H.O.P.E.: How to slay a dragon’s little brother — Part 5

Part 1: The beginning

Part 2: H – Humor.

Part 3: O – Opportunity to Serve

Part 4: P — Physical Well-Being

Part 5: E – Education

The knight stepped out the door and onto the castle courtyard’s jogging track. He quickly picked up his pace and both Fear and the Fairy Godfather struggled to stay with him.  “C’mon Fairyboy.”  The Fairy Godfather winced at the nickname and at having to fly to keep up with the now mobile knight.

“So what’s next, Fairyboy?  The letter E — Elephant?  Electricity?  Earwax?

The winded Fairy wheezed, “Education.”

“That is short.  What do I need to become educated about? French?  Chess?  Chinese Checkers?” said the knight sarcastically.

“No, you need to learn all you can about your situation.  Know your disease.  Be able to carry on a conversation with your doctor.”

“Why?” said the knight.

“Don’t you think if you know what you’re doctor is saying, it will reduce your stress?  For example, a man is diagnosed with melanoma in situ — doesn’t that sound absolutely dire?  It does have melanoma in its name.  But it’s 100% curable. The melanoma is still in the radial phase and hasn’t started going vertical.  It can be cut out with a simple surgical procedure.  But if you didn’t know what ‘in situ’ meant (in place), you’d think it was Latin for ‘buy coffin.’ Knowledge is power.  You don’t have to go to John Hopkins Medical school — but try to learn a little about your situation.”

The knight stopped. Fear came up from behind, panting.  “I remember when I was diagnosed.  The doctor sounded like Charlie Brown’s parents.  Wa Wa Waa Wa Wa Cancer Wa Wa Wa.  I didn’t understand a word he said.  Well, except one.”

The Fairy Godfather nodded. “Did you have someone in the room with you taking notes?”

“No. I guess that was my first mistake,” shrugged the knight.

“Doctors are people just like you. They have families, lives, schedules.  They have gone through years of amazing medical training.  But they may or may not have great people skills. Help them out.  Learn a few words of their language.  And if you can ask her (or him) intelligent questions about your disease, then that will improve your odds of being able to get the right treatment. Educate yourself. Take charge of your care.  Help the doctor heal you.”

When the Fairy Godfather stopped talking, the knight rubbed his temples and looked at him.  “So doctor’s aren’t gods?

The Fairy Godfather laughed, ” No.  They’re doctors. Like I said, they’re people just like us — well, just in your case, they’re much, much smarter.” The knight shot a dirty look at the Fairy who continued,” They’re highly trained and can help you.  You just need to help them help you. And you can do that by doing your homework.  Learn. Check out if there is any advocacy groups for your disease. They’re good sources of quality information.”

“You mean you can’t trust everything you read on the Internet?” quipped the knight.

The Fairy continued, “check out the bookstore. And yes, you can use the Internet to find information.  And don’t be afraid to ask your doctor where you can find information, too.  I promise you, knowledge is a great anti-anxiety drug.”

Fear threw up in the bushes. All this talk of anti-anxiety was making him ill.

“I think your friend is getting sick of you.” smiled the Fairy Godfather.  The knight started walking even faster.  Fear was getting weaker and weaker.

Click here for the conclusion.

©2011 Marshall Ramsey.