Second… & Third… & Fourth Opinions
They say that cancer patients should get a second opinion.
At this point in time, I have received six from both sides of the fence, medical and naturopathic. They have all agreed: “If you want to save your life, you need to do chemotherapy.”
If I keep searching, I wonder if I’ll find a doctor that will finally tell me what I want to hear: “Well, ma’am, in my professional opinion, I would go to the Bahamas, hit every hot tub and beach you can find, take obscene amounts of vitamins and freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and let the cancer float away on a big cloud of denial.”
As if chemotherapy isn’t hard enough to deal with (I said I’d never do it), it’s the opinions of every Tom, Dick, and Harry that is being even harder to take. Now, I know that people mean well and normally, I’m a bit more level-headed, but I have found myself recently wanting to scream at overweight people, smokers, and people who drink pop and eat Fruit Loops for breakfast: “If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked for it! When you lose 50-150 pounds and avoid diabetes, you come talk to me then! When you stop chain-smoking your way to lunch cancer, you can tell me what to do with my life!”
For now, I hope people can respect the decisions I make. It’s no secret that I have gone from beginning chemotherapy, deciding to quit chemotherapy, considering continuing chemotherapy, crying, crying, crying. Opinions, well-intentioned that they are, do not make my life any easier.
If, however, the next time you see me, you feel like telling me that I look great in a particular scarf, that opinion would be more than welcome.
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7 thoughts on “Second… & Third… & Fourth Opinions”
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I’m not even going to wait that long. Marie, you look great in that particular scarf, the one you’re wearing right now! :)
you go mama.
Every time I’m in a store I look for scarves that would look good on you. Old Navy has some new ones – You already have pink, what other color is good? How about a saucey RED?
Ooh, I like Carol’s idea! Saucy red! You should also listen to your inner biker babe–I see some Harley-Davidson motifs in your future. Gotta be badder than the Red Devil…
You look SMASHING in your scarf! We’re asked to put on the whole armor of God–yours just happens to be stylishly accessorized!
Praying for continued healing, continued encouragement, and fabulous headwear!
Wow! that was harsh. I can’t even imagine what you are going thru right now. These are such hard decisions. Will keep you and the doctors in our prayers.
Hi Maria,
My mom told me you had a webpage so I thought I’d check it out. So sorry to hear about all the struggles you are facing. It looks like you have a beautiful family and are surrounded by loving, supportive friends. That’s great! We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for that perfect, fabulous scarf!
So good to reconnect with you!
MaryRose
PS: You go by Marie now?
I am so frustrated with the nausea you’re going through. There should be no reason for that. I should know. Lol. My pre-meds work great. I never got sick from chemo. Hang in there. I’m sorry you’re going through this. =(