I have been having some major, major health problems for about a year now. I finally got in with a specialist today, who feels all of the indicators are that I have cancer. I am not prepared to think about this, even though it was one of the things I ran across in my research.
The doctor's initial impression is that because this particular type is slow growing, the prognosis will be generally good. The 1-year survival rate is 75%. The thing is that I cannot get scheduled for the biopsy until September 15, which I suppose isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. It was the first thing they had open, and I really like this doctor and don't want to go looking for another one. So, fine, I'm waiting until then. In the meantime, I have some blood tests to rule out a couple of other serious-but-less-serious-than-cancer diagnoses.
When I got home, I checked my email and got an email from someone with whom I serve on a nonprofit board. She was ranting about some things with the group that are unimportant here, but the point is that my first thought was "I don't care if your feelings are hurt." I also had to cancel a radio interview for a monthly arts exhibit I plan with 2 other women. One of them was a little upset that I had to cancel, but this appointment opened up, and ya know, I needed to go. I told her yesterday, and the interview got covered.
I don't know what I'm asking. I suppose I think that my life will be in a holding pattern for the next 3 weeks until we find out something unless one of the blood tests comes back positive. At any rate, do you tell people about medical issues like this? Most people know I've been to the doctor a good bit lately, but they don't know why. I just feel like I want to step back from things and re-evaluate. I'm 30 years old, so yeah, this is a bit of a shocker, and I don't want to waste time with bickering. Would you tell people? What would you say? I don't want people hovering or treating me weirdly, but I also don't want to explode or collapse because I'm keeping it all in.
The doctor's initial impression is that because this particular type is slow growing, the prognosis will be generally good. The 1-year survival rate is 75%. The thing is that I cannot get scheduled for the biopsy until September 15, which I suppose isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. It was the first thing they had open, and I really like this doctor and don't want to go looking for another one. So, fine, I'm waiting until then. In the meantime, I have some blood tests to rule out a couple of other serious-but-less-serious-than-cancer diagnoses.
When I got home, I checked my email and got an email from someone with whom I serve on a nonprofit board. She was ranting about some things with the group that are unimportant here, but the point is that my first thought was "I don't care if your feelings are hurt." I also had to cancel a radio interview for a monthly arts exhibit I plan with 2 other women. One of them was a little upset that I had to cancel, but this appointment opened up, and ya know, I needed to go. I told her yesterday, and the interview got covered.
I don't know what I'm asking. I suppose I think that my life will be in a holding pattern for the next 3 weeks until we find out something unless one of the blood tests comes back positive. At any rate, do you tell people about medical issues like this? Most people know I've been to the doctor a good bit lately, but they don't know why. I just feel like I want to step back from things and re-evaluate. I'm 30 years old, so yeah, this is a bit of a shocker, and I don't want to waste time with bickering. Would you tell people? What would you say? I don't want people hovering or treating me weirdly, but I also don't want to explode or collapse because I'm keeping it all in.
I too would think they could get you in sooner and do some tests. I couldn't wait 3 weeks!
I would have a very difficult time waiting. 
