As the chemo goes, so goes Roger

Roger sports one of his new do rags

Hair started falling out in shower today, and Roger insisted on going to his barber, Gloria to get it ALL shaved off.  As will all things Roger, it needed to be done yesterday, so a trip to town was the order of the day.  Overall, he has a good level of energy, but doesn't sleep more than 4 or 5 hours at a time.  Roger helped run the wood splitter this morning, splitting up the wood from a dead tree on the property.  (Not to worry, he has a friend doing most of the work).

Roger at the barbershop (Gloria has been his barber for more than 20 years)

PCRI | Prostate Cancer Research Institute

PCRI | Prostate Cancer Research Institute:

'via Blog this'
This link should take you to the informational page for docetaxel-the treatment Roger is currently receiving.  First infusion August 15, 2012.  

First round of chemo

First round of chemo today.  Roger flying on the steroids, and feeling okay, any adverse effects will occur in the next few days.  Today, Roger singing "I feel good"

today's appointment

Apparently, there was a lot of miscommunication going on in the doctor's  office, and apparently someone no longer works at the oncologist's in the scheduling department.  They know now Roger is not in hospice, and we did visit with the oncologist and his wonderful nurses.  And they explained it should not have happened (cancelled appointments, and hospice admittance).
Sooooo, we (Roger and I) are in better spirits.
However, Roger will begin chemotherapy on Wednesday.  Docetaxel, an IV drug, to be infused on Wednesday and then 2 more infusions three weeks apart.  Depending on how  Roger can tolerate this chemo, he can then start on Zytgia, an oral chemo which is low side effect.  Insurance pays on the Zytgia only after Docetaxel has been administered.   (not sure on the spelling of those names but close)
Sooooo, thanks for past, present and future prayers and thoughts,  very much appreciated!

The nightmare of health care

Unbeknowst to us, Roger was admitted to hospice care.  How, you ask?  Roger and I are still in a questionable state of shock.
Back in May while Roger was in the hospital having the urostomy surgery, we had both the urologist and oncologist talk to us about the options.  there was still talk of rHadiation and chemotherapy.  An appointment was made with the oncologist for July 20.  I had called to check with the oncologist for an earlier appointment and asked if I could talk with a hospice provider for pallatative care.   Apparently, the call to the hospice ended with Roger being admitted to hospice.  When talking with hospice, the call ended with "you don't seem ready for hospice".
  So, I called today to check the time for the appointment.  And was told the appointment was cancelled.  So, I ask why.  and am told I needed to talk to someone else, and was put through to their extension, and of course am directed to voice mail.  Just not what I was wanting!  So I hang up and call again, get a different receptionist and ask why the appointment was cancelled and told the receptionist I was not going to the voice mail thing again.  Receptionist assures me I will talk with the person with an explanation.  And finally she tells me the person is going to call me back today.  And so I hang up.
And so I call back to get a receptionist at the appointment desk and get yet another and different receptionist (by this time I am thinking the "crazy" woman is becoming known) and explain (well okay, I did not explain so much as told) to the appointment person that Roger Bell has an appointment at 3 pm and he will be there.
Anxious to hear the story tomorrow at the oncologist appointment.