19 Jan 2021

What a day!  Started out similar to previous days. Up at 0600, coffee started, dogs out, protein drink plus banana, dogs in, coffee, then bathroom.  Strength training and breakfast.  However, no walk as I needed to get to UAB for lab work.  After getting cleaned up and gassed up the truck, was headed to Birmingham by 0830. 

The drive was uneventful except for the need for a U-turn on 6th Avenue. Finding a spot on a crowded multistory parking deck was not easy, especially with a F-150 pickup truck.  I was lucky though to find a spot on level 2.  By 0950, the second floor skyway was packed, but glad to see Covid-19 protocols being followed.  Checked in and had a tag (sticker) applied to my garment.  Forgot my phone in truck, so went back for that before getting on a crowded elevator to the fifth floor.  

My first stop was oncology.  It was quick and was directed to the lab area on the other side.  No biggy, so went past the elevators and entered another line. With about 5-6 receptionists, went quick, but was told computers were down or not working correctly. So, sat down in the area of the lab entrance and waited to be called. After 1 hour of waiting and noticing patients going in and out quickly, I wondered perhaps I fell through the cracks. Inquired with a nurse and she said computer systems were down, but should get to me shortly. By this time, I have seen all walks of life entering and departing.  I thought to myself, I don't belong here.  Something is not right.  I feel and look healthier than these patients, some of which can barely move or needed wheelchairs.  Well, after 90 minutes of waiting,  I finally went to the front desk and made my cases that something is not right.  Finally, I'm told that a lab request for me was not in the system.  Crap, really?  That was a blow!  So, walked back to oncology and asked for my assigned nurse and to solve my issue.  After several minutes of pacing, I learned my nurse was not working today and another nurse was working my issue.  Again, more time was consumed when a nurse appeared with this long form and wanted to sit down and explain the procedure.  By this time, I used a colorful metaphor and thoughts of an invasive procedure.  No, it was the cost of an out-of-network lab analysis for my blood work.  See, the doctor wanted to identify genomes and mutations via this state-of-the-art Guardant360 (recently FDA approved). But this test costs $5,000 and insurance may not cover.  Well, after 2-plus hours and a 200-mile round-trip, I was a hostage to a possible life-saving test.  Thus, I signed the document and she walked with me back to the lab.  Again, no lab request in computer and she said she would handle.  About 30 minutes later, I was finally called back and blood drawn. The whole experience left me a bit distraught, but glad my patience won the battle.  This floor will be my home away from home for many months, so best to embrace any challenges with a sense of gratitude and put away any negative emotions.  

Finally got back to the second floor parking deck and needed assistance for my deck ticket. After accomplishing my second U-turn of the day, made my way to I-65 for the trip back home.  Got the dogs outside, some juice, and half a pizza.  Tried to take a nap and despite being tired, was unsuccessful.  

I can only hope tomorrow's port implant consult turns out better. I need a break already and the hard parts have yet to come. 

Another 2 days of juice is being made.  Feel a bit down and tired tonight.  Hope tomorrow turns out better.  

Had a pleasant surprise today that I will share later.  Time to turn in for the night.