My Team

Since I received my diagnosis on a Friday, I had a whole weekend where the phone didn’t need to be ringing. An initial consult appointment had been set by Friday afternoon, so all I could do was wait. I took the time to get out many tears. Many. Tears. I figured if I worked on getting as much shock out of my system as possible, the more I could be mentally prepared to take on appointments.

I got myself a folder and a notebook. I placed my biopsy results in the folder, and started writing questions down. Since my first consult was actually with a surgeon, and not an oncologist, they were tailored toward that category. I would worry about chemo and radiation questions when the time came.

This first consult appointment was set for a mere 3 days after being diagnosed. I had already planned on getting a second opinion regardless of how well this went. I was fortunate (or so I have heard)—the doctor answered every. single. question I had written down. She also waited while I jotted down brief notes about her responses. She met with my mom and I for almost 2 hours. To me, this was unprecedented, and greatly appreciated. My only hang-up afterwards was that this consult was with a general, treats everything, hospital. Not to shake my head at a general hospital, but I kept thinking—"would they be able to tackle this?”

I went and had a second opinion at a cancer-specific hospital 2 days later. They even had my rare type of cancer listed as something they treat. The difference between this appointment and my first was almost night and day. Everything from the lobby you entered, each floor dedicated to different cancer types, to the entire 9th floor being an infusion clinic—you could tell this place had their ducks in a row. I did end up becoming a patient here. On top of all the services offered, I was greeted once again with physicians (Oncologist and surgeon the same day) who each spent over 90 minutes with my mother and I, and didn’t even blink at all the questions I had.

On that first day I was given a large binder to help navigate this journey. It’s filled with pre-printed tabs and helpful information, as well as areas and space to add my own. I was also given business cards of each person I spoke with. Along with my Oncologist & Surgeon was each of their dedicated nurses, and I also met with my assigned nurse navigator. I learned basically from day 1 that my oncologist’s nurse, and my nurse navigator are two people to be used as a resource and leaned on. Heavily. Not only are they helpful if I call with a simple question, but also have been there for me after I’ve left them tearful voicemails.

I was to meet with a Radiation Oncologist and Plastic Surgeon in a few weeks’ time. However, as I left my first appointment, I felt armed with my own personal band of fighters behind me. That’s how I knew I was at the right facility.