Valonia Silverfoot
Behind the scenes plans were being made in preparation for the operation, an operation on my brain which had little to no chance of success even if performed by the world's most skilled Neurosurgeon, it is not that I knew this at the time but this person certainly wasn't available to operate, but neither did I know her name was Valonia Silverfoot. Neurological surgery was in her family's blood, for generations Silverfoot's had been taken from this world by similar incurable brain tumours. She came from an extensive line of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and researchers who had dedicated their lives to fighting this disease, which was considered a family curse. Unknown to me the consultant on my case had decided to send a message to her explaining that they were treating a patient with the same Silverfoot surname, for a brain tumour, seeking her advice on a suitable surgeon. He got the surprise of his life when she replied to the message within the hour asking him if he could supply her with a full copy of the patient's case notes. This of course was something that without my permission was not possible as she was beyond the boundaries of his health service. It was my turn to be surprised when the consultant arrived at my bedside unannounced and with haste explained what had happened, my permission was given without hesitation, and in response, he was off like a shot to send her my case notes without delay.
It was only during the review of my case notes that Valonia discovered I was registered as a John Doe whose only memory was his name, but she was more than a surgeon, she was a student of her family line and therefore well-informed of her family's history and aware that only one Silverfoot child had been reported missing, back in the early 1800s, but she was undeterred considering it another family mystery that needed resolution. Within a day she had fully absorbed all she could from my consultant's case notes and quickly decided she would cross the ocean to see and talk with this man, knowing that whatever the outcome he was desperately in need of her help. She contacted my surgeon directly and informed him of her plans to fly in and visit Dando Silverfoot at his bedside and was prepared to perform whatever procedure was needed at zero cost, so there was no worry that her services would exceed the hospital's budget. He could not thank her enough and found it difficult to hide his surprise and amazement at how humble a person she remained throughout their lengthy video call. Before their face-to-face ended she made one final request, I would like you to arrange for another complete set of blood works to be performed so that the results are available on my arrival, and he let her know that it was the least he could do.
The good news was that Valonia was in the middle of a sabbatical and therefore had no existing commitments to navigate and was able to leave home at the drop of a hat and in a matter of a few days this almost motherly woman was sat at the side of my bed, and we had a lengthy conversation. Much to my surprise, she told me I was a remarkable man and explained why, she told me I had a remarkable, if not a unique immune system, although it contains evidence of a wide range of diseases, infections and viruses from around the world it can protect you from the effects of all forms of communicable diseases. But sadly, it has limitations it cannot protect you from genetic disorders which are hard-wired into your DNA, such as invasive cancer. And just like my consultant before her, she was completely honest and made it clear she was not a provider of false promises, but it was clear she was delighted that my name was Silverfoot. And because of our common family health issue, she went to great lengths to explain her family history and how it had led her and many other members of her family, both past and present into this field of medical science. Valonia explained how following years of practice and research the afflicted members of her family and many other patients around the world were now able to look forward to a normal life. However, her prognosis for me was not so good and made a point of expressing concern that a man of my age had gone so long with an undiagnosed tumour, as it was now customary practice for people in their late 50s or early 60s who were suffering from similar symptoms to be routinely sent for spinal and brain scans as a matter of urgency.
YOU ARE READING
I'm Dreaming of a Bald Christmas
Short StoryThis is a challenge that tells of a time when Santa Claus contracts cancer, which messes with his Christmas planning, but helps through a happy light on his family history.
