Betty and I parked at the bottom of the hill leading up to the main entrance. Oncologic Hospital is situated next to Burnholme Park on gently rolling hills. I started walking up the hill and realized just how far my disease had spread. I needed to stop several times in order to catch my breath. The exertion was not really that strenuous, but I felt like I had been running for miles. I could see the concern on Betty's face. I believe she was praying that I wouldn't pass out and have a heart attack before getting to the front door.

Eventually I made it to the front door and navigated the labyrinthine process of getting admitted. Dr. Perotto had called ahead and Nazareth Hospital had sent my test reports, so all was prepared. Within a few hours I was led to a room which would be my home for the next two weeks.

The rooms at AOH were quite comfortable, resembling hotel rooms more than hospital rooms. They still had all of the standard hospital equipment, like beds, oxygen lines, and all that. But the room was spacious. I had a dresser and a closet for my own use, as well as an easy chair if I felt like sitting instead of lying in bed. Attractive curtains hung in the window. I had a TV and a radio as well as a private phone. By 1980 standards, this was luxurious.

I had to wear pajamas, which was quite a change for me. I usually go to bed wearing only shorts, a habit I had acquired as a boy. I don't like being confined by clothing when I sleep. Pajamas would take some getting used to.

Within a few hours I was running through a new series of tests. I had blood drawn, I peed in several cups, and was x-rayed and scanned with more devices than I ever knew existed. Then I met the doctor who would direct my treatment, Dr. David Harris.

Dr. Harris was a young fellow with wiry hair, black-framed glasses, an upstate accent, and a friendly demeanor. I guess that's a needed commodity in his line of work. He explained what the various tests were for, and what he knew so far. He suspected that what I had was a lymphoma.

A lymphoma is actually one of an entire class of tumors, mostly malignant, which are generally found in the lymphatic system. Each specific type is unique, requiring its own unique treatment plan. And to accurately diagnose just what type I had, they would need a biopsy. For this, I was referred to a surgeon, Dr. Speel.