Prostate Cancer ~~ My Timeline by Month of Dr. Visits and Proton Therapy

Below is the timeline of my Journey Thru Prostate Cancer, Doctors, and the discovery of PROTON THERAPY.   You can find my recommendations HERE.

​Nov 2016
Debbie made me go for a physical exam because we were changing insurance companies
Blood work and physical exam done at primary physician
At this time, I knew nothing at all about PSA and Prostate Cancer - neither did Debbie.

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Dec 2016
PSA was 4.7 reported by primary physician - recommendation see urologist 
Urologist seen - Secondary PSA test given and a digital rectal exam 

Started researching Prostate Cancer - found many articles and found diets, foods needed to help get rid of any cancers.   (More about this later).   I can't emphasize the important of researching - Debbie has always done this - I just never realized the importance of this and your diet.    Together we implemented the changes in my diet and Debbie gave me a crash course of organic, natural things she eats and doesn't eat.   Of course, I did some of the things already, but until you are diagnosed with any cancer, you have no idea on how important they are and so many more.  People always think it will never happen to them (including myself.)

Jan 2017
PSA test came back 5.5 and biopsy done at first urologist office with no anesthesia. (BAD move all the way thru.)
Gleason 3 plus 3
Surgery recommended which I declined - Debbie was so mad he even mentioned it she never went back to this dr with me again.  He didn't like that at all.    Note:   Since then we have read many reports that detail how fast they move people thru this with no knowledge of what is involved.  in most cases, within 48 hrs a person is scheduled for surgery or radiation -  More later on this.

Feb 2017 
Appt made with Radiologist who recommended seeds or IMRT (Radiation)
Declined both options

March 2017
Appt made for ultrasound 3D overlap MRI to see where tumors were hiding

April 2017
Ultrasound 3D biopsy performed with overlapping MRI ultrasound
Gleason 7 (3 plus 4) discovered
Surgery recommended by 2nd opinion urologist I declined again

May 2017
Started researching and discovered University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute - What a blessing I found this.  Called and discussed their treatment - they sent a package out to us the next day Federal Express - very nice package which included the two books we recommend on our reading Books page.    Great books to read for anyone who has been diagnosed.  Very simple, funny for the first 3 chapters and very informative books.

June 2017
Applied for Phase I visit thru Florida Blue and was approved

Travelled to Jacksonville on June 19 for 5 hr consultation.  Everyone was so happy there.

June 28 visited and met with urologist #3 who recommended surgery 
I declined again - I continued meeting with them because we were not sure if we needed their approval for the Proton Therapy.  Otherwise we may not have.

July 2017
UF called stated I was approved for phase 2 testing for proton therapy.   Completed Colonoscopy as last one was over 5 years ago.  Need updated one.  ALL Clear.  ​Lab work completed for Phase II.
We would need to come up for 3 days for this Phase for Space Oar Gel Placement, and MRI Cat Scans.  These would be sent to Florida Blue with our Drs Recommended comparison study of Radiation versus Proton Therapy.   This is required by Florida Blue for approval for the final phase 3 which will last 6 weeks.

August 2017
Phase II was completed Aug 2 - 4 - This is the hardest part of the Scheduled Treatment.   I now go into the procedure required for the Gel Placement - this required 8 valiums and 1 oxy before the procedure.   Not pleasant at all.
MRI and Cat Scan completed Friday and our Phase III was scheduled for August 21, 2017 PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL.
If it is declined, they will file an appeal.  So we wait.
You can find my recommendations HERE.