The day after I got laid off from AXA-Assistance, I started getting stomach pains.  My doctor and I convinced each other that it must be stress.  That diagnosis changed to gastritis when the anti-acids brought no relief.  Finally, two months later, the doctor ordered a CT scan.  He sat me down and said, “You have a tumor on your pancreas that is giving you those pains.  It is most likely cancer.  Because it encases a major artery, it is inoperable.  Eventually God will take you home.”  I should have told him, “Thanks for the offer, but my son is waiting in the parking lot.”  I was kind of weepy as I called my wife and my other son.

The next person I called was Jon Melrod.  Jon had beaten pancreatic cancer nine years earlier.  True to his form, he had thrashed his way through layers of experts until he was able to arrange an operation from one of the top surgeons on the West Coast.

Jon laid out a battle plan with details and spirit, just like he used to wage union campaigns at Chrysler.  My brother, Johnny, followed through by printing out a detailed list of phone numbers to contact and tasks to do.  They knew that I needed their help.  They told me that I would have to take matters into my own hands.  They were my medical stewards.   I was taking on tasks just like when I was in a collective so many years ago.

Melrod spoke personally with the top oncologist at the University of Chicago.  We were able to schedule a second opinion from U of C.  Based on U of Chicago’s reputation and an unsatisfactory encounter with my in-network oncologist, I fought for and won approval to be treated out-of-network at U of C.  Thank you, Jon Melrod.  Some friendships unravel over the years but the bonds that we have will never be broken.

Ironically, I had recently started a programming job with the U of C Department of Anesthesia.  So I would be nearby for visits and treatments.  But when I filled out my benefits selection I didn’t yet know that I had cancer.  I passed on the U of C PPO plan which would have given automatic approval.  Instead I had to worry and fight to get authorized for U of C treatment.  As things turned out, I couldn’t concentrate on the programming when I was debilitated by chemo side effects.  I was working in a dungeon like office in the hospital basement.  Sometimes I would lie down on the floor of my office for naps.  I realized that I didn’t want to live my last days writing billing programs in these dreary surroundings.  I retired in December of 2013.