Joe’s Story

Site created on December 29, 2013

Joe underwent a Radical Prostatectomy (RRP)  on April 17, 2002.  In 2003 he had biochemical failure and received salvage radiation for 8 weeks which was followed by a two-year hormonal treatment,

There have been some findings over the last 3-4 years that were new indications of some changes but we were in a watch-and-wait mode.

Additional tests this year indicated we needed to take a more in-depth look at this time.  We took a deep breath and waited .......  and are now moving  forward into this next chapter in our lives.  Life has been good -- we've certainly enjoyed our retired life together ----and, we continue each day with light hearts, laughter and gratitude.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Bonnie Moris

Greetings all ... 

We had an August 4-day visit to Mayo this year at which time it was determined we needed to return there for some surgery early September so I waited to provide an update. 

Again,
God Is Good  and Joe continues to prove to be a tough guy and we take one day at a time.
We are so thankful to so many of you for your support of us both.

1.  His history of prostate cancer again is good and his treatment plan will continue with oral meds and chemo injections at 4-month intervals.  It's turning out that what took us to Mayo initially is the lesser of evils as of late.

2.  His kidney cancer tumor grew more aggressively than expected so we needed to address.  We were provided our options and we made a decision to take the least invasive route available to Joe.  He was scheduled for surgery on September 7th with just an overnight hospital stay. 
What he had done was a tumor Cryoablation which uses a freezing technique to destroy (ablate) the cancer cells.  This method can be used to treat tumors in bone and soft tissue (including tumors in the kidneys, liver and lungs).  With imaging equipment and small incisions in the skin, a tumor can be precisely located and treated with extreme cold while minimizing injury to healthy surrounding tissue.  They utilized CT and ultrasound imaging equipment to pinpoint, then inserted special hollow needles into the tumor.  Pretty amazing how they would freeze and thaw the tumor 3 times over a 4-1/2 hour surgery.

He will be watched very carefully ... every 90 days a number of tests, x-rays, a CT and ultrasound to verify whether surgery did, in fact, eliminate the cancer mass.  If needed we can try the cryoablation again or the other option will be to take the kidney.

3.  His infrarenal saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm, and the smaller iliac artery aneurysm, also grew more aggressively than hoped but the Mayo team helped us make the decision to address the kidney cancer first.  Most likely it will need surgery next year.  For now, they will be able to look and monitor its growth, as well, with the 90-day plan in place above.

We will be able to do the first 90-day testing in Florida but were not given a choice but to come back to MN to do the March testing at Mayo in Rochester.  No doubt tho that is the best choice.

4.  He had a right arm melanoma taken care of just before we went to Mayo in August and they assured us the margins are clear.  He'll be followed for this as well.

5.  Other issues with his low heart rate,  blood pressure, lightheadedness are miscellaneous things they are working at but overall minor items.

I am pleased to say he really is doing very well ... no pain, walking every day, drinking all the water he needs, lifting nothing, resting and has been, overall, a very good patient.  Now, he has yet another week before he can change that routine.😘 

For those of you who know my boy ... its been no easy feat. 

Trying to get him to read and work on a puzzle just to pass time.  He monitors me as I cut the grass ... did I say I hate that riding mower ... and, can you imagine how he helps tell me how everything needs to be done?   God Help Me.

Seriously tho, we truly both offer our most sincere gratefulness to so many of you who ask, pray and hold him closely in your thoughts and hearts.  We are so lucky to have your support.

Hugs,
    Bonnie
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