Scattered Thoughts . . .

I t is really frustrating dealing with my primary care doctor's office lately.   First, if you don't call between 8am and maybe around 8:10am, you have no chance of seeing your doctor that day because their schedule will be filled up already.   Next, they won't schedule you to come in on any other days, only the current day.  Of course, annual physicals and follow-ups are scheduled in advance but not initial visits for a new condition.  This nonsense is extremely frustrating. I was already in contact with a nurse yesterday afternoon and I was actually advised to call first thing this morning to make an appointment to see my doctor or, I should go to Urgent Care as soon as possible.  I had already stated this fact to the scheduler when I called this morning. So, when I called this morning and quickly explained my situation and concern (possible sinus infection), the scheduler asked for the reason and I told her that I am COVID positive because I wanted her to understand that

Kenzie has always shown an interest in all things related to medical treatment and, fortunately, that interest has not yet waned.  Now that they have a kitten at home, she is also showing an interest in veterinary medicine.  While we were out shopping with Kenzie a couple of months ago, she asked for a veterinary medicine play set this Christmas.  Fortunately for her, she found this big box of veterinary play things under the Christmas tree this Christmas. The lab coat and safety glasses are from last Christmas when she was just starting to use my microscope and learn about the laboratory side of things.  These items work well with her veterinary play set as well.  Plus, Gee dug out her old stethoscope this Christmas so Kenzie could borrow it and learn how to use it.  Kenzie was pretty excited! Each of the adults in the room took turns showing Lukey and Kenzie where to place the stethoscope and what to listen for in each place as they listened carefully.  Then Kenzie turned her

Although the doctor who spoke with us after Sheila's ultrasound had already told us that he was absolutely certain that what was found in Sheila's imaging was indeed cancer, we did receive word today from the Breast Care Center that the biopsy results from the other day are definitely positive. So, there are no surprises at this point. We expected the biopsy to indicate this outcome. After all, we already viewed the imaging ourselves in real time and know what we saw.  Regardless, it was still a little difficult for Sheila to hear the nurse say "the results are positive". Nobody wants to hear that even if you are already prepared for it and well versed in hearing it. What is more important in these particular biopsy results is not whether the results are positive or negative but finding out more specific information about the type of cancer and available therapies after surgery for this type of cancer. We'll be discussing these specifics with the Oncology Surg

I had an appointment with my doctor again this morning. I had planned to go to this appointment alone (Sheila and I usually attend appointments together but this appointment seemed like it would be uneventful... ie, no life threatening decisions to be made or discussed... so I was going it alone today) but my car is frozen in the mud so Sheila had to leave work to drive me there. Other than giving up some blood, the appointment was rather painless. Sheila and I saw the same doctor last week for Sheila's lingering cold. While we were there for Sheila, my doctor said she wanted to see me for a full exam and to adjust my medications. That appointment was this morning. This appointment was not a moment too soon since my health has been rather miserable lately. I've been having significantly worsened breathing issues since June of 2015... which is a long time and something which should have sent me to the doctor long ago. That was a priority today because it seems to be worseni