Other Plans by Constance C. Greene

Author:Constance C. Greene
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781497693777
Publisher: Open Road Distribution

15

“Of course, Mr. Hollander,” and the doctor’s eyelid twitched rhythmically, “you must feel free to consult another doctor. Get another opinion. Or several, if you like. We believe that second and third opinions, in a case like yours, are a good idea.”

The air in the room was suffocating. “In a case of this sort,” the doctor’s voice seemed to deepen, gain momentum, “it’s best to explore all possibilities, all options. There should be no doubt whatever in your mind as to what the proper procedure should be. As to the proper steps to be taken, that is. I want your complete confidence. It’s important to have that between patient and doctor.”

There was a ringing in his ears. He swallowed hard and shook his head to clear it.

“The X-rays show a mass in the abdomen, Mr. Hollander, as I said. It’s hard to know what we’ll find until we go inside and have a look around.”

He wanted to shout, “You’re talking about my insides, goddam it! You’re not talking about spelunking. What are you, a real estate agent!” He heard Ed say, “They said they’d know more after they take a look inside.” It was like a real estate agent. Go ahead. Feel free to look around, see what’s what. This is your gallbladder, this your pancreas. Nice location. If there’s something you don’t like, why, we’ll just eliminate it, cut to fit. We aim to please.

“As far as the liver goes,” the doctor’s voice was inexorable, “the tests show some damage. We’ll do a biopsy. That’s the usual procedure. But perhaps you have another doctor you’d like to consult. Before we proceed.” The doctor fixed him with a stern glance, waiting for some feedback.

“If the liver is cancerous,” he said. “If my liver is cancerous,” he corrected himself, showing the doctor he was facing reality, “if it’s cancerous, then that’s it. Nothing can be done. Is that correct?”

The doctor’s gaze shifted to a point just over his shoulder. “Usually this is the case, yes, Mr. Hollander.”

“I mean, if the liver is cancerous,” he knew he was saying it again but he couldn’t seem to stop, “there is no hope. Is that about it?” Perspiration slid from his armpits down his sides, where his belt made it captive.

The doctor lowered his head, thinking this over. “That is true,” he said, without inflection. “But we don’t know for sure, we’re not absolutely positive that this is so. The biopsy will tell us more.”

“I understand they do lots of things these days with diet,” he said.

“Diet?”

“I read a magazine piece not long ago telling of wonderful cures for cancer brought about by diet, a change in diet. By eating certain foods in quantity and eliminating others. Some man who had been told he had only a short time to live cured himself by changing his diet drastically. Did it on his own, too. No medical advice was involved.” He liked saying that. “And now,” he sat up very straight and put his hands on the edge of the doctor’s desk, “now that man is hale and hearty.

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