YES!!

It is over!  Time to breathe a sigh of relief. Bob is going to have a bottle of beer which he was not supposed to have during his treatments.  Forty five treatments done!  The last one was this evening after which Bob went to dinner with the Proton group and their partners.  He said he was exhausted this afternoon and needed to take a nap.  I think it will be that way for a while. 

Tomorrow he will spend packing all the accumulated "stuff" from the past 10 weeks.  Jason will stop by in the evening to pick up any left over food and miscellaneous items including the molds that were used to create exactly where the proton beams would hit.  They are his souvenirs from this journey.  But he takes away much more than that.  He has met some wonderful people, learned more about the importance of diet and exercise, realized that I am not the easiest person to live with in a very small space, he has become healthier and I think he has realized that down time is not as bad as he thought it would be.  He has weathered this journey with a great attitude.  Yay, Bob!

Now this weekend is the Ironman.  Since many of my family are here at the lake, Bob will spend a quiet weekend at home and join us on Monday.  Go Carol and Nathan!

Four more!

Bob is quickly coming to the end of his treatments, only 4 more to go.  So far he is still on track to fly home on Saturday.  He is already starting the transition and wondering about work and anxious to get back.

Yesterday, Jason, Corinne and Cameron took him to a Quake baseball game at the stadium in Rancho Cucamonga.  They all had a great time.

Bob said he will miss the tennis games, the people he has met and the vegetarian food.  He is more tired lately but he knew that was a probability towards the end.  He has come through this trauma with a fabulous attitude.

I have encouraged him to come home and spend the next day resting at our quiet house as we will all be at the Ironman cheering for Carol and Nathan.

 

Home Again

Got home yesterday, attended Rashell's graduation today.  Talked to Bob this afternoon.  Sorry to hear that the Proton equipment is having problems again.  Yesterday he was at the treatment center waiting for 4 hours.  Today they canceled his appointment then called him in anyway.  So far, he is on track to come home June 22.  I am glad that the first 30 treatments went smoothly or it would have been even more overwhelming.

Yesterday was his exit consultation.  He will have a PSA test in 4 months.  It is not necessary for him to go back to Loma Linda for any checkup.  Their success rate is between 80-90%.  Bob is still tired and getting to bed early and napping but still playing tennis and golf.  Yesterday I asked him if he had lunch and he said, "Well, sort of." Now what does that mean? Ugh!

WOW

Just in case anyone is wondering where I am, I did finally make it to Portland.  Wow, I have never had such an experience as today.  Driving along Highway 5 through Oregon was beautiful then about 20 miles south of Eugene traffic came to a stop.  We got out of our cars, chatted, walked around.  There was a major accident ahead and we waited 50 minutes before moving.  There were a few cranky people but for the most part it was a party.

Talked to Bob a few times.  He played tennis today and enjoyed it greatly.  I hope he is now out eating dinner as he is not answering his phone.

Journey home

I made it to Yreka, CA tonight.  The ride through the mountains was fabulous.  Bob called about 1:30 to say he had his Saturday treatment so only 9 to go!  I asked if he had lunch and he said, "well, no, not yet."  Oye!!

Received a lovely email from Lynn Martell, director, saying he would make sure Bob is eating.

Don't know how  we acquired so many things, but the car is full.  Tomorrow Portland.

Farewell, Loma Linda

It has been one of those spontaneous weeks where treatment schedules were canceled due to something not working at the Proton Center.  We stayed close so whenever he was called, Bob could get down there immediately then wait...he is such a patient man.

He is only one treatment behind and will hopefully make it up tomorrow.  They are working on Saturday to catch everyone up.  He is still tired and has lost weight again.  We went shopping this afternoon for healthy snacks.  He needs to be reminded to eat!

I am driving back to Spokane, leaving tomorrow with the goal of getting to Redding, CA before I stop for the night.  This end time went very quickly.

Bob is regaining his health, we have met many interesting people, and eaten good vegetarian food.  I, also, am coming away from this journey with a very new experience.  The pictures you see below are the first I came across the day Bob had treatment #1.  I thought, oh, no, not another experience of being proselytized to, judged and questioned about my morals because I do not believe in god.  Well, I was wrong, very wrong.  My past experiences with groups of Christians have given me a jaded view of them.  Loma Linda has changed that.  It is a community that lives their beliefs, just as I think the Jesus I have read about would want them to.  They don't preach it , they teach it through example by the way they live and work.  I have not felt judged, looked down upon or preached to any time I shared that I am not Christian (and you know how much I like to share.)  They are very inclusive and caring.  As far as health, their belief is in treating the whole person. They believe in balance of the mind, body, and spirit.  I am impressed. We have many common beliefs. I could even be one of them if it wasn't for the "god" thing.

Lynn Martell, director of special services, does a fabulous job keeping the patients busy, informed and feeling cared about.  That organization is very fortunate to have him on staff.  I have asked him and a few of the people we have met, to keep an eye on Bob.  I know he will sleep more while I'm gone, he just might not eat more which he needs to do.  He has ten more treatments and will be home on June 22.

Good bye Loma Linda, I am grateful and inspired.

Minor bump

After a great weekend of friends, family and a joyous performance of "South Pacific", Monday came with it's  minor bump.  The Proton machine had a break down and all Monday appointments had to be canceled.  After hurrying home from lunch in downtown Riverside, driving 15 mph on the freeway and wondering if Bob would make his treatment on time, forgetting his water bottle as he walked there, he arrived just to find it had been canceled.

He spent last night obsessing about the different scenarios if he has another cancellation since we have him scheduled to fly out on June 22 and now his last treatment will be June 21.   We would need to change his flight, reschedule the rental car and departure date for the apartment.  I think what upsets him the most (that is, of course, after missing the Ironman) is that he was planning on getting back to work on June 24.

He is playing tennis now and plans to stop at the hospital afterward to check on the status of the machine.  He feels very much out of the loop of everything and is now getting anxious to get back to normal (ok, maybe life with me is not normal but you get the picture) living.

Flying by

Now that I will be leaving a week from tomorrow, time seems to be flying by.  Bob has passed his 30th treatment.  He is more tired now than in the beginning but he is still playing golf and tennis.  Exercise is encouraged even on tired days.  He naps every day now and I think he will nap longer when I am not here.  It is hot, in the 90's today and is supposed to be close to 100 this weekend.

So far, it seems that when he finishes his last treatment, he is done.  He will have a PSA test in a few months to verify that the treatment was successful.

They are doing trials with breast cancer and we met a husband and wife who are both being treated, her for breast and he for prostate cancer.  Another couple, from Australia, is paying $80,000 for his prostate treatment.  Thankfully here, medicare pays for it.  Why should one have to have lots of money in order to be treated to noninvasive, successful treatment?

This has been an interesting journey.  I am grateful for all of your encouraging words.  It has not been easy but I feel it has been successful.

Bob will be flying home on June 22 to a quiet house.   He will need a ride home but I am sure when it gets closer, we will get him home. We will be at the lake preparing for the Ironman the following day. My sister, Carol and my friend, Nathan are doing it.  My dad and his wife, my cousin and his wife, and my Waikiki lifeguard brother and his wife will all be there.  Then comes the big celebration!

Vegas

We spent the long weekend in Las Vegas since Bob had 3 days off of treatment.  Vegas is such an interesting place.  We played 5 cent poker machines, saw some interesting shows, and while Bob rested, I read him parts of the Bible.  Really.  I haven't read it in about 30 years so I thought it was time again.  Started with Genesis.   I downloaded it to my kindle and the Koran is next.  Last Thursday I asked my support group leader if she could get a group together to discuss religion.  She thought it was a great idea.  I want to be ready.

We left Vegas this morning and made it back in 3 hours, 15 minutes.  Bob's treatment was at 4:15 and lasted a while since they had to take more x-rays.  Treatment is much more precise these last weeks.  The previous treatments were of a larger area just in case any cancer cells had escaped.  Now they will be "zapping" the cancer cells only.  

BOB

Last night we attended a vegetarian dinner and talk for proton patients at LLUniversity.  The man who started the Brotherhood of the Balloon (BOB) gave an inspiring talk about prostate cancer, patients, survival and brotherhood.  (If you know anyone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer send them to that site.)  The president of the school talked about the exciting future in health that is ahead for Loma Linda University.  Their focus is not only research but also combining balance in healing through the mind, body and spirit.  I am amazed.  They are now branching out globally with this program and are, of course, looking for donations.

Bob is more tired than usual but in good spirits.  He is still playing tennis and golf.  His ping pong buddy is leaving next week.

Our end plans have been formulated.  I will be leaving on June 8 for the long drive home so I can attend Rashell's elementary school graduation.  Bob's last treatment is June 20 and he will be flying home June 22 just in the midst of the Ironman insanity.  He will be here 2 weeks alone but assures me he will be fine.  I will just need to make sure there is adequate food as the only time he ever pretends to be helpless is in making dinner.  He has gained a few pounds and needs to keep them on.

All is well but we will both be very happy when we are back in Spokane together.

Half Way

Celebrating the half way mark, we spent a fabulous weekend in Redondo Beach.  Bob rested, got some reading done, and took a beach cruiser out and biked around Manhattan Beach while I kayaked next to Carol as she swam for 2 hours in very choppy ocean water.  Then the three of us spent the afternoon touring the Trump Golf Course, walking the beautiful coast in Palos Verde, then drinking wine on the veranda of a beautiful resort, Terranea, as we watched hundreds of dolphins swim by.  It was a very relaxing weekend.

Things are going smoothly.  Bob is now taking Advil 3x a day and feeling better. It doesn't seem quite as overwhelming now that we are beyond the halfway mark.

YES

Yes, our new living situation is so much better.  We have a bedroom door and a dining table!  We can survive here.  It is cooler too-in the 80's.  Bob is busy playing golf and tennis.  He still gets very tired in the evenings after his treatment but is getting his exercise.  They really promote staying as active as possible during the program.  Bob is having his treatment now and then we are going to a talk about spirituality.  I am very interested to see what they say about this.  So far the speakers have advocated a vegan diet, exercise and staying away from sugar.  Yes!

Hot, hot

Bob and Jason spent yesterday fishing.  He came back looking very tired (no fish either).  He went to bed early and said he probably wouldn't play tennis this morning.  (He did set the alarm.)  By 7:30am he was on his way to the courts and played for 2 hours.

I was hoping it would be warm for mother's day.  I took a walk this afternoon to the market.

It was cooler walking back...

!!

Bob saw the doctor today (he is required to see him once a week) and he gained 2 pounds!  Thank you to Carol and Shannon for your suggestions on plant based foods for gaining weight!  As of Saturday we will have a new address for anyone wishing to send us something inspiring:
11171 San Mateo
Loma Linda, CA  92354

Bob just left for treatment #15!  One third of the way through.  Nights are still difficult but he is adjusting.

Learning

Things I have learned so far:


Bob needs his space (I already knew I did)

Loma Linda means "little hill" but it is not little when one tries to run to the top: 8 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes!

There is a healing Christian community that I could live in.

Going to Loma Linda Market is like having a spiritual experience.

Even the best of relationships can be challenged.

I love the sun!

I would rather go out to dinner than cook every night in a small kitchen with no counter space and a half size stove and no spices and no sharp knives (although I haven't cut myself) and delicious vegan restaurants all around.

Thank goodness for Downton Abbey (although we only have one more DVD to go.)

It is heartwarming when my 2 year old granddaughter opens her door and the first thing she asks is if I brought her some compost for her compost pile.

Bob is amazing (although I think I already knew that).

As a team, we can get through anything.

the top

Proton Tour

Yesterday afternoon we went on a tour of the Proton Center.  It was amazing.  The center has been there for 22 years.  It is located below the children's hospital.  This treatment is continually expanding its uses and updating its technology.  The cost is now over $285,000,000.  It is a wonderful thing for the children's hospital as there is so much less damage to healthy cells.  NASA scientists have been doing research here since the 90's.  Much of what was talked about was over my head.  We could take pictures in the treatment rooms but not when we saw the actual proton "equipment".  All the machines (and there were a lot) had names and started to remind me of something out of Star Trek.  They are able to get the protons moving at 400 million miles per hour.  They have 3 gantry rooms (below) and one horizontal beam room which is where Bob has his treatment.  I am in awe of what they are doing.

I am also encouraged by the chatter among the proton patients about a nutrious vegan diet as an addition to the treatment.  Loma Linda is helping heal the world not only with their technology but also with their view of a balanced, healthy life!  This is a learning experience for me, being in a Christian setting that believes in healing the mind, the body and the spirit in every way possible!  There is no condemnation.  They are inclusive and list all local churches in their info packet.  I could almost join them (except for the fact that they believe in god). :)

#12

Yesterday was #12, only 33 to go!  Bob still gets tired and a bit grumpy.  I am solving the grumpiness by having us move to a new place in one more week.  Yeah!  Today we went to Cabazon.  It's a city about 30 miles east of Loma Linda.  I have driven by these dinosaurs for many years and never stopped.  Today we did.  It was very disappointing.  They have a dinosaur "museum"  run by a religious organization that is trying to pass their beliefs off as scientific fact.  

Then we went to Morongo Casino.  It could be fun if there was no smoking but I don't last long with that in the air.  We did sit in a nonsmoking bar and watch the Kentucky Derby.

We are keeping busy.  It's been hot!

We have a slight problem with Bob losing weight.  He is supposed to remain the same so he fits snugly in the pod.  I'm trying to get him to eat more. 

#9

Bob just left for treatment #9, almost in double digits!  Things are going fine.  He played tennis this morning and hopefully, will play golf tomorrow.  Treatments are still all after 5pm but he doesn't seem to mind.  Yesterday because of someone's grumpiness, constant bumping into each other and no doors, I decided we need to find somewhere else to coexist for the rest of the time here.  Hopefully in 2 weeks we will move into something a bit bigger.  Meanwhile I walk around campus and take pictures of inspirational words:

Weekend

Treatment #7 went fine but the night was difficult.  There are ups and downs, figuratively and literally.  Up and down emotionally and then all night long too.  I guess the only thing I can relate it to is a bladder infection.  Difficult!

We spent Friday walking the streets of downtown Claremont - one of my favorite places! Bob rested while I meandered through the shops.

Saturday was spent in Redondo Beach where Bob walked the beach as I ran the last 7 miles with sister, Carol.  She ran 15.  Then today, Sunday, was spent at Loma Linda Market and around with Cameron, Jason and Corinne.  Cameron modeled her new hat and glasses then let Papa do the same.

#6

Just walked Bob to his sixth treatment.  Most of them have been in the evening.  Yesterday was his easiest yet.  Yeh!  He is playing tennis and still a bit more tired than usual.

Last night we attended a fabulous talk.  Unfortunately, Bob missed half of it so he could get to his #5.  The talk was about how to live a healthy lifestyle.  The speaker discussed the Blue Zones which are the places in the world where people live the longest healthiest lives.  Loma Linda is the only Blue Zone in the country.  Living here, it's easy to see why.  Not only do they promote a healthy vegan diet, they also practice positive thinking, they exercise and they live their faith through compassion, love and the desire to help anyone without shoving their beliefs on you.  They say magic happens here and I believe it.

Loma Linda University has started what they call Lifestyle Medicine.  They are teaching their future doctors about nutrition, exercise and mental attitude.  They believe in achieving balance.  Although vegan myself, I was stunned at all the new research that points to this being the healthiest way to live.  I am so happy Bob is being exposed to this too.  He is close to being vegan.  

The CHIP Program was started in Loma Linda.  It is helping people around the world live to their fullest, healthiest potential.

#4

Bob is having his 4th treatment today.  Yesterday he left at 7:15 for his 8pm appointment and didn't get back until 10pm!  They were late.  These treatments can be anywhere from 5:30am to 10pm!  The new patients get whatever time they are given and only find out one day in advance of each treatment. Makes it difficult to plan in advance so we are being spontaneous. Bob has been tired but is still playing tennis.  I am walking and running a lot.  It's been warm and sunny.  Spent yesterday with Cameron as Jason was interviewing for a new job.  He got it!

This is the sign next to the Proton Center and Children's hospital.  I love this place!

Alternate Therapy

The weekend arrived with no Proton therapy.  The fact that there are still 43 treatments to go was a bit overwhelming so we went on an adventure.  First we strolled around the Mission Inn, beautiful.  Then I decided we needed some alternative therapy so we did some scarf modeling.  Actually Bob was the model, I was the photographer. He does need more modeling experience. I think he had fun, I know I did.  We ended the outing with Bob discussing the bible with the Unitarian Universalist minister in Riverside.  Then dinner at a vegan Chinese restaurant!  

One Down

Bob played tennis this morning, took a nap and then went to the Proton Center.  He had his first treatment today and it went remarkably well.  He showed up early and they started him early so there was not so much discomfort because of all the water he had to drink.  Only 44 to go.

 I went to my first partner support meeting.  It was good to be in the company of women whose partners are experiencing the same thing as Bob.  It was supposed to last an hour but we talked for an hour and 50 minutes.

"Dry Run"

The patients all joke about the fact that the day before the first treatment is called a dry run.  There is much talk about full bladders and balloons.  So Bob had his dry run today and learned some things.  The first and important one is that the appointment time is not always exact so it is better to wait until arriving (they are asked to be there a half hour early) before drinking all the water required.  He said it was traumatic and is hoping tomorrow will be easier.

He missed his support group this afternoon because we were outside our apt talking with another couple also going through this treatment. There is so much communication and support from everyone.

Thank you to Cynde for the beautiful lilac plant that arrived today along with best wishes from the Lilac City!

Orientation

Today we went to the Proton orientation.  What a fabulous program!  We learned many things about Loma Linda University, the Proton treatment and everything that is available to the patients and their partners.  The objective of the treatment center is to obtain balance in healing.  So, in addition to the proton treatment itself, they promote healing through diet, exercise, emotional and spiritual support.   They expect patients to workout 3 to 5 days per week.  The speaker discussed how important it is to think positive thoughts and said in week 2 we will get to nutrition.  He referenced the books "Blue Zones" and the "China Study."  YES!
The hospital is all vegetarian.  We met other couples who are going through the treatment. One man is from Australia!  Tonight is a potluck so we can meet the other patients.  There is a weekly support group for patients only and also a separate one for their partners. Everything was very encouraging.  He did encourage us to go to church.  I think I will forgo that one as I did not see a local Unitarian Church.

Bob has his first "dry run" tomorrow which is kind of a practice time.  His first real treatment will be Thursday.  As long as he feels good, he has golf and tennis scheduled for every week.

Getting Here

Last night, after a long day, I finally arrived in Ontario.  I was dropped off at the airport around 9:15 (thank you Cynde).  My first flight from Spokane to Phoenix (2 1/2 hour flight) was late which caused me to miss the next one.   The only option other than flying directly to Burbank was to hop on a plane to Sacramento (2 hour flight), then back to Ontario (1 hour 15 minutes).  So instead of arriving at 3pm I finally got there at 6:30 with lots of extra air time.  Also only caught bits of info on tragedy at the Boston Marathon.  So sad.

 Bob got to spend extra time with Jason and Cameron while waiting for my plane.

CA here I come

Tomorrow morning I will be on my way to join Bob in Loma Linda.  We will be attending an orientation on Tuesday and his first treatment is Wednesday afternoon.  He said he will be able to relax once he has finished a week of treatments.  So far he has been able to play tennis and he knows golf will be available at least once a week with other patients.

He met the couple living next to our apt and the man is also having the proton treatment.

 And it's in the 70's and sunny!

And because some of you requested it, our address is:
11067 A San Juan St
Loma Linda, CA  92354

Getting Ready

Bob spent this morning at Loma Linda getting ready for his first treatment which is now scheduled for Wednesday, April 17.  He was measured, scanned and molded for the pod he will use during the therapy.  It was very uncomfortable because he had to have a full bladder and this process lasted an hour.  The treatment sessions should only last about 20 minutes-full bladder required for those also.

Tomorrow morning he has a tennis game at the Drayson courts on the LL campus.

Loma Linda

Bob had his consultation at Loma Linda this morning.  It went well.  He really likes his doctor and he is very impressed with the program and facility.  Tomorrow he will go back so they can make the "pod".  This is to ensure that he will be in the same position during each therapy session therefore minimizing any damage to healthy cells.  He will have 45 treatments.  Tomorrow he will also find out  his exact start date which will probably be April 18.  He sounds happy that the process has started.  It has been a stressful journey so far.

Additionally, he has already met some other men who are currently in therapy.  It seems the program promotes communication among the patients.  They have a weekly golf game scheduled.  The Drayson Center is available to all Proton patients.  This facility has a gym and tennis courts.

Bob found Loma Linda Market today.  This is the all vegetarian grocery store nearby.  YES!!

Last night he had the enjoyment of having dinner with Jason and 2 year old Cameron (Corinne was working).  Cameron seemed to have done a great job of getting spaghetti sauce all over the restaurant window and Jason also did a good job of getting it off.

All is well.

Getting There

Bob is on his way to Loma Linda today.  He wasn't feeling good when I dropped him off at the airport.  I think it is a combination of nerves, anticipation and a previous night of making sure he packed everything he might need in the next 10 weeks not only for himself but also for his mother's trust.  One good thing about me staying in Spokane an extra week is that if anything was forgotten, I can bring it.

Jason will pick him up from Ontario airport.  Then back to Jason's house which is about 5 minutes away.  He will send Bob on his way with the car, a week's worth of groceries and some vegan take out for dinner.  Bob is meeting Matt, the guy who has the Loma Linda apartment key at 6:30pm.  Then he can unpack and rest.  Tomorrow he plans to walk the campus of the University Medical Center so he is sure about where his Tuesday consultation is.  He will also visit the Drayson facility on campus.  This is a fitness center with tennis courts that is open to anyone in the community.  He'll find out if he can play tennis while we're there.  (Yes, he has his racket.)  Loma Linda is a vegetarian community dedicated to health.  That is exciting.  This is where I did much of my shopping when I lived in Rancho Cucamonga.

All will be well.

A Direction

There is a direction now!  Bob has a flight booked for Sunday, April 7 to Ontario, CA.  Apartment is rented.    He has his consultation at Loma Linda on Tuesday, April 9.  I will fly back to Spokane on Thursday with Rashell and then (no sure plan yet) fly to Ontario, CA on Monday, April 15 and be there by the time Bob has his first cancer treatment that week.  We will know more after his initial consultation.  All will be well...  

An Aside

Right now I am on a side journey with my granddaughter, Rashell.  We are on our way to California by car so Bob and I will have transportation when he has his therapy.  It is very entertaining, traveling with an eleven year old girl.  As we are on this journey, Bob is home trying to plan his.  First, because of insurance problems, Loma Linda gave him a new consultation date of April 24, much later than we had planned but going with the flow, I adjusted my trip too.  We lost our first apartment then Loma Linda called him yesterday to offer him an earlier date if he wants it: April 9.  That is a good thing and now we have another apartment on hold. Because of his previous date of April 24, I scheduled a flight back to Spokane April 4 for two weeks.  It gets very confusing.  Bob wants to start as soon as possible and he should.  That is the current plan.  It will all work...

Plans

What I have learned is that when working with Medical plans, if they are going smoothly something has been missed.  Because of insurance problems, Bob's proton therapy has been postponed for a month.  That means that all other plans need to be adjusted.  We are hoping to keep the apartment we put on hold but we don't know yet.  Bob's car and plane have been canceled.  My trip to CA with Rashell scheduled for this Monday is still on.  I will fly back home and leave the car there so we can use it next month.  Breathe...breathe...breathe.

 We need a single payer health care system in this country!!

OOOOhhhhhhh!

Insurance problems are no fun and sure do change the fact that things have been going smoothly for our journey!

Schedule

Things are progressing as  they should.  The trip is all planned.  We are flying home from Hawaii next Wednesday, March 20, after having a wonderful time with two fabulous women in their 90's.  Bob is flying into Ontario Sunday morning March 24, so he can get to his early morning consultation at Loma Linda the following day.  I am leaving Monday morning for the long drive so we have a car in CA.  Granddaughter, Rashell, is coming with me and will be able to visit her dad in Rancho.  Should be a fun road trip if we don't get into too much trouble.  Rashell will fly home the next week.

We have rented a small apartment 2 blocks from the Medical Center so Bob can walk to therapy each day if he wants. When we get there, I will post the address so if any of you have any positive, uplifting, funny, wonderful things to say or show us, you can mail them.  We will both have our computers so email will work too but it is always fun getting snail mail.

It will be a very busy 3 days at home before we leave for the 10 weeks.  Bob is so busy now and constantly on the phone.  I think I will need to take it away for a few weeks so he can concentrate on himself.

Aloha

Bumps in the Road

So the journey continues.  Today Bob found out that he needs another PSA test before they start at Loma Linda.  He will have only 3 days when we get home before it's time for him to fly to California.  We will be busy. They also told him that it could possibly take 8 days from his initial consultation on March 24 before he can start his first proton treatment.  Looks like we will be in CA longer than expected.  Just bumps in the road...

Research

Bob’s urologist suggested surgery.  There is a cutting edge, robotic machine called DaVinci, much less invasive than the surgery of the past but it is still major surgery.  They would remove the prostate.  After much internet research and book reading, Bob has decided the probable side effects are not something he wants to consider.   There are other solutions: External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer; Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in seeds or catheters that are placed into or near the cancer; and Proton beam therapy, a high energy external radiation therapy that targets tumors with streams of protons (small, positively charged particles.)

 

 Proton therapy resonated with how he wants to be treated.  The closest place offering this is Loma Linda, CA.  After exchanging medical records and having the colonoscopy they required, he has been accepted into their program and will begin with his consultation on March 25.

Diagnosis

On January 31, 2013, Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  His last PSA number was 5.62, not high but higher than normal and since his father died of prostate cancer the doctor suggested a biopsy and that was how it was found.  His Gleason score is 7, on a scale of 1 to 10 it shows the aggressiveness of the cancer cells, 10 being the most aggressive.  So something needed to be done. 

This blog will be about a journey.  First it is Bob’s journey to rid his body of what does not belong there.  It is also my journey as his partner to encourage, love and nurture him through this ordeal.  And then it is our journey, as a couple we want to stay healthy and happy into our older years.