Holy crap. I am not one for drama, or handling things well, but this week just takes the cake for the stupidest week ever.
Let's just talk about one stupid aspect of it for now, though.
After being upset and worrying for almost four months that my health insurance wouldn't allow me to see my oncologist anymore (not because I'm 18, I can be at Children's Hospital til I'm 21 technically) my mother looked into it and the insurance will cover another visit. I was super excited because I wanted at least one more appointment with Doctor Tower (my oncologist). I told dad that he didn't have to go if he didn't want to, and he got mad because he's convinced that insurance won't cover it, and he doesn't agree with me going.
What actually sucks about this is that I have had to stand up for myself going to this doctor for three years now. My grandparents and my dad have always told me that I should go somewhere closer. These people have no idea what kind of connection you have with someone who saves your life. I cannot begin to explain how much my oncologist means to me. He always asks what shows I'm in or what I'm doing with singing, hell, we gave him a Without Excuse CD and everything. But my father doesn't think he cares about me or anything I do at all. I guess I can't expect him to understand just as much as I can't expect anyone to.
But he's so mad that he says he's "done" and doesn't want me to be at his house. What?
Let me tell you another reason I am terrified to switch oncologists. Doctor Tower has been with me since day one. He knows everything about my journey, and what got me to where I am. He understands my frustrations and I know I'm not just a number to him. I feel like anywhere I go here in the area, the doctor will treat me like every other patient and not actually care.
I just want one more appointment. All of this is so stupid. There shouldn't be this much drama around one more appointment.
Ugh.
Hi, I'm Taylor May.
"Give me a chance to prove I am the one who can walk that mile until the end starts."
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteWow. how far away is your oncologist you want to see? I drive 240 miles one way to see mine. When I was first diagnosed I saw a local oncologist and needless to say was scared. After talking to him I asked him "are you the best person to be treating me" after what seemed like 20 minutes (actually probably 15 seconds) he said "no but I know someone who is". I would still see my original oncologist once a year just to follow me but all of my care is done by oncologist down state. Recently my favorite oncologist moved and I was disappointed but I now have Dr Talpaz which is awesome.
I am not sure if your Dad is concerned about the cost or if he feels someone closer would know just as much. When it comes down to the cost one onc. is going to be similar in cost to another, the test will usually be the same (roughly) so it shouldn't be an issue. Go where you are comfortable and know you are getting good care. When you do have to switch try to find the best CML specialist you can. There are a lot of people who see specialists and just have their local oncologist follow them in case something comes up and you need treatment fast. Give a new doctor a chance and don't be afraid to find another one if you aren't comfortable with the first one you find.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Chuck I just ended up canceling the appt all together. It's too much drama.
Delete