A new diagnosis

Dear family and friends,
These past few days have been full with doctor’s visits and the realities of being a patient rather than a healthcare provider. Yesterday, July the 3rd, a second opinion confirmed a probable diagnosis of ocular melanoma in my right eye with an additional pinpoint spot in my left eye that will need to be observed. It is my understanding that this is a rare disease that is treatable and requires the care of oncology specialist. I have therefore been referred to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center for further diagnosis and treatment. I should know by the end of this week when that appointment will be.

I have received excellent medical care, both in the United States and Canada. My first symptom was decreased vision on June 21st while visiting my son Patrick and his family in Montreal. I was referred to the Ophthalmologist department at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal on June the 22nd. On June the 28th was presented with this diagnosis by a retinal specialist. He suggested that I return to Sacramento soon and obtain medical care. He spoke directly with my eye doctor here in Sacramento, sharing his medical opinions. I returned to Sacramento on June the 30th and began seeing a round of doctors on July 2nd and 3rd. My final appointment was yesterday afternoon with Dr. Patel, with the Retinal Consult Group at Mercy General Hospital. He was marvelous to me and Michael (my son). He was gentle, compassionate and very direct. He confirmed the diagnosis that I had been given in Montreal.

I strongly feel that I need to believe that it is cancer until proven otherwise. I do not want to give myself false hope. I shared these feelings with Dr. Patel.

He then began to contact the Oncology Department at UCSF. Now realize that this is 4pm on the eve of a holiday. He was unable to contact the physician he wanted at that time. However we did hear back from Dr. Patel at 8:15 pm. And then at 10:15 pm, I heard from the physician with UCSF assuring me that I would be seen at my convenience. I am amazed at the care I have received and am deeply appreciative of the concern and responsiveness of my physicians.

This experience is very surreal for me; it is though I am accompanying someone else. I am hopeful and my spirits are generally very good. I am frequently tearful in the mornings and yet I continue to laugh and enjoy daily activities. I am staying with my son Michael and his family. The activities of family life bring great balance to the realities of being assessed as a cancer patient. How I like being the healthcare provider rather than patient.

At present there are many unknowns. I greatly appreciate the immense support, thoughts and prayers that I have receive from many of you already. I want to focus my energy on understand and accepting my condition allowing my healing process to take its own course. As such I will only be accepting my phone calls from my sons, my siblings and their families. Please remember me and my family in your prayers. For it is prayer that will keep me centered and God’s grace as I continue to walk this journey.
God bless and keep each of you.