Grandpa,
I have cancer. It is not a life-threatening kind and can be cured. My problem is that my general practitioner does not agree with the treatment plan that my oncologist has me on. She is giving me advice about what to tell the other doctor. I am not comfortable telling a specialist that a GP is ridiculing her work. I have asked that both professionals meet to go over my case together. So far that has not happened. The frustration of this incompatibility is more stressful than the cancer and the treatment combined.
Grandpa says: First, never dismiss the gravity of cancer. All cancer can evolve into a life-threatening situation. I believe what you mean is that your case was caught in stages early enough to be treated successfully.
I am going out on a limb here; I suspect both professionals are paid by the same insurance company. Contact the customer service office of your insurance carrier and ask for a third party professional review of your case. Each doctor would submit their records of your case to an independent third doctor who would evaluate the treatment and report back to the carrier. This takes you out of the middle while keeping you the focus. Your GP might have some insight into your medical history that the specialist does not have. The important thing is to keep all parties fully informed of every aspect of your health and history. May your healing be swift and painless.
Grandpa,
This tears it! You have no concept of how angry I am right now. It is 3:15 a.m.. My neighbor is sitting in his big pick up truck revving up the engine. He has a very loud exhaust system. He is a Jack (the original word used here was not “rabbit”). I called the police about 20 minutes ago and am still waiting for them to get here. I want to go over there with a bat and (Grandpa will replace the graphic language with the phrase “commit violent felonies”).
Grandpa says: We get the point. I need not publish the rest of your rants about the ongoing feud between you two. I suggest you forget about physically hurting your neighbor. There is no restitution you can be ordered to pay that would undo physical harm to a person.
Although I never condone physical violence, I can see where there may be some positive repercussions for you. If you do commit your suggested acts of violence against his property, you will have a great opportunity to take anger management classes while sitting in your prison cell. Think of all the benefits you will reap! You won’t have to get up for work for the next three to seven years. You can lounge around all day and count the cinderblocks that make up the walls of your cell. You like soy? You will love prison food. You will be ordered to pay restitution. You can’t afford to pay? You go back to jail. Think before you do something stupid.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, 314 N. Lake Street, Suite 2, Aurora, IL 60506 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.