The phone rang and rang. It was well after 11 p.m. in Tampa, Florida, and I was deeply asleep. Though I had spent 40-plus years as a surgeon and was accustomed to calls at any hour, I thought I was done with all that.
A Pilot’s Deeply Personal Trip that Encapsulates Life Itself
Key Takeaways:
- A retired surgeon receives an urgent late-night call informing him that his young nephew, Xan, has been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- Drawing on his medical expertise, the author guides Xan through treatment, advising pre-operative therapy that leads to a successful Whipple procedure and a remarkable recovery.
- Despite his diagnosis, Xan embraces life with "firewall-forward enthusiasm," becoming a CrossFit champion, hang-glider, kiteboarder, and father, while strengthening his bond with the author through their shared love of aviation.
- The article culminates in a memorable jet trip with the author, Xan, and his brother, celebrating family, life, and their enduring connection amidst Xan's extraordinary journey.
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