I finished the race!

That’s right- I finished the race! My final radiation treatment was completed at 11:58 am Wednesday August 21^st, 2013.

As I lay on the table one last time, I realized I was completing my treatment as I had started it 8+ weeks ago; looking up at the cross in the ceiling, flooded with gratitude that God was there, He was watching over me and that He was healing and protecting me. What an awesome God; God is so good.

Then as I was leaving I ran into the massage therapist I had had a God conversation with a few weeks ago. I had an opportunity to bless her and she blessed me with a farewell backrub. God is really good.

When I met with the cancer support nurse as part of the discharge procedure, she mentioned a number of times how I had really sailed through the treatment- “only God” I told her; she agreed. She also reminded me why my appetite had increased (I forgot she had mentioned it 10 weeks earlier). Anyway, she said I use 300-400 calories just being on the table for the radiation treatment and probably 500 or more for the boosts I received this week. No wonder Culver’s had such a strong pull this summer.

When I told her I was experiencing more fatigue the last two weeks she reminded me that fatigue is a cumulative effect of the treatment, but also that my body is healing- duh, of course. The fatigue should begin to improve in a couple of weeks. I’m doing well, glad to have finished the treatments and expecting God’s healing and strength to continue.

Thanks for caring, praying and supporting me as I walk out this journey. Keep praying for complete healing, total eradication of the cancer, and protection from any and all side effects of the treatment.

I’ll probably be winding down this blog next week and only post information if there’s something to post.

PT

You may email any questions, comments, or God stories to pastor@oakbrookgb.com

Final lap!

That’s right I’m on my final lap. Today (Friday 8-16-13) I have my last “general radiation treatment”. On Monday I begin my last three “boost treatments”, where they will target the lymph nodes in the pelvic area and give them a special dose- zap them with a little extra boost to finish off the job.

On Monday Susan and I will also be meeting with our oncology doctor to map out follow up plans. Next week is my doctor’s last week in Green Bay. He has been hired by the University Medical Hospital to head up their prostate seed transplant department. I guess God lined me up with a pretty good doctor!

 I’m feeling good. I get a little tired the middle of the week, so I go to bed a little early.

 Thanks for caring and praying. Keep praying for complete healing and protection from any and all side effects of the treatment.

PT

You may email any questions, comments, or God stories to pastor@oakbrookgb.com

Treatment Changed!

This past week they changed my treatment. Apparently that was the plan all along, but I didn’t realize it. My first 25 treatments took 20-30 minutes as the x-ray machine rotated around my body to nine different sites and shot 18 beams at 9 different angles in 18 different patterns. Each beam was 3 to 12 seconds in length. Now the machine makes one arc around my body, one beam, one angle and it takes 65 seconds (yes I timed it).

It’s great! Apparently the next 13 treatments will be like this because they are focused on the pelvic floor and before they were shooting the whole pelvic area.

Not only does it take much shorter (a real break for my bladder control), but because of the change, my symptoms are diminishing. My gut isn’t as sore and my bowels have settled down. Yea God! These treatments will last through Aug. 16^th and then there will be another change.

The last week of treatment (Aug. 19-23) will focus directly on the two lymph nodes on the floor of my pelvis. They call it a “boost”. They’ll zap the lymph nodes with a little extra boost to finish off the job. I’ll tell you more about that next week.

 

Thanks for caring and praying. Keep praying for complete healing and protection from any and all side effects of the treatment.

PT

You may email any questions, comments, or God stories to pastor@oakbrookgb.com