If you caught yesterday’s blog, you know I was headed to the City of Hope for a consultation and examination with a new doctor. Ostensibly, the purpose of which was to determine the nature and origin of some of the more bizarre GvHD (Graft vs Host Disease) symptoms I’ve been having.
Seeing a new doctor is an adventure mostly because of the word ‘new.’ New brings with it a sense of the unknown, and the unknown isn’t something you want to experience when it comes to your health or your care team. Nevertheless, it’s inevitable. Especially, when you’ve been through something like a Bone Marrow Transplant.
The anxiety and anguish associated with ‘new’ — as in new doctors and new specialties — can be mitigated by a host of intangibles. Things like care, professionalism, concern, process, and communication. I hit the mother lode this morning. Add to that a smart doctor with a great sense of humor and you’ve got the recipe for a great experience and I had nothing less.
But that kind of an experience isn’t only — or, even often — up to the professionals alone.
My new Endocrinologist’s team ticked off every box. They executed perfectly at every level, including getting me into an examining room on time! What they can’t do is rush the Labs. Those results take time. As much time as they take.
What I learned this morning was that as much as I’d like to share what I’ve learned; I won’t have anything to share for the next couple of weeks. At least, nothing until the Lab work comes back. Which means at least one of us will have to remain virtuously patient.
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