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A few quick thoughts

I had a few moments, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts that were on my mind this morning (for whatever reason), as I contemplated the ten years since my diagnosis with MCL.

How is it possible I've managed to survive all this time without ever having received any treatment, and so many others have not? Am I so unique? Are there others who have gone as long or longer? I sure would like to know.

Everybody has good moments and bad moments, but it's the ability to learn from those bad moments, and not dwell on them, that separates greatness from not so great.

And finally, with all the talk about the Supreme Courts deliberations over the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), I was wondering. Why is it unconstitutional to force people to purchase health insurance, yet not unconstitutional to force health care providers to provide free health care to individuals in cases of emergency (reference the EMTALA)? Is it because emergency room care isn't health care, as someone recently told me?

Sorry! But you should all should know by now I can't resist the occasional political rant. I just find that not as easy to walk away from as I would hope. :)

 
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GINGER SANFORD said…
Just wanted to comment - I was fortunate to go 4 1/2 years after diagnosis before needing treatment.. My PET scans showed no uptake in the enlarged nodes but I was getting weaker and weaker and unable to eat very much A biopsy was performed on one node and it came back possitive for MCL My Doctor said I probably had "one of those" that flies under the radar.. I just finished six rounds of CHOP-R on March 13 and am feelinig really good. My PET/CT on Feb 10 and my FISH test at the same time showed no involvement Best of luck to you.
12:32 AM
Marc said…
Thanks Ginger. I know I spend most of my time and effort trying not to think about my MCL, but that's because I only focus on the bad things when I do. So it's always good to hear of the positive experiences of others for a change.

Glad you're doing good!
2:51 AM
Stephen Joyce said…
Marc

First, big congratulations. You are a personal inspiration and give me hope for the future.

I am astonished at the callousness of the US health care system (given my limited knowledge). Even Obamacare would get nowhere in Britain. It would be seen as far too right wing. The National Health Service in Britain is like a religion. It's the only thing 60m people collectively agree on and believe in. When I return home I won't be able to get private care so I'll be using it to the full - having paid my dues for over 20 years I may add.

I just had a scan - 12 months since I finished chemo - and like Ginger, mine's all clear. We continue...

Best
Stephen
1:01 PM
Marc said…
I know, it boggles the mind. Doesn't it?

As a foreigner you can't possibly understand. The US is the greatest [most powerful] nation in the world, and we didn't get that way by appeasement or showing weakness [compassion]. In the jungle, it's called survival of the fittest. In the US, we call it compassionate conservatism. :)

Anywaze, best wishes, and I enjoy your blog
8:40 PM
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