Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Second Opinion

A second opinion is a good thing. Having a clearer picture of what is happening in a situation is helpful. A fresh set of eyes that are caring and loving can deliver peace of mind like nothing else.

When living in West Virginia we became good friends with a man who was doctor. We connected on many levels because he was a Christian and from New York. His specialty was nephrology but he became our family doctor. He had a caring bedside manner and prophetic giftings that aided him with diagnosing your ailments.

With all the different medical issues Tom had gone through lately we were getting frustrated that no one was looking at the big picture as a whole. He had trouble with his legs and the family doctor sent him to a cardiologist who wanted tests. The family doctor was looking for the cause but didn’t nothing for the symptoms. It’s taken over a month to get all the tests done and we still don’t have definitive answers. He also saw the oncologist who only wanted to treat the symptoms but not necessarily try to find out “why” this was happening.

Tom searched and found Dr. D, our friend. He was living in PA. He had us change our appointment to the last one of the day so that we can visit with him afterwards. We took all his records and he sat with us; looked over every test, did additional tests that were not done, called an oncologist friend to review that aspect of his health and gave us a clear, concise picture. He said what was being done was on track. He cleared his kidneys from any issues that may have arisen from chemotherapy. Right now, Tom is doing well. His legs still hurt but it will take time for it to heal. He will have maintenance treatments done in October and every 6 months for the next two years. His lymphoma is being monitored with these treatments and PET scans. I keep praying for total healing.

The four hour drive was well worth it. How many doctors you know spend over an hour and half with you in their office and then take you out to dinner. It was wonderful to see him and his children. We will continue to keep him informed of all that happens here so he can continue to keep an eye on Tom’s health.

A second opinion gave us peace of mind.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

17 comments:

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Dr Bill ROCKS!

Emcogneato said...

With all that is bad about health care these days, it's nice to hear you are able to see such a great doctor!

JEWELIA said...

Doesn't love and compassion just make all the difference!

Susan said...

How wonderful Nadine. The Body of Christ is so wonderful when they truly take on the character of Jesus. This man has.
Susan

Dawn said...

What a blessing! And isn't it great that technology allowed you to find him again??

chelle said...

How wonderful you could go to a friend and get the answers that you needed!

Amydeanne said...

you guys are really blessed to find a doctor like that. I had a good one for the first few years of becoming a mom; she was the best and helped me out on so many levels but moved and i've never felt like I've gotten the same treatment since!

SaraLynn said...

How wonderful to have friends liek that! You are blessed. I will continue to keep yo and your family in my prayers. Although I drop out of blogland, I do not forget you all!!
And your daughter is so pretty! You have a beautiful family
Take care

Knitting Mania said...

Bless your heart!

Thanks for the visit Nadine, and your sweet comment!

j said...

Amazing. God definitely puts people into our lives that will bless us and help us.

I'm glad to hear that Tom's treatment is right on track. I am praying with you for his complete healing.

Scarlet said...

That's a wonderful Doctor! I'm happy to hear he was thorough and took his time explaining everything to both of you...and then treating you to dinner! Wow! That's wonderful!!

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great Doctor friend. Just don't watch the movie "Awake" anytime soon ;)

a woman who is said...

Catching up here on your blog. Lovely to see Lisa looking so happy and gorgeous.

Glad for you and Tom to have such a great doctor to really give you the answers you needed. Standing in agreement with you for a complete healing.

Hmmm I somehow miss your Facebook comments I will have to go give it a looksee =)

United Studies said...

Wow...perhaps I should give this doctors name to my Grandma! I always think that doctors should dig deeper to find out WHY something is happening, and not just treat the symptoms. Otherwise, I believe you are just masking the problem, but it is still there. Then people end up on several different medications because one medication will cause side-effects, and blah.

Isn't it sad that your friend is an exception, rather than the rule?

palmtreefanatic said...

wow Nadine! wonderful Dr.! and dinner too?;) SWEET! Praise God, for such wonderful people God puts in our paths, and ability to find them!

Deb said...

That is wonderful news.
God can do some amazing things threw the right people!
Bless you guys!

Christina said...

I am so glad that you were able to find your friend, the doctor. What an awesome guy and you're right how often does a doctor take his patients out to eat.

I am praying for Tom's healing and I am praying for protection over your daughter. I hear there is supposed to be a vaccine by mid NOv. Let's hope so.