#36 - Don't Like Video Doc Chats

Telemedicine With Doc P.

​This morning I had my first Telemedicine appointment.

A month ago, I would have been totally stressed at the idea of FaceTiming with my oncologist. But I've at least had a little practice, "Zooming" with friends and family. I set up my little tripod and made sure I had a book and coffee, just in case there was a wait. 

It was actually pretty funny, sitting there waiting for my appointment, staring at Dr. P's portrait. He apologized when he got on, 40 minutes later.

His other appointments had taken much longer than he'd expected. He was relieved that I had good internet, since he said 90% of his patients don't. Whew. His world has gotten complicated.

​I assured him I had been reading and was relaxed in my own home. True. We chatted for longer than I expected,  since I knew he was behind.

Dr. P went over my labs and he reminded me to drink 64 ounces of water a day. But the main thing that I will remember of our appointment was his answer to my question.

​"How much more vulnerable am I to Coronavirus, because of my cancer history and treatments?

Dr. P said his biggest concern for me, was my age!  I jumped for joy! Ordinarily, that remark would make me cringe.

"You are over 60."

But he assured me that my blood work is normal and has been for a long time. He knows that I exercise and eat well, but he also knows I'm in that vulnerable age group. ​

It's funny how lifted I felt after I got off. For weeks, I've been trying to ignore the fact that I am a Cancer Survivor.

How much more vulnerable am I? I've peeked on the internet for answers, but saw so many different ones. I was scared to ask Dr. P, but now I'm feeling empowered with what I learned. He didn't say my history means nothing, but I'm happy to know that age is my biggest factor. Can't do a darn thing about that.