Most of you have read how upset I was to find that I had to wait until February 26th to find out I don’t have cancer anymore (and get rid of these rock hard expanders!). But I calmed down because I understood that doctors are busy and that other people need to be helped too. I also knew that mine required the coordination of two doctor’s schedules, the plastic surgeon and the breast surgeon. The plastic surgeon to rebuild me and the breast surgeon to remove this extra thin slice of tissue between the implant and my skin to check for any rouge cancer cells.
Imagine my surprise when I got a call last week from the plastic surgeon’s office saying “Your breast surgeon is no longer available on 2/26 but that’s OK. The plastic surgeon can do both procedures. If you want the breast surgeon however, we’ll have to push back the date again.”
Hold the phone. Did she really say that? Have I been waiting all this time for a 2-doctor procedure that really only ever needed one doctor? Do they want to see my head explode too? This message from the same woman that looked me in the eye when doing the first scheduling and said “I understand your concern and your desire to get this done quickly. I have to wait for the breast surgeon’s scheduler, but as soon as I coordinate things I’ll call you.”
WHY wouldn’t they suggest that one doctor, the plastic surgeon, do this all in the first place? Especially knowing how anxious I felt about the whole deal? I know my doctors want the best for me and they’ve been great in communicating everything… it’s the staff at these places that might drive me to drink (more).
Is there a class on problem-solving or critical thinking that should be required before you are able to take a position at a medical facility? There should be. Something, some thought must be in their minds that puts the patients’ needs before the PROCESS of scheduling an appointment.
I’m breathing and pouring another glass of wine.
February 26th is officially FOOB day!
Wore a bathing suit today… watch out! Hope they don’t get in the way of my passing.
Hey! Someday (down the proverbial road) we’ll look back and have a good snort – and LAUGH about it, too! ladies night after the newbies have become permanent?at least this time I know that if I don’t get the chance to visit you in the hospital, I can say I did and you’ll NEVER know the truth!! Keep us all posted! Love ya
I’m laughing out loud at your post….not at your expense mind you,
But at your insightful comments and the unfortunate truth of all of it!
When’s your new date?
Maybe you should send the doctors’ office a bill for the therapy you’ll need after dealing with their staff!!!! Hang in there!!! Keep smiling!!!