Written by I remember Apr twelve, 1999 like it was yesterday. My new family doctor called and announced, “I need you to come in for another blood test. I found something and I want to be sure. ”
Let me clarify – for me, this ‘new’ general practitioner was really the 1st doctor I had seen since my move to Toronto from the US in 1981, completely sixteen years before. I didn’t feel any need to see a doctor. The real reason I made this appointment was because my pa requested it. Allegedly his doctor found something in him that may be genetically passed down to his boys. So my two siblings and I dutifully trotted off to consult a medical practitioner if only to put our dad’s mind at rest.
When You see a physician It’s Either good news or Bad News
Just a day after submitting my second blood test, Dr. Kerlow called again and said, “The results have been confirmed. I need you to come in so we can chat about the implications. It’s urgent. Are you able to come in this afternoon? ”
Now I’m not one to fret, but these words from Dr. Kerlow sure aroused my curiosity. At age forty five, I prided myself on being in better shape than plenty of men my age. In reality most of the people sometimes guessed my age to be in the low 30′s. Come on now, there was no reason for me to fret. And the way that I was feeling, certainly I did not have to see a medical expert.
When I turned up at my appointment, Dr. Kerlow greeted me with a warm, friendly smile. Yet I could sense a gravity in his gaze, just about as if he wished he did not have to supply this message. He began, “I have good news for you. We did the screening and you can tell your pop that he hasn’t got to worry. ”
“However… ” he continued.
The period between that word and the following seemed interminable. Indeed, it was a moment frozen in perpetuity.
“both of your blood tests realize that you have CLL – persistent Lymphocytic Leukemia. From the looks of things, you have had it for a while now because it has advanced into what we call stage two… ”
For the following 15 mins or so , Dr. Kerlow explained the meaning of my blood test results. He discussed the prognosis, citing varied statistics of other people with my same condition. He concluded with a recommended plan of action, inspiring me to return home and talk it over with my folks before taking another step.
Your Life May Change When You consult a medical expert
My life truly changed the day I took my dad’s recommendation to consult a medical expert. As is generally the case, I went thru all the gears, from disbelief to denial, resentment to acknowledgment. Today, almost eleven years after, I am glad to report that the CLL is in hand. In reality my white blood cell counts are actually improving, much to my oncologist’s surprise.
I still consult a doctor – two, in fact , Dr. Kerlow and Dr. Chiarotto, my oncologist – on a regular basis. While my health is generally good, there remains some insignificant issues. My spouse Maggie would like me to see a doctor whenever any tiny thing comes up. I resist.
And that is the point of my sharing this story with you today. Why don’t folk would like to see a doctor on a more regular basis, particularly if there are symptoms that might indicate larger underlying issues? There are several qualified Louisville doctors, doctors in Newark and doctors in Norfolk that can help you out.
