I had my 3 month cancer check up yesterday. A pretty typical routine - show up and get a blood draw for labs. Then a nurse calls me back to my room, with a quick stop by the scale. Once in my room, basic vitals, and a few cursory questions confirming I feel ok, and that the medications list on file is accurate. "All looks good, and the doctor will be in in a little bit, but there is someone else ahead of you. " No worries, I replied. It will take a few minutes for my lab results to arrive anyway. So after reassuring me that the nurse station is just down the hall, should I need something, she walks out, leaving the door open.
The walls between waiting rooms are thin, and I could make out the tenor of a conversation that is going on in the room next to mine. Though I can't (nor do I want to) make out the actual words, it is clear that the doctor is in that room, and it is obvious from the tone and laughter good news is being given. From where I was sitting, I could see when the doctor exited that room, closely followed by a husband and wife. And I saw them looking at each other with relieved smiles as they gave each other a high five and a hug on their way to the check out desk. Good for them! When someone leaves an appointment at a cancer center with a smile, it is a big deal!
Several minutes later, my oncologist came in and we began my appointment. All of my results were super positive as well. I have been off of Lupron for over six months now, and my PSA is still undetectable. In that time, my testosterone has gone from a below castrate level of 5 ng/dl to 216.3. On top of that my recent colonoscopy was perfectly clean. All good news. Great, in fact. So much so that in stead of a 3 month visit, we are pushing it out to four months. My orders are to continue to eat healthy and exercise.
All in all, about as good as a visit to an oncologist can go.
Except for the fact that there was no one there to exchange a high five with.
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