Hi, my name is Phil, my brother’s care provider;
The thought of being a care provider never entered my mind.
For my brothers and me, the band was our life. We started as kids. We have photos of us at age twelve and thirteen with our instruments hamming it up.
Over the course of fifty years, we made several recordings. Yes on vinyl remember that. We were on the local radio and TV. We also owned the most popular and least expensive recording studio in the area.
Like so many people, getting old and needing care wasn’t on the radar.
We never had lots of money, but we were happy doing what we loved. All the bills were paid. Then one night after a gig Brandon my brother said he felt exhausted. He was working a side job at the time, so this was understandable.
One night we were packing up the equipment he said he was too tired to help. No problem Bro was my reply. I did not think much of it at the time. But it did get me thinking. Brandon seemed tired a lot. After a few weeks, we decided to take him to the hospital to check it out.
The first doctor found nothing wrong and suspected alcohol or drug use.
Wow, that was a surprise. Sure we were musicians and all that. But we were never into drugs. Brandon drank only occasionally. So we went home. Brandon did not get any better.
Our next trip to the Dr. was a repeat of the first. We spoke with a different doctor this time. He also suggested drugs and or alcohol. We couldn’t believe it, not again. These doctors are full of it.
My girlfriend at the time was covered by Kaiser medical plan.
I accompanied her a few time, and the difference was dramatic. For one, we were seen within twenty minutes. When I took Brandon to the clinic (medical) the wait time was an hour and a half.
When we finally got seen a young woman in her twenties or early thirties came in. She asked us some questions and typed on her computer. Then I said, “Doc you got to do something.” Her reply floored me.
Oh, I’m not the doctor I’m a medical technician the doctor is much too busy to see every patient in person. We demanded to see the doctor. He came in and referred us to a medical. He stayed about 10 minutes.
The trip to the specialist was much different;
He was very relaxed and said we need to run some tests.
In the meant time here is a prescription for vitamins. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and get some exercise. The tests results would take about a month.
The next visit would prove to be the saddest day of my life, the news was bad. Brandon had lymphoma. The disease was in its final stage. Maybe five years to live. Next were more tests. More doctors appointments more medicine and chemotherapy. The Doctor said I was a good care provider
Brandon lost his hair. On our last appointment, the doctor said there is not much more I can do.
Five years later we still have him. He is still very sick, but he hasn’t gotten worse. We treasure each day we have him. Thanks for listening