Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021 - 7

IT'S OK TO SCOUT SOME NEW
TALENT.
One size does not fit all. It's OK to ask for a
second opinion, to talk to a different doctor,
or even look at a different treatment center.
A good team member will encourage you to
look around before finalizing your team. My
dad ... he would show up to every appointment
with a sheaf of PubMed articles he had
researched. Studies, treatment protocols, new
ideas-the doctors would scatter when they
saw him determinedly head in their direction.
Bless the fellows that stuck around to talk to
him. But he was scouting for #teamjen. Making
sure that we were getting the best course for
me, and the best people for me.
STICK WITH A GOOD PLAYER.
The endocrinologist I finally found (yes, there
was a long list I rotated through) eventually left
my treatment center. But she was so incredible,
and I didn't want to lose her, so I followed
her to a new hospital. I know that's not always
possible, but it was worth it for me.
TALK TO THE OTHER TEAM
MANAGERS.
The dream team is a solid community. Often,
your best resources may be found in the cancer
community. I found my current endocrinologist
(who I adore) by reaching out to a Type
1 diabetic friend and outlining for her what I
wanted in a doctor. My gynecologist (who I also
adore) is from another cancer friend, who highly
recommended her. My rheumatologist is from
my equally chronically ill mother. My high-risk
breast clinic person was recommended by my
gynecologist. Good people typically know and
work with other good people.
TELL THE TEAM YOUR
EXPECTATIONS.
You're the manager, take control. A few years
ago, I found my incredible primary care
provider (PCP). While I'm currently cancerfree,
I have the same relapse triggers we all share.
I told her that sometimes I just wanted to come
in to allay my worries. She's delivered. Weird
lung feeling, I got an appointment. Sick and
hurting, I got blood work. Feeling tired and off,
I was sent a message on steps to take and what
to document over the next few days. She makes
me feel seen and my concerns heard. That's what
a good doctor will do.
PLAY TO WIN.
Life is H.A.R.D. Cancer is crazy hard. Add in
work, school, family, and all the other stressors,
and it can seem relentless. But stick it out. Building
the winning team takes time. You won't get
it on the first try. It will take several different
configurations, switching out players, benching
some people, and much more. But you can do
it. Your team doesn't desert you because your
cancer treatments may be ending. That's the
time when you'll need your team the most. l
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
HODGKIN LYMPHOMA ISSUE 2021
7
http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Elephants and Tea: Hodgkin Lymphoma Issue 2021
