David T. Music And Stuff

Hi to friends and family,

Recently, I reposted a joke on Facebook. It was met with horror by many. I think only one person didn’t get it. To be clear; it was a long, wordy post that didn’t get to the punch line until near the end. It started with the line “I’m in the hospital”.

Normally I would be pretty unconcerned about reactions to what is, eventually, a very funny story. But, the opening line hits a little too close to home.

At the risk of sounding like a ‘chicken-little’ character . . . I am in the hospital, this time. I will get to the story, now. There is no funny punch line in this one:

Near the end of June, this year, my heart doctor, Doctor John Heath in Rochester Hills, MI, Had me take a CT Scan, kind of on a whim and, just to be sure. I have been seeing him for a few years on a yearly basis for some kind of heart anomaly that shows up in my EKG Scans. It is just something we are keeping an eye on, mostly because of family history.

The doctor’s assistant called me back after Dr. Heath read the results. She said “The good news is that your heart looks very good. The bad news is that Dr. Heath found a “Node” in your right, upper lung along with Emphysema. And you have a Hiatal Hernia.” He wants you to call a Pulmonologist, right away.” She repeated “Right away.” twice more and, sounded very serious and a bit sad.

I called the recommended Pulmonologist, Dr. Kelly Ternes in Shelby Twp., MI, who’s scheduler got me in to see the doctor within days. At the interview, attended by my wife, Sue, by cell phone from our car (they only allowed one person in the office at a time), Doctor Ternes explained the situation. She described the order of tests and doctors I needed to see before we would know what the plan of action would be. She also said the ‘node’ is very small and should come out easily.

First, I did a Stress test using an injected dye and CT Scanner. Next, I had another CT Scan with Fluoride or some stuff with an Atomic Number that was injected into me. Then, a P.E.T Scan (similar to a CT Scanner or MRI machine) before and after drinking some most definitely Nuclear concoction. It was transported in a large Lead box and handled very carefully by the technician who held the drink while I drank it through a straw.

The next step was getting a CT Scan guided Biopsy of the “Node” through my upper back. This was done using a large needle that held another needle that held the actual scalpel-type needle. I was positioned in the optimal position for the doctor to work. Not necessarily the most comfortable position.

The doctor injected the site with something to numb the surgical area. He then proceeded to push the needle in very slowly, occasionally rolling me into the CT Scanner to take pictures of the needle’s progress. I was sent back into the machine many, many times. The doctor explained that the “Node” is very small and buried in the Emphysema so it was very difficult to get to the “Node” and gather the Biopsy without puncturing my lung. What should have been about an hour procedure took more than an hour and a half. The whole time, I was reminded to not move at all. “Not even a toe wiggle.” Or it would put the needle in the wrong spot. Oh! And it hurt more and more, the deeper the needle went.

Finally, the doctor announced he got several good specimens, and I was allowed to relax. Holy S&!+, I was sore! For the first time, I was able to feel my lung in my chest. Usually, you don’t notice the organs in your body but, I hurt in the front and the back of my lung for a week after the Biopsy. And, I could feel the outlines of the lung for the first time, ever.

We waited a week for the Biopsy results. The Pulmonologist was extremely busy with another COVID 19 spike in hospitalizations. As you can imagine, a Pulmonologist is valuable in the ICU during this crisis. I was told that Dr. Ternes had contracted COVID 19 early on at the outset of the Pandemic crisis. And, she seemed very tired and sad when we met. Doctor Ternes then gave us her recommendations for an Oncologist and a Surgeon to see.

We saw Dr. Folbe, the Oncologist first. He was very upbeat about the prognosis. Dr. Folbe said we were in very good hands with the recommended surgeon and, he expected we would not need to see him for Chemo after the surgery. He twice used the word “cured“, saying I should be cured after taking out the Cancer Node and, should not require Chemo after recovery . . . Nice!

We then saw the surgeon, Dr. Sang Kim. He impressed us both as being quite knowledgeable and capable without being arrogant . . . My kind of doctor!

We made an appointment for September, 1st and, I began preparing my mind for the ‘big day’. This past Monday, August, 17th, we got a call from the surgeon’s office asking if we minded rescheduling to Fridat, August 21st. . . . . Duuh! I want to get the alien out as soon as possible!

Well. . . . . . It’s Friday, August 21st!!!!

I’m IN THE HOSPITAL!!!!!!!

Sue brought me here at 5:30 am. I’m on drugs right now so, I won’t be able to write well. I will try to write more, tomorrow.

I will be hospitalized for 3-5 days so, will have lots of time to write.

I’m the mean time, I am very confident I will heal quickly and get back to what I do.

Talk to you, soon,

Love to all,

David T