True and (hopefully) Funny

Terese

I believe that humor is an asset in stressful situations. When my dad was sick, I was Dr. Who, my mom Nurse What, and dad Patient Why Me. Unfortunately, he passed away 2 years ago.

Since my mom's recent diagnosis of metastatic BC, she has become Patient Why Me - I am currently searching for a new Nurse What.

I hope the following story reads as funny as it is when I tell it to people:

If you've ever seen "The Golden Girls" - picture "Sophia" -the cute little lady with alot of spunk. My mom is very much like this character - both physically and personality wise. She's a hoot!

We were sitting in front of the Pulmonary MD getting her thorocentesis test results.

As the doctor was discussing the results with us, I noticed my mom's head was widly bobbing up, down, and all around. This takes much concentration - so I knew it was a sign she was not hearing a word the man said!

I said "Excuse me doctor" turned to my mom and said "Mom, did you wear your hearing aid today?"

She looked straight at the doctor with a very serious face - the head still bobbing - and replied "No I did not -I do not want to hear any bad news today". Even though he was delivering devistating news, the doctor couldn't help but laugh!

This is why she calls me Dr. Who - I relay all the information to her on the ride home from each doctor visit.

Terese

NPat

Oh, how true! I can't tell you how many patients come in without hearing aids.... including my 93 year old dad. They also play the "Well, the doctor didn't notice," game... you know... you ask them what the doctor said about the growing skin cancer behind their ear and they say, "Well, the doctor didn't notice." Sigh...
Pat