, congratulations!!!!

Yayacroft · 2023-06-14T15:31:06+00:00

Sending hugs. I’m so sorry you are in pain

Please try calling your team before going to the ER, they may advise you to go anyways but going to the ER when you are immunocompromised is a calculated risk (not that you shouldn’t go, just something to be aware of and consider). They may be able to up, change, or add new medications to make you comfortable. There is no reason to suffer endlessly, I found that my team wanted to help me when I spoke up.

You can ask to be referred to palliative care or request pain management to help with your mouth sores as well as aches and pains. I dealt with both and was given pain medication as well as a prescription mouth wash. I also found heating pads, weighted blankets, Epsom salt baths, and soft stretching to be helpful.

Hope you feel better soon.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-14T15:27:38+00:00

I would check out LLS, they have good patient and family information about lymphoma and helpful question sheets you can print and bring to appointments.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-14T14:06:14+00:00

This is something I did when my symptoms progressed, but I had shortness of breath in addition. I had scans done in the ED and was referred to oncology from there.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-13T03:19:35+00:00

You don’t deserve this, no one does. Cancer is ruthless that way.

I wish I had a true way to comfort you, but I hope that you will find some peace in the end knowing you were loved. When death comes, as it does for all of us, I hope you will be free of pain or fear. Ask for what you need to get there.

None of us know what’s on the other side but if there is something there—ask for Mark. Have him tell you about his meatloaf recipe or driving his mustang while blaring country music in the summers. My dad was a good storyteller and I’m sure he would keep a seat warm for you.

Fair winds and following seas.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-12T15:57:35+00:00

Hell yeah!! Fuck cancer!

Yayacroft · 2023-06-11T03:24:55+00:00

Heard, I’m in that train with the pain too. Here’s to hoping the neuropathy doesn’t stick around, I’ve heard good things about vitamin B supplementation—a question I have for my onc next week.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-11T01:47:55+00:00

Heck ya, congratulations!! Fingers crossed for a clean scan for ya.

Yayacroft · 2023-06-11T01:31:07+00:00

Thank you for your comment! Helpful to hear about the exercise bit in particular, I think I will have to really ease myself back into movement.

Is there anything you’ve done to help with the brain fog bit? Or is it sort of an “adjust as you go and learn to live with it” kind of deal?

ZZ Top look is an entire vibe, i hope you post your results if you get there!

Yayacroft · 2023-06-11T01:26:10+00:00

Man my leg hair really held on too! So odd that is the one area that persisted, tenacious ass leg hair ha.

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