James Kaan

08-20-14

If I were Nan, Id want as much information as possible: best case scenario, worst case scenario, and
everything in between. In regard to the diagnostic tests, Id want to know how theyre performed, the
chance of false positives and false negatives, and most importantly, how long before I have an accurate
diagnosis. In the meantime, Id probably want to ask the doctor to level with me and tell me what he or
she thinks it is. In this situation Id prefer tough candor over sugar-coated optimism.
In regard to treatment for the potential diagnoses, Id want to know the nature of the treatment, its
effect on my lifestyle, duration, side-effects, and cure rate. And given that I know very little about the
extent to which our student health insurance covers some of the more serious, possibly life-threatening
conditions, Id probably ask about that too.