Thursday, February 04, 2010

Once Again, I heart my oncologist and his nurse....

I'm not going to get into the gory details... and I will say that I didn't have any bad news from my oncologist...

but, I do need to have another surgery.... girl parts... grrr.

So, the gyno I met once referred me to a hot shot surgeon -- who can't see me for a month. After that month, then -- we'll schedule the surgery.... Dr. Hot Shot wouldn't pencil in a surgery during my spring break. This kind of pissed me off -- because she wouldn't take the chance of not filling up that spot. Instead, I'd have to wait for some other time down the road... instead of doing it when it works for my teaching life. I did explain that I have 190 college students, that arranging substitutes isn't easy and if I was going to be off for 4-6 weeks, two of them had better be spring break and the week following -- which was all on-line. None of this made an impression -- and it pissed me off.

So -- I called my oncologist's nurse because that's the most efficient way to talk to the oncologist. If you recall, I think he's wonderful. I also think his nurse is fantastic -- they're really a good team. Funny thing was that Dr. Hot Shot's practice is at annother branch of my oncology clinic -- the one my oncologist helped to start. Dr. Hot Shot was in diapers (or, not even) when my oncologist started practicing. When I told the nurse that I'd been referred to Dr. Hot Shot, she said "oh, really.. hmm".

So -- I explained the schedule problem to my oncologist's nurse. She got my records, spoke to my oncologist, got his recommendation, called the OB my oncologist likes and called me back to tell me the other office will call me -- all in less than 3 hours. You see why I love them both -- no nonsense, no BS, no taking my time for granted...

Of course, when I got home I had to google the new recommendation -- From what I can tell, he's the OB/GYN/Surgeon version of my oncologist. Perfect -- I love being taken care of by the 'old guy' team. I also know that my oncologist wouldn't recommend him if he didn't think he was both a good surgeon AND a good person.

There is a very remote possibility that I'll end up in more chemo -- but, it isn't likely at this point... and, if I do -- then I'm happy with the fact that my OB/GYN/Surgeon and my oncologist are buddies. Really, the chemo is inconvenient - and what I dislike about it is the prospect that it didn't work -- not the chemo itself.

So -- think good thoughts for me... and cheer on the old guys who will be taking care of me for a while.

Update --- Dr OB/GYN/Surgeon called me tonight PERSONALLY... not his office, he called me. He said he was pretty sure we can make it happen to take my spring break into account -- that I should call his office to schedule an appointment next week and to schedule the surgery.

Yea -- say what you'd like about the patriarchy and old-boy-networks -- I'm darned glad that I'm plugged into this one.

9 comments:

Seeking Solace said...

YAY for great feedback from the old grey dogs!!!

Sending good thoughts to you!

Bardiac said...

I'm sorry to hear you need more surgery. Glad to hear you seem to have good medical folks working with you.

Take good care!

julie said...

Old guys -- gotta love some of 'em. Even some of the old gals. And of course some of the young'uns. And some of us middlings.

Best vibes sent your way, Chica.

Anonymous said...

Three cheers for a GOOD doctor--I'm glad you got one. And I'll say a prayer for you & your health.

Minnesota Matron said...

Oh no! I had hoped you were free and clear. . .

Inside the Philosophy Factory said...

So far, there isn't an indication of cancer -- but, if I keep all of my reproductive bits, it's a high probability...

To be honest, I'm 41 and wasn't planning to use it anyway...

What Now? said...

I'm sorry that you're having to go through more surgery, but glad that you're getting the medical attention you need.

mrc-w said...

Sorry that you have to have another surgery. That is a big bummer. I'm glad you have a good set of docs/nurses though. I'll be sending good vibes your way!!

phd me said...

Very late to say: shoot. I'd prefer to keep you away from the doctors, not meeting new ones. It seems like you're in good hands, though. Good wishes!