I met with the anesthesiologist today. She was very calm and reassuring. There will be no epidural for me, so I'll be under general anesthesia for the c-section, which means TCG won't be allowed in the room.

Ginger, I'd go with "I've decided to make a change to a doctor who is geographically closer to my location." or something if you dont want to get into the not responding part.

Seconded.

I also bought a giant stuffed very soft penguin as a self soothing tool. There was a koala and I loved them when I was a kid and I almost got it, but I was standing in Toys R Us, petting it and instead of being calming I was getting anxious. So I picked something I don't have childhood associations with.

This sounds like a wonderful idea, askye. I hope it helps.

I'm glad that you liked the anesthesiologist, sj. I know you both would prefer to be there and awake for the c-section, but health of the mother is the key thing here. Before you know it your family will be all together. And TCG better wear comfy shoes for the pacing back and forth part! When is the date set again?

Ginger, I'd go with "I've decided to make a change to a doctor who is geographically closer to my location." or something if you dont want to get into the not responding part.

The not responding thing is important though, and he should know about it. I think your original language was fine.

When is the date set again?

It's not yet, but my due date is August 17th, and I have been told the c-section will likely be sometime in the 39th week, if I don't go into labor before that.

I'm glad that you liked the anesthesiologist, sj. I know you both would prefer to be there and awake for the c-section, but health of the mother is the key thing here. Before you know it your family will be all together. And TCG better wear comfy shoes for the pacing back and forth part!

I'm actually more worried about TCG than myself, but my mother will be with him, so he doesn't have to worry alone.

Yes, they will worry about you, and you will worry about them, but in a very short time you will all forget about that stuff and play with baby toes!

I agree with Brenda and Ginger--the oncologist needs to know his lack of response borders on neglect, which is edging toward malpractice. Ginger, I hope the new eyes give added insight and perhaps a new and more effective approach.

askye, that all sounds very positive. And really, a very soft large stuffed penguin needs no justification. I have stuffed bears and rabbits for the same self-soothing effect, and favorites among them. I've actually been kinda thinking about a new critter. H is side-eyeing me with that idea, though. We'll see.

sj, what Laura said. Laura is wise.

A penguin was the first stuffed animal I bought for myself as a young adult. I support the snuggling of stuffed penguins.

Hil, I had to pay customs to DHL, COD. A month or two later I got a call from them about customs charges. I called & said that I paid and that was the end of it. It seems that their record keeping or communication between them and their subcontractor is not so hot.

Well, I did not get anything packed or cleaned. I did get a bit of a nap, though. I think I needed it -- been on painkillers for a few days, and my sleep cycle is all weird.

Still need to figure out what's going on with my medical insurance in between jobs. Everyone I ask tells me that someone else will have the answer.

That's interesting about DHL. I've ordered any number of things from eShakti, who ships through DHL, and haven't run into that yet.

Stuffed animals are great for self-soothing. Except when I was married, I've always slept with a stuffed animal. I need to restock, though. My Hamlet has lost the lining to his ears and he's gotten kind of squished. He's 30 years old and well-loved.