Friday, September 4, 2009

I saw Dr. Z (surgical oncologist) again today. I hadn't seen him since the 21st. The wound is almost healed. I have my first appointment with the radiologist next Wednesday, the 9th. It's just a preliminary. I'll probably find out then when I'll start radiation.

Dr Z's nurse told me that he was leaving the practice. She didn't say when. Hope he's there for my next appointment which is in October. Apparently he was offered a full-time position with the group and neglected to turn in the paperwork on time. They ended up offering the position to someone else who accepted it. The nurse wasn't too happy. She said he was really good and the staff liked him. Oh well..

I wrote a thank-you note for Dr. L (medical oncologist) and his staff. I put in a Panera Gift card. I took it upstairs after my appointment with Dr. Z and gave it to Suzi, Dr L's nurse. She said she would make sure he saw it. He only works at this hospital on Mondays and since next Monday is a holiday, he won't be in until the 14th. I also was able to see Dawn, my chemo nurse. I was delayed on my last two chemos and by the time I started up again, she had had her baby girl and was out on maternity leave. It was nice to catch up and see her pictures.

Below is what I wrote in the note. It didn't come close to saying everything I felt. I ran out of room on the card.

Dear Dr. L and staff:

I wanted to thank all of you for your assistance in helping me through this ordeal. It’s very hard for me to express myself verbally without getting all choked up so I am writing.

Everyone was so helpful and kind and made what was the scariest thing I had ever undergone into something not so scary. One hears horror stories of chemo treatments and I have to admit, mine were not nearly as bad as I had heard they might be. I attribute that directly to the staff and the center. It was bright and cheery and friendly. I rarely felt that it wasn’t something I couldn’t do and that was because there were so many people willing to help.

Dr. L, I wanted to especially thank you. You were calm and confident (for the most part) which helped me to stay calm and confident. Many times I thought to myself, “you need to do this, you don’t want to disappoint Dr. L.”. I have been singing your praises to anyone who will listen. You are a wonderful, caring doctor. I look forward to enjoying this “new lease on life” and have many plans. Thank you.

Please accept this gift card as a small token of my appreciation to you and the staff. I know how fun it is to have a “food day” at work.

God Bless you and yours.

Time to head to bed. I have three LONG days ahead of me where I have to entertain Mr. Whacko, or else.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Suesan