That is what the latest doctor I saw told me. I almost expected him to follow that comment up with "But we'll take care of that." It's true, I look at the other patients in the doctor's offices and compared to most of them I DO NOT look like I have cancer, but that is in no way because of anything the doctors have done. On the contrary, it is in spite of what the doctors have done, or NOT done, as the case may be. I have no doubt that I came through the chemo and radiation as well as I did because I took the time to do the research to find out what I could do to MAKE sure I had few or no side affects and as little damage as possible. Doctors don't seem to want to hear that. They won't tell you about what you can do to make things go better, and they won't ask you what you did to come through it so well. As a matter of fact, they will quickly cut you off if you even try to tell them! Does that make any sense? You try to impart information that MAY be helpful to their other patients, and they don't want to hear it!!! They are so limited in their thinking and training that anything outside the box is verboten to them. What is now so frustrating to me is that they have this "cookie cutter" approach to every patient that does not factor in the things that the patient is doing to positively impact his own treatment. They won't even consider that maybe one patient can tolerate something different, or has a chance with an alternative treatment. They only know how to deal with worst case scenarios, and they act and operate accordingly. This is not the quality of health care we expect, need, or deserve in this country. It is expedient, it is profit-driven, and it is unacceptable. As an example, I am REQUIRED to go in to have a "consultation" with the doctor who is supposed to do my next test. I will likely never see him again after the test, the test is for a specific reason, and he is the only local doctor who can do it. But I have to have the consultation before they will even schedule the test I NEED. I challenged the person who told me this and was told "It's our policy." Any idea why folks? Well here's a thought - it's to pad the bill to my insurance company and to me. Two co-pays and two doctor bills for what could be accomplished in one visit. Makes you wonder - do they really want to cure cancer, or just find more ways to make money from it?

• Hippocratic Oath—Classical Version
• Hippocratic Oath—Modern Version

All I can say to the medical professionals out there is - pick one and live by it.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support, prayers, good humor and friendship. You are blessed and I love you all.