So. Yesterday I spent about 6 hours on a rickety, rusting, ready-for-the-junkyard, bus, so I could make my appointment time in Buffalo New York, at the V.A. Hospital. No real problems since I slept most of the way there, although the trip back could be a book in and of itself. *giggle*

During my meeting with the Endo and her assistant, I was impressed by their attitudes. They both referred to me as Cathy or Catherine, consistently called me "her" and "she", and were, as they were the first time, very respectful and helpful. The assistant even went so far as to ask me when I planned to have my operations. Of course I told him that I hadn't even done my RLT yet, and wouldn't even qualify for surgery, even if I could afford it at this time. He seemed somewhat disappointed by my answers and asked where I planned to have the surgery done. I told him about Thailand, and my preference, Trinidad Colorado, and the costs of each, at which point he advised me to go to India for the surgeries!

I also inquired as to the possibility of an orchiectomy, but was again told that the V.A. "doesn't do those." The Endo even explained to me why they don't. It seems that the V.A., which is subject to the whims of our "government", still considers Transsexualism to be a psychological affliction, not a physical one, curable with the "right psychiatric treatments. Sigh.

Additionally, I had my first mammogram that same day. No big deal, even though they had to do one twice, to make sure of what seemed like an anomaly. Everything turned out fine, with no signs of any cancers or unusual growths of any kind. Yay me! I expected much more pain and discomfort from this exam, but I found that it was well within my tolerances

Again, I have to commend the personnel at the V.A. hospital in Buffalo for their professionalism, their kindness and their understanding. I have had nothing but positive experiences there, and I feel very comfortable and at ease in their care.

I also bought a new wig, the day before my trip. just a synthetic fiber jobbie, but it's very nice and, for what I paid for it, very pretty. Very long with streaks, and a honey blonde. I shouldn't have bought it, because it means that I will likely eat nothing but hot dogs for a few days until my next paycheck, but I couldn't resist the price. Nearly half of what it should have sold for, with the new tag still on it. Oh well. Guess it's a good thing I like hot dogs, huh?

My testosterone levels are still much too high and the endo wants to put me on higher doses of estradiol, progesterone, and maybe something else. I told her that the problem could be easily taken care of with the simple removal of a couple of things I have no use for, but she demurred, as I said above. Well, I tried.

Three months from now I will go up there again, for another appointment. I'll update you all when that happens. Til then, I am progressing slowly toward my RLT, with the very strong possibility that I might "test drive" at work, this Halloween Wednesday. If I get the go ahead from my boss, who knows all about me, I want to see how I'll do. If I do badly, I can pass it off as a "Halloween prank." If I do well......well then, my RLT might come sooner than I expected or hoped for. Cross your fingers for me, ladies.

Until next time, thanks for all your help and support.

Goddess Bless you all.

Catherine Linda Michel