Chapter 9: Present Day, Nashville, TN

The following day the Adam’s were once again in my office. This time I had the papers in my hand from the pathology lab confirming my diagnosis of a non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

“George, Alice and especially Phil — the path lab confirmed my diagnosis this morning of a very treatable form of what we call a ‘non-Hodgkins lymphoma,’ or NHL for short. In layman’s terms it is a cancer of the lymphatic system...”

I explained in some detail just what NHL was, how it could effect the blood as well as a number of other organs in the immune system. We also discussed what the most likely treatment would be.

“To be honest, as much as I think we are as good as anywhere in the world to provide you with treatment, there are Oncologists and hospitals in the Chicago area that would also be excellent choices for Phil. I only mention this because I know that it can make an unpleasant treatment worse — and let’s be clear, chemo and radiation therapies are always unpleasant — if you compound it with having to travel back and forth.”

All three of Adams nodded their understanding before George replied.

“Christian, thanks for being so considerate of our situation, but it won’t be a problem. I’ve purchased a condominium/apartment in one of the high-rise complexes across from the Vandy Medical Center on Hillsboro Pike. So Phil won’t need to travel back and forth, he’ll just be going across the street.

“And truthfully, I wouldn’t want anyone else taking over his treatments. Damn, man, Christian, we’ve talked it over together in private, and we simply trust you to handle Phil’s treatment and don’t want to go to anyone else.”

“George, I’m honored by your vote of confidence,” I replied with a smile, “So long as travel won’t be an issue and I guess you’ve got that squared away.”

The end of our meeting was basically scheduling the additional testing that we needed to do to fine tune Phillip’s treatment and to get started. I would consult with one of our radiology oncology specialists and most likely start there.

George, always a gracious man, asked me if I would care to join them for dinner the following night followed by a housewarming party their new condo.

Then Phillip added, “Yes, Christian, this way you can see the new digs — it’s pretty special. I understand that young pop singer, Taylor Swift, owns a place in the complex as well. Maybe we’ll run into her! HAHAHA!

“Oh yeah,” he added, “and my fiancée, Stephanie, will be down from Chicago tomorrow visiting us, as well.”

“George, Phillip, Alice — it sounds like fun and I look forward to it. Although to be honest, I will be just as happy if we DON’T run into Ms. Swift!” I replied with a laugh.