Well first of all Happy New Year. My treatment #10 was today. No problem. However as I sat in the waiting room I was saddened as I looked around at people who were sicker than me. For some reason my heart sank much further today as I reflected on how blessed I am on this New Years Eve. The sight of very weakened and emaciated patients really depressed me today. I see some of these folks each day but today there seemed to be additional cases in attendance. Cancer is one debilitating foe. I attend my treatments with a positive attitude and with a smile. I get fist bumps and high fives from the people (Radiation Techs) I have become acquitted with over the last two weeks. I have a playfulness when I visit the hospital. But the folks I viewed as I waited my turn don't have the same visible spark as I. I feel a semblance of guilt and At the same time a thankfulness. Today I can't help but acknowledge how serious things really are for me. As I view my fellow patients I am so thankful that I am a blessed man. Some were old , some were teens and some even younger. This could have been me is a thought that resonates deep inside. But at the same time I feel Gods blessing that I was vigilant and proactive and that this cancer is the most treatable and curable of all cancers.
My Doctor says that this will be a 2 year odyssey once my treatment ends to make sure I am totally cured. COH pull so punches however my cure rate is very very good.
So again the next update will be at treatment #20. Oh and the only side effect which was predicted, is a little diarrhea sorry if this is TMI....butt this is life and nothing that a little Imodium A-D won't fix!
Now here is some really sad news. Can you say death sentence in more ways than one. Bi, Gay, or straight Black men need to recognize.
HEALTH: Black Gay and Bi Men Less Likely to Get Prostate Screening December 31st, 2008
Black gay and bisexual men are less likely to get screened for prostate cancer than men of any other racial and ethnic backgrounds regardless of their sexual orientation, a new study by a researcher at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science reveals. Citing his study, which is published in the December issue of Medical Care, Medical News Today reports that Kevin C. Heslin based his examinations of prostate and colorectal testing rates on race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Using telephone interviews with 19,410 men who participated in the California Health Interview Survey, he discovered that there was no overall difference in the use of the prostate-specific antigen (or PSA) test among gay, bisexual and heterosexual men. Still, he found, “the percentage of gay and bisexual Black men who received the PSA test was 12 percent to 14 percent lower than heterosexual Blacks and 15 percent to 28 percent lower than gay and bisexual Whites,” Medical News Today reports. Said Heslin: “Gay and bisexual Black men had the lowest use of the PSA test, compared with every other group of men in the study. For Blacks, being a member of both racial and sexual minority groups represents a kind of double jeopardy when it comes to getting PSA testing.” So why are the findings so significant? Heslin notes that Black men are more likely to be diagnosed late with prostate cancer and, as a result, are more likely to die from the disease than any other racial or ethnic group.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Treatment #1 and #2
12/18/08 was my first treatment and the next day was treatment#2. I must say each treatment was fairly uneventful. The City of Hope is clearly the brand for cancer. They function with military precision and at the same time they are very user friendly. This is very important given that every patient in that facility is very sick! Some sicker that others but nonetheless sick.
I know this is early but so far no side effects. This is one of the benefits of the Tomo Therapy. Tomo Therapy has minimal side effects given how the radiation beams are pin point focused and directed only to the specific target. It is amazing. They align me using the tattoos marked on my body. (I look like lil Wayne now) Actually it’s 3 pencil dots. I have my own personalized lower body mold they place me in and they scan me to make sure things are on target. If not on target the computer tells the machine to make adjustments and then ….show time for 6½ minutes at 275° I am basted with butter and turned often until done. No seriously it’s six minutes of listening to a loud clicking noise and then I am soon putting on my pants and out the door. They say I can bring my IPOD next time.
The most interesting part is disrobing in front of 2 women who were radiology technicians and a third person, a guy a physicist. I have to remove my pants, and shoes. I was put off on day one when I asked for a gown and the 2 women told me no we will give you a blanket and you will get used to us seeing you in your boxers or briefs.
Anyway I will not bore you with every treatment. I will update you guys at 10 treatment intervals or if there is something noteworthy like glowing in the groan area. :-) So that's 2 down and 41 to go. I go Monday through Friday with the exception of 2 Sundays, today and the 28th because the unit is closed on certain days for the holidays. My last treatment day is February 17th the day all TV's go digital. There has to be joke in that coincidence.
Anyway I am done for the day. I keep a very positive prospective on my current situation but as I visit the City of Hope I get a clear prospective of how delicate and sometimes unfair life can be. You have to value each day and savor each moment because things can change in a instant. A very good friend once told me "We all have to live in the moment because nothing just happens". I am blessed with early discovery and world class treatment, some are not so blessed.
I know this is early but so far no side effects. This is one of the benefits of the Tomo Therapy. Tomo Therapy has minimal side effects given how the radiation beams are pin point focused and directed only to the specific target. It is amazing. They align me using the tattoos marked on my body. (I look like lil Wayne now) Actually it’s 3 pencil dots. I have my own personalized lower body mold they place me in and they scan me to make sure things are on target. If not on target the computer tells the machine to make adjustments and then ….show time for 6½ minutes at 275° I am basted with butter and turned often until done. No seriously it’s six minutes of listening to a loud clicking noise and then I am soon putting on my pants and out the door. They say I can bring my IPOD next time.
The most interesting part is disrobing in front of 2 women who were radiology technicians and a third person, a guy a physicist. I have to remove my pants, and shoes. I was put off on day one when I asked for a gown and the 2 women told me no we will give you a blanket and you will get used to us seeing you in your boxers or briefs.
Anyway I will not bore you with every treatment. I will update you guys at 10 treatment intervals or if there is something noteworthy like glowing in the groan area. :-) So that's 2 down and 41 to go. I go Monday through Friday with the exception of 2 Sundays, today and the 28th because the unit is closed on certain days for the holidays. My last treatment day is February 17th the day all TV's go digital. There has to be joke in that coincidence.
Anyway I am done for the day. I keep a very positive prospective on my current situation but as I visit the City of Hope I get a clear prospective of how delicate and sometimes unfair life can be. You have to value each day and savor each moment because things can change in a instant. A very good friend once told me "We all have to live in the moment because nothing just happens". I am blessed with early discovery and world class treatment, some are not so blessed.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A PSA primer for the men and the women who love them
This is and interesting explanation of PSA the DRE by a doctor. I thought this could be of value and clearly edifying. The only comment not mentioned is that the PSA levels mentioned do not reference the significance of ethnicity relative to raised PSA levels. Nonetheless this is good primer.
The PSA, or prostate specific antigen, is a protein made by the cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located right next to the bladder, and provides some of the liquid that is part of semen. The urinary tract passes right through the middle of the prostate gland, like the hole in a doughnut, so if the prostate gland gets enlarged, the urine flow can be reduced or cut off.
A certain amount of PSA circulates in the blood, and this is measured as a rough estimate of the size of the prostate gland. The larger the gland, the higher the PSA level. Prostate cancer usually causes a high PSA level, but not always. In general, the worse the cancer, the higher the PSA level. The most common reason for a high PSA level is the benign growth of the prostate gland that occurs commonly in middle aged and older men.
It is important to remember that certain activities can make the PSA level rise, even sky high. The highest PSA levels have been measured in bicycle riders right after a long ride, or right after horseback riding. The bouncing of your bottom on the bike or the horse releases a lot of PSA into the blood, so do not ride your bike or horse to the doctor's office before your test! The prostate exam, where the doctor feels the size of the gland, can raise the PSA level if the doctor massages the gland, something I am careful not to do for routine screening. If I do massage the prostate gland, for example in a man with engorgement of the prostate (a type of prostatitis), I do not measure the PSA level at that time. Ejaculation can also temporarily raise the PSA level a little, so do not get your PSA right after sex. Overnight wait is ok. So, be mindful of what you did, or what was done to you, before getting your PSA level.
The concern about prostate cancer begins at age 50 in most men and that is when the PSA level is often drawn for screening. In African American men, and in men with a family history of prostate cancer, this screening begins at age 40. There is controversy as to whether getting a PSA level is a good idea, and whether it truly saves lives. There are a lot of false positive elevated PSA tests (elevated tests and no cancer present), and the follow-up test is invasive and expensive, an ultrasound exam through the rectum usually with biopsies of the prostate. Also, in older men (over age 70), prostate cancer may grow so slowly that the man may be better off not knowing it is there, since the man will suffer and die from other things. Treatment of prostate cancer is intensive and often reduces the man's sexual function.
If you do choose to get a PSA test, you will be relieved if it comes back low. Mine was 0.5 this year, and any level below 2 is low. One of the most useful things is to measure the change in PSA over time. With age, and with the slow development of benign prostate enlargement, the PSA level goes up very slowly, 1 point or less a year. With prostate cancer, the PSA rises quickly, such as 2 points or more in a year. When a man's PSA level goes from 0.5 to 2.5 in one year, I am concerned even though 2.5 is still considered a normal level. This trajectory, or rate of rise of the PSA, is even more useful than an absolute level. Above 5 is definitely abnormal (not necessarily cancer), but how I interpret a level of 4 is greatly helped by what it was last year. If your PSA is in the "borderline" range of 3-5, it would be useful to follow it more closely, like checking it again in 6 months to see if it is rising.
The PSA is a tricky test to interpret. I hope this information is helpful.
The PSA, or prostate specific antigen, is a protein made by the cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located right next to the bladder, and provides some of the liquid that is part of semen. The urinary tract passes right through the middle of the prostate gland, like the hole in a doughnut, so if the prostate gland gets enlarged, the urine flow can be reduced or cut off.
A certain amount of PSA circulates in the blood, and this is measured as a rough estimate of the size of the prostate gland. The larger the gland, the higher the PSA level. Prostate cancer usually causes a high PSA level, but not always. In general, the worse the cancer, the higher the PSA level. The most common reason for a high PSA level is the benign growth of the prostate gland that occurs commonly in middle aged and older men.
It is important to remember that certain activities can make the PSA level rise, even sky high. The highest PSA levels have been measured in bicycle riders right after a long ride, or right after horseback riding. The bouncing of your bottom on the bike or the horse releases a lot of PSA into the blood, so do not ride your bike or horse to the doctor's office before your test! The prostate exam, where the doctor feels the size of the gland, can raise the PSA level if the doctor massages the gland, something I am careful not to do for routine screening. If I do massage the prostate gland, for example in a man with engorgement of the prostate (a type of prostatitis), I do not measure the PSA level at that time. Ejaculation can also temporarily raise the PSA level a little, so do not get your PSA right after sex. Overnight wait is ok. So, be mindful of what you did, or what was done to you, before getting your PSA level.
The concern about prostate cancer begins at age 50 in most men and that is when the PSA level is often drawn for screening. In African American men, and in men with a family history of prostate cancer, this screening begins at age 40. There is controversy as to whether getting a PSA level is a good idea, and whether it truly saves lives. There are a lot of false positive elevated PSA tests (elevated tests and no cancer present), and the follow-up test is invasive and expensive, an ultrasound exam through the rectum usually with biopsies of the prostate. Also, in older men (over age 70), prostate cancer may grow so slowly that the man may be better off not knowing it is there, since the man will suffer and die from other things. Treatment of prostate cancer is intensive and often reduces the man's sexual function.
If you do choose to get a PSA test, you will be relieved if it comes back low. Mine was 0.5 this year, and any level below 2 is low. One of the most useful things is to measure the change in PSA over time. With age, and with the slow development of benign prostate enlargement, the PSA level goes up very slowly, 1 point or less a year. With prostate cancer, the PSA rises quickly, such as 2 points or more in a year. When a man's PSA level goes from 0.5 to 2.5 in one year, I am concerned even though 2.5 is still considered a normal level. This trajectory, or rate of rise of the PSA, is even more useful than an absolute level. Above 5 is definitely abnormal (not necessarily cancer), but how I interpret a level of 4 is greatly helped by what it was last year. If your PSA is in the "borderline" range of 3-5, it would be useful to follow it more closely, like checking it again in 6 months to see if it is rising.
The PSA is a tricky test to interpret. I hope this information is helpful.
The Planning Session
Well today 12/11/08 was the day to get my treatment planning done. All I can say is each step of the process was done with military precision. I will not go into complete detail but step one was to build a body form to hold me into position once the actual treatment starts. Then a complete CT scan and then Tattoos were placed on my body as permanent register marks. This allows for exact positioning each time I have a treatment. Step two was lab work which was a blood draw. Step three was a meeting with a radiation nurse. She advised me as to what to expect in the coming weeks and what to do and not to do during the treatment period. Plus we discussed my treatment schedule, possible side effects and she gave me additional literature to further educate me. Finally step four was the MRI, 30 minutes of claustrophobic bliss. Well actually it was not blissful but the time went relatively fast especially with the headphones as I listened to Power 106. A station selection that surprised the MRI technicians. I was delighted that I did not need an IV or any type of contrast solutions. So now it's all done. Next stop treatment-ville!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Planning and Treatment
Saturday I got notice from the City of Hope that we are good to go!. My treatment planning appointment is 12/11/08. This includes an MRI and CT scan. Since the prostate moves it is important that they focus on the exact target each time. Tomo Therapy is a very focused and customized form of high tech radiation therapy. So the objective is to map my prostate so they make sure the radiation only goes where it suppose to go and not damage any healthy tissues and thus minimize side effects. Once the mapping is done the radiation oncologist team will analyze the computer data and customize my treatment area and dosage. COH has done over 20k of these so I feel comfortable they know what they are doing. Once this mapping process is done it takes a week to analyze the information. So my actual treatment will begin on 12/18. I will visit the hospital for these treatments for 35 days Monday through Friday. The treatments and set up last about 15 to 20 minutes. The good thing is I get an head start on my insurance coverage before everything resets on 1/1/09. This will save me $$$ on my deductibles and co-payments. YaHoo! More is more and less is less.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The One!! City of Hope Tomo Therapy!!
Well it appears that The City of Hope is the one. The place is "first boat". Yesterday 12-3-08 I arrived at 1:00 for my 2:00 appointment because you need and hour to fill out all of the paperwork before the real appointment.
I was greeted at the new patients desk with a user friendly "Hello Mr. Delaney we were waiting for you". The guy who greeted me has been a volunteer for the COH for 25 years. I was identified and escorted to another office to start with the paperwork. After a zillion questions designed to keep us out of court, I was tagged and escorted to the radiation oncologist department. I was still filling out paperwork from the last stop. I was examined by a nurse with more paperwork and Q&A. She took my BP and weight as well. Whew I need to lose weight I was 214.2 pounds. Once she was done I got a visit from the Physicians Assistant and she performed another generic exam. Heart and lungs etc. Then I was interviewed again. This was somewhat redundant but required I guess. But anyway I was left alone with more paperwork to complete. This form/s focused on (without getting beyond PG 13) lets just say functionality of equipment below my belt. (hey we are all adults here)
I completed the forms and soon the door opened and the P.A. returned with the doctor. The Doctor introduced himself. I immediately felt a warmth. We talked about my situation and he quickly reassured me of how small and curable my cancer was. We discussed treatment options as mentioned in an earlier post. We spent 1.5 hours focusing on the pros and cons and side effects. I am convinced that The Tomo Therapy is for me. It is enhanced IMRT that produces a more sculpted and curative dose to the cancer with lesser side effects, reduced damage to surrounding normal tissue and fewer complications for me. Plus it is done in one machine; the standard IMRT uses 2 machines.
I called them today and said lets move forward. So now I wait for a call to set an appointment for my Treatment Planning. Treatment Planning involves an MRI (ouch! another I.V. injection) and a 3-D CT image scan to establish the percise contours for each regions of interest (tumor site) and regions of risk. (sensitive organs) It will take one week for the staff to evaluate the computerized mapping data and then my appointment for the first treatment is set for one week later.
COH is clearly a brand for cancer treatments. Plus they were the first on the West coast to offer this technology and they have performed 20k+ Tomo Therapy procedures. Now that is a confidence booster for me!! Next....... treatment planning!!
I was greeted at the new patients desk with a user friendly "Hello Mr. Delaney we were waiting for you". The guy who greeted me has been a volunteer for the COH for 25 years. I was identified and escorted to another office to start with the paperwork. After a zillion questions designed to keep us out of court, I was tagged and escorted to the radiation oncologist department. I was still filling out paperwork from the last stop. I was examined by a nurse with more paperwork and Q&A. She took my BP and weight as well. Whew I need to lose weight I was 214.2 pounds. Once she was done I got a visit from the Physicians Assistant and she performed another generic exam. Heart and lungs etc. Then I was interviewed again. This was somewhat redundant but required I guess. But anyway I was left alone with more paperwork to complete. This form/s focused on (without getting beyond PG 13) lets just say functionality of equipment below my belt. (hey we are all adults here)
I completed the forms and soon the door opened and the P.A. returned with the doctor. The Doctor introduced himself. I immediately felt a warmth. We talked about my situation and he quickly reassured me of how small and curable my cancer was. We discussed treatment options as mentioned in an earlier post. We spent 1.5 hours focusing on the pros and cons and side effects. I am convinced that The Tomo Therapy is for me. It is enhanced IMRT that produces a more sculpted and curative dose to the cancer with lesser side effects, reduced damage to surrounding normal tissue and fewer complications for me. Plus it is done in one machine; the standard IMRT uses 2 machines.
I called them today and said lets move forward. So now I wait for a call to set an appointment for my Treatment Planning. Treatment Planning involves an MRI (ouch! another I.V. injection) and a 3-D CT image scan to establish the percise contours for each regions of interest (tumor site) and regions of risk. (sensitive organs) It will take one week for the staff to evaluate the computerized mapping data and then my appointment for the first treatment is set for one week later.
COH is clearly a brand for cancer treatments. Plus they were the first on the West coast to offer this technology and they have performed 20k+ Tomo Therapy procedures. Now that is a confidence booster for me!! Next....... treatment planning!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Choices and Options
West Hills, Loma Linda, The City of Hope are my treatment center choices. My insurance has approved my treatment and now I know my out of pocket expenses and my coverage floors and ceilings. It is recommended that the facility select be relatively close to home. Treatments can range from 35 to 45 visits. Once everything is mapped on my first visit, I should be in and out within 30 mins. Since I have met my deductible for the year I am pushing for getting started in December. This should save me a few $$$. I have vetted all of the following treatment centers and they all are top rated and have pros and cons as does my treatment choices. So all I have to do is ponder the concerns listed below and make a decision soon being careful not to get analysis paralysis. The treatment will be IMRT or Proton Therapy. I ponder the following:
- West Hills close to home highly rated doctors and facility IMRT. New equipment state of the art. The staff seem user friendly. This is important given that we are all dealing with some very serious "stuff". This is not like going to the dentist. This is life!!
- Loma Linda Proton therapy a long drive from home and or office. These guys are very professional and attentive. Clearly there seem to be a lot folks out there with cancer issues and want this treatment. They are taking treatment appointments for mid to late March. Plus it will be 3 weeks before I can have a one on one counseling session. All of my chats have been by phone or e-mail. That's a little long for me and my plans, but we will see. It will take 45 treatments so that means 45 trips Monday through Friday. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
- The City Of Hope is not to far but far enough. These guys are new to my decision mix. COH is world renown and a very recognized brand. I started a conversation with them on Wednesday of last week. They want to review all of my information...scans, reports and such. That said I still need to have a sit down with them. I have had long data dump conversations with a nurse so now I wait for an appointment.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
LLU
I got the call from LLU. My treatment consultant advised me that I was accepted as a candidate for Proton Therapy. It's not like getting accepted to Harvard but I'll take it. She advised me that the next steps were to check with my health insurance to determine coverage and then set a consultation appointment. I should hear from them in approximately a week. Then I can make my treatment decision. Hopefully I will have completed my vetting relative to the IMRT treatment, my doctor and facility by then. So far I have not found any negatives.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Not Bad for an old man!!
I got my x-ray and scan results back yesterday. Whew!!! I am very happy to say everything was normal. Now days there is a certain degree of "now what anxiety with doctor visits. All vital organs are "good to go". So next steps are to fax my info to Loma Linda, which was done this morning. I assume I will get a call from them for a consultation. If I don't get a call by Monday, I will shift into proactive mode.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The tests were not that Bad!!
I arrived at the hospital right at 8:30 AM. I proceeded to the admissions office to start the "paper work" and pay my co payment. After these steps were done, to my surprise there was no waiting I was ushered to"Nuclear Medicine" were I was to get an I.V. inserted in my arm and then an injection of some high test nuclear fluid. This fluid needs about 2 hours to travel to my bones for the bone scan. The nurse hooked me up and I was told to go to the 2nd floor for my CAT scan. It was quick trip up the elevator and 2 right turns and I was there. I delivered my "papers" and was told to wait in the waiting room. I pulled out my Ipod and the technician called my name before I could even boot up.
But before the CAT scan I was told lets do the chest x-ray thing first. So now I am off to get my chest x-rayed. It was about 5 minutes of hold your breath and turn this way and don't move.
Now back to the CAT scan room. I was instructed to lay down on this machine that appeared to be that portal that transports you back in time in the show I think it's called "Journey to Atlantis". Anyway the bed portion of the machine traveled me back and forth inside this "Hulla Hoop" on steroids halo section thing. At one point the technician had to inject contrast in the I.V. in my arm. Now the fun starts because he informed me that the I.V. was not working. What does that mean I asked? Well he had to remove the I.V. and stick me again in the other arm. This one worked! Now it's back and forth again. The process takes about 30-40 minutes. He was done and I was told I could finally eat which was a good thing. I was ravenously hungry. As a matter of fact I had progressed beyond hungry to "hongry" as said in the hood.
I had lunch. I was told to return to the hospital at 11:30 for the bone scan. First I sat on this one scanner which scanned my butt. They call this the "moon shot". This was about 10 minutes. Then on to the most boring scanner that takes about 45 minutes. You lay on the this bed and this "wand" of sort scans you from head to toe very very slowly. How slow was it? It goes so slow I actually fell asleep. The bone scan film was very interesting in that I could now see all of the areas/joints that are sore as a result one, me getting old and two, golf! The result was not bad for a guy my age when it was all said and done.
My last stop for the day was with the radiation oncologist. Again more paper work and another co payment. Bottom line, I was impressed with the office, the staff and the doctor. The doctor took the time to review with me all treatment options and we had our Q&A session. One comment was made by the the doctor was that given the size and my early detection, "If we were in Europe, the recommendation would be to do nothing". He made it clear he was not advocating that plan but it was important for me to know that I was very curable and I have options. So again a testament for early detection......EARLY DETECTION is a key so any of you men out there reading this.......get your butt checked out!!
My treatment choice continues to be IMRT and Proton therapy. IMRT has taken a slight lead at this point. My assessment is both are very similar in actual treatment, side effects, and cure rates. I can get the IMRT local to my home. There is still additional vetting needed relative to my doctor, this therapy center and the Proton therapy center at Loma Linda University. Stay tuned. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=imrt&bhcp=1 and http://www.protons.com/
But before the CAT scan I was told lets do the chest x-ray thing first. So now I am off to get my chest x-rayed. It was about 5 minutes of hold your breath and turn this way and don't move.
Now back to the CAT scan room. I was instructed to lay down on this machine that appeared to be that portal that transports you back in time in the show I think it's called "Journey to Atlantis". Anyway the bed portion of the machine traveled me back and forth inside this "Hulla Hoop" on steroids halo section thing. At one point the technician had to inject contrast in the I.V. in my arm. Now the fun starts because he informed me that the I.V. was not working. What does that mean I asked? Well he had to remove the I.V. and stick me again in the other arm. This one worked! Now it's back and forth again. The process takes about 30-40 minutes. He was done and I was told I could finally eat which was a good thing. I was ravenously hungry. As a matter of fact I had progressed beyond hungry to "hongry" as said in the hood.
I had lunch. I was told to return to the hospital at 11:30 for the bone scan. First I sat on this one scanner which scanned my butt. They call this the "moon shot". This was about 10 minutes. Then on to the most boring scanner that takes about 45 minutes. You lay on the this bed and this "wand" of sort scans you from head to toe very very slowly. How slow was it? It goes so slow I actually fell asleep. The bone scan film was very interesting in that I could now see all of the areas/joints that are sore as a result one, me getting old and two, golf! The result was not bad for a guy my age when it was all said and done.
My last stop for the day was with the radiation oncologist. Again more paper work and another co payment. Bottom line, I was impressed with the office, the staff and the doctor. The doctor took the time to review with me all treatment options and we had our Q&A session. One comment was made by the the doctor was that given the size and my early detection, "If we were in Europe, the recommendation would be to do nothing". He made it clear he was not advocating that plan but it was important for me to know that I was very curable and I have options. So again a testament for early detection......EARLY DETECTION is a key so any of you men out there reading this.......get your butt checked out!!
My treatment choice continues to be IMRT and Proton therapy. IMRT has taken a slight lead at this point. My assessment is both are very similar in actual treatment, side effects, and cure rates. I can get the IMRT local to my home. There is still additional vetting needed relative to my doctor, this therapy center and the Proton therapy center at Loma Linda University. Stay tuned. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=imrt&bhcp=1 and http://www.protons.com/
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Preparing for tomorrows test!
On Wednesday I have a bone scan and x-ray to make sure the cancer has not spread. Both doctors say the it is a high probability that it has not due to early discovery. So to prepare I have to drink 2 bottles of Barium Sulfate suspension each bottle is 450ml. It says on the bottle it is a berry smoothie...yea right! Yummie!! After scans and x-rays. I visit my radiation Oncologist with a ton of questions I need answered to make me smarter which will help me make my therapy selection.
Friday, November 7, 2008
10/29/08
To further clarify 10/29/2008@ 4:00 I got the bad news; confirmation of something I felt for about a year!! That said, actually the news for me was not as saddening as one would think. It was empowering. Now I know and now I know what I have to do. No more speculation. It is time to shift gears and focus on a treatment.
October 29, 2008 A date to remember
I am writing this in the hope that it will save my life and others as well. I clearly understand the reluctance of men to avoid this subject. But postate cancer is on a death sentence it the man chooses that outcome. It is is caught soon and you don't procrastinate you can beat it. I will chronicle my journey and post treatment and general PC information. It is projected that 28000 men will die of this cancer this year. Plus if you live long enough you will get it. 1 in 5 men will get by age 65. the most trusted indicator that something is going on is a simple blood test and the dreaded DRE.
This all began August 27, 2007. Well actually it began about 10 months earlier when I got an un- characteristic call from my personal care doctor. He indicated his concern that my PSA level was elevated. Being Black this is a problem. He recommended me to a urologist. Yuck now I had to sit down with him and discuss my options. But first came the the words most men don't want hear, he said "Drop your pants and place your elbows on the table. I need to do a DRE. I don't mean the department of real estate. A digital rectal exam. The digit is his finger. Not a fun thing. He did not feel anything abnormal on my prostate but given that I am Black he suggested that I get another blood test to check my PSA. I did and it was still high. 0-4 is the guideline. I was a 4. Yuck again.
After doing some research and speaking with friends in the medical profession. I had to face the reality of a biopsy. I will spare you the details but on 8/27/07 I got my first one. Clearly this is not a good experience. It only take about 15 to 20 minutes but the longest 15-20 minutes in my life. Now I must wait a week for the results and deal with the side effects of the procedure for about a month. One week pasted and another meeting with the urologist to discuss the results. They came back inconclusive. The suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days. Yuck!! I did and it was the same result!! Then the suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days.....hell no! I am not interested in being a frequent flyer!! So I decided to wait one year. Read, take all of the vitamins and make myself as smart as I could on this because clearly there was something going on.
On 9/2708 I got the results of my blood work and bad news my PSA was the highest it has ever been. Yep I must do a third biopsy! how fun!! I gues the third time is a charm because this time cancer was found. I really surprised myself because in my heart I knew I had it. So I really did not freak out. Now I knew. So I needed to meet with my urologist and discuss my treatment options. 1. Total removal....not! 2. IMRT...maybe 3. Cryosurgery....will my insurance cover? 4. HIFU....nope! and Proton Therapy......hmmm posible but still questions. I figured my next step was to see an oncologist. I had my visit with my oncologist and the short response is positive. It's small, it's early, it's very treatable and I am one of the most informed patients he has spoken with. I love the internet!!! My next step is a bone scan, x-rays and a visit with my Radiation Oncologist to help me decide on which treatment I will select. I am down to 2. IMRT or Proton therapy. So 11/12 will be doctor day. I am getting this all done on the same day and getting it out of the way.
This all began August 27, 2007. Well actually it began about 10 months earlier when I got an un- characteristic call from my personal care doctor. He indicated his concern that my PSA level was elevated. Being Black this is a problem. He recommended me to a urologist. Yuck now I had to sit down with him and discuss my options. But first came the the words most men don't want hear, he said "Drop your pants and place your elbows on the table. I need to do a DRE. I don't mean the department of real estate. A digital rectal exam. The digit is his finger. Not a fun thing. He did not feel anything abnormal on my prostate but given that I am Black he suggested that I get another blood test to check my PSA. I did and it was still high. 0-4 is the guideline. I was a 4. Yuck again.
After doing some research and speaking with friends in the medical profession. I had to face the reality of a biopsy. I will spare you the details but on 8/27/07 I got my first one. Clearly this is not a good experience. It only take about 15 to 20 minutes but the longest 15-20 minutes in my life. Now I must wait a week for the results and deal with the side effects of the procedure for about a month. One week pasted and another meeting with the urologist to discuss the results. They came back inconclusive. The suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days. Yuck!! I did and it was the same result!! Then the suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days.....hell no! I am not interested in being a frequent flyer!! So I decided to wait one year. Read, take all of the vitamins and make myself as smart as I could on this because clearly there was something going on.
On 9/2708 I got the results of my blood work and bad news my PSA was the highest it has ever been. Yep I must do a third biopsy! how fun!! I gues the third time is a charm because this time cancer was found. I really surprised myself because in my heart I knew I had it. So I really did not freak out. Now I knew. So I needed to meet with my urologist and discuss my treatment options. 1. Total removal....not! 2. IMRT...maybe 3. Cryosurgery....will my insurance cover? 4. HIFU....nope! and Proton Therapy......hmmm posible but still questions. I figured my next step was to see an oncologist. I had my visit with my oncologist and the short response is positive. It's small, it's early, it's very treatable and I am one of the most informed patients he has spoken with. I love the internet!!! My next step is a bone scan, x-rays and a visit with my Radiation Oncologist to help me decide on which treatment I will select. I am down to 2. IMRT or Proton therapy. So 11/12 will be doctor day. I am getting this all done on the same day and getting it out of the way.
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