Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2009. Mattie was recovering from a sternotomy, in which his chest was cut open to remove 9 lung tumors. Though that sounds like a very difficult surgery, it was a lot easier to recover from compared to his limb surgeries. Nonetheless, Mattie needed oxygen and was frail. His lung surgeon was an absolute LOVE! He gave Mattie that little R2-D2 toy from Star Wars that you see here! Mattie absolutely loved that gift and everything about this surgeon was unique. In that he had pre-surgical meetings with us and the care team, and he visited Mattie personally every day in the hospital while recovering. He did not send a resident or someone from his staff. In addition, do you know that this surgeon contributes EVERY year to Mattie Miracle? So that is 17 years of contributions. A very special doctor indeed.
Quote of the day: If you looked round the rooms, you wouldn't think there was anything missing. But it's like one of those Spot the difference cartoons in a puzzle book. The changes are so subtle, yet glaringly obvious once you've seen them. A photo missing here, a cup there. A heart a bit more broken than it was before. ~ Liz Kessler
Two years ago, my primary care doctor told me I needed to see a breast care specialist, as she felt I was high risk for breast cancer. I had to admit that when my doctor said this, I thought she was being an alarmist. Nonetheless, I listened and became a patient of the specialist she suggested. So once as year, I see this specialist, and throughout the year I get a mammogram and then six months after, a MRI. I have been told I have a 40% chance of getting breast cancer. A delightful percentage.
In any case, last night, I got a text message reminder that I was scheduled to see the breast specialist today. Honestly, I knew I was seeing her this month, I even filled out the registration material last week, but if it wasn't for that reminder last night, I would have completely forgotten about the appointment. YES it is even on my calendar, but I am juggling so many things, that this just wasn't on my radar scope.
My dad receives a visit every Tuesday and Friday, from a nurse. I wasn't sure how I was going to juggle that visit and also make my appointment. At first, I thought I could walk my mom through the process, but it became abundantly clear, she just can't follow directions. So I waited for the nurse, we did his vitals and pressure wound dressing change and then I jumped in the car and drove thirty minutes to my appointment.
The breast specialist is the kind of person you can't help but love. I don't say this lightly! She is that compassionate, kind, and lovely. Don't think because she is lovely that she isn't well qualified. She got her training at Cornell Weill and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Because she devotes time to her patients, she is NEVER on time! I know this about her, and I patiently wait. Every time she enters the room, she apologizes for being late. Of which I say..... "no need to apologize. You are dealing with patients who are hearing all sorts of news." I have compassion for those patients whose lives have been changed by one diagnosis. Any case, before we parted today, she told me I am a ray of sunshine. That she looks forward to seeing me every year, because she loves my smile and demeanor. We end each meeting with a hug! Trust me I don't hug my doctors..... so this should give you some understanding for the fact that she is a high caliber person. This doctor also knows I am a caregiver, which she finds remarkable. She said from her experience, I am a rare breed!
So another successful breast care visit! I maybe distraught and feeling great despair over my life, but I can also be grateful for this report of good health. This is today's blessing.
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