#33 - Don't Like Being at Risk

Oncologist Appointment?

Every four months, I have have an appointment for blood work and consultation. Three days ago, I called to cancel mine. Surely they weren't expecting me to come in and put chemo patients or myself at risk. This wasn't urgent.

I was told about all the precautions that the office was taking and that there was no need to cancel. I still cringed. I was also told I could postpone. Or I do a Telemedicine appointment, but then I'd have to get labs done elsewhere.

So, I kept the appointment and this morning, I headed out with my mask and gloves. I also took my little mascot, Ms. Donkey. Yes, I'm way too old for a security toy. But I took this goofy friend to all my appointments in 2016. She helped me keep my humor and kick Cancer's butt. 

Memorial Herman

I parked at the medical building and approached with my friend. I figured, she'd help me kick Coronavirus' butt... if I got near any germs!  

I stepped inside the deserted building and headed up to the 4th floor. There was a table set up, outside the office for screening. I was asked health and travel questions and had my temp taken. I laughed with the very cheery woman, who was covered in protective clothing. I showed her my fine donkey mascot and she laughed with me, as she put a band on my wrist, announcing my 99.0 temp. Guess that wasn't too high.?

In the waiting room, I saw lots of reminders about keeping our distance. The other 4 patients in the room, wore masks. 

I had been stressed for a couple days about whether I should keep the appointment. But once I arrived, everything felt calm and clean.

The good old holiday tree was trying its best to lighten our moods, with some pastel decor and lights.​

The TV however was not doing a good job of lifting my spirits. 
What happened to HGTV? Why are we having to stare at the medical station with creepy chatter about Cancer?

After an hour waiting, I was the only one in the room. The others were chemo patients, who had been called in for treatment. I eventually got word that I was going to need to make a Telemedicine appointment. There had been some miscommunication and suddenly I was being told the office was closing to all, but patients doing treatment. I get that. They are incredibly vulnerable. But I'd been waiting... I'd put myself at risk... I'd tried to cancel. I was a horrible, fretting patient who got her way. They rushed me back and took my blood. I thanked them and apologized and thanked and apologized. 

Blood Pressure

​I drove home feeling horribly guilty. Those patients and the staff are dealing with scary, stressful issues, every day. I begged them to do my blood work. Why didn't I quietly leave.

But I also drove home feeling like a huge weight had lifted. My lab results will help answer some questions. I have been worried for a couple months about what my past cancer history means, related to Coronavirus. How much more vulnerable am I? 
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In a couple of days, I'll have my results and I'll have my Telemed appointment with Dr. P. I can find out just how vulnerable I am. 

Plus, I was relieved that they rushed me through so fast and there was no time for scales and blood pressure pumps. I used my own when I got home and I it wasn't exactly low. But I do feel a lot more relaxed, now. 

My goal is to stay out of all doctors's offices and hospitals for the rest of this pandemic!
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