Thursday, June 24, 2010

shopping for a surgeon

So I've been shopping for a surgeon.  I've already had 3 people cut into me... but I've got to find someone new to place my port.  I was hoping that Dr Dultz would do it, but I need a general surgeon.  How do you pick a new doctor?  With less than a week before chemo starts, beggars can't really afford to be choosers.

Dr Cairoli's office gave me two business cards.  I was about to put them into a hat, but first I gave a quick call to my friend Annette.  As fate may have it, she had used one of the surgeons on my list and she LOVED him. 

I placed a call to his office which turned out to be quite frustrating.  The first two calls they put me on hold and forgot about me.  I finally got through to someone and she acted like I was ridiculous to think that this doctor would have an opening in the next week.  The earliest he could do it was July 6.  After consulting with Dr Cairoli, we decided it could work if we did my first round of chemo through an IV.  But it's not ideal.  Once you start mucking with chemo, it's best if they don't cut you open (unless absolutely necessary). 

I figured it couldn't hurt to call the other office.  I'm glad I did.  The receptionist was so kind.  After she heard my situation, she moved mountains to get me in to see the doctor right away.  Mike and I went in to meet with him today, still a little skeptical.  I had heard he was a great surgeon, but had a poor bedside manor.  We thought he was great.  He showed us a couple of different styles of ports, explained the procedure and was very friendly.  When he heard that my chemo starts next Wed, he agreed to do the surgery that very morning, at 7:30am.  Thank you Dr Escalona.

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