My Mother waited to long to have her stomach pain checked. She died a year after. My Dad had prostrate problem, the Doctors used radiation, they had it under control. He was told to have it checked in one year – he did not. He died shortly after. I lost my wife to cancer in 1994. After they found a dark mass she was told to go for a checkup – she waited to long. After hearing the bad news her words were, “You mean I’m a gonna”. (NY slang)

Included in my health plan I have primary doctor; His job is to OK my request to visit a specialist. When I find that he is hesitating I fire him. Fire him is the term that my friend uses – 20 years ago he was told that he had 10% chance to live. So he fired him and he is still with us today.

I do not live in fear, but I will not play the game of denying what might be, the odds are too high.

Russ, I’m your senior, listen (Smile) --- you are a precious human being.

John C.