Page 36 - The Early Life and Times of Bob Card

A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Early Tuberculosis

efore beginning my work at the hospital, the standard pre-employment process included a chest X-ray and
Bbloodwork. Three days later, everything took an unexpected turn when my father received a call about my X-ray. It
revealed a lesion in the upper lobe of my right lung that looked suspicious. Dr. John Sibley, an internist in Hamilton, took
over my case. He was a cousin of another John Sibley who I’d later work with in Saskatoon. After a tuberculin skin test,
the diagnosis was confirmed—tuberculosis. I’ll never forget how my arm swelled dramatically after the test. It was likely
the most positive TB reaction they’d ever seen.
At the time, there were no definitive tissue diagnoses for cases like mine. I wasn’t infectious or coughing, which meant no
bronchoscopy or cultures were pursued. But the diagnosis was certain, and treatment began immediately.

After my tuberculosis diagnosis, I was prescribed six months of bed rest—a standard treatment back then, along with
para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and isoniazid (INH), just being introduced at the time. Surprisingly, I don’t remember that
period as being all that bad. Compared to alternatives like moving into a sanatorium, I was fortunate to recover at home.
Hamilton had a sanatorium that primarily housed Inuit patients, many of whom had to leave their families to receive care.
Thankfully, I stayed in my own bed, confined to my room with strict instructions to avoid physical activity. My dad even
set me up with a small black-and-white TV, running an antenna to the roof so I could watch shows like The Today Show
with Dave Garroway in the mornings, American Bandstand with Dick Clark in the afternoons, and sports throughout the
day. When I wasn’t watching TV, I spent my time reading books and magazines, which helped fill the long hours. We had
a subscription to TV Guide, and I have retained copies to this day (2025) joining my prized Model Railroaders. My family
was a great support, bringing meals to my room and taking care of me. Though I was only allowed up to use the bathroom,
I didn’t feel isolated. That summer became a slow, day-by-day recovery process, teaching me patience and resilience—
qualities that would prove invaluable in my future medical career. Today, TB treatment has advanced significantly with
better drugs and diagnostic techniques, but back then, this approach worked. Indeed, PAS and INH are occasionally
used in some situations today (2025.) Looking back, I see that time as manageable and even educational in some ways.
Beginning with Garry Willard’s visit I think I began to realize I needed to formulate a plan for my future.

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