CANCER: Breaking up is hard to do....

Gentle readers, it is with a heavy heart that I write today's blog. That's right- change is afoot. My amazing, lovely, smart oncologist, Dr. Kasra Karamlou is leaving Swedish Issaquah to seek what, I do not know....off in California. This is our last week together.

I do believe that in my time of need, I've become almost gosling like in my amazing ability to imprint myself on my care givers. Often I find myself saying things like: "Well, that's not how Dr. K does it" or "We should check with nurse Debbie because I'm sure she knows what to do." I am unwilling to even fathom following another person's lead- since as far as I'm concerned, I have the best, smartest and really, let's be honest, best looking, cancer team a gal could ask for.

You know, when breakups occur, rarely do I get the chance to really say what's on my mind and in my heart. I mean, in this day and age, people break up via text message or read about it on Facebook in that: "Oh, my boyfriend has listed himself as single. Odd." No, no, I do not mean this about WCDO, Paul. He's still around. Still trying to figure that one out though....really. I mean, I DO have cancer and I'm bald.

So in homage to all things internet, electronic, and nanospeed- this is my send off to you, Dr. K.

Dear Dr. K.

As you prepare for your new life in California, I want you to know you have had a profound impact on my life. And I won't easily forget you. Sure, your life in CA will offer you lots of new patients and "experiences." I get that. We all move on. However I hope our time together was mutually beneficial.

While it's true- we never got mani/pedis together or even shopped for shoes, you did humor me. You chuckled at all of my rantings- (this truly is a smart man.) You were patient when I was losing my mind over my discomfort- both real and possibly imagined. You responded to my emails. And in a true act of trust and courage, you even gave me your personal mobile number with the reassuring words: "Feel free to call me anytime." That was awesome. You used emotocons when I backed you into really, really uncomfortable converstations. I kinda hated that.  But you know, it worked.

So thanks man. You went above and beyond the call of care giving. You did it splendidly. And, hopefully my tumors are shrinking that much faster because of it. Your patients in California will be lucky to get you. And I do hope that you end up with a decent roster of cancer patients. You know, the balance tipped towards the ones who will make it. Though I also know, if my prognosis was in the crapper, I would want to hear it from you.

You take care. Stay liberal. Godspeed!

ME

My new partner in cancer care is Dr. Patricia Wahl. Here's what I know so far: She's very, very well respected by every nurse, doctor and care provider I've spoken to. As a matter of fact, she's treated almost reverentially. One nurse whispered "Ohhhh, Dr. Wahl. She's sooooo smart....." I also know she shares my passion for all things bacon maple bar via Voodoo Donuts. And most importantly, she speaks Nordstrom.

Dr. K warned me that she won't give me her email address or phone number though. I told him: "oh, we'll see....." Because let's be honest, we all get excited by the prospect of a new relationship. Pulses quicken, heart rates increase, pupils dilate, dopamine gets a-flowing, palms sweat. All good stuff. Yes, we all enjoy the experience of falling into new relationships- even cancer patients.