They were ready to schedule my port removal!
I was super excited to set a date, and then I thought... They were scheduling me to have the procedure done at my local satellite hospital location, so does that mean I'd have the same surgeon who performed my port placement, and also my re-stitch? The woman on the phone confirmed it would be the same doctor. I wasn't sure how to say what I wanted to say, I think I even started like, "I'm not sure how to say this..." I am so bad at confrontations, even if I know I am justified in what I am saying, I always worry about offending people!
I explained that I was very comfortable with this doctor, I enjoyed meeting him, and he was always perfectly pleasant, but... my original incision didn't heal properly for months, and when it was finally re-stitched, not only did it re-open again, but there is still a tiny stitch that was left inside. I don't know that any of this was the doctor's fault, maybe my wound just didn't want to heal... At that point, the woman on the phone said she completely understood what I was saying, and she would work with my oncologist's office to get me scheduled at the main hospital in the city. She reassured me by insisting that I am the patient, so I get to decide what I want to do. She downright encouraged me to do what I think is best for myself! I really appreciated her helpful words, and was relieved and glad I spoke up.
I really don't know if the problems I've had with my incision have anything to do with the doctor who performed the procedures. But the way I figure it, if I did NOT ask for a new doctor, and if my final closure after port removal still goes poorly, I will regret not having asked for a new doctor. But if I DID ask for a new doctor, and the final closure still goes poorly, then at least I'll know I tried.
I'm still not even sure that I'll have any control over which doctor I get. When I had a previous appointment with interventional radiology, I remember asking which doctor I would see, and I was told that my appointment isn't with a particular doctor, it just depends on who is on duty at the time. I'll ask again this time, I wonder if I can at least request to not have a particular doctor.
Hooray for port removal! I'm glad you were able to advocate for yourself even though it's excruciatingly difficult. I'm also really glad the person you spoke with was understanding.
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Michelle
Thank you, Michelle, for your support and encouragement every step of the way!!
DeleteI would have had the same fears. Both with the doc, and with having to speak up. Yay for a reschedule! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christene!! I super appreciate you checking in on me. And it's so comforting to feel understood!
DeleteCongratulations on reaching this important milestone...and on mustering up the courage to speak up. One of my friends used to say, "remember: there are always doctors who graduated in the bottom 10% of their class." I'm not saying this is the case here but it does come to mind. But hooray, Irene, on both counts! The next time you are worried about a confrontation, think about the bravery of that wonderful stuttering boy at the DNC. Imagine what it took for him to do that! That young man will stay with me forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patti!! You've been such a huge support for me all through this past year. Good point about some doctors, and YES, the boy at the DNC was amazing! You're right, his bravery is inspiring!
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