Monday, October 28, 2019

New New New Doctors and a Surgery Date

So, hubby and I met the new plastic surgeon (#2). We liked him very much. AND he's only 2 miles away, instead of 25. Cool. He immediately urged me to see a surgeon that he likes to work with.

So, I got the referral (YAY, he's part of my medical group) and eventually we saw the new surgeon(#3). He's only about 10 miles away. Oh, wait, I forgot one detail. When I called in September to make the appointment, I was told that he was so busy that he wouldn't be able to see me until DECEMBER. Oy VEY. Well, the woman I was speaking with was so personable and decent, I somehow found myself launching into the condensed version of my saga and her immediate reply was that she would squeeze me in on a day in October. OH. EM. GEE. When does THAT ever happen?

Well, we liked this surgeon (#3) VERY MUCH. He seemed to have plenty of time for us, wanted to hear my whole story (See my previous post, "And the Saga Continues"), and just really seemed to be a no-B.S., no sugar-coating, straight shooter kind of guy.

And he has a sense of humor. When I asked him if he could save the nipple, his immediate response was, "You're kidding, right?" I just busted up laughing. He added, "Why? Are you planning to nurse?" Oh, geez. See, this is my kind of humor. And I know it's definitely not for everyone. Granted, this would not have been funny AT ALL a year ago, but I've been through so much already that I just have to laugh sometimes. No, I'm not planning to nurse, I'm 61! I'm just grateful that I once could and that all of this didn't happen during the childbearing years. That's a horror no young woman should have to face.

But wait, there's more: I got a surgery date! Like...IMMEDIATELY. Yes, during THAT first office visit! No muss, no fuss, no futzing around for an entire season (as I did all summer). Isn't it amazing what joy a competent doctor's office can bring? (happy sigh). Seriously, the nurse and the surgery scheduler obviously enjoy their jobs and it shows. Such a contrast from surgeon #2's office! It will be in early December at a hospital I haven't been in before. Hubby says I'm traveling the hospital circuit. At least this hospital is only about 10 miles from home instead of 25.

Reconstruction, should I even opt for that, will have to wait until after I'm all healed as I've been deemed "infection-prone." 😷