Hi folks,
Yes, the news was definitely welcome news and I thank each and all of you for sharing me apprehensions before and my happiness over the results today. Indeed it was welcome news. But I didn't even touch on the aspect of today's events that Kendra alluded to in her post. The part involving this being my first time having to check in with the people that have only seen me in male attire, going to have the labs drawn an IV put in by the little older lady that always does it and I told about be before, The same CT techs, another chick in at the clinic where my oncology appointment is, and of course seeing my oncologist for the first time who I had also told before. As i said before facing these challenges caused me a little bit of apprehension even though I am getting pretty inured to it now. The different that concerned me were these were people I see every 3 months and the lobby and waiting areas are always full.
Today went pretty much as I anticipated. Walking in and checking in was not an issue at all. I guess I am getting used to it more than I thought. But when the IV lady came out and called out in her loud voice "Mr. Wickwire?" I cringed and followed her into the room. She's a nice lady and I always enjoy talking with her. After telling her I am going by Laurie now she apologized and said she was going to make a note of it for future use. I had told her before but she see dozen of patients every day and I haven't had the records change to reflect the new me. She said I looked great and said she was happy for me and thought my coming out took courage. She also said she loved my transgender veteran T-shirt. I told her of my trip while she worked, then it was back out to the waiting room. Sure enough about 45 minute on of the CT techs comes out and hollers "Mr. Wickwire?" ( I really need to get that name change made ) Again not issues getting the CT scan done, after all they are professions in the medical profession and act accordingly.
Then it's off to the oncology and check in no issues except when the worker gave me my folder she directed me to area "D" instead of the usual Area "A" so off I went down the hall, around the corner and down that hall to area "D" where a nurse took my folder inside only to return 5 minutes later to tell me I was in the wrong area and sent me back to area "A". I took a peek inside at my paperwork and right at the top it said there area I was supposed to go to was area "A". Why sent sent me to D I do not know but I'll choose to give her the benefit of the doubt and believe she just made an mistake.
In the waiting area I notice a few sidelong looks and one outright stare. I was completely oblivious to anything in the CT area but noticing it in oncology was slightly uncomfortable, but only slightly. When the doctor's assisting nurse called "Leonard Wickwire" I followed her telling her I was going by Laurie now and let her weigh me and take my vitals. Surprisingly she told me my BP was very good and referred to me with a friendly "girl" She ha also noted I was Laurie on my paperwork for the doctor to see. Another wait and I answered when 'Wickwire" was called and ushered into the room to wait for my oncologist. When Doctor Graff entered the room she greeted me with a hug and compliments, even telling me I looked beautiful. I could not have had a better reception. She told me that when she saw the note on my name she didn't know what to expect.. She listened with interest and delight while I told her that I finally did my trip to Maine completing my goal and that I did it almost all in girl mode and had gone full time.
We talked about her two kids and their excitement about a Disney cruise to Alaska they have booked. And she expressed sorrow that I'm no longer in touch with my daughter and grand children due to my daughters reaction to my coming out. I explained I cut off communications because I was done with being hurt by her blaming me still for my past failings at home. we them moved on to the business of why I was there. She checked me out and then gave me my relief by telling me the good news. Another hug and I was checking out and on to my gender therapy session.
Checking in was no problem at all and while waiting I chatted to a couple of others there in the waiting room. The doc came and got me and I followed him to the office where I brought him up to date on my escapades across country and my visits with all the wonderful ladies I met, including you Kendra, and my decision to continue living full time upon my return. It required a couple tissues for the telling. I don't know why talking about all of you ladies bring on ocular leakage but it does. My therapist was very much in approval of my progress and we discussed my feelings on all of it. It had been almost three months since I last saw him and we had a bit to talk about. I'll continue the discussion in two weeks.
GP appointment about hormones tomorrow. First time as myself there too.
Well there ya go folks. That was the "rest of the story" Overall it was a very good day though not with out it's low points. I find I being misgendered is starting to matter a bit more to me now. A young neighbor the I told both names to and my preferences as to which I'd like used under what circumstances is still calling me Leonard and I noticed last night that it was starting to bother me now, I'll have to ask her to use Laurie now.
Anyway that's all for now.
Hugs,
Laurie
PS Sara: I love heels. When perusing shoes online I set the heel height to "3 1/2+ inches" and start there. I even am drawn to a 5" or 6" fetish pump with ankle locks. ssssshh That's a secret. I'm too sweet to be drawn to kinks.
lol
ljw
