I've got some good news and I've got some bad news for you. Which would you like to hear first?
The good news of course, I responded.
Well, your blood test results indicate your MCL is stable, and has been for the last 3 years, plus according to your latest CT scan, while your spleen has increased in size from 19 cm in '09, to 22 cm today, all your other organs look mostly "unremarkable".
Pretty good news, I thought to myself. So what's the bad news then, I asked?
Well, according to that same CT scan, you're exhibiting bibasilar atelectasis, ................... and coronary calcifications.
So, it's much more likely you're going to die from a myocardial infarction rather than your Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
Oh, and BTW, I'm referring you for an EKG stress test.
Now if that's not enough to burst anyone's bubble, I don't know what is.
I knew I never should have complained about that pain in my back. All I seemed to have gained from it, is something new to worry about. I think I might have been a lot better off not knowing all that extra information. :(
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On another non-health related note, I was terribly disappointed that you and Aunt Edie weren't at Mark and Lauren's Saturday!
Oh, and BTW, you need to get health insurance!
I need health insurance, but can't afford it. Obama's plan doesn't go into effect until July 2014, so I have to stay healthy until then! I have to assume by then, the coverage offered will be affordable enough to at least allow for me to get the diagnosis (if there were one). Then I could decide on treatment. Now? I had to walk on a badly sprained foot because I made $100/yr. over the poverty limit.
All I can do is eat right, exercise, keep the blood pressure under control, and stay optimistic. I am so glad about Obamacare.