At the onset of my cancer journey, Dr.'s suggested (among other things) that a cancer patient needs to be her own advocate. I took that advice to heart this week, repeatedly badgering the kind receptionist at Eccles Outpatient until I had the miracle cancellation appointment of the day for an MRI on Tuesday at ll:00. Results in the hands of Dr. R by 2:00 yesterday (was he impressed?!)determined no evident cancer in my left breast. That left us free to choose "lymph dissection only"--less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery time than mastectomy. I had also made a call to Dr. R's nurse Monday afternoon, pleading with her to "reserve" a space for me on his surgery schedule for Thursday, just in case...and she had penciled me in. Dr. R found this rather humorous, as patients aren't generally in the habit of making reservations for the operating room, but in this case, my assertiveness paid off. I'll be in and out today,Thursday, offending cancer evicted, recovering nicely in time to attend Jamilyn's bridal photo shoot on Friday morning. One sacrifice--the Web Design class for Th, F, but that will be offered again next semester. We pick our battles...Hallelujah!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Assertiveness Training
At the onset of my cancer journey, Dr.'s suggested (among other things) that a cancer patient needs to be her own advocate. I took that advice to heart this week, repeatedly badgering the kind receptionist at Eccles Outpatient until I had the miracle cancellation appointment of the day for an MRI on Tuesday at ll:00. Results in the hands of Dr. R by 2:00 yesterday (was he impressed?!)determined no evident cancer in my left breast. That left us free to choose "lymph dissection only"--less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery time than mastectomy. I had also made a call to Dr. R's nurse Monday afternoon, pleading with her to "reserve" a space for me on his surgery schedule for Thursday, just in case...and she had penciled me in. Dr. R found this rather humorous, as patients aren't generally in the habit of making reservations for the operating room, but in this case, my assertiveness paid off. I'll be in and out today,Thursday, offending cancer evicted, recovering nicely in time to attend Jamilyn's bridal photo shoot on Friday morning. One sacrifice--the Web Design class for Th, F, but that will be offered again next semester. We pick our battles...Hallelujah!
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4 comments:
Don't forget where your own personal nurse is. And if you need a chauffer for anything, Sarah is available (as in unemployed...long story). We will be waiting for a phone call!
You go girl! I'm praying and worrying about you but it appears that you are strong and determined enough for both of us....thanks!
OH MY LAND, I am SO proud of you. Way to go! I think taking control of one's medical care is key to having power over illness. Not many venture into that territory,but you did it! Your little boxing rodent is hilarious. Love the music too. You rock, lady! Sher
Good Luck recovering!Should I bring you cookies!!????
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