How I got here, in case you are interested

So I had a complete physical exam in mid-October. Flying colors. Normal blood work including liver profile, a cholesterol count most of the nation's citizens would envy, and a glowing pronouncement of "robust, good health."

Well, a few weeks later I realized I was feeling a little punk, but we were working day and night to redo the bedroom that our granddaughter Kris was preparing to move into--in a group home. So I thought I was just working too hard for an old man. Then I realized that I was starting a bout with diverticulitis, something I have been having infrequently over the past several years. Since it was near Thanksgiving and we were expecting our daughter, Beth's, family, I decided to try to get past that before I went in to be checked. No such luck.

Monday before Thanksgiving, I began to have some ample rectal bleeding and that got me to the Doctor fast. Since Dr. Barnett, my long time physician and theater friend, was booked, I saw his partner, Dr. Winner. He assumed that my self diagnosis of diverticulitis was likely the answer, but being less familiar with that history than Barnett, he recommended a CT scan to be sure. Then I went home. When the bleeding continued, I was alarmed and he agreed to admit me for a colonoscopy and stomach scope. Those proved to be negative, confirming that I had just let the diverticulitis go on too long. But by then, the CT film was read, revealing tumors on the pancreas, liver, and surrounding tissues. A liver biopsy confirmed that the original tumor was pancreatic.

So Dr. Bob suggested that I go to the James Center at OSU. I did-- and after spending an entire afternoon in various waiting rooms, being interviewed by nurses, a PT, and lots of schedulers, I was with Dr. Saab for perhaps 6 - 8 minutes. He said that, though I could not qualify for any Trial because of my recent prostate cancer, he could recommend a vigorous protocol that would take advantage of my lack of symptoms and my good general health. He said he had checked and he did not know any of the Oncologists practicing in Defiance. Instead he referred me to a Dr. Sharon Cole in Findlay.

So I was there a couple days later, on a Saturday afternoon. She is a gem-- wearing levis, well worn boots, and a Tshirt, she sat down and talked to us for 15 minutes. A young, charming, and genuinely disarming woman. She basically agreed with Dr. Saab's recommendations and said they discussed patients nearly everyday by phone. But she said, "I know someone in Defiance, respect him, work with him frequently, and think you will like him too." So, though I had my first infusion in Findlay, I will likely meet Dr. Mueller on Friday and make arrangements to be transferred to DRMC, here in Defiance. Emily doesn't drive out of town, so the hour and half to Findlay would have required volunteer drivers-- this will be much easier for both of us.

That's my story, and "I'm sticking to it."