It turns out that when a guy is said to have "positive margins," when they mean is that the cancer is in the tissue they leave behind, as well as the tissue they remove. Radiation affects both the good and bad tissue, but the bad tissue does not have the ability to repair itself, whereas the good tissue does. Over the course of 40 daily doses, the cancer dies. Last Monday, Dec 20, I went in for my first treatment, which happen daily at 3pm, and I am out in 20 minutes.
There is very little in the way of side effects from these treatments, the doc said I might be somewhat fatigued at the end of each week, although this varies from patient to patient.
The bit of good news is that my second post-op PSA test came back will all zeros (0.00), down from a value of 0.03 in September. For the first year, I will have quarterly tests.
ron, ... thank you so much for the update, ... i had been wondering if you had started treatments yet, ... and how it was going. i so appreciate you taking the time to explain the process, .. it's all so far beyond my understanding that your words help me "get it". love the news about the zeros!! who knew one could be so excited about zeros? :)
ReplyDeleteplease know that i'm still in your corner, .. cheering you on! :) asking jesus for amazing results from the process, ... wisdom for the docs, ... and encouragement and peace for you and cindy.
love you guys to pieces! please keep us all posted.
ps. so glad i finally figured out how to comment to these!! sheesh. sometimes i'm sure i was born into the wrong century.
not wanting to bug you, ... when i'm sure you have better things to do. but i've just got you on my brain (oooh, ... that sounds so painful!) :)
ReplyDeleteso, ... well, ... how are treatments going? how is your body handling them? so far-so good?? just checking in, ... reminding you that i'm stayin' in touch with the "Almighty", ... we're kind of on a first name basis, .... :) ... been chattin' with Him about you. just that "letting the desires of my heart be made known" thing.
may strength, comfort, peace, and hope be yours today!
January 19, 2011 4:35 PM