Waiting For Oncology Gods

It would be an understatement to say I didn't expect much from the appointment. But my reconstructive surgeon wanted me to see this one more oncologist. He worked with one who he talked with about my case. So back in June I had promised him I would meet his colleague.

My faith was pretty shaken. What could be more disheartening than my last experience with one of the  oncology gods?

So a little after ten AM this morning I walked into the familiar doctor's office building at George Washington University hospital, holding my husband's hand for reassurance.  I can't tell you I had anything but reservations.

The space the Hematology and Oncology department has seems darker and is more cramped than the one I'm used to a few floors above. There's no teak, mahogany or brass in sight. One desk area sits beside a rolling clothes rack of freshly laundered lab coats in an area carved out of the hallway and on it the computer monitor looms, looking like it was made in 1992.

In a waiting area no larger than a smallish apartment bedroom, patients sat as if waiting for bad news but hoping for the best.

No one was alone. One was with his friend, another was a mother daughter pair. There were three husbands accompanying wives, ages ranging from fifty up a decade or two; it's hard sometimes to tell age with cancer patients.

As we waited, husband grumbling about doctors not keeping their appointments timely, me - when I wasn't popping up for a continuing stream of water to quench an unquenchable thirst - lecturing on doctors that had to deal with difficult diseases, a white coat caught my eye outside the lab. Discussing a woman's blood work with her son, there was something notable in his manner with the young man who was asking questions. They moved a few feet into the hall and leaned towards each other, looks of concern on both faces. 

It was an oddly reassuring moment amid the quiet. Could this be more than just another stop along the way for me? Maybe there were oncologists that did not treat all cancer patients like pegs to be fit into neat round holes.

Nevertheless, I reassured my husband that I wasn't too emotionally invested in this doctor being "the one". He said he'd failed to see the name tag on the doctor we'd seen in conversation.

There are seven or eight of them in the group at GW; who knows who this random stranger was?

OK - I reiterated - if this appointment was a bust I was on my way to Hopkins. My heart would not be broken.

But I didn't need to worry.

I've found my pragmatic oncologist. One who does not think he has all the answers. But if there are problems we'll work around them.

And he told me to email him.

The guy in the hallway.

Sold.

Comments

[Drew McLellan]

Susan,

Thank God! Finally, someone who actually heard you.

Drew

[Steve Woodruff]

What a relief! Just goes to show that good old-fashioned "bedside manner" really matters (though now it includes e-mail access too - and hey, does the doc twitter??)

[Connie Reece]

DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!! I am so excited, relieved, reassured, overjoyed -- shoot dawg! This is such good news.

[onepinktee]

Susan, what a great find!! And "email me"???? That's *gold*. This brings a huge smile to my face!

[Erica]

SO nice to hear. Sounds like this doc is worth the wait.

[Tim Walker]

Hooray!!

[Jerry Perisho]

I am a cancer patient; prostate cancer.
Can you think of a more emotionally difficult job than that of a medical oncologist? Some very high percentage of his (her) patients, a much higher number than in any other discipline, just up and die. While I appreciate the kindness of my oncologist, I also marvel at his durability, that he withstands the constant establishment of relationships with patients, only to lose them after their fight together. Thank God they are willing to put up with it. They are doing it for you and me.
Stay strong. Stay positive. Surround yourself with happiness and eliminate the negatives (people and things) from your life. Laugh often; hug each other a lot; enjoy every minute. YOU CAN WIN!
Comedy Writer Jerry Perisho
Author, "I Barf, Therefore I Am: A Sensitive Comedy Writer's Relationship with Cancer"

[Otenth Paderborn]

Oh, Susan, I am so glad to read this news. Hallelujah!

[Scott Monty]

Susan, that is so refreshing to hear - a cancer doc who's human. VERY happy for you and thinking good thoughts.

[Donna]

Oh, I'm so very happy that you found "the one." Sometimes, I think that the doctor is more important than anything when it comes to treating disease... it's more like a marriage than a marriage, sometimes! Continued prayers and good thought...

~Donna

[Katie Delahaye Paine]

SOO glad you found a good one, but I have to tell you, the folks at Dana Farber are ALL like that. My doctor is the Medical Director of Komem, as well a doctor at Dana Farber but he always answers my email immediately, he always takes time to ask me about CFAC, and anything else going on.. its just the way doctors are supposed to be. I just SO wish that had been your experience, but its always there for you..

[Marti]

That is great news! I hope that he will be a true godsend for you hon.