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Friends gave me good advice; friends gave me bad advice - that “miracle” cholesterol-reducing drug with a fatal track record during safety tests. At my age I know several surgery survivors - stomach, testicular and pancreatic cancer, one recovered from heart valve surgery, and I began to discover what good luck - I had only a heart problem, actually only an artery problem. The heart - if I wait too long.
Bolstered with survival stories, and friends who kept moving the cheese, I inched my way forward. Doctor Lubing was supportive of my need to think it through. I’ve known and respected him for 20 years but I could feel instant relief soar through my body when he accepted my doubts about urgency. And encouraged me to get a second opinion, but “don’t wait six months,” he advised.
Barb Harkness, a friend, and a family practice doctor, recommended James Leibsohn, a colleague and mentor (they met during her medical education). He and First Cardiologist worked together earlier. Their professional clash helped me make a choice but it also opened wider the door to my responsibility.
Next: A Best Choice Emerges
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