I’ve started asking a question in medical appointments that, without fail, garners a very specific facial expression—the one where you know the person is wondering if they heard you correctly. And it seems to always buy me more time (bonus) with my healthcare professional, along with a lively discussion.

It sounds something like this: after I recap the treatment options (for my own clarity), I suggest they may have forgotten one (bold, I know!). I ask: “What if I do nothing?”

Not “do nothing” in the neglectful sense. Not “do nothing” because I don’t value medicine. Not “do nothing” because I’m giving up.