An Accumulation of Tea Leaves

First indication that something has changed: the nurse who's been the main person watching over me throughout the morning is reassigned. Based on the amount of attention the PA paid to what she was doing, and the occasional redirection he provided, my sense is that she was relatively new. I'm told she had other duties to attend to.* Her replacement is more senior, and much more reserved.

Second indication that something has changed: the PA's demeanor changes. All morning long my interactions with the PA have been professional, but reasonably lighthearted. We've joked and had a bit of fun, but now the pleasantries and jokes have stopped. The PA's communications dwindle to bare bones status updates and questions about how I'm doing.

Third indication that something has changed: the fact that I came to the urgent care center alone has suddenly become a problem. The folks entering my room begin to ask, Is there anyone you can call? Is there someone who can come wait with you?

Fortunately, the PA doesn't wait long to provide meaning to these signs: my scan is "worrisome." Apparently, I've got a mass in my colon and something peculiar going on in my liver. I'm going to be transferred from the urgent care center to Virginia Mason Hospital for the next stage of this adventure. But they won't let me go by myself. I've got to find a family member to escort me. 

This could be interesting...


* It's certainly possible that what I was reading as an "indication" that the urgent care staff knew my unknown ailment was something serious was, in fact, just a coincidence. It could be the nurse would've been reassigned even if it were determined I was just constipated. But I sort of doubt it.