Let the treatment begin!

I am beginning this blog post about 20 minutes before I saddle up and head into the urologist's office to get the Lupron hormone injection and hopefully to get some firm dates for next steps.  Up until this point, we have been in decision making mode, determining what the best course of action is.  Now that we have accomplished that, I am anxious to get target dates set up for all of the milestones that have to take place at the proper time and in the right order before the actual radiation therapy can commence. 

I know there will be an outpatient surgical procedure soon to implant the gold seeds used for targeting and I will probably receive the 3 tiny tattoos then, one on each hip and one on the front hip of one leg that will also aid in aiming the radiation precisely.  These tattoos will be about the size of a BIC pen ink dot.  The surgeon is also part of my urologist's practice, which is a real blessing.  Rather than being sent to disconnected specialists all over town, everything is done under one umbrella organization with a few locations that are very convenient for me.  I have reviewed the credentials of each member of my team and it is truly a Dream Team.  My urologist is a recognized leader in his field and did a marvelous job of removing a very large kidney stone for me a couple of years ago.  The radiation oncologist has a long track record, both in Chicago and here in Austin and has treated well over 2,000 men in the past 20 years.  He's also a leader in his field and has access to the most advanced technology available, which is kind of cool to me as a computer guy.  And every one I've dealt with from the receptionists to the nurses to the specialists are all great people and go the extra mile to let you know exactly what to expect. 

I just got back from my Lupron shot, which will last for 6 months and has been shown to make the radiation treatment more effective.  I may see minimal side effects or have one or more of them that are pretty uncomfortable.  The doctor said it varies a lot by individual.  Whatever lies ahead, it's worth it.  I also just made an appointment with the radiation oncologist for next Wednesday to consult with him by telemedicine to get the ball rolling on next steps.  During my initial visit in person with him, I got a wealth of information including a nice workflow diagram of what will occur from beginning to end over the next 4 months or so.  Now all we have to do is assign dates to the next steps and get on with it.

That's about it for now, I'm happy that the process has begun.  There is something about waiting to get treatment, knowing you have a hidden enemy in your body that could be gradually getting worse that could easily rob you of the joy of living each day.  Thankfully, through prayer, the encouragement of friends and their prayers, Bible study and other disciplines of the Christian life, I have been spared dwelling on these thoughts.  I know they don't come from the One who loves both me and you.  We can choose which voices we listen to and I am glad I know the difference.  Thank you, Jesus!

More to follow as the story continues to unfold.  Blessings everybody!