like a diamond ...: privilege

Monday, March 24, 2008

privilege

I am one of the world’s “privileged”.

Because I have health insurance, and because I live in a country where medical care is readily available, I discovered my cancers early. No expense was spared to properly diagnose and treat me. I have had the best doctors and care that could be given to me, anywhere in the world.

This is not the situation for most of the peoples of the world. I did nothing to “deserve” this privilege, it was merely an accident of my birth.

Had I not had this “privilege”, my cancers would have spread and I would not live to see my 60th birthday.

This thought humbles me. Healthcare should be available to everyone in the world, not just me. Why should I live, while others must die?

like a diamond ...

Before the mastectomy, I saw an MRI image of my invasive breast cancer on a computer screen. This was the day before they did the MRI-guided biopsy. There was nothing vague about it – it looked clear and defined, bright and shiny – like a diamond. When I saw it, I did not know that it was cancer, and I asked the Dr. what else it could be. Oh, a density of fibrous tissue or something, he said. All I knew was that it was different from everything around it, and I have come to trust that my breast cancer is, indeed, some kind of treasure.

Though I write honestly, and sometimes perhaps flippantly and cynically, about my experiences with breast cancer and the medical system, I mean no disrespect to the professionals who treat me. I am incredibly grateful for their knowledge and skills, their very hands(!) – and I am humbled by the way they dedicate their lives (and days and nights) to the health and care of our bodies (my body!). The personalities of my doctors and their assistants, with all of their human variations, truly do bless and charm me.