Letter 0035

Patient Details

• Patient info
  Name: N/A Rachell Bowen
  Gender:
  Age:
• Description

  Mrs. Bowen was Sloane's former patient. "Since the Cure of her Breast, and especially since September last the Humours, for want of proper Evacuation and aggravated by her Melancholly are now but too evidently fall'n in upon her Lungs and Stomach, but liquids." Vomiting frothy phlegm. Complaining of bar on breast, "great pains and windy shootings" across shoulders next to the healed breast, and belchings accompanying stomach pain. Breath thick and asthmatic, with continual dry cough. Slept little at night and had hectical pulse. Urine settled well, but slimy. Lately taken ill at change of weather, with frights and melancholy.

• Diagnosis

  Dangerous phthsis, possibly fatal. Foy thought she would die.

• Treatment
  Previous Treatment:

  Possibly previously treated for breast cancer.

  
  Ongoing Treatment:

  Treatment by Foy for oppression of stomach, nerves and breast: "Sp: C:C Rx: Croc: &c. in Syrup of Poppie and a little oil of sweet almonds and one with [two drams] of oxyon. [illeg] in Aq. Hind. Gaamon. [oblit]". Also: gentle opiates, Pectoral, Balsamics, Carminatives, by way of tea infused powders or tinctures. Also thought she could take some coffee and have issues from her arm, then later next to her breast and two more on her shoulders.

  
  Response:

  After treatment she complained. She only sustained the issues weakly. The fibrous part was not looking well and was covered with a thick, fleshy coat. The issues on her shoulders had not yet started to run.

• More information
• Medical problem reference
  Nerves, Pain, Melancholy, Coughs, Breasts, Stomach, Lungs