Thankful for the OLOGISTS in My Life

Before Breast Cancer Diagnoses

For more than fifty years, the only OLOGIST in my life was the GynecOLOGIST.  

Annually, I scheduled appointments for three health care examinations.  One with the  GynecOlogist; and, the other two were for a yearly physical examination and mammogram.

For years, I chose to ignore the potential health hazards of being:

• a smoker;
• overweight;
• overworked;
• an exercise abstainer;
• stressed out;
• sleep deprived; and
• spiritually undernourished.

In 1993, I was diagnosed with two chronic conditions — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.  Now, I needed a second “OLOGIST,” the RheumatOLOGIST.  

With these two diagnoses, the frequency of visits for health care treatment increased from three followup exams per year to monthly followup visits, bi-monthly lab testing, and a host of prescribed medications.

After being diagnosed, with two chronic health conditions, I made some healthy lifestyle choices.  I —

• no longer smoked,
• found outlets for spiritual nourishment, and
• committed to a formalized exercise program.

But, I failed to address some of the other health hazards —

• Stress;
• Overworking;
• Weight Fluctuations; and
• Sleep Deprivation.

Despite the continued health hazards in my life, for more than fifteen years, my two chronic health conditions were adequately managed and controlled with —

• Medications;
• Self-Management Tools;
• RheumatOLOGIST Medical Management; and
• Lifestyle Changes.

Then, the Breast Cancer diagnosis came in 2008.

After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Medication Side Effects

Between 2008 and 2013, I was diagnosed with five different health care conditions.

Each diagnosis, including breast cancer, was attributed to a side effects from a different medication; and, all were prescribed to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To treat these conditions, I had to add five more OLOGISTS to my healthcare team:

• OncOLOGIST;
• PulmonolOLOGIST;
• CardiOLOGIST;
• PsychOLOGIST; and
• OphthamOLOGIST. 

There may even be a sixth OLOGIST, after my consultation visit in two weeks with a DermatOLOGIST.  A cluster of bumps appeared on the right side of my face several weeks ago.  This may be a side effect of a new Rheumatoid Arthritis medication; which, was added to replace one that was discontinued because of a side-effect that affected my lungs.  I will share the results of this visit in an upcoming post.

Despite the side effects and added health care conditions, I AM Thankful for the OLOGISTS in My Life

And, when, I Grow Tired of the OLOGISTS, I

• STOP
• BREATHE
• EXPRESS GRATITUDE

And, quietly say, “I LIVE Because of the  OCOLOGISTS in My Life.

What I Want for Everyone

I WISH that every underinsured or uninsured person, in this country, one day will have access, like me, to OLOGISTS and other health care providers.