Cold. Rainy. Dark.
All day. I woke up, got ready for a meeting for PTA, and tried calling that "wonderful doctor" I had researched. He sounded so good, and one of his offices was near my husband's office, so that would be so convenient since he wanted to go with me to some of my appointments.
"Hi, I'd like to make an appointment with Dr. G"
"Are you a patient here?"
"No, I'd be a new patient."
"Okay, let me get your information..."
I gave some information, since they are part of a network that I've been to before, they had all of it in the computer, already.
"Alright, she doesn't have any appointments until August."
The doctor I wanted to see was male, so I thought maybe she hadn't heard who I wanted an appointment with.
"August? For Dr. G?"
"Yes, both doctors are booked until August. Is that okay."
"Uh..." Stunned silence... a bit awkward, stunned silence...
"We can make the appointment for August and call you if there is a cancellation."
"Um, no. Thank you. I don't wish to make an appointment for August."
"Do you want me to refer you to another doctor, we have one in Leesburg that isn't as busy and can probably get you in sooner." She was condescending in her voice... making it sound like this other doctor wasn't nearly as good as her doctor.
"No, thank you. I will keep looking on my own. Good bye."
Her attitude + my disappointment at not getting to see this doctor that was supposed to be SOOO GOOD = me being shaken to the point of not being able to think straight. I quickly emailed my doctor's office, asking for a name or 2, threw dinner in the crockpot and left for my meeting, now 10 minutes late. GRRR...
It was pouring rain. So cold. I didn't want to be out of my house.
My meeting got over, I got home, got a text from a friend, who somehow knew I needed one, right then. I ended up telling her everything... about my diagnosis, the doctor not being available, how I suddenly didn't even feel like talking to another human being on the phone for fear that I would be told no again. She texted back...
"Give me a list of offices, I will call until I find one that can take you, then all you have to do is call and make the appointment."
Of course, I didn't take her up on that, but how cool of a friend is that? Then I got another text from her...
"I'm in Purcellville, I'm bringing you lunch. I'll be there soon."
I was able to take courage, I called the doc's office that my doctor recommended. I had this experience:
"Are you a patient?" (Uh, oh! Here we go again...)
"No, I'd be a new patient."
Slight pause, "Is this an emergency?"
"Well, I just found out that I have thyroid cancer last night."
"We make sure to get you in next week, then. Just make sure you bring your lab work with you or have your doctor's office fax it to us. Do you have something to write with and I will give you that number. It's _____. Okay, let me pass you over to ____ and she will get you all set up. Have a great day!"
Then I spoke to the lady and she took my basic information and then said, "I am getting ready to make all of my reminder calls for next week's appointments. I have you at the top of my waitlist. If anyone cancels, I will put your name in that spot and call you. I will also, as I make those calls, try moving people around and see if we can fit you in. I promise you, you will get in this next week. I will make sure of it."
What a difference. It was still dark and rainy outside and a bit in my inner-self, but I felt that little ray of sunshine. There was hope!
Then Emily showed up with yummy food and a much needed hug. Totally turned my day around.
That night, I ended up spilling the beans to another friend, as I felt like I should ask her if she had a recommendation for an endocrinologist. She had a name... and highly recommended her... I would call in the morning.
Things really weren't that bad, after all.
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