Thirty Fifth

My brother has been feeing poorly for some time.  He has been to the doctor, specialists, whatever-ologists and done all they asked.

Four weeks ago he collapsed.  And spent two and a half weeks in the hospital, and was sent home to recover from the hospital, and went back in today to have a biopsy.

Cancer, of course.  Don't know what kind yet, but cancer nonetheless. Cancer that has been growing undetected for at least a few years.  Undetected partly because doctors do not listen when clients tell them that they don't "feel right".  "You're fine", they say after any given test.  "You're fine."  No need to look at the whole picture, listen to the client and keep probing.

I expect to hear bad news about my really old parents.  I don't expect it about my brothers.  My big brothers are invincible.  They can do anything.  I mean that sincerely, because it's true.

Goddammit.  Goddammit.