Friday, December 30, 2011

Notes From Home


I have an update about my husband Rick for our family and friends.  
We went for his first Oncologist's appointment Thursday morning (12/29/11) in Lake Havasu City.  The doctor talked with us about options for the treatment of his prostate cancer.  There are about six different ways to treat his type, which as far as they can tell is a slow growing, contained to the prostate type of cancer.  Rick has essentially narrowed it down to two of the options.   He's considering a Radical Prostatectomy or Brachytherapy.  A Radical Prostatectomy (LINK CAUTION - BODY PARTS YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO SEE) is a surgery where the prostate gland is removed and the Brachytherapy is a procedure where radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate to kill the cancer.  His oncologist told us along with the treatment Rick chooses he'll  be given  Hormone (androgen deprivation) therapy as well. 

The next step in the process is to have a bone scan to make sure the prostate cancer has not spread to his bones.  We have the order and will make the appointment the beginning of next week.   He also has an appointment with his urologist Thursday, January 5th.  We were told at that appointment we'd need to have made a decision about what treatment he'd be doing.  I actually think we need to hold off until we have the results of the bone scan before we can do that. 

Our day today has been spent mostly checking into our medical insurance, what it covers, co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket costs, etc.   It's been interesting and again we've learned a lot.  That family plan of medical insurance that takes more than half of his retirement check is looking pretty good right now. 

I'll update again when we know something new.  Thanks for your love and care. 

17 comments:

AllisonG said...

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you start your journey on this rough road. :-)

Patti J said...

You and your DH are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us all posted, please. Hugs...

Carol L said...

I will keep you both in my thoughts and pray for guidance from Rick's doctors. I know you'll both make the right decision, and hopefully this can be taken care of in it's early stages. Sending hugs and hope your way for a full and complete recovery! It's not the way you wanted to start the new year I'm sure, but I hope everything goes well!

Barbara said...

I am so sorry that your husband has to go through this. I know it is hard on you also. I know that some form of cancer treatment have a high success rate and I believe prostrate cancer is one of these. Let's pray this is the case and that one day soon a cure will be found for all cancer. You both are in my thought and prayers. Hugs XX

Anonymous said...

Jan, my dad (now 70) had prostate cancer as well. I am a surgical OR nurse too. If your husband chooses a prostatectomy, please look into the DaVinci robotic method. Recovery is so greatly reduced, with less complications. Radical prostatectomy is so extensive and painful. Brachytherapy is much less invasive, if his cancer can be treated that way, so nice if possible. Best wishes to the both of you

Linda said...

Thinking of you and you family...hoping for the best!

Lisa Jane said...

Thinking of you. I am sure your medical team will advise and do their best
Lisax

NanaConnie said...

I'm keeping you both in my prayers, Jan. Thank God that it's a slow-growing type. Those seem to have the best treatment options and results. :-D

Bonnie Weiss said...

Sending you hugs Jan as you see this process through.

Lorie said...

HUGS and prayers Jan!

Pat (mspfd) said...

Oh Jan, I am thinking of you and your husband and keeping you both in my prayers. I am very glad your insurance is looking good, and it sounds like you are making good progress investigating the treatment options. Hang it there!

Vicki said...

Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Having had cancer myself I believe I know some of the anxiety you are going through. Please keep a positive attitude and know prayer is strong. Bless you and your family!

HUGS!
Vicki

Jennifer said...

I'll be praying for your husband and your whole family as you decide what is the best to do. May the Lord Jesus give you the strength to guide you in the right path!

Donna said...

Jan - you and your husband continue to be in my prayers.

Patti P. said...

Jan, HUGS and Prayers for you both, as this is a journey you go through together. I pray God guides and comforts you along the way. Keep us posted and if there is anything we can do.....
hugs....

Donna said...

Jan,
As I told you in my e-mail,I will be praying for Rick,you and your family. My prayer is for healing and for peace and comfort in all the decisions that you are having to make.I have been thinking of you so much.Please take care. Blessings, Donna

Charlie said...

Jan - a total stranger to you all the way from Denmark but I can see we have several things in common. I am a scrapper and cardmaker too, I am in charge of the Danish Operation Write home and my DH was diagnosed with PC in May 2011 - had the bodyscan to ensure the cancer was inside his prostate glant and TG it was and had the DaVinci radical operation in early September. In January we went for the first check-up after surgery and his PSA count was less than 0.1% which we were very pleased to hear. In 3 months we will be checked again. Not sure what you decided or how far you are but will be thinking of you and your family. If cancer should end up in your house - at least this is one of the less horrible ones - we have been told. All the best. PS you're a wizard with those Copics. =0)