My DH has prostate cancer

[bbbamI]

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Originally Posted by Purron Hey friends, My husband's brother had his surgery today and is OK. We're waiting for more details. Hope your DH is also doing good bbbamI.

Wow...already? Well now, bless his heart.....I hope he has a speedy recovery.

DH is doin' pretty good thanks. He'll be seeing a doctor in radiology in about a week and a half. Yeppers, we're asking questions and taking notes. Not sure at this point if he'll have surgery or radiation...still got some figuring to do.

...oh and thanks dessert.

[Alan]

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Originally Posted by Purron Hey friends, My husband's brother had his surgery today and is OK. We're waiting for more details. Hope your DH is also doing good bbbamI.

Best wishes for your BIL. You know we are all wishing for the best outcome possible.

[bbbamI]

I've received more PMs of well wishes and I certainly do appreciate them.

I starting thinking about the emotional part of when a SO becomes ill. My experience has shown me that I could have never prepared myself for my DH's diagnosis of cancer.

Fortunately we are prepared financially when the day comes that only one of us is left. We made those plans long before we were thrust into this emotional whirlwind...and for that I am grateful. It's tough enough to deal with such an illness....

It's difficult to talk about, but it so important to secure the financial fate of the loved one that is left behind. If you haven't talked to your SO about such matters, please do it now.

[Alan]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI I've received more PMs of well wishes and I certainly do appreciate them. I starting thinking about the emotional part of when a SO becomes ill. My experience has shown me that I could have never prepared myself for my DH's diagnosis of cancer. Fortunately we are prepared financially when the day comes that only one of us is left. We made those plans long before we were thrust into this emotional whirlwind...and for that I am grateful. It's tough enough to deal with such an illness.... It's difficult to talk about, but it so important to secure the financial fate of the loved one that is left. If you haven't talked to your SO about such matters, please do it now.

Good post, and thank you for the reminder to get your financial affairs in order well before any serious issues arrive. Our tendency is to not think about the worst, but it is good to face up to the possibilities and be prepared.

[bbbamI]

Here’s an update from the bbbamI household. We met with the radiology doc last Friday. After all our questions were answered and careful consideration, DH decided to have the radiation treatments (IMRT) instead of surgery.

During the next few weeks he will have gold seeds implanted in his prostate. These are not radiation seeds; they are a form of locating the prostate (as it can move slightly) and getting the radiation to the proper area. Next he will have a RT planning scan and a mold made for his lower body. He will have x-rays done on the 9th of February and the RT will begin the next day. He will have 44 treatments.

Later this afternoon I’m going to mix his pre-colonoscopy ‘cocktail’ and get his jello ready for tomorrow. His colonoscopy is scheduled for Tuesday.

…sigh…

Poor guy. I think he might need a toy to help him feel better.

btw...Purron...I hope your BIL is dong well.

[RonBoyd]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI Here’s an update from the bbbamI household...

He is soooo blessed to have you.

[GregLee]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI Next he will have a RT planning scan and a mold made for his lower body. He will have x-rays done on the 9th of February and the RT will begin the next day. He will have 44 treatments.

It sounds pretty familiar. I had rectal cancer, not prostate cancer, but went through some planning sessions for the radiation, had preliminary X-rays, a personal wood frame built to hold my lower body in the right position. Also tattoos, to help the technicians get me aligned for the accelerator. I had 33 treatments, 5 days per week. There is no sensation at all produced by the radiation treatments when they're given, although I did start to get side effects after a couple of weeks.

[Amethyst]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI Here’s an update from the bbbamI household. ....DH decided to have the radiation treatments (IMRT) instead of surgery.

Please continue to keep us posted. We saw Ratface through his cancer ordeal, and we'll see your DH (via you) through this.

(Remember how Ratface described having his head/upper body mold made? Don't let them surprise your DH with that hot plastic!)

Meanwhile, I think maybe YOU deserve a new toy, too....

Amethyst

[Bestwifeever]

You and Mr. Bam have a stressful few weeks ahead--we'll all be thinking of you. Yes, in spite of it all, he is a lucky guy--he has you!

[Moemg]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI Later this afternoon I’m going to mix his pre-colonoscopy ‘cocktail’ and get his jello ready for tomorrow. His colonoscopy is scheduled for Tuesday. …sigh… Poor guy. I think he might need a toy to help him feel better. btw...Purron...I hope your BIL is dong well.

I think you both need toys and coloring books and a lot of patience for this . I'll be thinking about you & DH !

[braumeister]

That sounds like quite a good treatment plan.
Best of luck with it.

[W2R]

Thanks for the update. My thoughts are with you two, and I'll be hoping his treatment and recovery are smooth and quick.

[Nords]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI During the next few weeks he will have gold seeds implanted in his prostate. These are not radiation seeds; they are a form of locating the prostate (as it can move slightly) and getting the radiation to the proper area. Next he will have a RT planning scan and a mold made for his lower body. He will have x-rays done on the 9th of February and the RT will begin the next day. He will have 44 treatments.

Between the seeds and the mold the treatment sounds light-years ahead of the prostatectomy my father had just 10 years ago, and he's had no post-surgery problems since then.

Hopefully for you guys this will be more of an exercise in patience than anything else...

[Purron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbamI Here’s an update from the bbbamI household. We met with the radiology doc last Friday. After all our questions were answered and careful consideration, DH decided to have the radiation treatments (IMRT) instead of surgery. During the next few weeks he will have gold seeds implanted in his prostate. These are not radiation seeds; they are a form of locating the prostate (as it can move slightly) and getting the radiation to the proper area. Next he will have a RT planning scan and a mold made for his lower body. He will have x-rays done on the 9th of February and the RT will begin the next day. He will have 44 treatments. Later this afternoon I’m going to mix his pre-colonoscopy ‘cocktail’ and get his jello ready for tomorrow. His colonoscopy is scheduled for Tuesday. …sigh… Poor guy. I think he might need a toy to help him feel better. btw...Purron...I hope your BIL is dong well.

bbbami,

Thanks for the update. My husband's brother is doing well. One thing I've learned about this disease is there are many ways to treat it. I know you and DH have done your research, spoken to the docs, and have come up with the best way to move forward. Wishing you both all the best and please keep us updated.

**huggs**

Purron

[samclem]

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Originally Posted by bbbamI After all our questions were answered and careful consideration, DH decided to have the radiation treatments (IMRT) instead of surgery.

This is precisely the treatment my FIL had. It's really something to see the amount of study that goes into choosing the precise angles and dosages administered during each treatment, and the precision with which each "shot" is administered. I went with him once during the course of his treatment to talk to the techs, see the equipment they use and the documentation for his case. You should definitely make a visit if he's okay with it.
FIL is doing fine and I think he's happy he went this route.

Best of luck to you both.

[ERD50]

I don't know that I can add anything to all the supporting comments here, but it is clear what a strong relationship you have with your DH and that strength will see you through this. Better days are ahead!

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Originally Posted by samclem This is precisely the treatment my FIL had. It's really something to see the amount of study that goes into choosing the precise angles and dosages administered during each treatment, and the precision with which each "shot" is administered. ...

My DIL is a Radiation Therapist, they work with the "Cyber-Knife" in her hospital. Really amazing stuff. She has said that when they are out with co-workers, and someone asks "what do you do for a living?", they nonchalantly answer "Oh, we cure cancer". I got a kick out of that.

-ERD50

[Sue J]

Thanks for the update. Wow, 44 treatments sounds like a long ordeal, I hope the side effects are minimal you and DH can get used to this as your new routine for a while.

Sounds like a good excuse for each of your to get an iPad or a Kindle or some other new gizmo.

When I was 28 I had to have my gallbladder removed and spent 5 days in the hospital. My friends from work visited me in the hospital and brought me coloring books and crayons. It really was a nice treat, especially since they stayed long enough for us to all color together.

Something about a new box of crayons, even when you are an adult.

[freebird5825]

Please pass this message to DH for me.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear."
Mark Twain

[bbbamI]

Thank you all for your support and experiences.

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Originally Posted by Moemg I think you both need toys and coloring books and a lot of patience for this .

Now, this made me laugh out loud! I just hope I have the sense to be able to color inside the lines...

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Originally Posted by Sue J Thanks for the update. Wow, 44 treatments sounds like a long ordeal, I hope the side effects are minimal you and DH can get used to this as your new routine for a while.

Yes..it is a lot and will be quite the ordeal. If he misses any treatments, he has to make them up. Hopefully that won't happen.

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Originally Posted by Sue J Something about a new box of crayons, even when you are an adult.

Ok, you and Moe have convinced me. I've got some crayons..but not a new box. Looks like I might have to go shopping...

[bbbamI]

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Originally Posted by Nords Between the seeds and the mold the treatment sounds light-years ahead of the prostatectomy my father had just 10 years ago, and he's had no post-surgery problems since then. Hopefully for you guys this will be more of an exercise in patience than anything else...

I am so grateful for the advances in medicine and for the fact that we have the means to take care of this. I'm glad your daddy has not had any problems.

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Originally Posted by samclem This is precisely the treatment my FIL had. It's really something to see the amount of study that goes into choosing the precise angles and dosages administered during each treatment, and the precision with which each "shot" is administered. I went with him once during the course of his treatment to talk to the techs, see the equipment they use and the documentation for his case. You should definitely make a visit if he's okay with it. FIL is doing fine and I think he's happy he went this route. Best of luck to you both.

I am so pleased your FIL is doing well. Your post also enables me to be more optimistic about the treatment. Thank you Sam.

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Originally Posted by ERD50 I don't know that I can add anything to all the supporting comments here, but it is clear what a strong relationship you have with your DH and that strength will see you through this. Better days are ahead! My DIL is a Radiation Therapist, they work with the "Cyber-Knife" in her hospital. Really amazing stuff. She has said that when they are out with co-workers, and someone asks "what do you do for a living?", they nonchalantly answer "Oh, we cure cancer". I got a kick out of that. -ERD50

Thank you ERD50...yes, this year I'm definitely looking forward to summer.

As for your DIL; the next time you see her, give her an extra hug from me.

---------------------------

It was difficult trying to decide which treatment would be the best. There are pros and cons to each option available. When it gets down to the nitty gritty, it is DH's body and he had to make the best choice for him. All I can do is support him and hope for the best.

One other thing... The doc said the success rate of RT or surgery was the same at 90% in DH's situation. I like those odds. But I have to tell ya, it sure would have been nice if they could have added another 10%....