The time had arrived for a consult I was dreading. The unsuspecting patient walked in smiling. I would deliver news that would change her life.

She usually came with her partner, but this time she was on her own. I didn’t know if that would turn out to be advantageous or not.

She had been called back to review the results of some routine bloods.

I began with a vague statement about abnormalities in her tests that would require further follow-up.