We had another healthcare appointment with Dr. Jenn, hubby's naturopath. Not to bore you, but it helps me to write it down, and organize it, and understand it all.
The purpose of this meeting was an update on recent tests (Bone scan, CT Scan, PSA, ultrasound), and anti-androgen intermittent therapy.
JB handed Dr. Jenn all the reports we had, a hard copy is a good thing. I heartily recommend you do this. She was impressed with his organization!
Since his surgery to remove the cancer cells (Jan., 2014), we've been watching and waiting. This included going to a naturopath, with the understanding that they didn't get all of the cells she's been giving him immunity boosters. Also, he has immunity boosters, and supplements to help his food intolerances (dairy, yeast, eggs), which is why we went to her in the first place!
Anti-hormone therapy began last Wednesday (Aug. 23), with pills. In a couple of weeks we'll go to the doctor, taking the medication we pick up at the pharmacy, and they'll do the deed, the injection. This will happen every three months.
(His treatment for mitigating cancer is based on excellent research, by Canadian researchers, who determine the course of action. It would be different if his cancer had progressed, as it often does, to bone cancer. This isn't the case. His cancer cells are limited to his lymph nodes in his groin, near the prostate site.)
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| Dr. Jenn |
Side effects of Treatment
Fatigue, lethargy, bone loss, calcium, anemia, weight gain less common. Hot flashes. Won't preclude activities, fully expect doing these (therapeutic riding volunteer, Meals on Wheels).
His weight is down 10 kg. through hard work and self-discipline. She asked which margarine he used. With his food intolerances, he's on a Non-dairy, vegan diet, with meat, no yeast. She suggested we keep hormone exposure minimal by eating organic meat.
Fatigue, lethargy, bone loss, calcium, anemia, weight gain less common. Hot flashes. Won't preclude activities, fully expect doing these (therapeutic riding volunteer, Meals on Wheels).
His weight is down 10 kg. through hard work and self-discipline. She asked which margarine he used. With his food intolerances, he's on a Non-dairy, vegan diet, with meat, no yeast. She suggested we keep hormone exposure minimal by eating organic meat.
The drive in was quite the thing. This trucker passing several vehicles on highway #15. I tweeted the photo to the company. This is scary.
There was a little girl with her mom in the grocery store parking lot, who looked a lot like our grandie in Vancouver! We stopped for some of hubby's favourite fake cheese in Carleton Place!
I redid his daily chart, with tweaking from Dr. Jenn's advice during this visit. "Mushrooms" are a mushroom complex, made from reishi, shiitake, maitake mushrooms, which mitigate side effects of the anti-hormone treatments. "Trident" is an Omega 3 supplement. Probiotics are ultra antioxidants. This is over and above his healthcare visits, which we get through Canadian universal healthcare. The medications we must pay for. The anti-hormone injection kits cost $1100 per dose. As a senior over age 65, he only pays $20 for this (Ontario Drug Benefit Program). There is much controversy in the US, where the government does not control drug prices.
"In the U.S, the cost of insulin has dramatically increased. Prices for Humalog, a rapid-acting insulin, has grown 700 per cent since 1996, The Washington Post reported."
Crappy photos in the waiting room from the iPad, upon which I take notes. It's in a exercise facility! They usually have a pithy saying!
I redid his daily chart, with tweaking from Dr. Jenn's advice during this visit. "Mushrooms" are a mushroom complex, made from reishi, shiitake, maitake mushrooms, which mitigate side effects of the anti-hormone treatments. "Trident" is an Omega 3 supplement. Probiotics are ultra antioxidants. This is over and above his healthcare visits, which we get through Canadian universal healthcare. The medications we must pay for. The anti-hormone injection kits cost $1100 per dose. As a senior over age 65, he only pays $20 for this (Ontario Drug Benefit Program). There is much controversy in the US, where the government does not control drug prices.
"In the U.S, the cost of insulin has dramatically increased. Prices for Humalog, a rapid-acting insulin, has grown 700 per cent since 1996, The Washington Post reported."
7 comments:
I'm a great believer in Naturopathy, especially as a preventive sort of medicine. Self discipline is crucial, and your hubby has it. Kudos to him!
Nutrition and weightloss can solve a lot of health problems, but people lack self-discipline. They seek refuge in meds and surgery even for tiny problems. And that's sad.
We alternate between a doctor in the States and one in our Canadian hometown. Because of wait times in Canada we have much of our medical appointments in the States. We always either have reports sent directly to our doctor in Canada or take hard copies for them to review and add to our files. That way our medical records are complete with both of our primary physicians. - Margy
You're right on to keep copies of everything and then you take notes. If there are two of you one takes all the notes. the hormone treatment works.
Great blackboard greeting. Yes, a hard copy is invaluable to all the medics. I usually hand over one, and they are amazed, can I copy this? No, it is yours. Thank you SO much. Keep up all those goodies JB, you look so well, no-one would guess at what is under your smile. Jenn, you are a gal in a million. XXX from NZ.
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health problems, but it seems like both of you are working together to tackle things from many angles. I hope everything works well and he enjoys many many years of good health. -Jenn
It seems to be a pretty good report all things considered. All the best. We are pretty blessed to live here. Except in February. lol
It does help to keep note of things.
That truck was taking way too big a risk. Too many cars to pass.
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