And the Fun Continues!

Did I mention that I have skin cancer? It was a small red thing that did not bleed or heal just two inches south of my collarbone. I had it removed by the local doctor on April 17th and had the stitches removed on the 26th. At that time, the doctor told me that it was a basil cell carcinoma, which is a slow growing skin cancer due to sun exposure.

I am old. We did not know about sun screen when we were young. I was raised in the Mid-West where we spent the hot summers in shorts and sleeveless shirts. I had major sunburns every summer.

The local doc sent the biopsy report to my university hospital as she did not get it all and now won't touch it. It needs a specialist. After waiting to hear from the hospital, I phone them this week. What a mess. They won't even talk to me without having their people read the biopsy slides.

Back to my local doctor. They don't actually have the slides, just the report from the company where they sent it to be read. Paperwork is involved. Paperwork to requisition the slides had to be sent from the local doctor to the current owners of the slides but not before it goes to the university hospital to make sure someone there will pay for its shipping. More time. More paperwork.

I was told that it would take two to three weeks for the slides to be read and reviewed at the university hospital. Then, and only then, will I get a consultation appointment and at that time, I will be allowed to make an appointment to have the rest of it removed. Can you feel my frustrations?

Did I mention that I have cancer?

Today? The meeting with the liver doctor is this morning. I am nervous. I know he is going to want to arrange a liver biopsy. After that meeting, I was invited to a lecture on my specific ILD giving by a very respected pulmonologist. There will be a reception following the one hour talk as part of a lecture series.

I could not settle in last night after the orchestra rehearsal. Gerry, the other bass player, and I played well, chatted and realized that we both were dealing with frustrations for the past two days. We started to laugh when we chalked it up to being Scorpios. It is in the stars. I sure hope this trend passes soon!

It was well past 11PM before I finally fell asleep and woke up at 4AM. It is going to be a long day with a major drive to and from the appointment and lecture.