I have cancer. Prostate cancer. I was diagnosed three weeks ago. It can happen, especially with a 57-year-old (or only) man. I try to give it a place. Some days it works better than others. This is how life goes.
There is, after various investigations, a “treatment plan”. The prostate and surrounding lymph nodes should be removed.
I consider myself lucky because I live in Belgium and not in India or America. Our healthcare is global and will not go bankrupt. The government has a lot of money left over for my health and I’m very grateful for that.
Doctors who treat me, I have only very positive experiences with them.
The operation is urgent, as is the case with life-threatening diseases.
Today I was told that surgery might not be possible until January at the earliest. Since the previous corona wave, there is still a “catch-up”. Agendas are fully booked, perhaps with patients for whom it is more urgent. Understandably, I am no more important than the other patients waiting their turn.
The fourth aura wave made the situation even more dangerous.
I heard that half of the COVID-19 patients in intensive care have not been vaccinated. 50 percent of the beds available in intensive care are occupied by a minority of 10 percent of the population. This is an objective and statistically proven fact.
That’s why I have a question for all who haven’t been vaccinated or aren’t planning to. Do you realize that you are part of a group responsible for delaying my treatment and treating countless other patients? And do you realize that – sorry for the drama – this might be a matter of life and death for me and them?
sincerely
Chris Van den Abel
“Total coffee specialist. Hardcore reader. Incurable music scholar. Web guru. Freelance troublemaker. Problem solver. Travel trailblazer.”
More Stories
Thai Air Force wants Swedish Gripen 39 fighter jets
Ageas surprises with higher operating result
Horse Palace in Belt for sale