Karma sucks
Karma sucks. So does cancer. I commented on that condition back in January. So, when I saw that former Resident Brandon had prostate cancer, there was no surprise. He’s more than old enough for it. But then they said that it was a Stage 4 (same as mine,) a Gleason score of 9 (mine was an 8) and it had already metastasized to the bone my response was “BullSchiff!”
Some perhaps uncomfortable information and history follows; I will use my usual decorum to describe it.
My first experience with prostate cancer began in 1998, when my father was diagnosed. His diagnosis was almost by accident. As he was about to leave from his annual physical his Dr suggested he get a “finger wave”. (Men and women know about this. The sound of a latex glove snapping on a hand can bring some men to the point of trembling.) His PSA was normal, so why bother. That’s the thing about the prostate. It doesn’t take much to piss it off. A simple benign infection can cause an increased PSA (got the t-shirt.) But he did it anyway and the Dr discovered that his cancer had already broken the capsule. NOT good news. Surgery wasn’t an option (nor with mine) so radiation was prescribed. Some cancers don’t raise the PSA. His didn’t, at least until his metastasized.
Note to males over 50: every year – EVERY YEAR – get a finger wave and a PSA score.
In Resident Brandon’s case, someone screwed up. It takes a long time for prostate cancer to metastasize to the bone. Did the regime’s DEI hire policy dictate that the “appropriate” physicians (not the most qualified) perform all the necessary exams? As commander in chief his medical services are performed at Walter Reed Medical Center. What does this say about the care prescribed and delivered there?
We are each responsible for our own healthcare; we rely on professionals to provide guidance and intelligent directions. Granted, Brandon wasn’t sufficiently cognitive to do so. But what about “Dr.” Jill? One would think that she would be most aggressive in seeing that his medical needs were absolutely fulfilled with top notch treatments and diagnosis. I support my spouse; she supports me.
So, did karma bite Brandon in the butt? Did the regime’s penchant for DEI turn around like a napping DEI ATC hire? I have empathy for Brandon; we share a diagnosis. One major difference is that I was anticipating it and caught mine very early. His road will be a lot tougher. Surgery is unlikely, unless he’s already wearing diaper anyway. Once it gets to the bone, it’s harder to treat. Hormone therapy may slow it down, but I’d be shocked if it slows it down much.
While I have empathy for him, I have no sympathy. If it is indeed karma, well, tough. If it isn’t, he’s still a crook and a jerk.
Sometimes life sucks as well.
ciao,
The Snark