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Journey * Jim – N1BRP~ Radiation (IGRT)

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Posted 4/2/2008 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi JIm,

Thank you for sharing your continuing journey. Your gift for detail will help many on this site.

God Bless
Frank

Post Edited By Moderator (TC-LasVegas) : 4/1/2008 11:12:08 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/8/2008 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Jim,

Too Bad you find the need to leave but it is understandable. Hard to feel supported when there isn't a wealth of experienced radiation folks to draw from in here. For whatever reason, there are so many more surgical experiences on HW than any other type of treatment. Don't think it is intentional. Just happened that way.
Hope you find the right home Jim! Come on in for a visit now and again.

swim
Posted 4/9/2008 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Reposted and updated at Bluebird's request!!
Posted 4/9/2008 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
tongue   You are very important to this forum....

Keep close ~ and know you are close to us no matter where we are in our daily lives...

Hugs and more hugs for re-posting!!!

In Friendship,

Lee & Buddy

You’ve just been K I S S E D by a  *mamabluebird

(This is a 1st)

Posted 4/9/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jim,

I am really glad you came back to us!!

I agree with you that sometimes it seems like treatment options other than surgery are not represented much here. The ones that do post their experience are very valuable assets to all who have prostate cancer. We all have our own reasons for our choice of treatment. And we all feel that our choice was the best. And it is - for us. Sometimes we go a little overboard in selling to others what we feel is the best course of action. This is a natural human reaction especially when our lives depend on good choices.

The decisions that we make after diagonosis affect the rest of our lives. We are called upon to make these important decisions under extreme stress and of course, we have doubts. How could we not have doubts? The only right course of action, in my opinion, is to make our choice and never look back. I think that we build up our confidence in our decision by over selling our own choices sometimes. Unfortunately we don't consider how this affects other members here. I have been guilty of this error and sincerely apologize to all.

The value of this forum lies in the respect, care and love we have for each other. Where else on the internet or in the outside world, with the exception of our loved ones, can we find such support? Where would we be without each other?

Lets get well together...

Jim
Posted 4/10/2008 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jim,
While my story began with surgery, my surgery was not a success. So Yup, 38 IMRT's were added, along with crappy HT. The thing is that there are many more RT guys here that meets the eye. I was adjuvant, but we have salvage guys too. pcdave has posted beautifuly on Proton therapy. You chose IGRT and that one needs more posters here. With you we have a strong start and you have put up a great post on it. I have a Videos thread and would love a video on IGRT to add to it. If you have any good locations for a good one, I'll gladly add it. Thanks for staying around. The best way to get the word out is stay diligent and keep postin. Thanks for all the kind posts you've sent me.

God Bless,

Tony
Posted 4/11/2008 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,

Here is one link, not so good but it does show how the beam is adjusted which can be measured by daily CT or ultrasound. I had the daily ultrasounds with X-rays done every Friday.
Link: http://www.brainlab.com/scripts/website_english.asp?menuDeactivate=1&articleid=2230&articleTypeid=67&pageTypeid=4&article_short_headline=IGRT:%20ExacTrac%C2%AE%20Robotics

Click on Video in this link to view IGRT DEMO



swimom said...
Jim,

For whatever reason, there are so many more surgical experiences on HW than any other type of treatment. Don't think it is intentional. Just happened that way.
Hope you find the right home Jim! Come on in for a visit now and again.

swim


Swim,

I think the reason is not many choose radiation as primary because of so much false information is given out. One being, if radiation fails there can’t be any savage surgery, this is so wrong. Sloan-Kettering has been doing post radiation savage surgery for some time now, there is also cryosurgery. Also radiation does not cause bone Met’s as one might see posted on the internet.

Bluebrid,

You're Welcome
You have alway be there for all of us!!

PS

I did go out for BBQ Rib the did of my last treatment.
Posted 4/11/2008 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Jim,

You're probably correct that a lack of understanding may prevent some from considering radiation. Paul already had h is limit of the glowing cure, when he had testicular cancer so he wasn't a candidate. Do we count if his was in the same general anatomical location ? Actually, he was radiated from the upper (L) thigh, up to and including a small part of a kidney :>)

Swim
Posted 4/12/2008 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Why YES tongue
Radiation is radiation

I’m surprise that Paul’s Urologist did surgery, he did have surgery right? Most say it can’t be done, which just goes back to lack of knowledge even at the doctor’s level.

I need to due another update about my Medical Oncology appointment I had yesterday. I’m happy and confused at the same time. The MO wants me to get Bone Scans every 6 months; this is because of the Hot Spot on the skull. He doesn’t feel that it’s cancer but did see the same abnormality on an MRI from 2001, that’s why he doesn’t think its bone cancer. He said if I had bone cancer for seven year it would have grown and or killed me by now.
Posted 4/14/2008 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Update Posted visit with Medical Oncologist

ALSO

Can anyone answer why if my Medical Oncologist thinks my skull hot spot which he can see as a growth on my MRI isn’t cancer, then why Bone Scans every six month? Is this guy being on the level with me?
Posted 4/14/2008 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Jim,

Your Doc is a cautious man. Until he is convinced beyond a shadow there is no movement in the size of the growth, he's going to watch it. Continued wishes for good health and much happiness :>)

PS: Paul had testicular cancer. The scars were not in a place so as to cause a problem. He was warned that if there were issues, they'd convert to open. It is also believed, not proven , his PCa is a result of the radiation tx he had in 95 (the cancer cells resembled those of a typical damage). Unfortunately, testicular cancer patients have a fair risk of secondary cancers. Fortuantely, most of the time those cancers are caught early and respond well to treatment.

Swim
Posted 4/14/2008 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Swim,

You put my mind at ease :-)

Now, I just need to get really for my birthday. I'm the team Captain for my Church in our area RfL which is on my birthday.
Posted 4/14/2008 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Happy Birthday !!!!!
Posted 4/14/2008 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Oops! I should have posted the date.  eyes Birthday not yet!

The RfL and my birthday are both on 6 June, I just need the month to get members and do my fundrising.

Jim

Posted 4/15/2008 11:17 PM (GMT 0)

biker90 said...
Hey Jim,

And we all feel that our choice was the best. And it is - for us. Sometimes we go a little overboard in selling to others what we feel is the best course of action. This is a natural human reaction especially when our lives depend on good choices.

I think that we build up our confidence in our decision by over selling our own choices sometimes. Unfortunately we don't consider how this affects other members here. I have been guilty of this error and sincerely apologize to all.

Lets get well together...

Jim

Hi Jim,

Sorry I skipped over your reply. I hope I don’t upset you with this reply but I need to clear up some things. Radiation was not my first choice or the choice I wanted; it was one of two that I had to choose from External Radiation (IGRT) or Brachytherapy. I felt the side effects might be least with the IGRT. open surgery was my first choice but due to other health concerns I couldn’t have the surgery. I don’t believe that I have suggested Radiation to anyone or overly pushed any type of treatment but if I did I’m SORRY.

Jim
Posted 4/20/2008 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jim,
Something happened and your post is blank. If you can, please repost it. Your thread is powerful and has great information in it. I went to go read it and it was blank. Hope to see it back soon.

Tony
Posted 4/20/2008 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Update Side effect

OOOps, Sorry Tony

I hope I hit the right tab this time. tongue

Posted 4/21/2008 1:10 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Jim,

I see it.  How are you coming ~ er ~ along?  I love peppers and also had to slow them down on my intake during RT.  Your just gonna have to decide, less peppers and beans, or not baseball I guess.  tongue .  As time goes on, that goes away.  I'm back to a 'anything I wanna eat, just not as much as I used to' diet.  I've lost 20lbs off my all time high, so no banana pancakes.  (That actually sounds pretty good, too).  Anyway, hang in there.  Soon it be back to normal (Low ERA, lol).

Tony

Posted 4/21/2008 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Tony,

Let’s just say that the “Yankees” Struck out, so I’m better now. I really would like one of those Fenway sausage sandwiches (Grilled sausage, peppers and onion sandwich) but I don’t wish to play baseball again. LOL

I don't know what it is with peppers but may be I should update my journey again as to list foods not to eat and suggested meals.

Jim
Posted 4/21/2008 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Ouch. I Love sausage sandwiches (sans onions), but I had to distance myself. Instead tonight I made Carne Asada burritos w/Jalepenos, mmmmm. You don't wanna try that one for a while either. But they are good. Probably should have some ice cream before I crash. oy.

Tony
Posted 4/21/2008 3:45 AM (GMT 0)

Tony,

That sound good also, BTW I just found a good IGRT Video it's listed in my journey and below.

Could you please add to the Prostate Cancer Resource Video Area

IGRT Video

Posted 4/21/2008 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
  Partial quote taken from Jim’s 1 st posting on this thread…. *update 19 Apr –Side Effect- First Time Run’s (This isn’t about Baseball)   Looks like Banana Pancakes for breakfast tomorrow!!       Hey ~ Jim,   I hope the Banana Pancakes help to settle the hot peppers… eeekkkkkkkkkkkk   I'm thrilled you added to your title name.... Journey * Jim – N1BRP~ Radiation (IGRT) I understand more now re-reading your Journey ~ that the choice of treatment was made with many variables coming into play.   Radiation not being your 1 st choice but a choice that worked best for you at this time.      I’m not sure why Biker felt the need to apologize… nor do I see why you said Sorry.   We are here to share “our treatment” so we can help others along the way…   Both personal threads are so Powerful and it gives us an in-depth look at a personal Journey with all the ups and downs... you are both so willing to share.     I will make a statement that I truly feel…   The personal threads are so important to keep the information in one place.   There are many members who did and there are more who haven’t.   It is a personal choice but one that I truly recommend.   The reply postings are fewer and this would lend itself to not having the personal support that some threads get.   And this is what’s taken place with your thread.   It truly is a “gift” and I hope you never ever leave us again….   OKAY!!!!   You scared me when I saw it down and then I saw Tony’s posting and then I saw yours…   EEEKKKKK giving mamablue a heart flutter!!!!   55 laps per age +1 lap for Hope ~   Relay for Life will be a great birthday gift you give to yourself.   WOW nice timing… and to know you’ll be wearing an HealingWell’s cap ( Hat (Khaki) ) link to order hat…   As your time permits… will you please share your experience with your American Cancer Society ( ACS) Survivor Caregiver Social.   There may be other who are in need of this and it would help to add to our Knowledge base…   That’s what we’re all about !!   Caring Enough to Share   I really like your Future Appointments and Events located in your 1 st thread with “Your Journey” in detailed form…   WOW what a path for others to learn from.   Thank you for continuing to add every stepping-stone that you traverse in your path to HealingWell.   Hugs to you sweet friend… and know we care about you and yours… Hugs from Lee & Buddy
Posted 4/28/2008 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jim,
Thank you much for the update. I certainly applaud the way you keep your thread together. Good luck at the RO's office tomorrow, and the cardiologist Tuesday. Are you getting a PSA tomorrow?

Tony
Posted 4/28/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Nope!
We talk about it and the doctor agreed with me that since it’s less then 6 weeks, it would be a false reading. We are sticking with doing the first at 50 days (May 20) followed by 100 days (10 Jul) then 7 months (13 Nov) after completion of treatment. First urology follow up is going to be 17 Nov; this will be both my one year diagnose anniversary and 7 month post treatment visit. The PSA 50 and PSA 100 was my idea based on information I provide to the doctor I found online. After this we are going for every 3 months for at less the first 2 years then every 6 months for the next 3 years. This is the ASTRO guide line for PSA checks.

Jim
Posted 4/29/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Jim's Journey starts in the 1st posting of this thread.....   Future Appointments and Events   28 Apr~Follow up with Radiation Oncologist 29 Apr~ Cardiology   8 May~GI 20 May~First PSA 15 Oct ~Bone Scan follow up for the skull hot spot (Possible Skull Met's?) then every 6 months   Events 2-4  May ~ Weekend of Hope ~ Stowe , VT 14    May ~ Man to Man Group~ Concord , NH   6    June ~ Relay for Life ~  At my local College ~ Also my Birthday ~   8    June ~ Walk for Cancer ~ To Support Bethke Cancer Center , Concord , MA       Jim, Keeping you tucked close.... http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/BluebirdStayClose.jpg Hugs from Lee & Buddy
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