Author: Oscar Wilde
Cherisse is gone back to Fredricton for her second year at St. Thomas, Ashtin is starting grade 10. Time for me to make a decision regarding my health. I mean really, "How bad can it be since I haven't gotten any sicker." No better, mind you, but no worse either. So I take a deep breathe and pick up the phone, dial the medical center, and then, I quickly hang up. What the hell? " I'm such a wimp" This I know, but it still takes me another four tries with a little pep talk in between. Finally, I succeed the appointment is made.
The day had arrived for my appointment. The doctor and I chat for what seems like a long time. I find myself telling her all my fears about Cancer. She tells me all the reasons why it's better to know as early as possible. The percentages of early detection ...blah,blah,blah... I know all this. So she sets me up for blood work and a chest x-ray.
The next week goes by in a blur. Then the phone rings and it's the doctors' office. My heart is in my throat, the test results are back and the doctor would like to see me tomorrow....My worse fear has happened, Oh God, what do I do next.
I arrived for my appointment with knees knocking, so dammed scared and can't even talk. I give the doctor my very best fake smile, forever trying to look strong. She has good news and bad news. Good news I don't have Cancer...Whew!! that was such a huge relief, not even sure how much of the bad news I took in until my drive home. She scheduled another appointment for the following week. Dancing the happy dance out to the car. Driving home, words start entering my head; COPD, need to quit smoking, no cure, if I quit smoking now it won't get any worse. What the hey, it's not cancer. Hell, my dad had COPD and he lived into his 70's!!!!
What is COPD?
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a long-term lung disease often caused by smoking.
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both bronchitis and emphysema.
what do you say to people, like myself, who smoke?
ReplyDeleteI'd say it all depends on your age. If you are in your teens or twenties then quit, it's not worth the risk. If your in you late 40's or older and you have no signs such as the habit of clearing your throat, coughing,absolutely no heart or circulatory problems and still have lots of energy than do as you wish, cause some people can smoke until their 95 and have no problems, mind you a very small percent.
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