Proton Technology

My appointment was originally at 9:20 last night, but the institute called mid-afternoon to say that they were running ahead of schedule and wanted me to come for a 7:25 pm treatment. As I was entering the gantry (treatment room), one of the therapists said there would be a delay as they had a problem with the X-ray machine. This proton therapy is a complicated process. I have done extensive research on this and I am still trying to figure it all out. The therapists take an X-ray before each treatment to help align the machine for the treatment.

In the meantime, I asked if Cheryl could come back to see the machine, and they agreed to bring her in. Ordinarily they are so busy pumping patients through (from 6:30 am-11:30pm) that they do not allow spouses to come into the gantry. We had a treat as one of the therapists spent 20 minutes explaining the process to us with a backstage tour. It really helped Cheryl to have a better understanding of the treatment. The therapist used my phone to take a couple photos and I am attaching one to this post. The photo does not do justice to the massiveness of the gantry, but you will get an idea of how the $1.5 million table extends into the core of the machine. The device rotates around the table and unless you focus on something outside the machine you get the sensation that you are weightless and in suspension—you are not strapped down and it feels like you are being turned over in midair. This is difficult to explain!

However, I am indeed grateful for this technology that is being used to rid my body of these cancer cells. Thank you, Lord, for giving intelligence to many people who have worked to develop this technology.

1 of 28

Our first visit today at the Proton Therapy Institute was with Keri, my nurse case manager, followed by a visit with Dr. Hoppe, my radiation oncologist. I will have a weekly visit with these two people during my treatment plan. Dr. Hoppe reviewed the treatment that he has prescribed for me using bone scan images of the pelvic region. The science is so precise that they can predict the area that will receive 100% radiation and the scope of the area that will receive no radiation. The objective, of course, is to radiate the cancer cells while doing minimum damage to the vital body parts around the prostate gland. My first treatment was at 1:30pm, and it took much longer this first time as they had to adjust the gigantic machine to properly perform its function (more on that at a later date). The radiation therapists play some music of the patient's choice during the treatments, and I chose bluegrass. It was a little difficult to concentrate on the music as one of the therapists prepared me for the "ballon" that stabilizes the rectum during the zapping. That is not easily described on a public blog, but let's just say there is no modesty in these treatments! The therapists leave the gantry during the short period of radiation, and I don't actully know when the 40 seconds of radiation enter my body. Interestingly enough, I could not feel the radiation entering my body, but I most definitely felt the presence of the Lord during this time. I was reassured that this body is not mine, but it belongs to the Father. My job is to be a good steward of this body and use it for His glory. The prayers of so many family and friends who are supporting me during this time enabled me to experience JOY during this first treatment. Thank you for walking alongside me. Treatment 1 down---27 to go!

Arrival in Jacksonville

We arrived in Jacksonville late this afternoon. This evening we have been grocery shopping and getting our "nest" set up. We are grateful to friends for allowing us to use their beach house in Jacksonville Beach. We are about 30 minutes from the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute where Larry will have treatments once a day Monday through Friday. Larry's appointment tomorrow is at 10:30 since he has to have a consultation with the nurse who is his case manager and with his radiation oncologist before the first treatment. We are expecting to get a regular appointment at night for the first week or two since Larry is a "rookie" and they get all the less desirable appointment times.

Allison and Will

Allison and Will Dolbeer will be married June 23 at Berry College Chapel in Rome, Georgia. Will was a customer at Allison's coffee shop, Cups & Mugs, and they have been dating for the past year.

Jeremy, Kimberly and girls visit

Emma, Darby, Shelby, Kimberly and Jeremy have been visiting us the last couple days. This afternoon the weather allowed us to be outside on the farm. Here's some photos (Jeremy is with Ton Tenga's newest addition--Mugs, a minature female donkey):

Welcome friends!

Cheryl and I are inviting you to our family blog, so that we might share some experiences as Larry undergoes proton therapy treatment for his prostate cancer.

"Ton Tenga" is the name of our small farm in the hills of northwest Georgia. It is from the language we spoke with the Mossi people in Burkina Faso, and it means our land or our farm.

Larry's treatments begin April 12, and we will make regular posts during the six-weeks in Florida.

Here a "Naa", there a "Naa", everywhere a "Naa, naa"

Well, I've been saying for 3 weeks that I would post pictures of the newest additions to the Ton Tenga family, and finally, here they are. Twins!



And then 24 hours later another set of twins.



These guys are so cute and they have such a good time playing together all over the pasture. They especially enjoy the goat version of 'King of the Mountain'.



Larry was out of the country when they were born, so he missed all the excitement, and was a little late beginning to bond with them.



Last weekend, while Larry & I were in Mississippi, another set of twins was born, but unfortunately we lost one of them three days later, right after Larry left for Haiti. He's missed a lot, and Allison & I are getting pretty good at taking care of the goats. But we still have 2 more who are about ready to deliver, so maybe he hasn't missed all the fun (and the work)!
ckc