What's Up, Doc?

I went for one of my regular visits to my optometrist. I see special ophthalmologists too, due to the damage to my cornea that occurred in the hospital, but I wanted my long-time optometrist to be in charge of my overall eye care. During the examination another doctor sat in to observe. I asked if he was training. Dr. Monetta said, “No, but this is an interesting case so I wanted him to observe.” I said, “Yeah, I get that a lot!”

An interesting case? I think we can all agree that the last thing any of us want to be at a doctor’s office is an interesting case! Navigating through a world where negative is good, positive is bad, and to be remarkable can have dire consequences is challenging. My recent MRI scans showed no recurrence of my tumor. They were negative and unremarkable. I think I’d rather be interesting than negative and unremarkable!

My neurosurgeon called me himself to tell me how happy he was with the results.  From his point of view, a review of my case looks great: I’m living independently, working, driving, eating, and walking. Doctors have told me that I’m doing really well with my limited abilities. I’ve learned to compensate and “make do.” When they start talking like that, I know they’ve given up the search for new treatments to improve my condition. Yes, I’m functioning, but deep in my heart I know that I can’t function like this long-term. I will continue to live my life whole-heartedly (I’m too stubborn to do otherwise) but I will also push my doctors into exploring new treatments to enhance my recovery.