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Here is the skinny from hubby's dr. appointment. The good news is the bone scan appeared to be clear and lymph nodes looked good. The bad news is they graded the tumor at a T4(for those of you that are savvy in cancer lingo) and the tumor is inoperable. So, they began his hormone therapy today ... we will try to synchronize our hot flashes!!! We are being referred to an oncologist specializing in radiation treatment. They typically wait for 90 days of hormone therapy before starting radiation. Apparently the seed therapy won't be an option due to the size of the tumor. I did also talk to a cancer center in Seattle who have a cyberknife center ... a newer type of radiosurgery that is still considered experimental for prostate cancer. It is used in situations where tumors are inoperable or at high risk for surgery, such as the brain, spine, etc. I'm faxing info tomorrow to them for their doctor to review to see if Bob might be a candidate for that procedure. The other sweet thing is that our insurance has been good about authorizing the procedure, one thing I was worried about.
So, I feel relieved in some ways ... even though his cancer is very serious. Does that make any sense at all? It helps to know what we are dealing with. The hormone therapy will stop the growth immediately and eventually shrink the tumor. It has other undesirable side effects, other than the hotflashes, but we can deal with that. So Friday I'll know if the cyberknife is an option. Tomorrow I'll call and schedule an appointment with the oncologist.
Thanks for all your positive thoughts and prayers today ... We are hanging in there and looking to make the most of every moment we do have. Looks like we'll still be able to vacation in Mexico at the end of October ... I'm looking forward to that!!
Diet Calendar Entries for 22 September 2009:
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2596 kcal
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Fat: 71.82g | Prot: 119.16g | Carb: 344.92g.
Breakfast: Fiber One, water, medifast cocoa. Lunch: Roasted Chicken Breast, Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy Orange Creme. Dinner: Perrier, Eating Right Mediterrean Style Chicken. Snacks/Other: sourdough bread, vodka, Alpine Lace Light Provolone, chocolate cake, vodka, Rold Gold Wheat Braided Pretzels, Special K Protein Bar Chocolately Chip, Luna Mini S'mores, Eating Right Raspberry Chewy Bar. more...
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3042 kcal
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Activities & Exercise:
Sleeping - 8 hours, Resting - 4 hours and 14 minutes, Desk Work - 9 hours, Driving - 2 hours, Precor Elliptical - 46 minutes. more...
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 Comments
I know what you mean about being relieved that you have a plan now!
22 Sep 09 by member: abbadabba
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It makes perfect sense and sounds like, overall, you had a very good day. It's not an A+ but it's at least a B or above. You have viable options, the insurance news is definitely good, and we can wait to see if the cyberknife avenue is feasible, which would then again be excellent news. It must have been exhausting today, so sleep well after a job well done. God bless.
22 Sep 09 by member: information
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I'm glad your news was optimistic. Now he's started hormone therapy he'll know just what it feels like to be a woman. My nephew says he now has a better understanding of womens moods! I'm glad you feel better knowing what you are dealing with. The bone scan and lymph nodes being clear is very encouraging. Its good news from your insurance co too. I've found the hardest thing is having to deal with your own feelings and emotions and those of OH. I hope the cyberknife will be an option. I don't know how radiotherapy works in the us BUT OH had to go every day for 10 days except Sundays. It was 100 mile round trip and I had to work really hard to persuade him to have it. That's one of the disadvantages of living out in the sticks. Fortunately transport was provided. The first day he came home very discouraged saying he had been out all day for a 7 minute treatment. However, after a couple of days he met other people on the ambulance bus and began to enjoy it and there were little or no side effects which was a bonus after the horrors of chemo. Keep positive and remember that you need to look after yourself too. Don't look too far into the future and take every opportunity that comes your way. Sending you happy positive thoughts and good wishes :)
23 Sep 09 by member: flaxseed
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I'm so happy to see all the positives in your journal! It is good to know what you're dealing with and to have a plan of action. I know it's still very worrying and a challenging time, but hang on to all the good stuff - I'm sure the positive energy helps. It's great that you have some fun travel to look forward to! (((((hugs))))) Thinking positive thoughts for the cyberknife option!
23 Sep 09 by member: amryk
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Your positive mindset is commendable and the good news is good to hear. Just love - love - love your hubby the way you always do and you will weather this storm. Much love.
23 Sep 09 by member: poet-in-motion
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I am happy to hear the positive news and more than anything, I am happy you have some relief. It is completly understandable to want to have some focus when things seem so fuzzy in our lives. Many blessings and much peace to you!
23 Sep 09 by member: dawn0001
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Thanks everyone!! I am very tired but I can understand why. Stress does take a toll on us. If Bob ends up with the standard radiation treatment Flaxseed ... it is a 100 mile round trip to where it is offered from our town ... 140 from our home. My mom had to do that when she had breast cancer ... 5 days a week for 8 weeks ... she never missed a day of work!!! She is TOUGH!!! We'll see what doors open and which ones close. I am hoping he doesn't have to do chemotherapy, just because it will make him feel like crap. But, at least I am not having to talk him into anything at this juncture. That may change ... 2 years ago I couldn't get him to budge. At least he is budging now!! I need to get to work ... I sure haven't been very productive there lately ... gee ... I wonder why? LOL!!! I wish I could reach through this computer and give you each a big bear hug ... you are each dear to my heart!! Thanks!!!
23 Sep 09 by member: madaboutmoose
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You will get through that 8 weeks fairly easily, it's surprising how strong we can become when we need to. Even if he has to do chemo, it depends a lot on the chemo, many of them do not cause nausea, hair loss, or other debilitating side effects at all. Anyway, cross that bridge later. It's no surprise that your energy is partially drained, yesterday had to have been intense; concentrating on your work, rather than pondering all the possibilities will be good for you. Hang in there moose, you are doing very well all around! God bless...
23 Sep 09 by member: information
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ditto Info, and I will take that big bear hug from you anytime!! xo
23 Sep 09 by member: cindyshine
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