Ron Koebke

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Ron and I (Amy) were updating Ron's medical condition on Facebook, but a few people requested we post on the Caringbridge site, so here goes.


In April 2018 Ron was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.  We were told this cancer is treatable, but not curable.  He spent a week in the hospital because he was low on blood and needed a few blood transfusions.  A week after his diagnosis, Ron received his first treatment of a hormone shot which stops/slows the prostate from producing testosterone which feeds the cancer.  


In June we decided to go to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion on treatments.  He started chemo in June, but after 2 sessions we were informed it wasn't working.


In August we found out Ron fractured his right hip  and would need surgery.  He had 4 treatments of radiation to his right hip the beginning of September to help with the pain and it did.


In mid September we went to the Mayo Clinic to have the surgery.  They also did an x-ray of his left leg and found out the cancer had eroded the bone so he had surgery on both legs.  While in the hospital they realized he had small fractures in his lower back which was causing him a lot of pain.  He  was able to sit for a small period of time until a week ago the pain became excruciating.  He did 5 radiation treatments to help with the pain, but it may take a few weeks to handle the pain, we're hoping it works sooner.  The doctors at Mayo have worked extremely hard to find the right pain med that will help his pain and not make him too out of it.  This process has been very difficult to watch.  I think they've found the right medication to handle his base pain and he's with it most of the time, but nothing has been able to touch his back pain.


Today is Oct. 1 and we know the future for Ron holds a rehab center, radiation to both legs, and a new chemo.  We just don't know when all this will happen.  As we find out, I will update this site.


We are overwhelmed with all the support we have received.  We feel very blessed for our friends and family.  There are no words to show how much we appreciate everybody!