October 22 was supposed to be surgery day
I am thankful that by not rushing to a decision, I’ve had plenty of time to process changing circumstances.
As I walked onto the beach this morning, I realized, “The plan was to be in the OR at Duke today, but instead I’m seeing this glorious sunrise.”
Dr. Hillman and I spoke again by phone last night. I am so thankful to have him on my team.
He has talked with Dr. Rossi, and on Friday, Dr. Rossi will call me. We do not have a new surgery date yet, but it looks like I will soon have a full open abdominal procedure (similar to the surgery I had in May 2023), followed by a new drug therapy (the specifics of which are still undecided).
After the last 12 days which were full of uncertainty, this morning I am at peace with what may lie ahead. Although I wish all of this could have moved along a little more quickly, I am thankful that by not rushing to a decision, I’ve had plenty of time to process changing circumstances and prepare my heart, my mind, and my body for the days that are coming.
“I will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13
Don't burn bridges
Taking a great deal of advice from other women with GCT, this morning (October 13) at 7:30 I showed up at Zimmer Cancer Center without an appointment and asked to be seen.
The front desk said, "You have to have a referral." (Who just walks in at an oncology office and gets seen on request, right!?) I went on to do a bit of begging, and the front desk said they'd send a note back to the team of my former oncologist, Dr. Robinson,
A few minutes later, my favorite nurse, Melinda, walked out. She remembered me, and she had taken a look at my chart. It was 7:45 am, and she asked if I were willing to hang around until 9. Of course, I said yes. Five minutes later, a 9 am appointment appeared on my phone, but I didn’t even have to wait until 9 am.
At 8:30, I was called back. Dr. Robinson saw me in the hall, smiled, and gave me a hug before going to see another patient.
I went into another exam room where I asked the normal questions you get with a visit.
15 minutes later Dr. Robinson came in, and he gave me his full attention for an extended period of time, answering every question I had and affirming his willingness to talk to Dr. Hillman and his willingness to think outside the box.
I reminded him I am willing to drive full speed into a brick wall, but I am not willing to die by a thousand paper cuts.
He seems to be okay with that, too.
I look forward to sharing more after my telehealth consultation with Dr. Hillman at UCSD on Thursday.
