Prostate Cancer Update #2




Today, July 7, I met with Dr. Taylor in Dallas on Gaston Ave. across from Big Baylor.


He recommended that I not have surgery because of the following.

My age is over 70 years.

Previous colon cancer surgery.

Previous prostate TURP surgery.



GAME PLAN

Here is a summary of the healing game plan going forward.


  1. Baylor Waxahachie will call me to set up these tests

    1. PET scan

    2. Genetic testing

  2. I will meet with Dr. Taylor to review the test results.

  3. Hormone therapy begins and can last 2 years.

  4. Radiation therapy begins - typically 4 times a week for a month

  5. Monitor PSA blood scores - if acceptable in 6 to 12 months, then declared cancer-free. 



COMMENTS

I am glad that there is finally a game plan.


The first sign I had prostate cancer was in February.

Various people have told me they have relatives who survived prostate cancer.

That is reassuring.


Consciously, I do not fear death, and I never have.

I know that I will die someday, just like every human.

However, I had intended to celebrate my 90th birthday while still healthy.

My core purpose in living for so long is to publish my lessons online before I pass away.


Dr. Taylor said this is an aggressive kind of cancer.

The PET scan and genetic testing will reveal if the cancer has spread beyond my prostate.

If that happens, then it could spread to my bones or lungs. 


Subconsciously, I have been anxious. 

I have been sleeping more than usual just to escape the worry.

My appetite is off.

I eat because I know my body needs fuel.

But I don't feel hungry, and I don't enjoy what I eat.


As I look back on my life, I feel deeply disappointed in my lack of accomplishments.

I have hundreds of pages of paper plans, including those for teaching online.

Those date back to the last 30 years.

I have 5 times that much in digital files. 


I have been applying myself for months to break the ice and finally get online.

I am closer than ever to that breakthrough.


But the prospect of the radiation therapy draining my energy at this time is upsetting.



CONCLUSION

This is a season of self-reflection.

It is a time to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.


I must take great care to prioritize my tasks.

I need to surf the waves of positive, creative energy. 


What I can do is trust God with all my heart, one day at a time.

I can request prayers and share updates.


I am grateful for all the available medical technologies.

I am grateful for all the prayer support.


I request your best prayer.

I especially want wisdom from God on how to best use my time and energy. 



Thanks 

John

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Prostate Cancer Update #1

BACKGROUND Months ago, I had a routine blood test. Those results indicated I might have prostate cancer. That led to more blood tests. Then came an MRI. It was a 4 out of 5.  Then came a biopsy. There were weeks between each of those milestones. Last week, I talked to my prostate doctor, Dr. Johnston. I was informed I have an aggressive kind of cancer. The next step is surgery and radiation. She does not do either of those procedures. She sent a referral to two different specialists. She said their office will contact me by the end of the week. But I was not contacted. CURRENTLY I was disappointed that I was not contacted. I called Dr. Johnston's office today, Monday, June 23. Over the weekend, I have been feeling anxious. I have known I have prostate cancer for months. But that description, an aggressive kind of cancer, has me worried.  I was told that as long as the cancer remains in the prostate, I am safe. But if the cancer metastasizes, then it can get into my lymph and b...
Read more

God is answering prayers.

There is movement toward complete healing!!! The first meeting with Dr. Wilcox is on July 24, and he will do my radiation treatment. PET scan set for July 22 at Baylor Waxahachie. The person who set my appointment for the PET scan told me the price. Full retail price for the one-hour procedure would be $6,800. My co-pay would be $300. Then Medicaid will pick that up. So my price will be zero.
Read more