Second Opinion

Wait a second, before I met with Ken, I had my second opinion visit...I was reminded of the timing as I began writing about Ken who was the one who made me promise to take Lucia with me for the consult.

I traveled to Columbus Riverside Hospital to meet with Dr. Burgers (like mergers...anyone watch "Keeping Up Appearances" on PBS?), Norbert's Urologist. As I walked into the office I noted the sign on the door included the word "Surgeons" and, knowing how everything looks like a nail to a man with a hammer, knew what I was going to hear.

Dr, Burgers is an amazing man...his training and experience speak volumes. He explained the advantages of robotic surgery and typical outcomes. Within about ten minutes of the visit he told me to go down the hall to speak with Shirley and schedule my surgery...I stopped him right there, "Whoa...I'm here for a second opinion...I have not decided upon a treatment yet." We then continued the conversation regarding all of the options, but agreeing that my case did indicate intervention. Lucia asked much better questions than I (women are better at that than men) which may be why Ken insisted I take her along.

Then a rubber glove magically appeared, Dr. Burgers asked Lucia to step out of the room, and became the most recent stranger to put his finger where I'd rather it not be.

We did meet with Shirley who provided very helpful information and a list of potential dates if I should decide upon surgery. This office is a well oiled machine, and I mean that as a very high compliment.

We had dinner and a bottle of wine at a restaurant on the way home and talked about what we had learned. Lucia was very impressed with Dr. Burgers (he's an impressive guy), and gave her usual reasoned opinion. I began to consider surgery for the first time as a possible option.

Then I called Ken, told him what I had been doing and we met for lunch (he said he'd buy...but that's not gonna happen).