The Diagnosis

I was at work when the call came in from the surgeon. I had already told my workmates and supervisor they I would be receiving a call and I needed to take it.

I skittered back to the break room with the phone to my ear and spoke to the surgeon. I had a pen in my pocket but no paper so I grabbed a paper towel.

He said that the results of the needle biopsy had come in, and then he took a breath and I knew. I knew if it were not cancer, he would have breezed right into that statement. He told me that I had DCIS and did I know what that was. I said I did. He told me other things like Not Invasive, Stage Zero, Meeting with Other Specialists, and Team Approach.

I scribbled on the paper towel.

He said that I would be getting phone calls from the oncologist, the oncology radiologist, and the breast care navigator.

I didn’t know he meant that afternoon. These people do not mess around and waste time, even though this is not an emergency.

Elaine called to say that she had scheduled an MRI on Monday, March 15, and that I also needed an EKG and a chest X-ray. The oncology office called to say they had scheduled an appointment on Wednesday, March 17. The oncology radiologist office called to schedule an appointment but I just couldn’t do it. I needed a breath.

The following week was to be a down week before all the specialty medical appointments started. The oncology radiologist office called that week to schedule an appointment which was going to have to be on Thursday, March 18. I had already requested the Monday and Wednesday off and now I was going to need Thursday but what the heck, I have a cancer diagnosis.

I messaged my supervisor and she told me basically that Thursday wasn’t going to work for her. Other people had doctors appointments and she didn’t have anyone to cover my shift.

My head combusted and exploded immediately.

She is asking me to consult with the oncology radiologist on Monday morning before I have even had the MRI, EKG, and chest X-ray. The consultation is to discuss the results of the testing after the testing has been done. A further annoyance is that she is neglecting to acknowledge that the doctor isn’t available until Thursday. Plus CANCER.

I can’t believe that a female supervisor could be this callous.

I reported her to her supervisor who is also in charge of Human Resources.

If she wants to butt heads, I’ve got a hard one and I need to practice fighting.