The
first time I visited Paris in 2000, I saw the famous catacombs that lay underneath
the city streets. It was a striking view to navigate the labyrinth of skulls
& bones that go on a path for miles, and I kept wondering to myself if
there was still any “consciousness” locked into these old bones that is somehow
aware that I was walking among them. Plus, seeing evidence of a person’s life
left behind after passing so many centuries ago was quite a conundrum. In the
end, I left thinking whether these folks were resting in peace.
Los Angeles, July 1st, 2016…
“Thank you for calling the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai, (blah, blah, blah) to make an appointment press 2…”
*pressed 02
“Yadha, yadha, yadha, see you the 7th.
When I arrived I was impressive by the massive new building that houses the medical departments I would get to know very well. The long check-in lobby reminded me of the many hotels in Las Vegas, where you simply get in line, show your reservation, then get a wrist ban wrapped on your hand as you ready yourself for an all-inclusive visit.
Once your consultation team is ready you are escorted to the elevator and directed to the LL (lower-level) floor where you navigate the labyrinth of patients & staff that seem to go on for miles. Well, not really, but walking toward the consultation room reminded me of that visit in Paris. All the twists and turns that lead around the halls were peppered by patients waiting for their treatments.
“Jesus, where am I?”Once your consultation team is ready you are escorted to the elevator and directed to the LL (lower-level) floor where you navigate the labyrinth of patients & staff that seem to go on for miles. Well, not really, but walking toward the consultation room reminded me of that visit in Paris. All the twists and turns that lead around the halls were peppered by patients waiting for their treatments.
Finally arrived at the Radiation Oncology department for my first official cancer consultation to get the first gist of what is going on.
In essence:
• Adenocarcinoma Stage 03 (Lung Cancer)
• Spread to your Lymph Nodes (Malignant tumor: BAD)
• It can be cured…
The Radiation Oncologist suggested surgery by removing the whole upper left lung lobe and the affected lymph nodes, followed up with a 10 day radiation treatment to burn the shit out of any remaining cancer cells. On top of that, I was also to see a regular Oncologist for any potential Chemotherapy that would be needed as well.
“Wait, did he say curable…?”
• Adenocarcinoma Stage 03 (Lung Cancer)
• Spread to your Lymph Nodes (Malignant tumor: BAD)
• It can be cured…
The Radiation Oncologist suggested surgery by removing the whole upper left lung lobe and the affected lymph nodes, followed up with a 10 day radiation treatment to burn the shit out of any remaining cancer cells. On top of that, I was also to see a regular Oncologist for any potential Chemotherapy that would be needed as well.
“Wait, did he say curable…?”
Me:
“Wait, did you say curable…?”
RO: “Yes. This can be
treated fairly common and at this stage we can stop it…”
“Wait, did he say curable as in Curable…?”
Me: “Should I still get the other scans that were ordered, particularly the PET? It’s schedule for tomorrow”
RO: “Yes. This would help to determine our course of treatment action…”
“Wait, did he say curable as in Curable…?”
Me: “Should I still get the other scans that were ordered, particularly the PET? It’s schedule for tomorrow”
RO: “Yes. This would help to determine our course of treatment action…”
“He
said curable..!”
I left walking out like I had won the Life Lottery. My spirit began to swell with overwhelming gratitude, joy, appreciation… as if one of those old bones in the catacombs got a second chance at life. The peace of mind was palpable.
Back in the car I just sat there for a moment letting this all sink in.
Texted Polly. Texted my brother… then drove back to work to finish off the day.
But as it is with all Big Casinos, the House always has the edge…
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