chapter 8: part 7

continued from chapter 8: part6

Now we come to an essential item, how to carry all these essentials you bring along for doctor visits.

The first time you arrive at the clinic you'll swear you've happened upon a haven for bag- people seeking shelter from the elements. The men are less guilty of this but everywhere you look, people are clutching plastic bags that easily slip out of their grasp if they're juggling more than one. Stuffed inside, if you cared to look, would be some of the things I am going to list for you.

Here's what you do. You seek out a store selling light-weight canvas or leather bags of all sizes and you invest in one that can be carried without embarrassment by either man or woman. Make sure it has compartments, preferably one that is water proof in case of spills. Memorize your packing method so you can put your hands on whatever you want without unloading the whole works. When your name is called for whatever step comes next, you'll be better prepared to repack the paper backs and thermos without flustering with the plastic.

There is a always a cafeteria where you can buy food but in case you might be pressed for time to get to the next test or examination, bring a sandwich, fruit and a drink. There are lots of places to sit and eat, and in a cancer hospital, chances are people will smile at anyone showing an appetite.

Boredom comes hand -in- glove with these visits. We always looked around first to see anyone we recognized from other visits--we cared that these people kept coming back. That meant they were okay, as Hal was. Bring along a book or two, preferably light reading. I brought paperback mysteries and Hal the computer junky often brought computer manuals. (These were the early-on computer days.)

Hal also always carried a notepad and pen and often thought of work-related ideas he immediately jotted down. Trivial Pursuit cards can get you through; you don't need the board, just quiz each other, and sometimes you can interest another bored couple to join in. If you do come unprepared, use the time to practice your now more outgoing personality and deliberately chat up the others waiting with you.

If you want to be a sport, bring an armload of the magazines you are finished with; we're all familiar with waiting rooms so you'll know why your act is a kind one. Take a few minutes to re-check the questions you will be asking the doctor, and don't even consider leaving anything off just because you haven't anything else to do. Keep the questions intact because you had a good reason to put them there in the first place.

continued in Chapter 8: part 8