I was recently at the Onc's office for a regular check up (all still good; yes Ang, I told them about the tummy aches) and I was reminded of when the process all began - lo these nearly 12 months ago.
In the beginning, Dr S. and his team were there for me/us at a moment’s notice - 24/7. The good doctor even gave me his cell number, and encouraged (implored/insisted) that I reach out to him under any circumstance; with any question (or if my temp ever exceeded 100.9).
We would often marvel at how it felt as if we were his only patients. During chemo sessions he was always around. During hospital stays he would pop in at all hours of the day or evening - clearly beyond the duration of his rounds. During times of spiking temperatures (most often late at night) he would immediately respond to my text and offer intervention (or call me back in, first thing that next morning, for an impromptu check-up).
Now that time has progressed, and my health improvement along with it, I don’t find that I need the good doctor as often. Clearly if there was an issue, I have no doubt that he would be available in a heartbeat. But now it’s someone else’s turn to have his eyes and ears. It’s their turn to have him and the team at their beck and call. It’s their turn to be surrounded by the care, concern, and compassion that is the Dr S. way. It's their turn to feel like they are his only patient.
I don't miss it at all, and I'm grateful for having been first in line for such a long time. Now I don't need it, and I'm happy to relinquish my position - knowing he/they are there for me if ever I should REALLY need them again.
