Answered Prayers: A Journey Through Treatment Scheduling
Grateful I managed to attend Dylan's Bar Ceremony in Person
Initial Consultation and Unexpected Scheduling Conflict
On August 13th, we visited the Athur Child Cancer Center for my initial consultation with both the Radiation Oncologist and the ENT Surgeon. After the doctors concluded their assessments and left the room, the nurse began outlining the schedule for all the upcoming appointments needed to prepare for my treatment. Among these was an appointment with the chemotherapy doctor, set for August 27th.
Hearing this date, my heart immediately sank. We had long known that August 27th was the day of Dylan’s Call to Bar Ceremony in Battleford, Saskatchewan—a significant event for our family. Although my appointment was scheduled for 8:30 AM, I began to wonder if there might be a way to attend both. I even asked the nurse if there was any possibility of rescheduling, which prompted a puzzled look before she left the consultation room to check for alternatives.
During her absence, Darcy expressed his frustration with me. He emphasized that my health should take priority and that it was more important to keep the appointment than to risk any delays in treatment. He reassured me that Dylan would understand and would prefer I focus on my health. Ultimately, I realized Darcy was right, and when the nurse returned, I agreed to keep the chemotherapy appointment on the 27th.
Sharing the News and Emotional Challenges
That evening, as we updated our sons about the day's appointments, I found myself growing emotional. The news of being diagnosed as Stage 3 was heavy, but what affected me more was the prospect of telling Dylan that I would likely miss his ceremony. The thought of not being present on such a milestone day was difficult to accept.
An Unexpected Change in Plans
The following day included several additional hospital appointments. While having lunch in the cafeteria, I received a call from the booking clerk. To my surprise, my chemotherapy appointment was rescheduled and moved up a full week, now set for August 20th. At first, I was relieved and excited—perhaps now there was a chance to attend both the appointment and Dylan’s ceremony. However, I also wondered if this meant my treatments would start earlier, possibly on August 25th. Given the urgency conveyed by Dr. Banarjee, I was concerned about the timeline. Despite calling to confirm the new treatment start date, I was unable to get a definite answer.
Resolution and Gratitude
On August 20th, we arrived on time for the rescheduled chemotherapy appointment. At its conclusion, I was informed that my treatments would begin on Tuesday, September 2nd, after the long weekend. With all the preparatory appointments now completed, I was free to travel and attend Dylan’s Call to Bar Ceremony as planned. I felt immense gratitude—my prayers had truly been answered.