#88 - Don't Like Name Issues

My name is Elizabeth, but I've always been Beth... except for first grade when my strict teacher insisted I go by my proper name and print out all 9 letters.  

My nurse practitioner calls me Beth.  She's the one who discovered the lump that lead to this journey. Calling me by my preferred name is just one of the many ways she has always put me at ease. Why can't other doctors and nurses do the same?
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I no longer think about it. I just come when I'm called, by whatever name.  I've been called Elizabeth by about 30 different nurses and doctors and receptionists in the last 125 days.  I'm more interested in my care and treatment than my name.

But what about some of those patients I see in chemo who look so very weary? I know some of those people are hurting and it could offer more comfort to be called by the name they prefer.  What's so hard about having one of the questions on all the forms we fill out, asking what we'd like to be called?  It's so simple.

But I must give credit to the 2 happiest people in the oncologist's office. Paige and Lachella! They work at the front desk and they are like a comedy team when they greet folks. On my first visit, I told them both that I went by Beth. They practically sing it when I walk in the door. They even call Don, "Mr. Beth".  But the silliest thing is, I was the one that flubbed on names. I misunderstood and called Lachella, Michelle for a while.  She was too busy singing along with her smooth jazz to notice at first.  One day she scowled and then laughed, "What did you call me?"  I was mighty embarrassed. Then she sighed and told me to just call her "La La". So I do.