This visit was COMPLETELY different from the other two visits. No waiting rooms, no nurses, no forms, no examining rooms. His office is in an academic building and we met in his office. I felt like I was in a professor's office - not a doctor's office.

He asked some history questions, did a very quick physical exam and then spent a lot of time reviewing my MRI images. He pointed out the areas of concern - the 22mm 'water sack' and the 4mm potential tumor.

Dr. Goodman said I could either have it taken out, or I could wait 3 to 6 months and have it re-imaged. He suggested taking it out. He agreed that I may have had this for YEARS. When we asked him about Dr. Bernstein's technology, he said he did not think that was necessary for this surgery. The tumor is pretty accessible and small enough that he thought sonar guided probes would be appropriate.

He said he could do the surgery anytime - as early as next Tuesday. He also asked to take my films to a 'tumor panel' so he could get the opinion of his peers.

Abi loves Dr. Goodman. He is friendly, direct and willing to answer all of our questions. "I'd put my head in his hands," she said. My dad - visiting from New Jersey to help out - concurred.

I'm not sure.

I am so accustomed to the 'doctor' way of doing things, I feel wheezy about this casualness. I like doctors that are also people. Do I want a professor opening my head? And, now that I know I can 'elect' when to have the surgery, do I really want it next week? What about two weeks?

And what do people think about me now? Am I sick? Am I normal? Should I be at work on time? IS THIS A BIG DEAL OR IS IT NOT?

I guess it is a big deal and I don't want it to be.

I am inclined to try to get my surgery done at OSU. Dr. Goodman seems to have an excellent mix of the other two doctors I have met. He has a better personality than Dr. Goodall and has the confidence of Dr. Bernstein. Next I have to take on the insurance company because OSU is not in network.

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After OSU, we met with a Rabbi from Columbus, Rabbi Chin. He is an early 40s guy that has focused on Jewish people and recovery programs. He asked me kind - Rabbi/social worker - questions about what I was facing and did I have community support.

I told him I have received more personal support - especially from individuals at YSI - then I ever imaged possible. I get choked up when I think of the depth and breadth of good will and good wishes I am receiving.

Also, he suggested I look at why this is happening now. He said, he did not want to suggest any meaning, but that to not look at a meaning was to miss an opportunity.

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So now I go into a little hibernation. We still have to do our wills. I still have a lot of things to clean up before I go under the knife. And - of course - I need to figure out where and when to have my surgery. The entire thing is feeling a lot more manageable now, though. It is going to work out. Dr. Goodman said I would be in the hospital for a few days and could be back to work in "2 to 4 weeks" depending on how I feel.

Thank you again for taking the time to share this experience with me. I feel very privileged to get your personal attention. I'll let you know by Monday (if not before), what I am going to do.

With much love and respect!