Koin New 6 Interview

Well it is the day before surgery and I'm headed to the hospital. First to have an hour long interview with Koin News 6  who is having a special about cancer.  They are "hoping" to air it on TV November 4th.  I will have to verify that later.  Apparently Koin news 6 contacted OHSU's Public relations/media person, who asked Dr. Chui (my oncologist) and some of the oncology nurses who they thought would be good for the interview, and they all recommended ME??!!  They were very good about asking me and making sure I was completely O.K. with it. They didn't want me to feel pressured at all..........I really appreciated their approach.  But hey I'm one of the original Petersen's.........no problem, it sounded fun to me.........and it was:



Me, the camera man Brian, and the interviewer
and the camera! 

They started out by filming me entering the office with the medical assistant, getting weighed, vital signs taken, and being asked the "admitting" questions.  They the filmed Dr. Naik entering and  talking with me briefly before my exam. They graciously (and quickly and efficiently) bowed out when it was time for my exam.

When I was done in Dr. Naik's office (an hour later) I was escorted to a very tiny room with a chair (for me) a love seat sized couch (for the interviewer) and the camera on tripod in the corner with a bright light and the camera man.

It was very exciting and fun.  I never felt nervous, I felt really good being able to talk  candidly about some of my experiences with cancer. I was able to say whatever was on my mind and that I felt in my heart.  They asked a few questions, but mostly it was just "tell us about your journey with cancer". The only time I got a little emotional (which I really didn't want to do) was when I talked about the most positive experience related to cancer.........the tender mercies I have experienced.  They are so meaningful, special and real to me.  I would hope everyone could experience that kind of love sometime in their life (and not related to cancer!)

When it was done I asked if we could take a picture and that is how we got the picture above.  They also said I would get a copy of the program when it was done. They were still going to go and interview Dr. Chui, "the oncologist". What great people. I really felt genuine warmth from them. I walked out to the waiting room where Dale was waiting with a great smile and just said "that was really fun".