I had my 3-month check-up and first appointment with Dr. Hampshire on Monday, accompanied by Amanda. Back on August 4, I wrote about my rationale for switching oncologists, and honestly, I was a little worried about Monday’s initial meeting with Dr. Hampshire. Even though I’d heard good things about him, I’d never met him. The possibility existed that he could still be a dick, you know?
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| It's always important that your file folder match your clothing..... |
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| .....and that you bring a sense of humor. |
The minute he walked into the exam room, however, any lingering doubts evaporated. Dr. Hampshire is kind, sharp, very funny, and well-prepared. I knew I felt comfortable with him when he acknowledged that, even though it’s slow growing and not affecting me much right now, Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma IS a big deal! This is EXACTLY what I blogged about on August 4! You want your oncologist – of all people! - to take this seriously, so you feel that they will do everything they can for you. Kinda like my own personal Cancer Samurai, you know?
Dr. Hampshire took his time, had a meaningful dialogue with
us, answered all of my questions, and laid out the eventual options. He was very supportive about my decision to
incorporate a naturopathic approach, and was excited to print out a report for
me about the treatment/wellness spectrum and the complementary and harmonizing
roles of both conventional therapies AND natural strategies. He devoted a lot of time to explaining what
we’ll be watching for as indicators that this cancer thing is beginning to
morph – blood counts changing, more lymph nodes enlarging, organ involvement - which
will then determine the timing and type of treatment. I
went away from the appointment confident that I made the right decision to
switch, and knowing for certain that he will do his best to keep me healthy.
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| Dr. Hampshire, the newest weapon in my arsenal. |
After the appointment with Dr. Hampshire, it was off to La
Pinata in Old Town
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| Power food - hell yeh!!! |
