Surgeon Follow-up -- Five Months Late

I just came from an appointment with my surgeon. This is the follow-up appointment that was mistakenly scheduled for August, but then couldn't be done then because I was in the middle of chemotherapy. I had to wait until after radiation and the re-check with the oncologist, blah, blah, blah.

The actual appointment was pretty anti-climactic. I was running a low-grade fever (100.2) but otherwise was fine. The surgeon did a breast exam, asked how I was doing, and congratulated me on how well I got through all the treatment. (Good thing she didn't see me last summer!) I told her how all the medical personnel who see my breasts say, "Nice job!" on the surgery. It's true -- the radiation therapists, radiation oncologist, and my primary care physician have all commented on what a great job my surgeon did. (It just goes to show that sometimes it's not the process that matters -- it's the end result!)

The surgeon noticed that I haven't had a mammogram since the morning of the surgery. I let her know that I have one scheduled for April, before I see my oncologist. She felt that was too far out -- that would be close to a year between mammograms -- and suggested we do it sooner. I'd much prefer to do it right away. I've had nothing other than physical breast exams to tell me how things are going since surgery, chemo, and radiation. I didn't expect this, but I'm feeling slightly nervous and would just like to do the darn mammogram and get the "all clear" report so that I can relax. So, she gave me an order to get the mammogram in two weeks, on the same day when I see my oncologist. That will be a relief!

All in all, an easy appointment. Every since the May 9th visit last year, I've worked through things in my head with my surgeon. I think I understand her approach and so I don't expect what she doesn't give. Adjusting my expectations makes everything easier. Besides, she complimented me on my weight loss and said I looked great. Flattery will get you everywhere!

On the way home, I called my primary care physician's office to leave her a message about the fever. She called after 5 pm. She said, "You have to come into the office tomorrow." I protested, "But my temperature isn't staying high - it goes back down again!" "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she said. "You're comin' in."

I tell my friends about this and they say, "Hey, I like her!"

I am out-numbered.

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