When cancer weaves its way into one’s life, the impacts can be significant. After working in the health car business for 23 years, I was neglectful of my health. I change my perspective after a cranky heart let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I am a piss-poor model for proactive healthcare advocate. I scheduled a quick trip to Tucson, AZ, to assist my mother with some financial matters. The journey from Ohare International to Tucson Internal began with hastily packing on Friday. I went to the American Airlines terminal at Ohare, would spend several hours flying, and get dumped off in Tucson. My mother would pick me; I’d deal with some financial matters, complete her 2023 taxes, laugh and joke for a few days, and return to Chicago.
Everything was on track until I went to use Ohare’s Admirals Club. There was no issue with getting in. “Club Card, Mr. UB?” I swiped, and I heard the ‘beep’. In I went. Did I notice the shoulder blade pain from left to right, then right to left while walking the terminal? Sure. It’s the same pain I experienced hundreds of times. ‘Attributed to osteoarthritis’ or ‘no problems now,’ my doctors would always claim. I decided to enter the bathroom. The stall was spacious and clean. The left side chest pain was immediate and sudden. Usually, when such pain occurs, the pain lasts five seconds at most. It didn’t.
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