Doctors and choices

I am fascinated by doctors' influences. 

While anxiously waiting for my scan results a little over a week ago, I was curious of what I would read on the oncologist's face when she walked in the door.  And, would she give away the results?  She was upbeat and cheerful and began a conversation about my recent trip versus telling me about the scan results immediately.  Last year, when I had a scan and the results were good, she told us right away.  So, I knew they weren't going to be what I wanted to hear.  They weren't terrible, and definitely could have been worse.  I've often wondered how a doctor's demeanor affects our thoughts about our own health.  Had she had a more negative expression and demeanor while talking about the results and next actions, I know I would have felt more apprehension.  I put a lot of faith into her recommendations.

This week I received a call from my urologist's office.  They left a message saying that I needed to call and make an appointment for next week.  I have two stents that need to be replaced via outpatient surgery prior to starting chemo again in August.  I dutifully called them back this morning and the only opening they had was next Friday at 4:00.  Well, that didn't suit me, and I wasn't going to be available the following week, so that left two weeks to meet with the doctor and have the surgery before the end of July.   I was annoyed so I said to the receptionist, "Look, I only have the month of July before I have to start chemo again, and I really don't want to be sitting in doctor's offices when we could accomplish the same objective over the phone."  I felt a little guilty afterward, but I realized that I have choices.   

Also this week, I received an email from the doctor who saw me in San Diego asking me how I was doing.  I was actually shocked to receive an email from her.  I responded to her with how my scan went and that I would probably start chemo in August again.  She suggested I try acupuncture while I have chemo.  Interestingly enough, a few days prior to receiving her email, I mentioned to some friends that I didn't want to try acupuncture.  Its the needles.  They scare me.  But after she suggested it, I am more open to it.  Maybe I'll look into it.  Then again, maybe not. 


Today I am grateful for:  beautiful weather, work, and my two dogs