A Good Medical Story{Off Topic}

[Guest guest]

E-Greetings: Periodically I receive positive stories. Here is a

medical story about both bad and good medical people. I sincerely hope

each of you enjoys it.

Keeping the Darkness Away Story Editor:

by The Survivor Jack

USA

In February 2005, at age 50, I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Stage

3C. The symptoms of this cancer, I later learned, are called " whispers. "

I had been to two different doctors who diagnosed entirely different

problems. The first one said I had ulcers, while the next one said it

was Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

All I knew was how horrible I felt. I was unable to eat or drink more

than a swallow or two. I slept sitting up so I could breathe. My abdomen

was so distended I couldn't wear any underwear. All in all, I was

totally miserable.

Finally, on a Wednesday morning, my husband helped me into the car and

took me to the emergency room. The first question they asked was why

hadn't I gone to the doctor.

I had to explain myself over and over. The first doctor had diagnosed

ulcers while standing in the doorway, given me sample medications and

sent me home. The second doctor made a cursory examination, told me to

eat lots of fiber and prescribed several new drugs.

Because I have Parkinson's disease, I'm extremely cautious about taking

new drugs. When I questioned him, the second doctor actually yelled at

me and told me that he knew what he was doing. Then he told me I was

obviously a hypochondriac and should stop wasting his time.

I must have told this story 10 times as different people came in and

asked me to again relate what had happened. Several tests later, as the

day faded into evening, the results of my CT scan came back.

The nurse knelt on the floor by my bed, holding my hands. Tears streamed

down his face as they told me it was cancer.

They scheduled me for surgery on Monday, the soonest that the

gynecologic oncologist could get there. Finally, I found myself alone in

a room. Frightened, very sick, dehydrated and weak, I wondered whether I

would survive.

My story had spread through the hospital, and as I lay in darkness that

night, alone and afraid, the most amazing thing happened. Soon a doctor

came in, held my hand and talked quietly of survival and of how good

life is.

When that doctor had to go, a nurse took his place for a half hour of

quiet reflection. Then a pastor prayed with me through a lonely hour

until another doctor took his place and just sat quietly while I dozed.

I was never alone all that night. Every time I awoke I found someone

quietly waiting with me, keeping the darkness away.

As of today I am cancer free, and hope I will stay that way. I will

never forget those busy doctors, nurses and many other professionals who

took time to sit by my bedside and to try in their own way to take away

my fears.

Morning brought more than just daylight. It brought me peace.

Be Blessed

Darwent

Moderator, Chronic Pain

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These are my three treasures,

Compassion, Frugality, & Humility.

Being Compassionate one has Courage,

Being Frugal one has Abundance.

Being Humble one becomes the chief of all vessels.

~~Lao Tzu~~

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