Author John brings readers right into one of the toughest moments of his cancer journey in the book Body and Soul.

Waiting Anxiously For The Biopsy Results While Pat Was Away In San Francisco

It was April 12 2018. John was quite anxious while waiting to hear the results of his biopsy from Dr Tierney. Pat at his urging and support had left town and gone out to San Francisco. She was attending a baby shower for their daughter Kristen who was pregnant with her first child. John wanted her to go and enjoy the time but he also hoped the results would hold off until she returned home.

The Phone Call From The Office That Meant He Had To Go In Immediately

That morning the phone in his office rang. Dr Tierney’s office was asking him to come in that day. He could pick the time. It sounded serious. Not Monday but today and whenever he could be there. John tried to prod some information from the caller but that was not going to work. He had an ominous feeling but tried to be brave and appeared at the office.

Sitting Across From Dr Tierney In The Quiet Examination Room

Dr Tierney came into the examination room. John was sitting on the end of the exam table. The doctor pulled up a stool and sat down right in front of him. He looked him straight in the eyes. He placed his hands on John’s folded arms in front of him and said It is terrible. I am sorry.

The Sudden Flood Of Thoughts About What Dying Would Actually Mean

John had expected bad news but the reality of that statement was a punch in the gut. Even if you are expecting news like that you are not ready for it. Thoughts rushed in about his ME disappearing. His family and friends and all those personal relationships would be gone to him. Panic depression and sadness all crashed down at the same time.

Realizing The Need To Move Quickly To A Major Cancer Center

Dr Tierney walked him through the biopsy. He had mucosal melanoma as expected. It was extremely rare. Dr Tierney recommended that John go to a place that sees this type of cancer regularly. Their experience might be able to extend his life. The goal was to buy time.

Those early pages of Body and Soul show how quickly an ordinary day can turn into something much heavier. The road ahead would test everything John thought he knew about himself and the people around him.