In June we posted an update in ongoing health journey for my husband Ron, the spinal cancer returns although we have been somewhat living in the world of the unknown, things happen on the daily and today a chance to update you on where we are!
One of the requirements for approval for Alberta Health Services funding is to be certain that there is no lung metastasis or cancer in the lungs from the original cancer site, which is the sacral chordoma. The radiology oncologist, Dr. Jordan Stosky, ordered a chest CT scan, which Ron had on September 1st.
The radiology oncology team approved Ron for proton radiation, pending CT scan results and from their approval, the process goes to the Cancer Board for approval and then final approval from Alberta Health Services.
Ron’s chest CT scan was fine…all good there. But his heart showed ‘severe calcification of the coronary artery’. In 2015, Ron had a similar situation and at that time, he had a stent put in. He bounced back in typical Ron fashion – ready to go back to work!
The good news with the heart findings, is that all 4 chambers of the heart are normal – no enlargement or indication that there is a problem there. There is always something to be grateful for!
We saw his GP as well and all his recent blood work is fine…which is good too.
So, it is a cardiology appointment at the end of September with a full heart work up. We are hoping the appointment could be sooner, but we will see.
Will this affect the proton radiation treatment?
Short answer is no.
What it will affect is the timing of heading to Florida, although…if UF Proton Radiation Institute says they have an opening for Ron right away? We will be heading to Florida is my best guess, whether Ron has had a full heart work up or not.
So many unknowns at this point.
What the GP did say though, ‘you will want to get medical/travel insurance’. That had not occurred to me so now I am down several rabbit holes, researching options for medical insurance while when we stay in the US for 3 months!
If any of you have had experience or can offer suggestions, please contact me or Ron. From basic research we are likely looking at a cost of about $3000.00 USD for our time away just for Ron.
Back to the research
Now I am looking into heart information…again. One book that I have is Dr. Thomas Cowan’s Human Heart, Cosmic Heart: A Doctor’s Quest to Understand, Treat and prevent Cardiovascular Disease.
He does have a section on calcification. Many of his suggestions we have implemented over the years – low carb diet (Ron did exceptionally well on it but it is a challenge to maintain.
Ron is diligent with the no sugar in his diet because of Type 2 diabetes but he has a weakness/fondness for Chinese Western cuisine! And let’s admit, carbs are an easy go-to for anyone!), exercise (because Ron’s surgeries have been on his butt, his love of bike riding has been stalled for the past 4 years) and Dr. Cowan makes some other suggestions as well.
We will read the book together. From page 61 of the book:
“But the simple bottom line is that regular contact with nature, exposure to the sun and the moon, contact with animals, and physical touch with other people is critical to our health.
The second step is to reduce the inflammation in the body and in the blood vessels. More and more cardiologists are recognizing the relationship between an elevated C-reactive protein (a measure of inflammation) and heart disease. While some cardiologists recommend statin drugs to lower the C-reactive protein, a safer approach, and one that addresses the root cause of inflammation, is to deal with hyperinsulinemia, or elevated insulin levels in the blood.”
The GP mentioned statin drugs – which Ron is on. Low dosage. But she also mentioned Ozempic. My heart sank. If you have personal experience with this drug, please let me know. I am gathering ‘anecdotal’ evidence to weigh with published risks/benefits.
My nature is to research relentlessly (although I am tiring), explore non-prescription options – use diet, exercise – and to try and understand what is going on. But I can only do so much.
Then, considering what I am listening to with the Allison Inquiry, I balance the unknowns, uncertainties and frustrations with what some others are going through without the benefit of some of the most exceptional care Ron is receiving.
As an example, his surgeon in Vancouver, has given us her email address. She responds even on a long weekend to offer reassurance (the CT scan results). We have had personal phone calls from her as well. We are so grateful. And I did cry after reading her email, such was the relief I felt knowing that the proton radiation would still go forward.
Now you know where things are at. More waiting and as soon as we know anything definitive, we will let you know.
Thank you for all of your support!
Thank you for the love, the prayers, the Go Fund Me donations, the encouragement and the many kindnesses. A friend, David Kim, recently asked for our address in Florida when we get there. He will be sending his immune support bone broth from his store front in California!
They create wonderful healing products and now ship throughout the US.
“Trad Bone Broth is a Korean-American health food business founded by brothers Jonathan and David Kim, known for combining centuries-old broth traditions with modern presentation. Based in San Francisco, CA at 3903 24th St in the Noe Valley neighborhood, the shop offers nourishing, restorative bone broth drinks and soups made from 100% pasture-raised chicken and beef bones.“
