Hurry Up and Wait

My daughter's lymphoma journey seems to involve hurrying up and waiting in all aspects. Most of the waiting concerns insurance approval (2-5 weeks! for approval). Then all the appointments say you have to be there fifteen minutes early (so you can wait even longer). Why can't she get the necessary treatments and then bill the insurance? Wasn't that the way it used to be?

Yesterday, she had a PET scan. The results came back on her chart last night. I started googling the words that were used to explain her condition. Twenty minutes later, I stopped and decided to wait for the hematologist to explain on Monday. I didn't like what some of it said. I hope it doesn't say what I thought it did. Anyway, we have to wait again until Monday to talk to the specialist to hear the testing results.

Today, we saw the liver transplant doctor. He's my favorite of all the doctors. He has a good way with words. We saw him because of the swelling my daughter has been experiencing since she was diagnosed with lymphoma. It looks like she may be facing dialysis in the future because of not being able to be on the kidney transplant list as planned. She will be able to do that locally, thank goodness.

He showed me that her numbers were a little better in one area. Then, he brought up the PET scan and showed the areas of concern. As he studied the scan, I watched his face. I wish I hadn't. I'm sure he didn't try to show his thoughts on his face. His advice was to take one day at a time, and we will help her get through this. He said that she has THE best doctor for this. I do not doubt that. I'm sure the liver doctor made sure of that. I am a worrier, especially when it comes to my daughter's health. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes as the doctor turned to leave the room. We waited some more. This time for the paperwork with the pages of scheduled appointments and then left.

I will be spending much of my retirement on the road again...just like during the three years before the liver transplant. Anything for that girl!

Later...