The Cellar - Just When You Think You've Got Things Under Control ...

So, I have the appointment to get the teeth pulled, the antibiotic is working, and life is moving on ...

Did I mention that last week momwolf had this weird under-boob rash?

So, we have this appointment set up for her PCP, and then, just before we leave, she confesses something to me ... while she was itching the rash, she found a lump.

Yeah. Great.

There was an amusing interlude where we were menaced by an angry Canada Goose whose girlfriend had set up a nest at the PCP's front door. I wanted to get pictures of the receptionist holding the goose off with a broom, but she wouldn't repeat the performance once I had my camera out. I did think there was probably a good joke involving the Canadian National Health System in there, but I've been too distracted to work it out.

So, anyway, two days later momwolf is having her boobies squished and shot.

Today, the phone call comes from the PCP.

"Yes, I tried to call your mom's phone but she didn't answer, so I called your cell."

"The phone never rang, doc. I've been right here."

"Oh. Well, I just called (gives number that is 1.5 yrs old, from before the move)."

"That's the old number. The current one is (mumble)"

"Oh here it is."

(enough with the phone number already!!) "Why are you calling."

"Well, it's not good. Your mom needs to see a breast oncologist, the sooner the better."

"Could you please call her and tell her that?"

(yes, I am in the same house. Yes, I am more than capable of telling people things they'd rather not hear, but in this instance, it's the doctor's job to do that. It always sounds better from a doctor.)

So, the doc calls and tells my mom what's up, but slightly less directly than I was told. My version included words like "irregular" and "suggestive of malignancy."

Momwolf was, of course, stunned by the news, but took it well.

So ... I get on the phone with one of my girlfriends, not just to vent.

I just happen to have exactly the right girlfriends for this situation.

The first girlfriend I called is an office manager for a physician, who happens to be the second girlfriend.

What kind of physician you might wonder? Breast Oncologist. And she had a cancellation this afternoon.

How about that shit? I actually know the right kind of specialist.

Momwolf is scheduled for surgery on Thursday, not sure of the time yet, we'll be getting that info probably tomorrow. Instead of putting her through a biopsy and then another surgery to remove the whatsis, she's having a lumpectomy, and then they'll have the entire mass to biopsy.

So far the toughest part has been finding a front closure cotton sports style bra (getting several of these is actually part of the post-surgical care instructions. Apparently they're to keep the girls from swinging around too much and disrupting the stitches). That adventure took trips to several stores, and putting up with momwolf who is generally not a good shopper.