Busy Week of Doctors and Doctor Crushes

I'm in the middle of three days of doctor's appointments. I wish I got paid for going to them because they are becoming a full-time job. Three down, one to go for this week.

So far the visits have been extremely positive even though in some respects they haven't moved us very far forward. Yesterday morning, I FINALLY got to have an ultrasound of the BABY and not some random body part. And SHE (that's right it's another girl!) is beautiful. She has the cutest little nose and lips. And she's busy. I knew this already as I felt her moving far earlier in this pregnancy than any of the others and she pretty much moves constantly. But it was so fun to be able to put pictures and movement to the sensations I've been feeling for the last few weeks. She's just beautiful and it did a mama good to spend an hour looking our sweet little girlie. Of course it was also good to see my new friend, Jim the ultrasound guy, again. He sort of recognized me when I walked back, but he couldn't place me. Then I told him I was 'his carotid body tumor' and he very enthusiastically asked if we were still planning on going to NIH. I might not have a memorable face, but once you see my carotid artery, you won't forget me!

As for the party in my neck we saw an ENT yesterday, supposedly about the Thyroid. He was tremendously encouraging and competent.... and in a bizarrely reassuring way he washed his hands of me. He basically told us to have whoever deals with Tomas do everything. Andy and I had to laugh: The consult was for the Thyroid issue solely. The doc came in, talked a lot about Tomas, looked at my ears, nose, and throat, didn't touch my neck or ask about my Thyroid at all, and referred us up to the surgeon we already had an appointment with for Tomas (which was reassuring in and of itself. We're seeing a good guy!). Then he breezed out of the room. When he left, Andy looked and me and said, "Um... I really, really like this doctor but did he say anything about your Thyroid?!" We eventually got most of our questions answered, but I think the function of the visit ultimately was just to reassure us that we're on the right track with all of the issues as we didn't get any new information about the Thyroid stuff and no further action was or will betaken by this doc. But you know... at least he cleaned out my ears!

I think it was also confirmation that we needed to get that second opinion. The difference between the demeanor of this doctor and that of surgeon #1 was quite telling. This doctor seemed to know far more about Carotid Body Tumors and paragangliomas, but felt we were in better hands with a more experienced specialist than him. Surgeon #1 has seen some CBTs and knows about them, but still didn't seem to have as great of a feel for them. Yet, he was ready to do the surgery himself anyway.

My appointment today resulted in a new doctor-crush. I am, for whatever reason, especially susceptible to Doctor-crushes (I was totally smitten with Doogie Howser when I was growing up. I admit it). I was left today wishing I could take this surgeon with me to help with all the other problems and procedures. She was so very reassuring. The other 'issue' we've been running to ground was basically ruling out any need to be concerned about breast cancer. No--no lumps--but other symptoms which were cause for concern to me and my Navy docs had cropped up. This doctor said that she is certain I have no reason to worry: that what we're seeing is nothing more than hormones run-amok and my body adjusting to those and preparing to feed the babe. Then she listened to me worry out loud about the other stuff and admonished me to 'not let it steal my joy.' Did I mention that I thought she was wonderful? I was almost disappointed that I wouldn't get to go see her again. Almost.... Except for the tiny little fact that I'm elated that now at least there's one issue OFF the table.

One more appointment tomorrow and that's a follow-up with surgeon #1. We'll get the results of the MRI and lab tests and maybe get a bit more general information. I was advised by a certain medically inclined and very wise sister-in-law not to crush the doctor-ego by waltzing in and saying, "Hi Surgeon #1. Your bedside manner is nice enough, but we don't think you're our guy for this surgery. You're fired!" So, alas, we'll play nice and vaguely refer to the fact that we're exploring all of our options. Still I do hope to get some information and add to our collection of radiology reports and discs.

After that, it's full speed ahead toward our appointment at UW in two weeks (though I still don't get a break from appointments: next week I have a regular OB check-up, a visit to the dentist for fillings, and a trip to legal to make sure all my ducks are in a row if I kick off unexpectedly). After the appointment at UW, I anticipate we'll start being able to make some decisions and get a feel for the game plan. Stay tuned for that. Then I hope things are going to get boring around here until it's time to make things happen!