I Went to Tucson and Spent My Lunchtime with Dr. Herbst

Here's how that went.

I just returned from my Arizona trip, and so much to tell you!

I’m fortunate to have family in Arizona, so I can get out of the cold Pacific Northwest winters of dreary rain and spend a little time down south for some sunshine and a little rejuvenation.

We typically head down a little earlier in the year. However, this year our trip was delayed due to multiple reasons. Mostly it was me still recovering from my second Liposuction surgery.

And this time, I made the effort to ask Dr. Herbst if I could meet with her.

A few months back, I contacted her workplace and requested to meet her for lunch. After a few phone calls back and forth, she agreed to have lunch with me.

We got into Tucson on Sunday and settled at my stepdad’s guest house. We weren’t there for more than a few hours when the power went out in the neighborhood.

My husband called the electric company and was told it would take a couple of hours for the grid (or whatever you call it) to come back on, so we went out and got a bite to eat.

When we came home, the electricity was still out, and it was getting dark. My legs were swollen, but I couldn’t use my sequential compression device. I was hot and sweaty, and exhausted. After a long travel day, I only wanted to shower, check my email, and go to bed. The house was sweltering hot, and I realized I wouldn't be able to get any sleep. I knew it was vital for me to be rested. So, I called the nearest Best Western and got a room for the night. I had a stress-free sleep, showered, and woke up refreshed. Ah, bliss!

The next day, I went to her office. I introduced myself and gave them a nice card with a box of See’s Candies. For Dr. Herbst, a small bouquet of flowers and also a card for her. I told her how grateful I was for her diagnosing me with Lipedema and for all the work she does for our disease. Without her, we would be so far behind where we are now. My husband also wrote a little note on the card thanking her.