My Doctors

God works in mysterious ways. There is no doubt He blessed me with the perfect team of doctors to deal with my cancer.

It all began five years ago when I discovered (by accident, chest X-ray for bronchitis) that I had a benign tennis-ball size tumor in my chest. (Schwannoma - long story, not relevant here.) My friend David Burpeau referred me to his friend and physician, Dr. Brad Kesling, who saw me right away. Dr. Kesling continues to be my General Physician and friend. He is the one who first detected the worrisome prostate signs, and who made significant referrals, especially to Dr. Charles Kossman and Dr. Franklin Gaylis.

Dr. Kossman is my Oncologist. Shortly after meeting him five years ago, we discovered we are both from Mississippi. He is from Cleveland MS, where I went to college. After comparing notes, I recalled that I worked for his father when I was a college student. (See "Small Worlds") We established an instant bond. It was Dr. Kossman who insisted I not take the "wait and see" approach, but that I should have aggressive prostate cancer treatment. He too, is now a personal friend, and is the quarterback on my team of doctors, insuring I get immediate and excellent care. I cannot adequately express how fortunate I am to know Dr. Kossman.

Dr. Frank Gaylis, an outstanding Urologist from South Africa, has given me personal care. Dr. Gaylis and his associate, Dr. Dato, will perform my surgery next Monday. I know I will have the best care available to me in San Diego with these fine Urologists/Surgeons.

Dr. Reza Sharazi is my Radiologist, and if we find the cancer has spread, he and his staff will perform the treatments. Dr. Harold Copans, Cardiologist, has conducted numerous tests, and given me a green light for surgery.

The nice thing about this team is that they all know each other, and work closely together at Sharp Grossmont and Alvarado Hospitals in east San Diego. I feel blessed to have a hospital full of doctors working to get me on the road to health and wellness.

In writing this, I realize these are just names to most of you, but I wanted to share them with you. I consider them my friends as well as my physicians. And I do not think they would be offended by my saying, the lead doctor is The Great Physician.

Bless you, and bless the doctors and nurses who care so for many people in need.