Prostate Cancer 09

Petey loved by all!

2010-07-16T09:08:00.002-04:00

Earlier this month we went to Wright-Patterson to see Dr. Arzola to also let him lnow the great news about Ray's remission. He told us his kids always ask for his Petey the Prostate Crusader and he tells them no. I am so glad Petey is loved by everyone!

Chapter News

2010-07-16T08:55:00.001-04:00

Ray and I are in the Us TOO Chapter News! Check it out....
http://ustoo.org/PDFs/NewletterJuneJuly2010.pdf

Still in REMISSION!!!!

2010-07-16T08:41:00.002-04:00

As of July 8th Ray is still in REMISSION! He seen Dr. Patel and we got the great news that the PSA came back less then 0.005 which means that the PSA is undetectable. Ray still takes the hormone shots to keep the cancer in his Lymph-nodes in check. Unfortunately when he had the surgery October 12, 2009 the Prostate Cancer had spread to the lymph-nodes. But with the hormone therapy it will hopefully keep it under control.
We also gave Dr. Patel a Petey the Prostate Crusader he said he is putting him on his desk.

Great News at check up

2010-06-30T19:51:00.003-04:00

Ray had a check1up with the cancer Doctor today! We got great news. his cancer is still in REMISSION! His PSA is ZERO! He still uses 2 pads a day now so almost housebroken! The Doctor today said that is great since it has not been a year yet. He is sending Ray for Pelvic Floor Therapy to see if this will help to get him dry. Ray is also going to try a drug called Muse to see if we can get the plumbing working again.
This has been the longest year of out lives but so far we have been having great news. Ray is planning on having a party in October for the 1 year anniversary of his surgery. So if you know a place to where we can have a cancer party let me know!
We also gave Dr. Patel a Petey. He said he is keeping him on his desk! I am so happy that Petey is such a big hit. Everyone tells me that I need to get Petey licensed. I am working on it!

PSA test

2010-06-25T12:13:00.002-04:00

Ray got his PSA test back and it is less than 0.005 which means he is STILL IN REMISSION! So far so good...he goes back to his cancer doctor next week. So hopefully good news there also.

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-21T21:46:00.010-04:00

Ray got a Father's Day present that was "PRICELESS" a visit from his grandson Noah! He spent the night with us, then today when he woke up. We made chocolate treat boxes for mommy and other family members! We went to McDonalds for dinner and after that we went to Rita's. he got a Smore's Water Ice. After we left Rita's we stopped at the park by our house! We all had a good time!

One year ago.....

2010-06-19T09:40:00.003-04:00

Well today is the day we found out that Ray has Prostate Cancer! Today is a depressing day because of the news that we received. But I have not set back and let it consume me with grief. As you have probably seen if you have been on Petey the Prostate Crusader's blog you can see that I have been sharing Petey with the world!
The idea of Petey came from the fact that the prostate is the size of a walnut! And if you know me I have a creative mind, so I looked at the walnut and did not just see the hut. I seen the face of a man in your life! Petey started out with just wire arms, eyes, paper feet and hands. Then on the next generation I used white pipe cleaners for the arms, those were generation 2 Petey's. But then we found hats and so generation 3 was born! When we go to the stores I hit the toy department to see what I can put Petey on.
So far he has been on a motor scooter, tractor, beach chairs, golf cart. I am looking for a little remote controlled car or motorcycle so Petey can ride on it to the support group meetings!

Prostate Cancer Survivors Speak Their Minds

2010-06-16T07:50:00.003-04:00

We attended a book signing seminar here in Columbus, Ohio last night. It was great! I have added the link for you to get your copy of the book.

http://www.prostatecancersurvivorspeak.com/

There here! There here!

2010-06-16T07:44:00.004-04:00

These can be put on any color of shirt!

Add a Twibbon!

2010-06-10T16:27:00.001-04:00

Show your support for Prostae Cancer and you could win an IPad!

http://twibbon.com/cause/ZERO-iPad-Giveaway-5/facebook

Why the Walnut?

2010-06-02T09:31:00.006-04:00

The walnut was chosen because of it similar size to the Prostate Gland! The Prostate is housed inside a protective sheath of tough fibrous tissue.

The Romans named the tree which bears walnuts , Juglans regia- Real nuts of Jupiter or Nut of the Gods. According to Roman folklore, the gods feasted on walnuts while their lowly subjects subsisted on lesser nuts such as acorns, beechnuts, and chestnuts. Walnuts were thrown to Roman wedding guest by the groom to bring good health, ward off disease and increase fertility. Young boys eagerly scrambled for the tossed walnuts, as the groom's gesture indicated his passage into manhood.

http://www.yananow.net/troopc.htm#index

National Cancer Survivors Day

2010-05-21T12:08:00.003-04:00

Cancer Survivor Anyone living with a history of cancer - from the moment of diagnosis through the rest of their life - is a "cancer survivor,: as defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation,

June 6th 2120 is National Cancer Survivors Day! Check http://www.ncsd.org/ to see if there is an event planned in your area!

The new Petey collection

2010-05-21T11:34:00.004-04:00

This is the new collection of Petey;s. Adding the hats gives them more personality. You never know who has Prostae Cancer!

I am still working on an idea for these two. Check back to see my vision!

Petey goes to The White House!

2010-05-11T12:21:00.005-04:00

When I found out that a normal is prostate the size of a walnut. I got a creative idea and ran with it! Here is Petey at The White House. If President Obama can turn the light Pink for breast cancer. Why can't they turn the lights BLUE for PROSTATE CANCER in September? 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer! As a wife and mother of 4 sons there needs to be more said about prostate cancer. Not only for the men but the women who have to also deal with this disease now!

Thank You Letter

2010-04-07T09:00:00.004-04:00

I Believe in PSA's

2010-03-09T09:05:00.010-05:00

Rocky another Prostate Cancer Survivor came up with the words and it is just so fitting!

Take me to your leader!

2010-03-09T08:54:00.004-05:00

Bill our group leader and also a Prostate Cancer Survivor!

Petey the Prostate Crusader

2010-03-09T08:47:00.002-05:00

Last night I took these little guys to our March meeting. I requested a minium donation of $2.00 which $1.00 if it goes to the Us TOO organization.
$15.00 was given in donations last night!

Still in REMISSION!!!!

2010-03-04T19:20:00.004-05:00

Ray got his PSA test back today and he is still in Remission!!!! Less than 0.05. He is soooo Happy he is making blue chocolate ribbon suckers for work tomorrow!

Petey the Prostae Crusader

2010-02-20T11:37:00.006-05:00

They hereeee get your very own possable Petey the Prostae Crusader.

They will come with a box to transport Petey in! Currently I have 22 available

Sea Blue Chapter News

2010-02-18T11:09:00.009-05:00

There are 19 pages to the newsletter but I only added the first page and the page that my bit was on.

We found ot that the prostate is that size of a walnut. In my creative mind I seen something in this and that is who I got the idea of making Petey the prostate out of the walnuts!

How could something so small cause so many problems for men and their families!!

Petey name badge

2010-01-27T19:36:00.002-05:00

Again with too much time on my hands!

Pints for Petey

2010-01-27T16:01:00.003-05:00

I still need to work on the BEER! I was thinking of adding some puff paint to make the suds raised a little!

PSA Petey

2010-01-13T13:31:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the a normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut?

we attended a Us TOO meeting in November and that is when we found out this little fact, so Ray went to Walnut and got some walnuts.

December 4th PSA

2009-12-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

Ray seen Dr. Patel for a check up and the results from the PSA. Less than .1!! So it looks as the Prostate Cancer is in remission at this time.

October PSA

2009-12-02T11:50:00.005-05:00

Ray got the results from October 27th Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test.

It was 1.7

He goes Thursday for another PSA test at the family doctor and to see Dr. Patel on Friday.

Ray's 1st day back to work

2009-11-17T09:57:00.001-05:00

Great day today. LIFE AND FRIENDS ARE GREAT. Started when I arrived for work, Polceman Joe announced that Ray has returned to the building. Jake the Security guard said Welcome back. I finished breakfast with the boss. Went to the office, Podiatry stopped me and said welcome back we missed you. Arrived at the Office to find sugar free candy from a co-worker (Abby you are sooo thoughtful).

Thru the day with Veterans saying welcome back. I changed my protection twice and then again just before I came home. Went to lunch and cook and cashier welcomed me back. After lunch checked with Viktorya she will bring in my pen tomorrow. More Veterans said welcome back in the afternoon. Left for HOME and saw Officer Bruno. He's in the 1 year no Honeymoon Doghouse. I told him to go to Niagara Falls for a weekend/long weekend.

Back to work!

2009-11-16T08:19:00.001-05:00

Ray returned to work today since his surgery October 12th. He was ready but not ready to return. This morning he packed his bag with his pads and extra pair of pants just in case of an accident.

Honestly I am glad he went back to work today so I can get my routine back also. I need my quite time!!

2009-11-09T09:29:00.002-05:00

Ok God you have given me enough to deal with right now!

Yesterday I received a call from my sister-in-law that my father had a heart attack. She did not want to tell me because of all the stuff going on with Ray. But then she tought about it and called me. I of course cried not know what is going on with my dad, as he lives in New Mexico. It is so hard living so far away, I just seen my dad in July when he came to Columbus for the Good Guys Car Show.

So now I have more worry on me with Ray and my dad. I love them both very much!!!

Peteys Big Adventures

2009-11-07T08:52:00.004-05:00

So of our friends are thinking we have gone crazy since we found out Ray has prostate cancer. Matbe we have but we need to find humor in his disease. Why do we need to keep it quiet? There is no need to we did not ask for this, but now we have to deal with it.

The Good, the bad, the ugly!!

The support group that we belong to has this model named Petey Prostate that goes to the families each month. But we got to keep Petey for two months due to Ray's surgery. And since we had Petey for Halloween we dressed him up in a few costumes!

I stareted a few pages for Petey to get him started on some of his adventures. And now that eveyone needs a passport ot travel abroad Petey has his own!

In September there was a fundraiser to raise the awareness of Prostate Cancer. And they used the language that some men can understand the most BEER!!!

As you can see Ray was there also and he was feelin GOOD!!

Ray had his surgery on October 12th and Petey wanted to go!

And yes people we are having to much fun! But at least we can laugh in the face of prostae cancer! We do not have to be silent any longer.

So disappointed in The Whitehouse

2009-11-01T14:04:00.005-05:00

I was pleased when I heard that President Obama proclaimed that September was National Prostate Cancer Awareness month. But then today my happiness was marked with disappointment to find out that The Whitehouse had a huge pink ribbon outside announcing breast cancer awareness month.

Was there one displayed for Prostate Cancer month?

Would there have been one if someone in the Whitehouse in the current administration had/has prostate cancer?

Why is it so had to just talk about prostate cancer? Does not seem to be so hard for others to talk about breast cancer, that gets all of the attention! I will keep up my fight to let everyone know about prostate cancer as I cry knowing that my husband still has prostate cancer even after surgery. His has spread to the Lymph-Nodes and so we are still dealing with cancer and it is so hard for me when others do not want to talk about it.

Ray has to take hormone shots for the rest of his life to keep the cancer in control or until it spread to the bones. Which it scares me to death to think about it. I do not want to become a widow of prostate cancer because we can not talk about it!

Ray's Cancer wounds

2009-10-29T13:04:00.008-04:00

See what $39,530.60 will get you!!

Ray took this earlier this week showing off some of his surgery scars. He chose the da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

I do have to admit its not as bad as I was prepared for!

Still not dry

2009-10-29T11:08:00.002-04:00

Ray is still having a problem with being incontinent, but the catheter has only been out for about 3 weeks now. He is using the Attends and always has to have a bathroom break. One good thing from him being retired military he can get the Attends form the VA which will save us some money for now.

He is doing the exercises to regain control for the muscles to control the bladder. Also he needs to be active to help with the healing process. We have a long road ahead of us since being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer!

There needs to be more awareness about Prostate Cancer! Until Ray got it I never know much about it. It is never plastered on the television as much as Breast Cancer.

Why not?
The men are ashamed to say they have it?
What about the wives who are suffering in silence becasue the men do not want to talk about it?
Do we not care about the men as much as the women?

There needs to be changes now!

A bad day

2009-10-29T10:07:00.007-04:00

Ray seen an Oncologist on October 27th at the Zangmeister Cancer Center.
But the day started out horrible with dealing with Tricare (health insurance).

The doctor that removed his prostate on the 12th of October set up an appointment for Ray to see the Oncologist at the Zangmeister Center for the 27th at 3pm. We did not give it a second thought that we need to get the approval from the insurance company because we thought that it was still covered from the approval from the surgery. Did Tricare tell us that it needed a referral from the family doctor? No.

Ray was also in the process of switching family doctors but due to see the new family doctor the next day. Not hood because the appointment was for the 27th. We went to the new doctors office to try and get a referral for that day so he could see the oncologist. The new doctors office said they could not write a referral because the new doctor has not seen Ray before. OK I lost it!!! My nerves are a frazzled mess anymore and I am having a Hell of a time dealing with all of this right now! Maybe they felt sorry for me but they did worked Ray in that day, but he could only talk about one referral. Not a problem! We explained what was going on and said that the appointment for the Zangmeister was for today but we needed a referral to see that doctor today and was going to be back tomorrow for a new patient appointment. We got the referral for that day to see the oncologist at about 2pm and then off to the Zangmeirster Center for the 3pm office visit. I am sorry if someone has cancer and diabetes why make them jump through hoops just to see a doctor!!

We were sent there to see if there was an option of Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy. What treatment was Ray doing right now since the Prostatectomy. Currently the plan of attack for the rest of the cancer is Lupron Depot shots every 4 months to hopefully keep the cancer in check. Hopefully it does not spread to the bones or any other organs, if it does then they will discuss the other options.

Also Dr. Elwood had a CT Scan done immediately to make sure there is no cancer in the bones. Ray was due for a CT Scan the end of October anyway because a node on his lung that needed to be watched.

The next day Ray seen the new family doctor again. He asked of we made it to the appointment at the Zangmeister Center and we said yes. thank you for all that you did! Then Dr. Makadia seen Ray as a new patient. Checked his medications for his diabetes, and wrote new prescriptions for his medications that he is taking. Also before December 4th Ray needs another referral from the family doctor to see Dr. Patel even though he is still a patient, I will never understand the insurance red tape!!!!

Ray is pleased with the new family doctor and it is closer to home!

On August 3, 2009 I wrote President Obama a letter praising the government ran health care but now I am rethinking my views about the health care for cancer! Being a military brat and wife for 46 years I never had a problem with it, but now that Ray has cancer I am not sure. I think it is also time to write to my Congressman or make an appointment to see him. Something needs to change with health care, I understand why there are so many people have trouble with health insurance!

Dr. Patrick C. Elwood

2009-10-25T14:51:00.006-04:00

He ordered a CT Scan immadently to re-check the lump on Ray's lung since he was due to have it done in October.

We have not heard any news yet.

Why they can't do radiation

2009-10-25T14:36:00.004-04:00

I know some of my family and friends have asked why Ray can not do radiation.

Ray's cancer was so aggressive and has spread outside the prostate before they could get it removed. Which it has spread to the Lymph-Nodes. It was explained to us that the body is made up of many lympn-nodes and if you do radiation on the whole body it will kill of the healthy organs.

The best plan of attack for Ray is the homrone shots every 4 months to keep the rest of the cancer in control. It would be great if they can find a cure for Prostate cancer but so far there has not been one yet.

Zangmeister Center

2009-10-25T14:28:00.003-04:00

Tuesday Ray goes to the Zangmeister Center to see an Oncologist. They sent a schedule of times to when he will be seen. Like it will be the case! But here it is anyway......

3:00pm Questionnaire
3:15pm Labs
3:30pm New Patient Visit - Exam Room

The doctor that he will be seeing is Dr. Patrick C. Elwood.

I know for me this is difficult for me and wish we never had to be going through this!

Ray's Happy

2009-10-23T17:42:00.000-04:00

Ray got the catheter out today. Yeah!!!

He was started on Lupron Depot shots and given a 14 day supply of pills to get him slowly on the homrones. His next shot will be in 4 months. The doctor said that since the cancer is in the Lymph-Nodes this is the only treatment that can be done.

Another check-up

2009-10-22T08:55:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow Ray has another check-up. Maybe tomorrow at 2:45pm. to see if the catheter will be removed, he has had it for 12 days now. His stomach is healing great, he just is complaining about the itching.

Not sure if he will start the hormone shots tomorrow. Or battle is not over with Cancer yet, BUT he did SURVIVE the surgery! I wish things were different and he did not have cancer. But there is always a reason to why we get the diseases we get. For some reason this is what we are suppose to deal with.

Good, Bad or Ugly we will get thorugh it!!

Check it out!

2009-10-20T16:59:00.000-04:00

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues - specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

http://us.movember.com/about/

Did you know he has Prostate Cancer?

2009-10-20T16:17:00.004-04:00

Ray Hoetger

Famous people diagnosed with prostate cancer
Harry Belafonte Singer and actor
Bob Dole World Former Republican senator from Kansas
Robert De Niro Actor director
Emperor Akihito of Japan
Louis Farrakhan Civil right activist, leader of the Nation of Islam
Rudy Giuliani Former New York City mayor
Charlton Heston Actor
John Kerry Vietnam veteran, Democratic senator of Massachusetts
Nelson Mandela South African Former President, Anti-apartheid activist, LawyerFrancois Mitterand Former President of France
Roger Moore Actor
Arnold Palmer Golfer
Colin Powell Retired Secretary of State, Army general
Norman Schwarzkopf Retired Army general
Joe Torre New York Yankees manager
Don Imus
Merv Griffin
Richard S. Mueller III F.B.I Director
Robert Goulet Actor and singer
Andy Grove President & CEO, Intel Corp
Richard Riordan Former LA Mayor
Chuck Tanner Former Pittsburgh Pirates Manager
Steve RossFormer ChairmanTime-Warner Inc.1927 - 1993
Telly Savalas Actor 1924 - 1994
Billy Bixby Actor 1934 - 1993
Linus Pauling, Ph.D.Scientist, Two-time Nobel Prize Winner 1901 - 1994
Frank Zappa Musician 1941 - 1993
Timothy Leary LSD AdvocateDiagnosed: January, 1995 1920 - 1996

Us TOO International Journal

2009-10-20T15:17:00.007-04:00

Terri from Us TOO sent this to us.

I just got it yesterday, and wanted to share with everyone. There is a lot of great infromation and also places to write notes. There is also a section on Tracking Your Prosgress and a page for even tracking your mood.

I am so happy that we found the Us TOO family!

Thank You Terri for the pins!

I wear the wirstband that Ray got from Pints for Prostate!

Columbus Prostate Cancer Center

2009-10-20T14:33:00.010-04:00

Today after Ray's CT Scan in the other part of the building is the Columbus Prostate Cancer Center. This is where the patients recieve Radiation treatments and is a possability that Ray will be refered to them also. We went to see what they had to offer, and was met with wonderful staff members.

We met Mary Ore who is the Radiation Oncologist Center Manager, they also gave me infromation about Hormonal Therapy.

The kit that they gave me had all of this information in it!

The two phamplets were extras but also very helpful.

CT Scan

2009-10-20T14:28:00.005-04:00

Ray had a CT Scan done today to see if his bladder has healded from the surgery. If the CT Scan comes back good he can get the cathiter out maybe on Friday. If the bladder is not healed then maybe next week!

Not Good News

2009-10-16T13:04:00.004-04:00

Ray had his check-up today and the news was not good. The cancer has spread to the Lympn-Nodes. Now the only thing that they can do is Hormone shots for the rest of his life. He will be starting them next week and will be getting them every 4 months. And hopefully the PSA tests will be low

We need to find a cure for Prostate Cancer and fight to make it as well known as breast cancer! It not only affects the men's lives but also affects the women's!

Post-Op Check up

2009-10-16T07:17:00.002-04:00

ray has a check up today at 9:30am. We should get the results of the biopsy that was sent to the pathologist on Monday. I am praying that this returns with good news. I am not sure if I can handle to much more.

I will post the news later tonight. We have a few errands to run this morning and I need to go to get a few things to work on my Prostate Cancer Scrapbook! It is growing!

Follow-up on Friday

2009-10-14T16:07:00.003-04:00

Ray has a follow-up appointment on Friday at 9:30am with Dr. Patel's office. We should find out the results of the biopsy of the Lymph-Nodes that were sent to the Pathologist on Monday during the surgery.

I am praying that they are Negative!

Get Well Flowers

2009-10-14T15:18:00.006-04:00

Thank you!

ool Consultants

My first haircut....

2009-10-14T14:51:00.011-04:00

After Prostate Cancer Surgery!
Before I got my haircut

Ray did not want to get his haircut before the surgery. He wanted to keep it growing to donate it to Locks of Love. Bit then he found out that it needs to be 11-13 inches. So he waited until after the surgery and we went today and he got it cut!

Brittany at Great Clips on Gender Road did a great job!

All done!

After we got his haircut he wanted to go to the VA in Whitehall and visit everyone there. Ray will be off from work for about 4-6 weeks! He is aready misses work!!

The day after....

2009-10-14T14:47:00.002-04:00

with NO more Prostate!

Petey in Pre-op holding and after surgery with NO MORE PEETY!

2009-10-14T14:29:00.011-04:00

Ray had to take Petey with him to the hospital on Monday October 12, 2009. The pictures in the Pre-op holdong were taken with the cell phone. I forgot to bring the digital camera.

Ray had to get a mask on Petey!

Ray wemt into surgery at 1:04pm and got the call at 5:24pm that the prostate was out. They were sewing him up amd would be going to recovery soon, He made it into recovery about 6:30pm then finally got into his room at about 7:30pm. We stayed until about 8:30pm, he was trying to sleep but the nurses were coming in checking his vitals. It was a looong day for us all.

Ray is HOME!!!

2009-10-13T17:19:00.003-04:00

He was released this afternoon around 2:30pm. They did a biopsy on some of the Lymph-Nodes and the pathology report to see if they got all the cancer. It should come back later this week or earlier next week. I am hoping an dpraying that they got it all the first time.

Ray's glucose is still high, but they said it is caueed by the stress from the surgery. It should be back to normal in a few days.

Ray will need a PSA when he sees the doctor to check the levels. Then in six weeks, then every three months for a year, twice a year for a year then every year after that.

RIP PETEY Prostate

2009-10-13T08:03:00.005-04:00

Petey Prostate went to the bio hazzard waste dump October 12, 2009 about 5:24pm. He is not causing any more problems for Ray.
He will NOT be sadly missed!

Surgery update

2009-10-13T07:40:00.004-04:00

Ray checked into the hospital around 10:30am, he then went to pre-op holding where he was prepped for the surgery. the surgery was scheduled for 12:30pm but the doctors were running late. So he was getting impatient waiting.

He took Peety, the support groups mascot to the hospital with him. He got a surgical mask for Peety to wear in the pre-op holding. I told Ray I now have a scrapbook idea for Peety.

Watch for Peety's Big Adventures! Since we found out that Ray has cancer we need ways to make us laugh.

Ray went into surgery at 1:04pm and we got the news at 5:24 that his prostate was out. And they were sewing him up and would be going to the recovery room soon. It seemed forever for him to get to the recovery room and then he would be moved to his room. He finally got to his room about 7:45pm. Ray was not able to get this medications for most of the day since he was in surgery so hos blood pressure was up and his glucose was up to 294. they said the reasons for them to be elevated was not having the medications and the stress of the surgery.We stayed until about 8:30pm, I did not want to leave but I know Ray need the rest

Surgery TODAY!

2009-10-12T06:39:00.004-04:00

Today is Ray's Prostat Cancer Surgery and our lives will change forever!
As with our other anniversary's that we remember this will be another one October 12, 2009. The day Ray will become a Prostate Cancer SURVIVOR!

The day is finally here. Am I ready? No! Will I be able to handle our new lives? I am not sure, but I will try my best to deal with it, because that is the new road in life that I have traveled down. I am scared not knowing what is ahead for us but there is a reason for this. I might not understans it right now but when the time is right I will know.

Ray is in good spirits but just wants it over with! He has been thourgh many of the emotions with his cancer. And many more to come after today, but we have the live and support from family and friends!

Thanks to everyone for the Prayers, notes and phone calls!
Love
Linda and Ray

Down to the hours....

2009-10-08T07:41:00.003-04:00

Ray has calculated his surgery down to the hours. He posted on his facebook this morning 102 hours. I am sorta prepared for what is about to happen, but I have to homestly say I am sacred.

Will I be able to handle the long road ahead of us?
The worry that they got it all or that it will return?

Rashmi I. Patel, M.D.

2009-10-06T14:33:00.004-04:00

Dr. Patel will be doing the da Vinci Surgery on Monday October 12th..

http://www.mountcarmelhealth.com/physician-finder/physician-directory/fast/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=5&id=99&Itemid=160&result=detail&upin=D04S0KM4AK&page=1&name_search=1&last_name=patel

Update...

2009-10-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

Here is some information that we have so far about the surgery.

Mt Carmel Medical Center (West)
Columbus, Ohio
Monday October 12th
Ray checks in at 10:30am
Surgery at 12:30pm
He is approved for a 2 day hospital stay

I will TRY and keep everyone update to the best of my ability on Monday. If I am unable to keep all updated hopefully you will understand!
I have been trying to keep up with the blog, so that everyone can be informed.

Engaged!!

2009-10-04T13:59:00.002-04:00

Engaged today!

Shawn and Gia

They are planning to get married in about 18 months, we are so HAPPY. Now we have a new beginnig to focus on!

Surgery is growing closer!!!

2009-10-02T15:37:00.006-04:00

Well today we got the approval for Ray to go to Mt. Carmel West Hospital for the surgery on October 12th. The surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm but he needs to check into the hospital at 10:30am. This is going to be the longest day of my life! I will know the anguish that Ray felt when I was having my surgery almost 6 years ago.

The authorization:
Malignant Neoplasm of Prostate.

What the surgeon will be doing:
CYSTOPLASTY OR CYSTOURETHROPLASTY, PLASTIC OPERATION ON BLADDER AND/OR VESI

LAPAROSCOPY, SURGICAL, WITH BILATERAL TOTAL PELVIC LYMPHADENCTOMY

LAPAROSCOPY, SURGICAL PROSTATECTOMY, RETROPUBIC RADICAL INCLUDING NERVE SPARING

The surgery is on October 12th and right now Ray has the clearance to have the surgery. I will be glad when we can say....

RAY PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR!!!!

Prostate Cancer Cake

2009-09-30T09:58:00.003-04:00

Here is our first Prostae Cancer Cake! we got the cake pan at the Happu Hostess Cake store here in Columbus, Ohio. Ray made the cake and I put the icing on the cake. It was not perfect as it was my first one! Ray took the cake to work the next day. They all enjoyed the cake very much!

Stress Test

2009-09-24T12:49:00.004-04:00

Ray is having a stress test done today. It was ordered by Dr. Patel since Ray had the stroke on August 5, 2006 Dr. Patel wanted to make sure that he can do the surgery.

I will be glad when we can start saying Prostate Cancer Survivor!

The surgery will be October 12th pending the results of the stress test today!

Pints for Prostate Fundraiser

2009-09-20T18:14:00.005-04:00

This past Thursday there was a fundraiser in Columbus, Ohio at Pub Polaris. Ray went and he took lots of pictures, I tried to upload them but it is not working out the way I wanted it to. I added them to my flickr account and posted the link for you to also enjoy the pictures. He had a great time but there needs to be more fundraisers like this for Prostate Cancer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bajaturtledesigns/sets/72157622359464189/

Us TOO Support Group meeting

2009-09-15T16:48:00.001-04:00

Hi!
My name is Peety Prostate!
Let's talk about your PSA!

We went to our 2nd support group meeting and it was informative again! I made blue chocolate ribbons, cookies and brownies. Since we brought goodies Ray got to bring home Peety Prostate until the next meeting. But Peety will be with us until November, because Ray will be having Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy and Lymph Node Dissection on October 12th at Mt. Carmel Medical Center. His surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm.

I will try and post later that night if possible on how the surgery went. He should be released from the hospital the next day if all goes well.

National Prostate Awareness Month

2009-09-08T08:18:00.007-04:00

Since September is National Prostate Awareness Month I started making blue white chocolate candy suckers. I got the molds from Hobby Lobby, the molds were $1.99.
Ray took the first batch last week to work and they took them all.

I made all of these last night. I ended up with 44 suckers for Ray to take to work, we will see how many he comes homw with today.....

Pints for Prostate Fundraiser

2009-09-01T13:07:00.005-04:00

September 17th 5-9pm

Pub Polaris
1554 Polaris Parkway, Ste. 122
Columbus, Ohio 43240
614-781-7829

http://www.pubs4prostates.com/index.html

NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, SEPTEMBER 2009

2009-09-01T12:27:00.002-04:00

Thank You President Obama!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamations-National-Prostate-Cancer-Awareness-Month/

2009-09-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

Are you over 50?

Or do you have cancer in your family and over 40?

Have you had your PSA checked lately?

Do you know your PSA number?

Ladies do you know your male loved ones PSA number?

Da Vinci Prostatectomy

2009-09-01T07:40:00.004-04:00

Ray was due to have surgery today, it was going to be an open Prostatectomy and Lymph Node Dissection. That has changed as we have found out about a newer surgery which is less evasive. Ray is also a Diabetic and since this surgery was less evasive and shorter recovery time was which was some of the deciding factors for this surgery.

Now the surgery is pending for October 12th, with the approval of a Cardiologist as he had a stroke August 5th, 2007.

http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/davinci_prostatectomy/procedure_multimedia/patient_seminar.aspx

Us TOO Support Group meeting

2009-08-11T11:25:00.004-04:00

We attended our first Us TOO meeting last night. It was great to be with others who are going through the same emotions as us. The meeting started out with new information, introduction of new faces, laughter, singing along with a member who made new words to the song Yesterday by the Beatles! Thank you we needed to laugh!!

Then the ladies left the men to have sometime to discuss what they wanted to discuss. Hopefully Ray was able to open up about his cancer and start dealing with it more! I find information for him to look at and he does not want anything to do with it. I feel like I am alone with all of this information sometimes. When the ladies got together they started to ask me my feeling about what we are dealing with. And guess what I LOST IT!!!! But they said it is ok becasue the have been there. I went to the hallway and cried and one of the wives comforted me and prayed with me. Her husband went thourgh surgery about 2 weeks ago and doing great! He is the one that made us laugh!! I go back to the group and all say it OK we are all in the same boat!!

We return back to our men and Ray seems to be more active in his Prostate Cancer. We talk some more, the meeting ends and before you know it. It's almost 10pm!! You can feel the love and support from the members!!

The next is September 14th at the
Fairfield Christian Church
1955 N. Columbus Street
Lancaster, Ohio

2009-08-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/UsTOOInternational

2009-08-08T15:51:00.009-04:00

Yesterday Ray received a call from Karen at the Fisher/Nightingale House. Karen wanted to call Ray, and say thank you for all of my kind words about the Fisher/Nightingale House.

I did not need a thank you, the Fisher/Nightingale House needs one for their support to the families who are needing a shoulder to lean on.

THANK YOU STAFF and VOLUNTEERS at the Fisher/Nightingale House at Wight-Patterson AFB, Ohio!

Prostate Cancer Ribbon Stickers

2009-08-07T11:26:00.002-04:00

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month!

I have Prostate Ribbon stickers that you can add to name badges, mailing labels, just about any where you would like to add them. I will accept donations for the ribbons, a most of the donations will go to fighting Prostate Cancer!

If yo would like to orser please let me know which size, quanity, where to send them. Send your requests to prostate.cancer09@gmail.com

Thanks for your support to fighting Prostate Cancer!

Mailing labels with blue ribbon

2009-08-05T11:56:00.003-04:00

I decided to make my own mailing labels. I have a Cricut die cutter and a cartridge that I have is called Stand and Salute. There is a ribbon on there and I just changed the color to blue and now I have my own Prostate Cancer Ribbon embellishments.

2009-08-03T15:00:00.008-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought a rubber stamp in the shape of a ribbon from Hobby Lobby and a light blue dye ink pad. It is called Pink Ribbon stamp but change the color and it can be used for any cause.

Today the postal ckerk noticed the blue ribbon, so guess what it worked! I at least made one person aware of my cause.

Letter to President Obama

2009-08-03T11:41:00.003-04:00

This is what I wrote in hopes that there will be awareness of Prsotate Cancer! My hope is that he will read it an help make others aware I also added the little card that I made below and also stamped a blue ribbon on the outside of the envelope. Maybe if everyone sees the blue ribbon they might just ask. What does the blue ribbon mean?

August 3, 2009

Dear President Obama,

My name is Linda Hoetger and I am making this plead to you to make everyone aware that Prostate Cancer can happen in a matter of 2 years. We just found out June 19th, 2009 one day before our 26th anniversary of our 1st date that my husband Ray has an aggressive form of Prostate Cancer. Our wedding anniversary is September 28th.

Two years ago he had a Prostate exam and had a clean bill of health except for the Diabetes, which we have dealt with for about 15 years now. Not a problem I can handle that watch his diet, live long life. Then the brick wall slam…..my husband has Prostate Cancer!!!! The doctor said that surgery was the best option for another 6-10 years; I want longer I am not ready to give my husband back to God yet!! Yes I am greedy!! My husband’s surgery is scheduled for September 1st which seems like years away and it is taking a toll on Ray because he just wants it over, so do I. The doctor asked us if we have children, yes 4 sons. More depressing news then, our sons have a greater chance of getting this aggressive form of prostate cancer. More tears, questions. How? Why? What did I do wrong? Was it the foods that they did not get enough of? I need to know why, but will never really know.

I never really hear about prostate cancer on or really in the news or on television in general. Am I just being clueless or just never thought that it will happen to us? Did you know that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month? I did not know until recently, I am so thankful for the internet. I have been searching for support groups, information about prostate cancer, stories from Survivors. It is now a goal for me to make other wives, mothers, girlfriends aware that it can happen to you. I have been adding to a posting that I have started with a blog about our cancer journey with prostate cancer to try and keep family and friends updated on the progress. I know that we are not alone!!!

My husband retired from the Air Force 20 years ago as he was in for 20 years. So we go to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for his medical care. Everyone questions to why we drive a 1 ½ from our house just to use the base. Well here is the reason in a nut shell; both my husband and I are military brats! I tell people that I have been in the military for 46 years, born, bred, wed and now retired (husband) Air Force!

I have to add that the military has a Wonderful place for the families to stay who is reciving medical care while at the base. It is the Fisher/Nightingale Houses Touching Lives with Compassion. We were able to stay there during Ray’s testing and we already have made arrangements for me to stay there while he is having the surgery so that I can be close. The house is run by generous donations from the families, popping of popcorn at the medical center, to just mention a few. There is also a site on Facebook for others to join and donate money. As I have joined and also asked my friends and family to do so. Which a few have already done so. If you ever find a way to donate money to a great cause then this is a great one to support, the Fisher House at Wright-Patterson is in the process of building a bigger house to assist more families. Another advantage is that they are making it all on one floor, which will be great as the Fisher house right now is a two story house. With a lot of history, stories from families, new friendships, and tears! I am in the process of making a scrapbook of our cancer journey not only for me but for others to follow in our journey as well. It hopefully will let them know that they are not alone either! There are other Fisher/Nightingale Houses at the other bases that so they could use donations there also, they are all a great need for the families who are dealing with a lot at that time, and need that shoulder to lean on.

I had seen on the Today show this morning that you get a chance to read some of the letters that are sent to you. I hope that you will get to read mine as I have also added Ray’s cancer story and hopefully will be able to help get the word out more!

Thanks for your consideration,
Lind and Ray Hoetger
prostate.cancer09@gmail.com

P.S.
I added the blog that I have set up for family and friends!

The progress of our journey
http://prostatecancer09.blogspot.com/

Did you know?

2009-08-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

September is Prostate Awareness Month!!

I have a new Cricut cartridge it is called Stand and Salute. The ribbon is usually meant for the yellow ones but since, Ray has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer I thought that the blue was fitting.

My Horoscope today....

2009-08-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

August 02, 2009
Libra (9/23-10/22)
When the going gets rough today, just reach out to your friends -- that's what they are there for! While they might not be able to fix your problems, they can at least figure out a way to put a smile on your face. You've been in a bit of a depressed phase, but that isn't necessarily anything to worry about. Everyone goes through blue periods, and it's part of life. You need to feel whatever you're feeling and work your way through emotions -- even if they are negative.

PET Scan

2009-07-29T12:17:00.000-04:00

Ray had his PET scan yesterday and now we are waiting on the results. The reason for the scan was that they found a 8mm soft tissue nodule on his right lung.
While he was having the scan done I went to the main part of Mt. Carmel to see about their support group for Prostate Cancer. Guess what they do not have one their. I talked with an Associate Chaplain, as I lost it talking to him trying to find a support group. Talking to him must have meant to be...Lutheran and he also wears a blue wristband for prostate cancer, for his brother. There is always a reason for the path that we take or for what hand we are dealt in life!

We should get the results on August 18th. And I am hoping and PRAYING that he is fine!!!

Ray's Cancer.....

2009-07-24T18:37:00.000-04:00

Ray’s cancer….

In 2006 and 2007 Ray had a normal PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) - this is the blood test that is used to identify problems with the prostate gland. “The medical recommendation is that all men over the age of 50 should have this test, with the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) annually and that the tests should start at age 40 for men who are regarded as a higher risk (men with prostate cancer or breast cancer in their families and African-American men)”

March 2006 Ray’s PSA was 4.18, February 2007 his PSA was 3.78 this is where we want the PSA’s to be. He had a prostate biopsy in 2007 and there was no cancer in any of the samples within normal range of PSA.

Clean bill of health except for the diabetes.

Now it is 2009….
Ray has a doctor’s check-up for his diabetes and also PSA check. On May 14th he had an elevated PSA of 7.91. Ray was given antibiotics for a possible infection, Return June 15th a biopsy and another PSA check. Had the biopsy and figured that it would be like the last one no problem! But it was not on June 18th Ray received a call from Dr. Arzola that we need to discuss the results of the biopsy. Ray did not want to tell me that we had to see the doctor the next day to talk about the results. We meet with the doctor and he tells us the devastating news… Ray has prostate cancer!

The biopsy uses 12 samples from the prostate and Ray’s samples came back 10 out of the 12 samples were cancerous. Not good! There also is a process called the Gleason score, it goes from 1-10. Ray’s Gleason score was 9, which that reveals that the cancer that he has is an aggressive form. His PSA test on July 15th was 8.42 still high even after antibiotics which is not good.

Dr. Arzola orders a CT scan and bone scan to see if the cancer has spread outside the prostate. July 14th he goes for a CT scan and on July 21st he has a bone scan. Good news and bad news. The CT scan shows a 8mm soft tissue nodule on his right lung, and a lymph node that could possibly be cancerous. But the bone scan did not show any cancer in his bones. That is the GOOD news!!! Ray was also seen by the radiologist on July 21st to see if radiation was possible plan of attack to remove the cancer. Dr, Hoope’s orders another PSA and this one is 8.22 it is down and is stable at this time. Dr. Hoopes informs us that the doctor’s meet on Wednesday for a tumor Board to discussion cases. Well that day Ray was the discussion for that board. The discussion was to either do surgery or radiation/hormones. After a long discussion they agree that with the aggressive form of cancer surgery is the best for Ray. We met with Dr. Arzola the next day and he told us what they had decided. SURGERY!!! Ray has an appointment at Mt Carmel for a PET scan on Tuesday. And then see the Pulmonary clinic on August 18th, there is an 8mm soft tissue nodule on his right lung that is a concern.
There might be more appointments before the surgery, I will try and keep everyone updated as much as possible. But please forgive me if I forget something, lately I am drowning in so much information, I am trying to be well informed about the surgery and what is next and best for Ray. At this time I am trying to make sure I have everything in order before the surgery. Ok I am ready to wake up from this NIGHTMARE!!

The surgery date is September 1st, 2009. They will be doing a Radical Prostatectomy and a Lymph-Node Dissection at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ray will off of work for at least 6 weeks for recovery and not allowed to drive for about 4 weeks. Hopefully I can handle being a caretaker for Ray and not get a squeamish stomach. But I have to be strong he needs me now. And is what is bad I am learning new terms that I have never known before! As our journey progresses so will our story. After 26 years of being with my husband I am not ready to let him go, so we need to find a cure for this disease ASAP!!!!

I have to admit I am SCARED TO DEATH!!!

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
the blood test that is used to identify problems with the prostate gland.

Radical Prostatectomy
Removal of the prostate gland and surrounding, tissues and structures to eliminate cancer.

Lymph-Node dissection
Surgical removal of the lymph nodes that drain the prostate in the pelvis. Before the prostate gland is removed, nodes are examined microscopically to see if cancer is present. Ray had a CT scan and it had shown least one node that is questionable.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive chemical) to look at organs in the body.

Did You Know?

2009-07-04T17:58:00.000-04:00

Approxmitely 2 million men in the U.S are prostate cancer survivors
Prostate cancer is th emost common cancer among men *excluding skin cancer)
Prostate cancer is the second leafing cause of cancer death in American men (lung cancer leads)
Prostate cancer accounts for about 10% of cancer related deaths in men.
There are typically no symptoms for early stage prostate cancer
There were about 235,000 new prostate cancer cases in the United Statesin 2006. Approxmitely 27,000 men died of prostate cancerin 2006.
About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, but only 1 in 34 will die of it.
All men are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk increases with age and family history.
African-American men have about a 60% higher incidence rate of prostate cancer and nearly a two-fold higher mortality rate the Caucasian men.
Modern methods of detection and treatment mean that prostate cancers are now found earlier and treated more efficiently than in previous years. Death rates have dropped about 3,5% in recent years.

Blue wristbands

2009-06-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

Just click below and it take you to the site too order wristbands.

Show your support of prostate cancer awareness by wearing a blue wristband.

For all you men....

2009-06-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

Are you over 40?

Do you know what your PSA is?

Is it less than 4?

Have you had it checked lately?

If NOT please have it checked, so you are not living the nightmare we are living!

Practial Tips

2009-06-23T09:04:00.000-04:00

Get in the habit of drinking green tea and eating lycopene-rich foods.

Take a quart of iced green tea to work and sip throughout the day or take it to the gym to provide prostate protection while replenishing fluids after your workout.

Pack a ziploc bag of apricots and almonds in your briefcase or gym bag for a handy snack.

Start your breakfast with a half grapefruit or a glass of papaya or guava juice.

Begin lunch or dinner with some spicy tomato juice on the rocks with a twist of lime.

Snack on tomato crostini: in the oven, toast whole wheat bread till crusty, then top with tomato sauce, herbs, a little grated cheese, and reheat until the cheese melts.

Top whole wheat pasta with olive oil, pine nuts, feta cheese and a rich tomato sauce for lunch or dinner.

Prostatectomy

2009-06-23T07:15:00.000-04:00

The surgical removal of the prostate gland.

Staging

2009-06-23T07:01:00.000-04:00

Staging is a way of describing how serious or advanced the person;s cancer is. Doctor's use the TNM system to help them determine the stage of cancer.

T stands for tumor
N stands for nodes
M stands for metastasis.

T stages range from T1 to T4 and denote the extent of the cancer within the prostate and reproductive tissues near the prostate.

Ray's stage is T1 to T2. Refers to cancer that is present only within the prostate.

Grading

2009-06-23T06:51:00.000-04:00

Grading describes how aggresive the cancer is. There is a scale that is used that is called the Gleason System. Cancer cells biopsied from one part of the prostate are inspected and assigned a score from 1 to 5 (1 means the cells are almost normal; 5 means the cells are very irregular). The cells from another part of the prostate are inspected and assigned a score from 1-5.

The score are them added together for the total Gleason score (2 to 10). A score of 2 suggests that the cancer is not too aggressive, and a score of 10 suggests that the cner is very aggressive.

Ray's score is 9!

The NEWS!!!

2009-06-22T07:46:00.000-04:00

The doctor called Ray on Thursday June 18th and said he need to discuss the results of the biopsy as he was going on leave for a couple of weeks. Ray did not want to tell me to much as I would worry and not sleep. Like I have been not able to sleep for a while!
So Friday morning we made the trip to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio to meet with the Urologist. He took us back into the exam room and gave us the BAD NEWS! Ray has PROSTATE CANCER!! In 2007 he had an exam and there was no problems, then in 2009 he has a High Mass/ High Volume case of cancer. There is a Gleason scale and it goes from 0-9 and Ray is at 8-9.
The Urologist talked with us for awhile and discussed our options. One option was wait and see, we are past that stage. the next options were surgery and radiation. The urologist said surgery would be a great option and would be the best at this time. With his case it would be better to do the surgery first and that would give us the best chance of no more cancer. And then if we need to go the radiation treatments then we could.
But we are PRAYING that the surgery will remove the cancer and he will not need any other treatments! I will try and keep this blog updated to keep family and friends updated on Ray's progress!

Ray is planning to have the surgery in about 6 weeks as he still needs more tests.

How the nightmare started!

2009-06-22T07:40:00.000-04:00

On Monday June 15th 2009 Ray went to the doctor for a Prostate Biopsy. He had the procedure done and the doctor said we will let you know the results in a few weeks. So we thought that we would get another good report as we did in 2007.
But then.......the nightmare starts