DOCTORING

I had a doctor's appointment this Morning with a cardiologist, this was to follow-up on the atrial fibrillation that was caused by the radiation. I didn't think I would make it. Last Night the forecast, for this Morning, was for -31F temps. They were right it was that cold this Morning and the wind chill was about -50. However, it was bright and Sunny, I called first to make sure the doctor was in and I decided to go. I was surprised at the number of people who showed up for their appointments. There seemed to be as many people as usual.

I love my cardiologist. She was willing to discuss and argue with me about the benefit of continuing on heart medication. She was convincing. She pointed out that I am one who is asymptomatic [which means I am not aware of it] when I go into atrial fibrillation and I could have a stroke if I am not taking a blood thinner. She agreed with my protesting arguments but still felt that the medication was warranted. I asked her if I was her Grandfather would she recommend it she said, “In that case I would have some power and I would force him to do it.” I have a very good feeling about her and feel very fortunate to have such competent, dedicated people caring for me. I had an echo-cardiogram a couple weeks ago and an EKG this Morning. Everything checks out and I don't have to see her again for six months.

Unless there is some flare up this extraordinary doctoring is over. Last week my oncologist said I would not need to check in for another six months if my PET scan scheduled for the end of February is clear. Let's hope it is.

It is hard to believe this eight months of doctoring is coming to a close. I have yet to assimilate all that I have learned. I was one who sought out medical assistance only a handful of times in my life and I never imagined I would have a need to. I was hospitalized twice with A-fib and had fifteen weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Everybody I dealt with had my best interest in mind. The staff, from the doctors to the house cleaners, were wonderful. Their competence and dedication was outstanding and the love I felt from most of them was so comforting and reassuring. This was true of the hospital staff as well as the technicians who supervised the radiation. I felt loved by these people.

I have a great deal of criticism for how we provide and don't provide medical care in this Country, but I have nothing but praise for the people who actually provide the hands-on care. I am a nobody, who is just lucky enough, to have good insurance. Everybody deserves to have the same quality of care that I received. Everybody, that means everybody, no exceptions. We can not consider ourselves a civilized country until we have the same quality medical care for all.

Love and Peace, Gregg