David and I had our regularly scheduled Dr. Butler meeting today. He is VERY pleased with how well David is progressing through the radiation treatments! Only 7 more and we are done! Mark it down, Thursday April 7th!
Allergies and fatigue are the only problems he is experiencing. I make him take a 2 hour nap every day, the dry hacking cough is getting out of control, keeping him awake at night. Last Friday the doctor gave him a prescription for something that in my opinion didn't work. Today they gave him codeine, hope it takes care of the cough. Weight is the same, blood pressure is great, no burning, no problems....feel VERY blessed! They have not done any additional white blood cell testing.
Not much of a update, but David is doing so good there is not much to report!
Love to all, thanks for the prayers, phone calls and cards.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Dancin' the Irish Jig!
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing
I waited until today to do the weekly doctor update, not just because I'm Irish and like St. Patrick's Day but because today marks the HALF WAY MARK! David is officially 1/2 the way to completing the radiation treatments!
Dr. Butler was out of the office Tuesday so we saw Dr. Grant. We had been told they might "add" sessions to the end of the treatment plan. I ask when they would make that decision, I was told by Dr. Grant that he thought Dr. Butler had already decided NO ADDITIONAL SESSIONS! (Needs to be confirmed next Tuesday with Butler)
The fatigue is about the same, David takes a nap everyday and can function okay. No pain, no other issues, no weight gain or loss.
Spring Break was this week and we got to see kids and grandkids. We took Addy to the Woodlands to listen to music, and had a 1st Birthday party for Sophie. Billy went to treatment with David on Monday...regular stuff. Felt very good!
No blood work this week, but he will have a white cell count test next week.
Thanks again for all the cards, calls and prayers. Love you all.
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing
I waited until today to do the weekly doctor update, not just because I'm Irish and like St. Patrick's Day but because today marks the HALF WAY MARK! David is officially 1/2 the way to completing the radiation treatments!
Dr. Butler was out of the office Tuesday so we saw Dr. Grant. We had been told they might "add" sessions to the end of the treatment plan. I ask when they would make that decision, I was told by Dr. Grant that he thought Dr. Butler had already decided NO ADDITIONAL SESSIONS! (Needs to be confirmed next Tuesday with Butler)
The fatigue is about the same, David takes a nap everyday and can function okay. No pain, no other issues, no weight gain or loss.
Spring Break was this week and we got to see kids and grandkids. We took Addy to the Woodlands to listen to music, and had a 1st Birthday party for Sophie. Billy went to treatment with David on Monday...regular stuff. Felt very good!
No blood work this week, but he will have a white cell count test next week.
Thanks again for all the cards, calls and prayers. Love you all.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
White blood cell count
We met with Dr. Butler today for the weekly check up, they had done blood work last week to check the white blood cell count. White cells fight infection, he didn't give us the number, but told us they were good. David is doing fine, played a round of golf this week and last. He is starting to feel some fatigue, it is to be expected, and so far the only problem he is having. Today was the 10th treatment, and since we are shooting for a total of 32 that means he is about 1/3 of the way through.
Sarah came down last week and went with her dad to the Friday session. The nurses took her in the room and explained the machine and treatments to her. Jennifer and the kids are coming down this weekend, they are going to spend spring break here and at her parents. Billy just called, they are coming down Sunday for a couple of days. The cards and phone calls are great moral boosters, and the prayers are a wonderful comfort to us both. It only takes looking around the waiting room to know how blessed we are.
Sarah came down last week and went with her dad to the Friday session. The nurses took her in the room and explained the machine and treatments to her. Jennifer and the kids are coming down this weekend, they are going to spend spring break here and at her parents. Billy just called, they are coming down Sunday for a couple of days. The cards and phone calls are great moral boosters, and the prayers are a wonderful comfort to us both. It only takes looking around the waiting room to know how blessed we are.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dr. Butler meeting today
Every Tuesday after treatment David and I will meet with Dr. Butler to talk about how the week has been for him. Today was the first of those meetings, and we found out the number of sessions....drum roll please......32. They may add more, depends on how it looks towards the end. This was really good news because we thought it was going to be 37. So that's a WHOLE week less! David has gained one pound, and is not showing ANY signs of the radiation.
Depression is something I have been watching for, and some days I think he lets it get to him. Example: This weekend, I cleaned the garage, he was bringing me some stuff from the front porch and he saw the Christmas lights. He told me the thought crossed his mind that he may not feel up to decorating next year. And he wanted me to tell the kids he didn't want them to do it for him. Not that he won't be here to decorate, but that he won't feel like doing it. The other side of that, he is meeting with a woman he knows from work that her ex husband is dealing with 8 months of incontinence-he wants to help him by getting the guy to exercise. Depressed some days determined to help others some days.
Thanks for all the cards (Sharon, Phil, Vicki and Tuck) all the phone calls (kids and grandkids) and big thanks for all the prayers. Keep it up, I know he feels your love.
Depression is something I have been watching for, and some days I think he lets it get to him. Example: This weekend, I cleaned the garage, he was bringing me some stuff from the front porch and he saw the Christmas lights. He told me the thought crossed his mind that he may not feel up to decorating next year. And he wanted me to tell the kids he didn't want them to do it for him. Not that he won't be here to decorate, but that he won't feel like doing it. The other side of that, he is meeting with a woman he knows from work that her ex husband is dealing with 8 months of incontinence-he wants to help him by getting the guy to exercise. Depressed some days determined to help others some days.
Thanks for all the cards (Sharon, Phil, Vicki and Tuck) all the phone calls (kids and grandkids) and big thanks for all the prayers. Keep it up, I know he feels your love.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
First Treatment
David had his first radiation treatment this afternoon. We don't know how many sessions he will have until we meet with Dr. Butler on Tuesday. This week his treatment times are all afternoon, hoping next week he can be moved to morning sessions. They told us it was important to keep him at the same time everyday, don't know why. He will also be kept on the same machine, and have a CT scan done prior to every treatment. According to David, no pain (the balloon isn't comfortable-but doesn't hurt) start to finish time is about 20 minutes, including scan.
I am going to be able to take him twice a week, and he feels comfortable he can manage the other 3 trips.
David has said he might start posting, so you may get another update. If not I'll post what Butler tells us Tuesday.
Thanks for all the prayers we feel them.
Mom
I am going to be able to take him twice a week, and he feels comfortable he can manage the other 3 trips.
David has said he might start posting, so you may get another update. If not I'll post what Butler tells us Tuesday.
Thanks for all the prayers we feel them.
Mom
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
David's "markings"
I wanted to share with everyone a little humor as we travel on this prostate journey. This will also explain why we won't see David in his trademark blue jean shorts for awhile.
I knew that the mapping appointment yesterday would result in David "being marked" with a sharpie, so he could be lined up in the same position for every treatment. I was not in the room with him when he was marked and didn't see what was done to him until last night as we got into bed. I was under the impression when the doctor said "small marks" that the marks would be 1/4 inch or so. Not really! When he got ready for bed last night I was exposed to this REALLY big bright blue X marking the spot on his bottom! The shock of it made me laugh, and I couldn't stop! Then he climbed into bed and I saw his legs! 3 neon blue lines on each leg! He won't be wearing shorts for fear that his "markings" might be taken as "gang tats!" Bless his heart! We both were laughing so hard we had tears running down our face!
Love you all-Roena
I knew that the mapping appointment yesterday would result in David "being marked" with a sharpie, so he could be lined up in the same position for every treatment. I was not in the room with him when he was marked and didn't see what was done to him until last night as we got into bed. I was under the impression when the doctor said "small marks" that the marks would be 1/4 inch or so. Not really! When he got ready for bed last night I was exposed to this REALLY big bright blue X marking the spot on his bottom! The shock of it made me laugh, and I couldn't stop! Then he climbed into bed and I saw his legs! 3 neon blue lines on each leg! He won't be wearing shorts for fear that his "markings" might be taken as "gang tats!" Bless his heart! We both were laughing so hard we had tears running down our face!
Love you all-Roena
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
IMRT Imaging today
"To have and to hold from this day forward, through sickness and health......."
I was reminded of this today on the eve of our 31st wedding anniversary. Not for the obvious reason that David is getting ready for phase two of our prostate cancer journey, but rather for the underlining reason I go with him to his appointments. We were discussing the test today on the way home and it became clear to me that alot of the information goes in one ear and out the other. Case in point, he has to have a balloon catheter inserted for every radiation treatment. This was explained by Dr. Butler at our first meeting with him. The purpose is to "recreate" the prostate and its position. Once the prostate was removed the bladder, colon, and other orgins shift into the void left behind. The balloon becomes a make shift prostate and lifts the organs out of the way. This is done so the radiation can hit the prostate bed without doing any damage to the healthy organs. News to David! He had not realized any of this....and that's why I go...and am so blessed to be able to calm his fears in ways I never imagined.
The test today was to map his prostate region. A special "bean bag" was made just for him, a large air mattress looking thing that was molded to fit around body. He was marked with a black sharpie to line him up in the same position for the treatment. Very small marks on the backs of his legs, they will be remarked over the duration of his treatments to keep him in the same position. Several CT scans were done, some with the balloon some with out.
I was able to go back to the room with him at the start of the test, but had to leave once they started. The nurse was telling him what to expect and when his treatment should start. She said we might get the call as early as this Friday to start on Monday! What makes IMRT so different is the carefull planning using 3D computed tomography images in conjunction with computerized dose calculations to determine the dose intensity and pattern. Once Dr. Butler comes up with the plan, we will know how long the treatment will last. Could be as few as 24 or as many as 42 sessions. Another positive about IMRT is that it is a far more precise, higher and more effective dose of radiation and causes less damage to surrounding tissue. It works more slowly making the toxicities do less damage to surrounding "good" tissue.
Before you all start thinking I am working on my degree to become a doctor, I should explain I take notes and come home and do research!
David did take some prescription meds to calm him down today. He was worried about the balloon, and when the nurse called it a "catheter" I thought he might run out the door! So, being dopie helped him get through the unknown. We left feeling much better, nothing hurt, everyone was nice and he is ready to get this next round going!
I was reminded of this today on the eve of our 31st wedding anniversary. Not for the obvious reason that David is getting ready for phase two of our prostate cancer journey, but rather for the underlining reason I go with him to his appointments. We were discussing the test today on the way home and it became clear to me that alot of the information goes in one ear and out the other. Case in point, he has to have a balloon catheter inserted for every radiation treatment. This was explained by Dr. Butler at our first meeting with him. The purpose is to "recreate" the prostate and its position. Once the prostate was removed the bladder, colon, and other orgins shift into the void left behind. The balloon becomes a make shift prostate and lifts the organs out of the way. This is done so the radiation can hit the prostate bed without doing any damage to the healthy organs. News to David! He had not realized any of this....and that's why I go...and am so blessed to be able to calm his fears in ways I never imagined.
The test today was to map his prostate region. A special "bean bag" was made just for him, a large air mattress looking thing that was molded to fit around body. He was marked with a black sharpie to line him up in the same position for the treatment. Very small marks on the backs of his legs, they will be remarked over the duration of his treatments to keep him in the same position. Several CT scans were done, some with the balloon some with out.
I was able to go back to the room with him at the start of the test, but had to leave once they started. The nurse was telling him what to expect and when his treatment should start. She said we might get the call as early as this Friday to start on Monday! What makes IMRT so different is the carefull planning using 3D computed tomography images in conjunction with computerized dose calculations to determine the dose intensity and pattern. Once Dr. Butler comes up with the plan, we will know how long the treatment will last. Could be as few as 24 or as many as 42 sessions. Another positive about IMRT is that it is a far more precise, higher and more effective dose of radiation and causes less damage to surrounding tissue. It works more slowly making the toxicities do less damage to surrounding "good" tissue.
Before you all start thinking I am working on my degree to become a doctor, I should explain I take notes and come home and do research!
David did take some prescription meds to calm him down today. He was worried about the balloon, and when the nurse called it a "catheter" I thought he might run out the door! So, being dopie helped him get through the unknown. We left feeling much better, nothing hurt, everyone was nice and he is ready to get this next round going!
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