This new play of mine, produced by Kettering Health Productions seems to be taking forever and should, in my opinion, be nearing intermission. However, the rehearsal process has barely gotten underway. Some days, I feel as though I’m still involved in the creative process. Better yet, I can’t determine if I’m the writer, the director, the actor, or an audience member. Regardless, it’s a most fascinating process from which I am learning a great deal.

JULY 2025

I went into the hospital for one item on my back and it was discovered that I had cancer on my front. I had not even auditioned for the role on my back.

AUGUST 2025

A character parade of meeting my lead oncologist, my reconstructive surgeon, the nurse practitioner for my reconstructive surgeon who has more stage time with me than the actual surgeon, and my new PCP, to which family doctors are now referred; kind of like the transition of “librettist” to “book writer.”

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

The morning of my surgery, the nurses, or rather the stage managers, were impressed that my blood pressure was 121/72. “No one generally has anything under 140!” For me, it was nothing more than going into Great Clips for a trim.

The tumor was removed, as well as three malignant lymph nodes taken from both armpits.

I was home by 5 PM, felt good enough to walk next door to the high school to watch the choir sing three songs in a departmental concert, and returned home just before my Chinese delivery arrived.

The remainder of the week was fine with minimal discomfort. In fact, I never took that first Tylenol.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

I returned to the Kettering Cancer rehearsal center for my postop rehearsal. The nurse practitioner said everything looked great and that I was healing nicely.

My oncologist explained that due to the malignant lymph nodes, the others were questionable and will be removed. She also indicated that there were some flags that caused her to believe there might be more cancer, elsewhere. She said the tumor was very aggressive and she ordered a PET scan.

TODAY: OCTOBER 3, 2025

This coming week, I meet an additional directors: a medical oncologist, my radiation oncologist, and I have a scheduled phone rehearsal with my PCP, whom I already adore.

The 14th, 15th, and 17th will be more rehearsals with my directors – oncologist, nurse practitioner, and a radiation consultation. October 21st will be my PET Scan (or is that my costume fitting?) and the following afternoon will be my reconstructive surgery (makeup?)

I am still learning my lines in this very new play, but when I call, “line!,” I feel very secure in knowing that someone is there to assist. The Directing Team, more commonly known in the medical world as my oncology team and my PCP is absolutely outstanding.

KETTERING HEALTH THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: I’ve had phenomenally wonderful experiences with each rehearsal/appointment, and throughout the multiple telephone conversations. I just wish I could actually have several of my favorite local theatre professionals involved in this production: Joe Deer, Megan Wean Sears, Greg Hellems, Terry Stump, Mike Cordonnier! Their process has all the familiar and comfortable aspects of a theatre production, and it’s so reassuring and confidence-building.