#114 Don't Like Being Forgotten

Follow Up

I had my follow up with my oncologist 4 weeks after my last chemo. There wasn't much to it.  He congratulated me and answered a few questions about what's ahead.  I had to add a little something to the appointment to give closure.

Ms. Donkey

​I was glad Dr. P was in extra good spirits, or I wouldn't have dared to bother him. He's a busy doctor. So I pulled out the wooden mascot that has accompanied me through surgery and chemo treatments. (They hadn't yet met) He laughed when I handed it to him for a pose. "How do you want me to hold it?"  He asked, as if no patient had ever asked him to pose with a wooden donkey.

Even though I know Dr. P will continue to be my doctor in future years, it will be a while before I see him again. He has to keep track of a lot of patients, so I figured this crazy donkey moment would help him remember me... even if it causes him to remember me as the nutty patient, with a donkey.

Talking

Before I brought out the donkey we talked serious stuff, like about the Letrozole meds I'll take for 5 years, to lower risk of cancer recurrence.  "Why not Tamoxifen?" I asked. At first I was confused by his tactful answer.  "Oh!" I suddenly realized. "It's because I'm old and Tamoxifen is for younger patients!"  I was stating what I finally understood.  "Oh, I never said you're old..."  My poor doctor was nearly stammering with worry that he'd insulted me. He insisted I was in good health and looked young for my age.  I had to assure him I hadn't been bothered, just confused.  "But I am old! I'm going to be 60 in April!" I laughed.  Our funny conversation lead us right into the donkey intro... which may have made me appear old and senile. 
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More Thoughts
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​Dr. P wanted to know the donkey's name.  "Just Ms. Donkey." I laughed, telling him about how this mascot came about... with friends and family telling me to kick cancer's bootie.  

He reminded me how important family support is... and humor. He also said he was so glad I was done with chemo before the holidays.  "When you go through chemo during the holiday, then every holiday you're reminded of that tough time..."  I hadn't even thought about that.  Thanks for the reminder, Dr. P!
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