When we deal with doctors, we should always view them as fallible human beings just like the rest of us. Arrogance and ego should have no place in medicine, but unfortunately, with some doctors it comes after years of practice.

One big question we should always ask any doctor
is “Why?” and then make them explain the all of the answers to us.

When my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, she
was given six months to live. My mother
asked the doctor why and he said six months was a
standard time they give most patients with her type of inoperable tumor. She told him
he was full of crap, went out and found a surgeon who was willing to try the surgery. My mother lived several years after the surgery.

Ask the questions. Make the doctors sit down and
explain their findings. Force them to look at
every option available. If they will not do it,
find someone who will.

Doctors are not perfect, and when they are dealing with advanced prostate cancer, they do not know many of the answers. They certainly do not have a crystal ball; all they can do is make a guess. They cannot possible know what treatments will become available in the next few years that might extend our lives, or maybe conquer the beast.

Joel T Nowak MA, MSW