Trad Gang
Main Boards => Prayers/Concerns/Honors/Ailments => Topic started by: Doc Nock on December 13, 2018, 06:40:14 PM
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I figured with so many wonderful prayer warriors PM'ing me, posting and such, it'd be better to start a new thread...
So today I finally got to meet with the Urology Doctor re: the prostate Cancer diagnosis...
I had plenty of questions and he took plenty of time... he was 30 min late for our appointed time, but I was the last one of the day so he had time to discuss fully...
Bottom line...
The prostate cancer I have, using a GLEASON score is relatively "aggressive", but not as bad as it could be... I'm at an 8 total and if it's 9 or 10, If I understand it right, that's REALLY bad! :(
First step is to do a bone scan to make sure it's not gotten outa the prostate and into the bone... 2nd will be a CT scan, to see if it's in the lymph system...
If both those tests are negative, we reviewed all the Treatment options, at least here...
The robotic surgery has more risks... Risks of incontinence and impotence...not really worried about the latter, but the former and the healing part would be a bit devilish...
at age 70, if it's contained in the prostate, he said the "Seeds, Nuggets, Radiation, or Cyber knife (which he's not heard of anyone doing it in a 3 state area) means, in his opinion, at my age of 70, ANY of them would give me likely 15 years... I'm not sure I'd want to go beyond that anyway... So...
His recommendation, if no migration to lymph or bone, is Radiation as it's the safest, most effective with NO side effects and will get me to 85 in his view...he's going to set up a meeting with a radiologist here to discuss more...
So now it's a "hurry up and wait" for the 2 scans, then the results of the CT and Bone Scan... then move forward.
Sorry, but that is all I know at this point in time... more waiting and wondering... Apparently, it's somewhat aggressive growing type to jump in PSA level as it did... PSA can be a false indicator of cancer but now that it's known, the type PSA he uses differentiates between several types of PSA indicators...
Time will tell...
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Time just told... got the bizarre call I posted yesterday and now this AM, got a 2nd call and learned the Bone Scan also came back "no obvious contamination"... I asked about the radiologist appt and got sent to another Voice mail box...left quick message and got that as well... January 8th I see Radiologist about treatments...
While I Had the nice female nurse on the line, I shared about the Bizarre Restricted call to give me Test Results yesterday... I shared how that went and how I felt and she promised to quietly share with the Urology doc as I suggested that was bizarre. It turns out the woman decided to work from home and used her cell to call me. So she's obviously concerned with cell issues or wouldn't restrict her Phone #...
I have a Radiologist appointment and 2 "good" scan results...clear on CT and Bone...
Thank you, Jesus (and you faithful prayer warriors!)
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:pray:
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Glad to hear you were able to meet with the Doctor. I know the waiting to find out what is going on is terrible. Praying for negative test results on CT scan and bone scan. If that's the case it sounds like you have some good options. Hang in there.
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Thank you for the kind words, Gents. Thanks too, for the PMs from various folks and emails as well...they're my life line! Once the scan news is behind me, then other choices have to be made...
I appreciate the prayers for clean scans... I admit, I'm at the head of that line... :)
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prayers from here :pray: :pray: :pray:
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Thanks, Buzz!!! :)
Got the call early this AM that they (FINALLY) got these 2 scans (bone and CT (Lymph)) set for tomorrow AM...now to pray it's still contained in the prostate and hasn't decided to go wandering about... that'll be bad if it did.. :( :pray:
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Had both scans today.... bizarre...had to get iv insertion of Radioactive calcium, then the CT, then go home for 3 more hours and return for bone scan...
Asked both when result be ready...
Tomorrow on both...
Get a call from a "Restricted #" and while I was curious I answered and gave the caller a hard time...said was my Uro Doc's office using her personal cell phone. She knew too much about future appts etc to not be but he's getting a complaint...that is just unprofessional.
The result of the CT suggesting lymph involvement was negative; Hopefully, the Bone will be the same, but he's going to get an earful about 'restricted number calls and unidentified persona giving me medical results..."
No word yet on a Radiologist appt but I"m hearing the guy is very good who I'm to "eventually" see...
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Right on David! Good news so far......
Restricted number would have made me raise an eyebrow and an ear full to the doc as well.
Still sending prayers up for you!
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Thanks, Rodd... cavalier and laid back are different from unprofessional...HE needs to know, then if he doesn't do anything, well, that is with him but he can't fix what he may NOT know is broken!
I'm tempted to call in tomorrow to verify, but might wait to see if I get a call RE: bone scan thru their local # since I gave the woman a hard time on her "restricted" personal #. My one cousin in PA uses a phone his daughter gave him and he does that... has it restricted...
Wierd behavior seems the norm here...
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Doc,
You would think with a cell phone or most would show the Dr's or professional's name so you would easily identify and answer your phone BUT I almost didn't answer a call last week cause an unknown number didn't show the person;'s name that I had stored away in my phones Rolodex . I think the carrier or phone company screws things up at times as well and sometimes don't give a name of a business and agree that could of been a call you could of just simply ignored and not answered. I think God intervened and somehow wanted you to answer that call when usually you would of just let it go.
Yep not the girls fault if the Dr. told her to call using that phone but should of been a business number with the name or number you would recognize.Now I would like to be a fly on the wall when old Doc gives them an "Education" and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that conversation getting an earful from old man "Doc Nock" :scared: On a serious note I'm still praying and thinking of you Brother and come here nearly everyday or other day just to check and see how things are going with ya. Sort of like checking in on a sick kid while they are sleeping but not wanting to disturb them. ;)
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Forgot to mention Doc. This past Saturday I went on a bus trip with 8 others from our church to Lancaster and us men went to Lancaster Archery while the women were shopping at the mall.
Well I'm over at the Traditional bow section while discussing a new bow line there with another customer there and this tall guy with no hair agreed with me about the bows I was referring to. So we began talking a bit and somehow I asked if he gets on TradGang and he said yes. I told him I'm Keefers and He said he was Big Ed.
He said 'you had your hand severed in a log splitter"? I said Yes and he showed me his hand with I believe was just the pinky,ring finger and mangled up thumb if memory serves me correctly.We shook hands with out bad hands and what a powerful grip he had . I then brought you up and he said he used to run in to you up there and knew you but heard you moved. I said yes he is in Tenn.
I then told him you are on the Prayer forum here and need prayers . I explained what was happening to you and to stop by here to check on you. I thought it was neat to put a face to a name and how ironic to meet someone with a serious hand injury like mine. Thought you might enjoy a little "Son shine " today brother.
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Both Great posts, Keith and I had gotten a note from Big Ed, wishing Me well, perhaps due to your mention! I also recall how he'd been injured and wasn't sure he'd be able to shoot bows...
I did not know Ed hung out/worked at that store...
As for the phone, when I inquired of the woman why, WHY would you call me up on a RESTRICTED PHONE, she said it was her personal phone.... She never gives her name...only person in that office who plays "cute" like that...
Regardless, I find it extremely "unprofessional" to do thus and now she knows I do NOT answer "RESTRICTED" PHONE calls and will not in the future...
I must call my cousin and let him know if he still has his Cell set thus, I won't see a number and will NOT answer it!
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Great news on the CT scan David. Now to get a negative on the Bone San. I am leaving in a few minutes for my next to last Radiation Treatment. Last one will be tomorrow. Prayers still up for you.
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Great news on the CT scan David. Now to get a negative on the Bone San. I am leaving in a few minutes for my next to last Radiation Treatment. Last one will be tomorrow. Prayers still up for you.
Thank you, Phillip! Very special for you to be offering well wishes when you're battling similar conditions! :notworthy:
I wish you well too!
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Great news on the CT scan David. Now to get a negative on the Bone San. I am leaving in a few minutes for my next to last Radiation Treatment. Last one will be tomorrow. Prayers still up for you.
Just had a nice pair of calls:
I posted on my opening post an update. I got the call on the Bone Scan!
got the bizarre call I posted yesterday and now this AM, got a 2nd call and learned the Bone Scan also came back "no obvious contamination"... I asked about the radiologist appt and got sent to another Voice mail box...left quick message and got that call back as well... January 8th I see Radiologist about treatments...
While I Had the nice female nurse on the line regarding the Radiology appt, I shared about the Bizarre Restricted call to give me Test Results yesterday... I shared how that went and how I felt about a doctor's office making restricted calls to patients--and she promised to quietly share with the Urology doc as I suggested. It turns out the woman decided to work from home and used her cell to call me. So she's obviously concerned with cell issues or wouldn't restrict her Phone #...
I have a Radiologist appointment 8th of January, and 2 "good" scan results...clear on CT and Bone...
Thank you, Jesus (and you faithful prayer warriors!)
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Hallelujah!!!!
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Hallelujah!!!!
Amen, God Good news!
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Awesome, Doc! About time we heard some good news out of you! :clapper:
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David that is some great news. It's time to sit back and enjoy the Holiday and try to forget this for a while.
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:pray: :thumbsup:
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It is really great to hear some good news.
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:shaka: :clapper: :goldtooth:great news
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Prayers up from Pa. Doc
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continued prayers my brother!
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Thank you, All you PRAYER WARRIORS!
Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas to you also Doc. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers brother . We all gathered at Church this morning and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and had a Big cake we all shared together. No gift can ever match what He has given us and it's free for the asking.If anyone here hasn't ever excepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior please do so before it is eternally too late. He just wants you as you are so come freely and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and believe He is God's only begotten Son and He died for our sins and was raised on the 3rd day. Happy Birthday Jesus and Thank You for first Loving Us!
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Merry Christmas and continued prayer during His season and blessings for the next year!
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Christmas is over, New Years got rung in, stockings are down, pounds were gained, tree undecorated and put up till next year
And life goes on...
Saw the Oncology Radiologist today... back to Urology doc on 14th to have 3 24Kt gold seeds put in to help target the radiation; which should start about a week later...waiting on a call for that appt as they want to let things "settle down" after the gold inserts! :o
I guess I'm just too chicken to consider surgery living alone and the post op recovery living here alone with nobody around...
They "say" 10 years or even 15 and at 70, that'll be enough... :o :thumbsup: :coffee:
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David glad you have got a plan going and hope all works out well for you. Praying for good results. Philip
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:pray: :pray: :pray: prayers up to The Great One Doc. May he lay his healing hands on you.
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Thanks, gents, one and all....
The process of pre-medication starts tomorrow with dietary limitations due to meds, then the "clean out" process Sunday, the implanting of gold pellets on Monday bright and early and then radiation come the following Tuesday, the 22nd...then just hurry up some more and wait to see if it all worked...
Indeed, it may not be the BEST plan ever devised, but somewhere TRUST has to surface and this is something I can embrace being I live alone here in NE TN...so it's what option seemed best for the current resources at hand!
I appreciate all the prayers... God's Will be Done!
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Doc,
You may be alone in Tenn. But we here are All by your side and praying all go's well as you begin that procedure . As you go through just imagine if you will we are in the waiting room waiting and praying for Our Brother in Christ Jesus.
Where two or three are gathered in His name (such as here) He will be as well so imagine Jesus is also with us on this.
Cast all your worries on Him He will take it to our Father and have Faith His will be done brother!
God Bless and be by your side my friend...<')))><
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Thanks, Keith....
The "alone" part wasn't so much a lament, as an explanation... a few have shared their experiences and recommended a different path, as it were. Perhaps I took the coward's way out, avoid full surgical removal, but I didn't want to try to navigate the recovery without assistance--ie physical help in the here and now...
I appreciate your sentiments and the reality that, indeed,I'm surely not ALONE and I'm trying very hard to lay this down and accept whatever is to be.
Sure, I'm hoping for another 15 years without complications, but it's not my choice, is it? Whatever will be--will be...God's will, not mine...
I appreciate the prayers... I surely do and have seen much happen that is beyond human understanding, especially here thru this forum... so I covet and appreciate the prayers of each and everyone and not all who offer prayers post their doing so...
So thanks to those who share via posts and those who just pray quietly...
THANK YOU ALL! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
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Praying that all go's well with the gold implants today Doc. Before I set foot on the bedroom floor I asked our Heavenly Father to be by your side this morning . Waiting to hear from you but take your time and rest first. :pray:
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Prayers for today and tomorrow.
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Doc,
You may be alone in Tenn. But we here are All by your side and praying all go's well as you begin that procedure . As you go through just imagine if you will we are in the waiting room waiting and praying for Our Brother in Christ Jesus.
Where two or three are gathered in His name (such as here) He will be as well so imagine Jesus is also with us on this.
Cast all your worries on Him He will take it to our Father and have Faith His will be done brother!
God Bless and be by your side my friend...<')))><
Very, very well put! We are here for you David!
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Thanks to all as always...
I think it went well enough, barring complications. It was less uncomfortable then the biopsy for sure...
Only negative was they let me lie on the table for an HOUR with my bare butt sticking out in the breeze and that early the rooms were COLD!!!
Minimal bleeding again so that's a good thing...all in all, it's in God's hands...
Thanks to all for the prayers... :bigsmyl:
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Now If memory serves me right I think I know what you mean about "Barring complications"!
If there was any of that stuff left in you I think they should of put a cork in it Doc or things could of erupted like a Volcano and made a mess of the ceiling lol :biglaugh:
Glad all went pretty good so far and thanks for the texts letting me know how things went. :thumbsup:
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Not quite like a Colonoscopy, Keith, but That wasn't my concern...after there can be "bleeding" from various orifices... the antibiotics can cause other issues and I have to take them 8 more days with some dietary restrictions...
Nobody knows if the radiation will cure the cancer but it mostly does, so we'll see... most have no side effects from the radiation, but for now, it a matter of tenderness, healing and stabilizing bowel functions... :o
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Just thinking of ya today Doc and praying you are doing o.k.! Get some rest my friend. :pray:
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Thanks, Keith and thanks, too for your text checkin in...
Yes, things have improved today...
in a week, I can start treatments..
See how that goes... :) :shaka:
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How are you making out so far Doc? Now that the seeds been implanted are you having any discomfort ? I been checking here when I get time but just to let you know I Pray daily before I get up and on my “Prayer request” road heading to work daily for ya! :pray:
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thanks, Keith!
I'm ok...They want the pellets to "settle in" for a week, so I have an appt to start radiation on Tuesday AM, if weather holds...
So far so good.
I appreciate your faithful prayers...
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in prayers daily stay strong :pray:
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Still here, still prayin'... :pray:
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Thanks, all, for the prayers and warm thoughts! :)
I finished out the week with 2 treatments; Only downside so far is a sore back from lying on a cold hard table for treatments for 15 min without moving and my arthritic ole back is screaming.
So I have 2 of 39 treatments finished, the weekend off, then back at it 5 days next week with some fierce cold weather early week! But i figure this is a cake walk compared to whatever pain and suffering for rehab post surgical...now praying it just "works" and cures the cancer...
Will have fractionated PSA done in April to see if the level dropped or not... Be nice if it works!
Again, thanks so much for the , PMs, emails and of course, the many prayers!
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Stay positive Doc, and stay the course. Continued prayers for your recovery and your strength during this trying time in your life.
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You must be getting the weather that we have had all week. .... it will be a good weekend to lay low and stay warm! Keep busy so you don't stew on it and know that we're all pulling for you!
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Weather is what weather will be...no input there so why fuss? :):)
Same-same with the treatments. Hurts my back but then I've had low back issues for decades and it COULD just be another arthritis flare up, but it's a lot less then trying to heal from roto rooter surgery!
Thanks for the positive thoughts and prayers, all!
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Doc how are those treatments going ? You been on my mind my Brother...
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Thanks for the concern, Keith..
I'd shot you a note earlier via email since I'd not gotten some answers; NOW I Have some answers...
As is to be expected, everyone's body reacts differently...
They'd asked about increased frequency of urination... I couldn't answer on Monday but said it SEEMED more frequent... Found out monday night with BPH meds on board indeed, frequency went up drastically...normally with meds I can get 2.5-3.5 hrs sleep before going to John... not now..it's every hour or 90 minutes at best...much more frequent during waking hours of day...
Nurse told me the sleepiness (dozing off) is to be associated with what they call tiredness and the low abdominal pain was also associated with the low dose radiation with some folks, AND possibly the soreness / stiffness in right hip/ low back I thought was just lying flat...
I was told to get some stuff at the store to take, but it says to only take it for 2 days.... ??? I got 29 treatments to go 5x/ week... More questions to ask...
So I'm still functioning well, thank you, but there are some "signs" of "issues" starting to crop up... Nurse said everyone is different and not to think things will get worse just because its showing this early... "From her lips to God's ears" :pray:
I'm still thinking this might be an easier route to travel then recoup post -op for roto rooter surgery....
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Still praying for you, Dave.
Gilbert
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Thanks to all the prayer warriors!
Battling cancer, whatever route one chooses is not a cake walk... I just wish (hindsight is always 20:20) ( not that I'd have chosen differently) but if they'd ave been more forthcoming it might have saved me some angst...
Alas, it's better'n a poke in the eye! :):):)