A Second Opinion

The doctors leaned forward and lowered their voices. They looked him straight in the eye with genuine concern. "Mr Brandrick", they said, "we have very bad news indeed. Cancer of the pancreas. Far too advanced for any treatment. In twelve months you will be dead".

Weaker men might have broken down. But John Brandrick didn't despair or waste time weeping. The Brandricks are proud and practical Cornishmen from the far South West of England. The family motto is - make the best of what there is.

So John gave up his job at once and stopped paying the mortgage on his house. What was the point of a regular income and fiscal rectitude now the grim reaper was heading his way? And who needs a roof over your head when you're already bound for the close comfort of a lined casket?

John's life savings suddenly seemed irrelevant. He was sixty two. The doctors said he would never see 63. The generous Mr Brandrick gave most of his money away and almost all his clothes. Just one smart suit, shirt and tie were kept - in order to look his best for the hereafter.

He allowed himself a last luxury. To dine well in the finest restaurants with what remained of his cash. And then, strangely, he began to feel better. The doctors re-examined him and leaned forward once more, lowering their voices: "Mr Brandrick", they said, "We have good news this time. It wasn't cancer of the pancreas at all. It was plain old non-fatal pancreatitis. You will live".

And so he did. But he hasn't got any money, his friends and family have spent it all -- and the house he thought he'd never need has to be sold to pay his debts. John Brandrick is now suing the hospital for compensation. The moral of this medical cautionary tale - always get a second opinion before you do anything else.
By Ed Boyle