Dr. Logsdon Called

I had a good talk with Dr. Logsdon today. He let me know that if it was himself in my position that he would do the same thing and be treated with this "cutting edge" treatment. He also told me that yes, this study is young, but it's not being done by some random doctors from some random hospital. These studies were led by a doctor from The Royal Marsden Cancer Center in the UK. The Royal Marsden is a larger cancer facility than M.D. Anderson at The University of Texas, which is the largest cancer center in the United States. The doctor at the Royal Marsden Cancer Center that led this study is Dr. Alan Horwich. Dr. Logsdon said that Dr. Alan Horwich is one of the "biggest brains" in the Testicular Cancer field, internationally. Dr. Horwich is the editor of the textbooks doctors use to study Testicular Cancer and The Treatment and Management of Testicular Cancer.

So.....This "cutting edge" treatment I'm doing is coming from one of the most highly regarded doctors in the world when it comes to Testicular Cancer. Dr. Logsdon studied at M.D. Anderson at the University of Texas. Dr. Miller studied at Stanford. My consultant that has helped me along the way is a retired Radiologist, former Chief of Radiology, who studied at Harvard.
Together these guys have a TON of experience and they are collaborating on my case. How could I not be positive? I really think it would be ignorant of me to be down in any way. I'm so lucky! Really.

Radiation

My Radiation Therapy will begin after my first and only chemotherapy cycle which is 3 to 4 weeks. Even though I'm only getting one single dose of Carboplatin, the cycle still last 3 to 4 weeks.

Studies - CRT

Study 1 - 1989 - 1996 UK
33 patients with stage II A/B were treated with the chemotherapy of Single Agent Carboplatin(C) and then Radiation Therapy(RT) . Those 33 were compared to 80 that were treated with RT alone. The 5 year relapse free survival rate (RFS) for the 33 treated with CRT was 96.9%. The 5 year RFS of the 80 treated with RT alone was 80.7%.

Study 2 (Same Medical Group) - 1998 - 2006 UK
26 patients treated with CRT. There was no reported grade 3/4 toxicity. Their 3 year RFS is 100%.


Dr. Logsdon talked with these doctors in person about treating me with this method. The doctors were happy to hear it from what I've been told. Dr. Miller gave me all my options but was leaning towards CRT for sure. CRT it is.

Doctors Office

Went to the doctors office to get a copy of the study. I now have it in hand. While I was there Bertha, Dr. Millers triage nurse, asked if I wanted to have my meeting with the nurse to go over everything for chemotherapy. I agreed, of course, did the consultation with her, and scheduled my Single-Dose Chemotherapy for Tuesday March 4th. I'm a very happy camper! I think it has everything to do with Dr. Milller and the staff at his office. Finally, starting Tuesday, we will be fighting back, against the cancer in my body.

I'm SO happy and Brandi is as well!

Answers

I just got off the phone with Dr.Miller. No suprises. Thank God!

He gave me my options: full chemo, radiation, or the study that's being done on the combination of both. Dr. Miller thinks the study looks very attractive because we will get the benefits of both without too much of either. So that's what we're going with. Like I said, this study is new with around 100 studied so far. Dr. Miller is printing it out for me and I'll have it in hand soon. I'm excited to be part of something progressive in the study on cancer.

The doctors office has submitted everything to my insurance company and that approval process has taken around 48hours in the past. After approval, I will have an appointment with a nurse to go over the logistics of the chemotherapy and then next week I will receive my single-dose of Chemotherapy, Carboplatin to be specific.

Today

Today, I am expecting the phone call from Dr. Miller. I hope to hear what the Tumor Board had to say as well as my treatment path defined. I believe the board is meeting at 9am.

Bed Ready?

So Brandi calls me and tells me that a nurse called saying my hospital bed is ready. Bed ready? What? I'm not suppose to have any inpatient anything at this point. I of course freak out and called Dr. Millers triage nurse, Bertha. She called me right back and let me know that our plan is still the same and there is no bed waiting for me. We figured out that my previous doctor must have not canceled the bed he reserved for my inpatient full chemotherapy cycles at his hospital. Wew! I thought maybe some test results came back and they needed me right in or something.

I hope this isn't a sign that full chemo is lurking it's head around the corner again. Who knows? This cancer bullshit is such a maze. We'll soon see and deal with it as it comes.

Tumor Board

I can't wait to get the call from Dr. Miller on Thursday. I'm nervous and excited to hear the what the board has to say.

I have dug so deep and I can't find anything on the study from Great Britain that they are considering for me. It must be pretty new. I trust my doctor 100% and I'll do whatever he says no matter what. I'm sure he'll discuss options like all doctors do. The real answer comes when you ask, "What would you do if you were in my shoes?". The answer Dr. Miller gives to that question will be my treatment plan that we start next week.

On to work.

PET Scan Office

Today, in between my morning appointments for work, I picked up a copy of my scan images and PET Scan Report from the imaging center that did my scans. My records at home are now as current as the records my doctor has.

.
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FYI

Today I received permission from my doctor to start the supplement program below.
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Supplements

I think that I have sucked all the information I can out of the cancer nutrition books my mom gave me. Tonight I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and bought the supplements that I've decided on. I will take the following daily, along with my multi vitamin, shot of wheatgrass, and green tea:

Flax Seed Oil - 1000 mg
Cinnamon Extract - 500mg
B-50 Complex
C- 250
Lecithin(from soy)- 1200 mg
Apple Cider Vinegar-240mg
Zinc- 30 mg
Iodine(from kelp)- 210 mcg
Calcium- 600mg

Based on what I've read and my health stats, I think my doctor will be fine with me taking these 9 tablets. I would never take anything without consulting my doctor first. I'll email him tonight.

Results

My lungs are clear, which is fantastic news! The other side of that coin is that my suspicious lymph nodes are indeed cancerous.

I learned that Dr. Miller and Dr. Logsdon (the Radiation Oncologist) have been collaborating efforts on my behalf. If you we're to meet both these guys, you would think I have a dream team working for me. Up until today I've felt like I had to control this process because I felt like I was juggled around a bit and nobody else was taking charge. I'm stepping back from that line of thinking because Dr. Milller and Dr. Logston have a good handle and genuine interest in my case.

They both agree that they want to find a way around full chemotherapy and that the area is to big to treat with radiation alone. Both doctors have been doing research and talking to other experts on my behalf. They came across a new treatment plan that has been being studied in Great Britain. It involves a little chemo (1 dose for 1/2 an hour total) and radiation treatment. While this study is young, very young, it has been successful close to 85 to 90 percent of the time. Dr. Miller says this looks very attractive to both of them as a treatment plan for me, but wants to dig into it a little deeper.

Before the doctors make a final decision on my treatment, Dr. Miller is bringing all my info to a Tumor Board that he is part of next Thursday morning. I understand that this board is made up of Pathologists, Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, and radiologists. He will have the actual slides of my tumor, my CT scan, my PET scan, and bloodwork with him. If I understand it correctly, every test that has been done on me will be getting second and third opinions next Thursday. This, to me, is HUGE.


My treatment, whatever it is, will start the week of March 3rd.


Finally, we thought it was cool that somehow the doctors found my Blog. Dr. Miller asked to have a new picture put on here so I'll switch that up when I get home.



That's it for now, my thumbs are getting sore.



.

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......

Five hours until we know my future treatment path. You'd think that the answer I want to hear is, "no chemo", but that's not the case. All I want to hear is that thing on my lung is "nothing". That would make my day. A bigger bonus would be to hear that my enlarged lymph nodes are "nothing" as well. That is a big stretch though.

At least we will finally know my stage and treatment path . I don't think I've ever had anxiety like I have right now.

4 hours 36 minutes and counting.
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Lucky Again

Besides having cancer, I've had some really good luck lately.

I asked Debbie, a very nice lady that schedules for Dr. Miller, if I could be called if anyone cancels before Friday. It just so happened that someone canceled their appointment tomorrow at 2pm. That appointment is now mine. If she doesn't deserve a Starbucks card, I don't know who does!

Tommorow is the day. No matter what the news, the day will end good. Coach Dave of our soccer team gave me tickets to see the Kings play Atlanta tommorow at Arco. I can't wait to see Bibby in a Hawks jersey.
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Friday

The soonest appointment I could get is Friday at 2pm to get my results from Dr. Miller. I received this appointment in a voicemail so I didn't have a chance to complain, cry, or beg for a sooner appointment. The staff there is really nice so I'm going to see if they can put me "on call" in case someone cancels their appointment.
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......

I called Dr. Millers office to ask them to help me get my results and they are calling the PET scan office now. I'm getting so anxious and I want my results!
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No Results Yet

I called the PET scan office this morning. The lady that answered the phone said my results weren't ready. She seemed irritated that I called and asked why I'm calling her and not my doctor. She's going to be even more irritated when I call at noon and 4. I know that all we are waiting for is a doctor to write a summary report. These PET tests costs between 3k and 6k. You'd think they would be able to staff for same day results.

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Holiday

I was so fired up, to start tightening the screws, to get my results the minute it turned 8 am this morning. I was so pissed that they were closed for the holiday!
I'll call them in the morning first thing.

At work, I trained Bob again. We worked on getting new accounts and were successful in two local hotels, so the day ended good.

Tonight we're going to Disney on Ice which will be a great distraction for us all.
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Diet note

Before this crap I was a coffee freak. Its been about a month now since I've had any. Actually I've had a few slips but for the most part I've switched to green tea.

Three days ago I started taking a shot of wheatgrass a day. My father inlaw gave me a gift card to GNC as well, so I'll be getting some more supplements soon.
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Scan Done

I just finished the scan. I'm not glowing so that's good.

They said we should have results by Wednesday. I'm sure we will have them before that.
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Capsule

They let me know that the stuff they're injecting me with is just like glucose that my body makes naturally. I wonder why they need that fat stainless steel capsule to hold one tiny syringe.

They injected me and I have to wait an hour for my scan.
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Beautiful Day

It's such a nice day in Sacramento today. I couldn't imagine a better day to have some radioactive nuclear material injected into my body.
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Valentines Day

Today for work I spent all day training a new guy with our company. His name is Bob and he will be my neighbor geographically at work. I have the top third of California, no bay area, and Northen Nevada. Bob will have San Jose to Monterey. My boss tells me that he will be helping me out while I'm in treatment if I need it. Hopefully I won't.

Then I came home to a heart shaped meatloaf and pink mashed potatoes "Valentines Feast" that Brandi and Hailey planned. Brandi's sister Nicole was over as well.

The finale of the evening was our Bowling Champinship on the Wii.
.....and still champion of the house......Daddy! I won by 6 pins and Hailey came in second with 204.

We are ready for our test tommorow. I have to not eat anything from now until noon tommorow. I'm looking forward to having some clarity next week. There has been so much uncertainty the last seven days. We will find out soon.

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P.E.T. / CT Scan Equipment

P.E.T.

Found this at www.radiologyinfo.org :

What is Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning

Sample image obtained using a combination of PET and CT imaging technology.
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging.
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat disease and other abnormalities within the body.
Nuclear medicine imaging procedures are noninvasive and usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions. These imaging scans use radioactive materials called a radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer.
Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is injected into a vein, swallowed by mouth or inhaled as a gas and eventually collects in the area of your body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a (positron emission tomography) PET scanner and/or probe. These devices work together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by your body and to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and other internal body parts.
In some centers, nuclear medicine images can be superimposed with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce special views, a practice known as image fusion or co-registration. These views allow the information from two different studies to be correlated and interpreted on one image, leading to more precise information and accurate diagnoses.
A PET scan measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning.

Bloodwork

Done

PET Scan Scheduled

My PET scan is scheduled for Friday at noon.

Staging

Where my previous doctors had stepped out and both declared me stage II B, Dr. Miller says there isn't enough information to say a stage for sure. He said he was more interested in making the right decision than a quick one. My uneducated opinion is that my previous doctors have made decisions based on percentages and trends and Dr. Miller needs more physical evidence weighted with those percentages and trends.

Everything I knew before is null and void. I haven't been staged yet and my treatment path is unknown.
My goal is to get my PET scan done before the end of the day Friday.

I've been counting out going on a company trip to Florida in early March. I just might be able to go. I know, I need to not get my hopes too high, but its possible that this will all be over sooner than later. If it's not than I'm informed and prepared as anyone can be.

My Appointment

Dr. Miller was a very nice man as I expected. He told us that there is not enough evidence in the CAT scan or the Pathology Report to warrant Chemotherapy or Radiation at this point. That was very good to hear! He said not to get my hopes to high but maybe I'll get lucky and need neither.

He has scheduled a PET scan for me. This is a scan that will tell us what that thing in my lung is and if those suspicious lymph nodes are indeed cancerous. I will get my PET scan date by tommorow, all offices were closed so I couldn't get it today. I am also being sent in for bloodwork tommorow.

My fingers are crossed and so are my toes, legs, and arms.

Appointment Scheduled

Camron called Dr. Millers office this morning to give them a "heads up" that I'd be calling. I called the offices of Dr. Khan(my primary care doctor), Dr. Longston, and Dr. Brennan asking them to send a referal ASAP to Dr. Millers office. I'm not sure which one sent it first but I have confirmed Dr. Miller has received it. They put me through to the New Patients Admin who booked me an appointment tommorow at 4pm. This is great news! I've also triple confirmed with Dr. Brennans office, Dr. Millers office, and Aetna (my insurance) that my insurance will be accepted. It will.

Thanks for your help Camron and Alicia!

All Good

I don't know if it was my shower, reading my book or the pill I had for breakfast but I'm out of my negative mood. I'm glad I found my way out of that place I was in.

We're going to the gym for the 4th time this week now. Its such a nice day outside today.

Kristy Gets a Tattoo

My sister Kristy got a tattoo symbolizing this time my family and friends are going through. I was going to get one as well but the doctors won't allow it. Orchid is the color of testicular cancer awareness.

Irritated

I'm so irritated that I have to deal with switching doctors and starting a new path for my treatment. I hope it doesn't put my treatment out too far. I've been in a foul mood all weekend. I just hate not knowing what the hell is going on or what's coming next. I hope I'll find out something Monday. I'm lucky that I have friends that know a good Oncologist. My fear is that a good Oncologist is going to be booked for awhile. We'll see. Dr. Brennan gave me some pills for when I have anxiety. I think I'll have one for breakfast. I'm so irritated.

Dr. Robert Miller

This is the doctor I'm aiming for now. I have confirmed he is accepting new patients and that he's in my insurance network. Camron and Alicia reccomended him and I'm going for it. Thank you Camron and Alicia! I will call him first thing Monday morning.

Robert S. Miller, M.D.

Specialties:
Hematology, American Board of Internal Medicine - Subspecialty in Hematology

Open, physician is currently accepting new patients for this specialty.

Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine - Subspecialty in Medical OncologyOpen,

physician is currently accepting new patients for this specialty.
Hospital affiliation:
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
Education/training:
Medical education:

Medical College of Virginia

Residency: University of California, San Francisco

Fellowships: Medical Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine
Professional interests:
Genitourinary malignancies, computers and internet medicine
Community activities:
American College of Physicians; Board of Directors, American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Academy of Hospice & HIV Medicine; Board Member, Association of Northern California Oncologists
Personal interests:
Music (piano and voice) and computers

Firing Dr. Quadro

My outside source reviewed what was found and told me to run from Dr. Quadro. He's done.

He also said I need to demand an appointment with Dr. Brennan Monday.

He also told me I should be pissed about the Radiation Therapist referring me to the Oncologist. That was the job of the Urologist.

My outside source was yelling , he was so upset.

Calling Dr. Brennans office first thing Monday morning.

This sucks.

Red Flag

Possible red flag on Dr. Quadros background . My mom has been doing backgrounds checks on the doctors and might have found something. I hear it is VERY minor but will check it out when I get home and consult with my private source tommorow.

I liked him a lot and am about 95 percent on staying with him.

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Consultation

We met Dr. Quadra. We really liked him a lot. He is the first Dr. to give me his email address.

My chemotherapy starts on Feb. 25th at 8am. I will be admitted to the hospital for 5 days. They want me to be inpatient the first treatment so they can be sure there's no reactions from the drugs. He did say I could bring my Xbox and work laptop. I'm only staying there as a precaution. I'll have my work to keep me busy during the day and I have bought a ton of new reading materials for at night. Its going to be fine.
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At the Appointment

We are waiting in Dr. Quadro's office. His staff has let us know that he is always running late.

I was suprised to see the treatment area. As you can see it's a room full of recliners. I wonder if I can bring my Xbox?
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LAF Summit 2008

There was a comment left yesterday by a great person named Brian Dowd. Brian is one of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's largest fundraisers. We exchanged emails back and forth yesterday. Brian suggested that I apply to go to LAF Summitt 2008. This is a weekend where Lance Armstrong and his crew teach chosen delegates to be leaders in the fight against cancer in their community. Some come back doing anything from starting a Non Profit Organization to leading an educational crusade in their community. I wasn't ready when he first brought it up. I'm still am having trouble saying I'm a cancer patient. Haven't really came to terms with that yet until now I guess. Then I started thinking, whenever I do something, anything, I think, "how can I do it bigger?". If I have cancer I might as well do it big. So I applied last night. Brian is on the selection committee and said he will keep his eye out for my application. We will see what happens.
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Dr. Quadro - My Chemotherapy Oncologist

Robert E Quadro, M.D.


Specialty:
Hematology/Oncology
Sub-Specialties:
Internal Medicine

Practice Information
Address:
3160 Folsom BlvdSacramento, CA 95816-5219
Phone:
(916) 733-3333


Professional Information
Education:
University of California, Irvine; 1978
Internships:
UC Davis Medical Center; 1979
Fellowship:
University of California, Davis; 1984
Languages:
English, Spanish
Affiliations:
Mercy General Hospital - Sacramento; Mercy San Juan Hospital - Carmichael

Surgery Follow Up Appt.

Dr. Brennan said I'm all good. I don't have to wear a bandage anymore. Also I can keep working on the treadmill. I'm up to 3.3 with a 1.5 incline.

Brandi and I are anxious for our appointment in the morning. We want to start my treatment ASAP.

I was reading Sacramento Magazine today and noticed my Chemotherapy Oncololgist was named in their Top Doc's cover story. I will post his Bio when I have time.

All and all I feel great today. So wierd to me that I could be considered sick.

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Chemo Consultation Appointment Scheduled

This is why you have to be on these people like they owe you 10 grand.

I finally received a Chemo consult appointment. March 5th.

Yeah Right!

I called them back and asked them how to get in touch with Sutter because I wasn't waiting that long. Then on my way home from my last meeting today I called Dr. Brennans, Dr.Khan's(my family Dr.) , and Dr. Longstons office. In each case I talked to the Dr's assistant. I explained I needed to be seen sooner.

At 4pm I received a call saying that I have an appointment on the books this Friday at 11:00 am.

Note to the next guy:

Do not accept the first appointment given. It can be made sooner. Follow up twice a day, everyday until you get what you want. Be prepared to take your business somewhere else if your not happy. Be prepared with detailed info of the office your threatening to leave them for. Do not waste your time trying to contact your doctor. Trust me. Call their assistants everytime. These assistants are so slammed that they will help you get what you want through to your doctor or do something themselves. Make jokes with them. Be friends with each and every one of them.
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Weight

I started this journey at 200 lbs even. I've never had a problem being a little chubby, but wanted to slim down for my radiation therapy and surgery that I've already had. Every morning we wake up and see the fruits of our labor from working out and eating a crazy healthy diet. 199, 198, 196 etc. Everyday I've been losing a little and am currently 188.

Whenever I do something I always research it to no end. So last night I got knee deep in researching Chemotherapy. It looks like I need to start gaining weight instead of losing it. What a crock! If its not one thing, its another.

What are you going to do though, you know? I think I'm going to have a cheeseburger for lunch today. :)

Real

Things sure did get real today. Chemotherapy? Are you kidding? I really thought he was going to tell me that Radiation wasn't even really needed. What a shock! Then to hear the words Stage II at the same time.

I feel so sad that my kids will see me lose my hair. I guess its time to start looking for some cool hats.

I was a little bummed today but I'm over it. Any good cancer story needs a little chemotherapy, right? We will get through this and when its all said and done, we will be stronger than before.

This story WILL have a happy ending.

Radiation Appointment

My relationship with my Radiologist Oncologist is over. He is the first Oncologist I've seen so it was good to have an hour and a half of some Q&A. He has came to the conclusion that I am Stage II and will need full chemotherapy. I will eloborate later. Stage II Seminoma is rare and we would have too large of an area to treat with Radiation. Brandi and I are upset a bit and going to lunch now.

My Favorite Picture

This picture was taken by our friend and Wild Ponies Parent, Albert Cobian. I've looked at this picture for many minutes a day, everyday. I love how you can tell that Hailey scored a goal from the reaction of her with her hands in the air, the goalie, ref blowing the whistle, and me with my arm in the air like we just went Gold in the Olympics. I'm the assistant coach of the team and the guy clinching his fist is my friend and head coach, Dave Groves. The guy on the bike is my good friend Dan Amman. I just love this picture, I can't get enough of it. This picture has helped me stay so positive. Pretty soon it will be time for me to watch and coach Hailey for 18 weekends in a row. I can't wait!

My Dr.'s

I really like all the professionals that have been in charge of my care. I wanted to put my doctors in my journal so I can remember them .

Dr. Longsdon - My Radiation Oncologist

Mark D. Logsdon, M.D.

Division

Radiation Oncology

Special Training

Prostate Cancer

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)

Gynecological Cancer

Gamma Knife

Radiosurgery

Fellowship

Medical Student Research Fellowship 1989-1990

ASTRO Resident Research Fellowship 1995-1996

Residency

University of TexasM.D. Anderson Cancer Center1992 - 1996

Radiation OncologyInternshipSt. Mary's Health Center 1991 - 1992

Internal MedicineMedical SchoolWashington University, School of Medicine1986 - 1991

M.D. CertificationRadiation Oncology, Re-certified April 2001

American Board of Radiology Affiliations

American Society of Clinical Oncology

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)

American College of Radiology (ACR)

American Medical Association (AMA)

Gilbert H. Fletcher SocietyAmerican Brachytherapy Society

Dr. Brennan- My Urologist

James Brennan, MD
Department:
Urology
Locations:
Downtown

3160 Folsom BoulevardSacramento, CA 95816

Phone: (916) 733 - 3333
School and graduation year:
Mount Sinai Medical School – New York, NY, 1983
Internship:
Boston University Medical Center – Boston, MA, 1983-85
Residency:
Junior Surgical Residency, Boston University Medical Center – Boston, MA, 1983-85; Urology Residency, Boston University Medical Center, 1985-89
Board certification:
Urology
Additional languages:
Spanish, German, French, Italian
Personal interests and hobbies:
Hiking, camping, swimming, photography and fishing

100%

I have to say I'm 100% recovered from surgery. I've been on my feet for 10 hours today and feel great. No pain. No gym today, I've done enough walking.

Event

Our good friend Cameron sent me an email this morning. Cameron, a survivor himself, is Alicia's husband and a good family friend.

He let me know of an event in San Francisco next Wednesday night from 7-9pm. It's a public meeting led by a panel of professionals speaking about Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, and Testicular cancers.

I registered and will be there unless Radiation Therapy prevents it, time wise.

Thank You Cameron.

http://www.ascofoundation.org/foundation/Events

Radiation Appointment

Lori at Mercy Radiation Department called me this morning. She let me know that there are no consultation appointments available until 2/22/08. I'd probably need to be put in the "Britney" ward if I had to wait that long. I called multiple Radiation offices at different hospitals in Sacramento. Sutter Cancer Center had an opening on 2/18/08. I called Mercy to ask them to forward my referral to this Sutter office. All of the sudden Mercy was able to fit me in tommorow at 9:30a.m. at their clinic.

I changed my follow up surgery appointment with Dr. Brennan to Wed at 2:15pm since I will not be able to make the original time.

Normal Week

I'm very excited to enter a normal 5 day work week.

Today I need to follow up with the Radiation office to get my appointment scheduled. Tuesday I have my follow up surgery appointment at 10:30 am with Dr. Brennan.

Other than those two objectives I am planning to have a normal week. I feel great.

....

I did 20 minutes walking on the treadmill at 2.8 with an incline of 1.0. Then I went all out for 10 minutes on the exercise bike for the arms.

No pain at all. The last time I took pain medicine was Tuesday night.

Gym

We are on our way to the gym for a quick cardio work out. My goal is 20 minutes on the treadmill on the slowest speed.

Super Bowl is like a holiday to me. I rank it between Christmas and my birthday. I don't really care who wins this year but figure the Patriots will win by 28.

2nd Opinion

This morning I received a call from my outside source. He explained that he agrees with the report from Mercy. He measured both suspicious spots on my lymph nodes a little bigger though. He measured 1.1 cm and 1.4cm. He did say that these spots would be very sensitive to the Radiation Therapy. He also said that there is a little spot on my lung which could be anything. They will be checking that spot in Radiation as well.

So I guess the net net is that I have two more little spots to deal with. Everyone seems confident that Radiation Therapy will be successful.

It could be so much worse. If it were a non-seminoma I would be having to go through the same surgery as my friends son. I could have no insurance. I could have had to miss a bunch of work. I could have had it on my spine. I could be going through all this alone. Lucky for me, none of these things are the case, and I am a very fortunate young man.

Two thumbs up!

Hailey's Report Card

As if my day wasn't great enough, Hailey brought home her report card today:

Reading A
Writing B
Mathmatics A
Spelling. A
Science A
History Social Science A

Nice job Hailey!!!! What a good day.

Dr. Brennan Call

I just received a call from Dr. Brennan. He let me know that their were two suspicious spots on lymph nodes near my kidneys in the abdominal area. These were not diagnostic but deemed suspicious. He is refering me to Radiation Therapy of Sacramento, which was the plan anyway. I have a call into them and will have an appointment for next week by the end of the day. He did mention that he hadn't had a chance to look at the pics yet, but everything besides the suspicious spots look good. What he doesn't know is that CD only has chest pics on it. I will bring them with me Tuesday. I'm sure that he will be puzzled why I have them before him.

The CD with all the pics and Radiology reports will be to my unnamed third party tommorow. I just haven't asked this person permission to use their name on here. This person is a recently retired Chief of Radiology with an education from Harvard.

I can't wait for this weekend! Its going to be cool to watch history when Tom Brady does what he does this Sunday. Also, looking forward to USA vs. Mexico (International Soccer) Wednesday at 6:00 pm on ESPN.

Things are looking up!

Mission Accomplished

So lucky!

Completely different staff and a very non confrontational X-ray tech.
They are also printing out my Radiologist report so I'll have that in hand also. They are making the CD and printing the report as we speak........

Now its all in my hand.

Partial Results

So my private third party received the package. He said that the 30 pics were all of my chest and none of my abdominal and pelvic. The good news is my chest and lungs are clear.

Now, I'm in between appointments and sitting in the Mercy parking lot. I have to walk in this place and let them know that I went against what they said and looked at the CD. Then I have to ask for more. Not looking forward to this and I'm not leaving without what I came for.

Good Start Today

Today I feel like a million bucks. I'm downtown waiting for my first appointment since surgery. I've never been so happy to put on my dress shirt and slacks. I probably look like Mary Poppins rolling around with by briefcase smiling. Also, I had a huge purchase order from a brand new customer on my fax machine this morning. That same customer is who I have my appointment with this morning, and he wants three huge pieces of equipment.

There should be some sort of update today regarding the CT scan. I sent the CD to a more than qualified unnamed third party and it will arrive today for review.

The CD contained 30 CT images of my abdominal area, chest, and pelvic region. The program it was written on is a digital light box program that is compatible with Microsoft Windows. When your curser is on any spot of the image, it shows the density and depth of that point. Pretty cool but no comprendo.

Time to make a sale now.