Today is doctor
appointment number two for the week, this time with my Gynecologist. Since Dr.
N. took my ovaries during the colon resection surgery, the hot flashes are
coming fast and furious, especially on nights when I partake in a glass or two
of wine. I am certain there is nothing my Gyn Doc can do since I am entering
chemo territory, but I hope I am wrong.
I sit in the waiting room
amongst the mommies-to-be. I liken my current physical state to pregnancy. From the time of conception, the day of my
first gastroenterologist appointment February 22, till the time I’m done with chemo
around November 4, will be a gestation period of approximately 9 months. At the
end of those 9 months it will be special delivery time, a new and improved, cancer free ME will storm this world, kicking and screaming!
The nurse calls my name
and ushers me to the exam room. I love my girly parts doc. She has an awesome bedside manner. She reviews my chart and shakes her head. “What
prompted you to get a colonoscopy early?” she asks.
“My primary care doc
wanted me to because of my family history.” I reply.
She asks about family
history and then starts to go down the road of genetic testing. Ironically, I
got a call from Carolyn, Dr. N.’s nurse, while I was in the waiting room. She
said my genetic test results came back negative! At last, good news! Although that
won’t give my kids a free pass when it comes to their risk for colon cancer
and getting their colonoscopys at age 38, but at
least we don’t need to worry about a gene that will be spread through our lineage
for generations to come.
My doc is impressed that Dr.
N.’s office did genetic testing. She concurs with his decision to remove my ovaries, citing that there is an increased risk for ovarian cancer once you have
colon cancer. She takes a look at the
incisions in my stomach and says that Dr. N. did a really good job. I was taken aback.
“Really?” I said, “I look at it and think YUCK!”
She said, “No, you’re
still swollen but the size and shape of the incisions look great.” As strange as it sounds, her approval made me
feel good as if she congratulating me for picking such a skilled surgeon.
She gives me with a couple
prescription ideas that may help with hot flashes. I opt to wait and see if they change during chemo first. Doc lets me know I can call anytime and she’ll get me whatever I need.
I leave the doctor's office and looking forward to the day I give birth to my cancer free self!
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