Cancer Diagnosis

[David Parker]

Will deeply appreciate the prayers of all of my friends here at NazNet.

I have recently been diagnosed with a stage 2b/3 cancer. It is operable and treatable. The doctors believe they have discovered it relatively early, and though it is a 'moderately aggressive' strain, the prognosis is good. There are multiple treatment options available that vary in duration, comfort, side effects, and cost, but I am assured that any option we select should result in success.

Despite this, there is so much for which I am thankful. I am thankful for family, good friends, a loving and supportive church, excellent doctors and medical technology, and for the success of our new company, which should allow me the flexibility to focus on this battle. Most of all, I am thankful for a loving God that understands our worry, pain, and discomfort. His grace is sufficient for whatever we face and I believe and embrace His healing power.

[Paul DeBaufer]

I am sorry to hear of the diagnosis, glad they caught it early and that the prognosis is positive. I will be praying for you and your family.

[Dave McClung]

Will deeply appreciate the prayers of all of my friends here at NazNet.

I have recently been diagnosed with a stage 2b/3 cancer. It is operable and treatable. The doctors believe they have discovered it relatively early, and though it is a 'moderately aggressive' strain, the prognosis is good. There are multiple treatment options available that vary in duration, comfort, side effects, and cost, but I am assured that any option we select should result in success.

Despite this, there is so much for which I am thankful. I am thankful for family, good friends, a loving and supportive church, excellent doctors and medical technology, and for the success of our new company, which should allow me the flexibility to focus on this battle. Most of all, I am thankful for a loving God that understands our worry, pain, and discomfort. His grace is sufficient for whatever we face and I believe and embrace His healing power.

There is life after cancer, but I know what you are going through. If you need advice from someone who has been there, I will be pleased to share.

[Peggy Gray]

I well remember how terrified I was when my husband got a cancer diagnosis (prostate)--it's now 17 years post-surgery, and no hint of cancer anywhere. Your name has been added to our prayer list.

[Joanne Vergin]

Praying for you David.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

David - you came to mind this morning as I prayed and I prayed for you. How's it going?

[David Parker]

David - you came to mind this morning as I prayed and I prayed for you. How's it going?

Thank you Scott. Knowing that my friends are praying really does make a deep impact on my heart right now.

I have been overwhelmed the last few weeks with information overload. I have a great deal to research and study in order to decide the best treatment option for me. It doesn't help that one of the most attractive treatment options is not offered by my HMO and may require me to change insurance companies. Will be expensive and very disruptive to the healthcare of my family. On top of this, I am extremely busy at work, working long hours. And I feel emotionally wrung out. Dave McClung mailed me 5 books which I am reading and I am spending hours Googling.

Several of the treatment options take me off work and/or out of the area for many weeks, up to 2+ months. Given that I am the sole support for my family and I am self employed, that is a real concern. The fundamental choice is between major surgery and radiation treatment, of which there are several radically different methods.

I know that God loves me and wants me to "prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers", and I am confident that between the healing power of God and the provision of medical science, the cancer will be defeated. It is the 'getting there from here' and of course the side effects and consequences of the treatments/surgery that concern me.

[Steven Martinez]

David I will be praying specifically that the best option for you and your family will be covered by your insurance even if they have already said no. Of course sometimes that means that God just touches your body and doctors are stumped because they cannot find what they are looking for. One thing I have learned these last few weeks is that if God desires to touch his children that He really doesn't bother with human rules, diagnosis, or even logic. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask for help.

Father God, we on NazNet believe that you are the God who healith thee. You have lifted your might hand and healed myself and so I believe that you can heal my brother David. Lord we ask that you provide not only the strength for David and his family but also the wisdom to pursue the path of your desire. Lord we ask boldly as your children to hold up the Parkers with the provisions of everyday life. Awaken your people to rise up and provide for the needs of the Parkers. Lord, I just ask that you touch my friend like you touched me.
Amen

[Jon Bemis]

It doesn't help that one of the most attractive treatment options is not offered by my HMO

David,

Two years ago I thought I was going to have to have a procedure, and like you, the most attractive option wasn't covered. Not only that, but the doctor I wanted wasn't in-network. My wife called our insurance company and explained why we wanted that option and that particular doctor. The person she talked to said she would look into it. Within 2 days we got a call saying they would approve both the procedure and the doctor. We were astounded! As it is we've been kicking the can down the road 6 months at a time and so haven't had to make that decision yet. Have you talked to someone at the insurance company to find out if they would be willing to cover it?

We're praying for you!

[David Parker]

I don't mind sharing some of the insurance details as it may inform/help others.

We have been members of Kaiser Permanente of Northern California for many years, first as individual policy purchasers, and for the last 11 years as group members through the Association of Realtors. We still pay the full monthly cost (currently ~$1300 per mo plus high co-pays), but we are group plan members now. As a non-profit health insurance company they have done an excellent job of providing health care for our family. They have very nice facilities, good caring doctors, and do a good job with routine medical issues. What they don't do well is reach outside their 'box' with innovation or creative investment. Their investment has been in doctors and surgical resources, and their clear bias is for surgery. And their clear bias is to stay within their organisation.

Clearly the best treatment options for my cancer are either Proton Beam Radiation Therapy or CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery. Both technologies have been developed through private research and investment with the goal of not only eradicating the cancer, but sparing critical tissue, organs, and parts that are often extremely near the cancer. Surgery and conventional x-ray radiation often damage good tissue and systems as those methods lack the precision to avoid them. Kaiser's bottom line focus is on removing the cancer and then dealing with whatever side effects and after effects later. Given the nature of this cancer and the common side effects and after effects, which are often permanent, this is simply not acceptable to me.

The cost of the more advanced therapies is certainly part of the equation, but there is also a strong resistance to 'go outside' their system. And I expect they also fear setting precedent. Kaiser even owns and operates a CyberKnife facility in South San Francisco, yet they only use it for otherwise inoperative brain and spine surgeries, not for common cancer.

Thankfully, there is still a small perverted resemblance of a free market in this country for health care and I can switch to a more enlightened insurance carrier. I am not 'stuck' with Kaiser. We can purchase alternate insurance both through our professional association group plan (but must wait for 01/01/13 for open enrollment) or we can initiate our own small group plan through our S Chapter Corporation we formed earlier this year. We can get that coverage effective 10/01/12. Either choice will cost us a great deal more money, but at least the choice exists.

In the end, we can always make more money. But we can't live with cancer. Easy choice. Now we just have to figure out which of the many insurance plans available is the best choice for this situation. Will probably be either Anthem Blue Cross or Aetna. We will never go back to Kaiser. This has been an 'eye-opening' experience.

[David Parker]

An update.

PSA blood tests are showing much faster cancer growth than predicted so we aren't waiting for January for treatment. Have decided on Proton Beam Radiation treatment.

We succeeded in initiating our own small group plan with Anthem Blue Cross effective 10/01/12 and have left Kaiser.

I am leaving in about an hour to drive to Loma Linda University Medical Center for my first appointment. Once the treatment plan is presented and approved, I will go back for a series of scans and prep work. Treatment should begin a week or two after that and will last for ~9 weeks. Hope to be finished by New Years.

Will be a great deal of driving (our home is 300 miles away from Loma Linda) and the timing couldn't be worse with ~$4.50-$5.00 per gallon gas right now in CA, but it is what it is.

Thank you all for the prayers. Please keep my wife Sharon in your prayers as she will be stepping into much of my work responsibilities while I am gone. I'll be home on weekends, but much of our home and business will be in her hands from now till the end of the year.

[Jim Chabot]

I'm making note to remind me to continually pray for Sharon. I know how hard it is to have someone fill your myriad responsibilities when you are self employed. And I know how stressful it can be to watch from afar. Hoping that the two of you have worked together long enough that she knows your ways. And praying that she will do the both of you proud and that you will be free from worry.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Know that we are praying with/for you and for Sharon. We know it's a rough time, and extremely wearisome. Throughout this ordeal, remember that the Lord is the same, even in your discouraging times. Your feeling less spiritual doesn't diminish God's grace and companionship. He even understands our feelings. He is with you, and shall be in you.

[Jim Franklin]

David, be assured that I will be praying earnestly for a complete healing and restoration for His servant and for Sharon as she takes on the added load of your business and household todos. God, grant David peace of mind and heart as he faces this regimen of treatment and give the medical personel the wisdom and Your guidance for David's best results according to Your Almighty Will and Power and for Your glory.

[Jim Franklin]

I have listed you with the prayer requests at our Sunday School and two Bible Study groups. How are your treatments going? How is Sharon bearing up with the extra load for my prayers include her as well?

[David Parker]

I have listed you with the prayer requests at our Sunday School and two Bible Study groups. How are your treatments going? How is Sharon bearing up with the extra load for my prayers include her as well?

We are on hold right now pending insurance approval. The treatment plan has been submitted. They said it usually takes 7-10 days, and it has now been ~9 days. Sharon is in good spirits, but nervous about functioning and performing work roles she has never done before. We are spending a great deal of time together so she can learn, which I find highly enjoyable.

Thank you so much for the prayers and concern. We deeply appreciate everyone's support.

[Steven Martinez]

David, Loma Linda is my second home and I live 15 minutes away. If you need anything or just want to talk or have lunch let me know.

[Dave McClung]

We are on hold right now pending insurance approval. The treatment plan has been submitted. They said it usually takes 7-10 days, and it has now been ~9 days. Sharon is in good spirits, but nervous about functioning and performing work roles she has never done before. We are spending a great deal of time together so she can learn, which I find highly enjoyable.

Thank you so much for the prayers and concern. We deeply appreciate everyone's support.

The good news is that the proton treatment is painless and has minimal side effects. My friends who have selected that option have been very pleased with the treatment and the results.

[Steven Burton]

I hope you get to hear back on Monday. I hate it when insurance companies drag their feet.

[David Parker]

David, Loma Linda is my second home and I live 15 minutes away. If you need anything or just want to talk or have lunch let me know.

Thank you Stew. Would love to meet you for lunch. Am hoping to hear from the insurance company this coming week.

[David Parker]

I hope you get to hear back on Monday. I hate it when insurance companies drag their feet.

We received the official approval from our insurance today for the treatment plan. I'm headed back down to Loma Linda tomorrow for an early Wednesday appointment for the scans and prep work. The treatments should begin about a week later. Only took 22 days from the beginning of our coverage with this insurance company, and 14 days from the initial consultation for full approval of a $100,000+ treatment plan. I 'almost' feel guilty...

Thank you again for all the prayers and support. I have so much to be thankful for. And I'm excited about getting to meet Stew for lunch sometime in the next few weeks!

[Hans Deventer]

Thank you Stew. Would love to meet you for lunch.

I can recommend it!

[Dennis M. Scott]

We had stew for dinner the other evening. I think Linda made it with venison.

We're rejoicing with you about insurance, and also trusting with you for an even more significant approval. My prayer is that the Lord walks very closely with you as you journey ahead. I wish we all could personally be with you to pray and hold you through this. Know that Stew represents us all.

[Gina Stevenson]

Ooooh, haven't had venison in ages ... sounds like y'all had some good stew!

[Jim Franklin]

Praise the Lord for the approval by your insurance for the treatment regimen. I will keep praying for you and Sharon.

[David Parker]

An update:

Had my 23rd Proton Radiation Treatment today. 22 more to go. Hitting the half way mark feels good. Just relatively minor side effects so far, for which I am thankful.

The people at Loma Linda University Medical Center are absolutely wonderful. It is a Seventh Day Adventist institution and they are very 'up front' about their faith based values. Am very thankful for such an effective blending of faith and science.

Being away from home so much is tough, but I have a nice 'free' place to stay within an hour of the hospital and have been able to work fairly well by phone and internet. Sharon is doing an excellent job of being our 'hands and feet' in the business taking care of things back at the office. My family will be joining me here during Christmas and I am really looking forward to that!

Enjoyed a long breakfast with Stew this week. Was a real pleasure to finally meet him in the flesh and enjoyed some great fellowship. Was interesting to learn that his wife graduated from Loma Linda and works there in family practice. And his recent liver transplant was there as well. Small world!

Thank you all for the continued prayers. We are in faith that this cancer is defeated and that the future is bright!

David

[John Reilly]

Praying your progress and healing will continue. Thanks for the good report.

[Wayne Murrow]

David, I am praying and believing for you. Your parents remind us to pray (in our Sunday School class). Very good to hear you are doing well.

[Dave McClung]

Will deeply appreciate the prayers of all of my friends here at NazNet.

I have recently been diagnosed with a stage 2b/3 cancer. It is operable and treatable. The doctors believe they have discovered it relatively early, and though it is a 'moderately aggressive' strain, the prognosis is good. There are multiple treatment options available that vary in duration, comfort, side effects, and cost, but I am assured that any option we select should result in success.

Despite this, there is so much for which I am thankful. I am thankful for family, good friends, a loving and supportive church, excellent doctors and medical technology, and for the success of our new company, which should allow me the flexibility to focus on this battle. Most of all, I am thankful for a loving God that understands our worry, pain, and discomfort. His grace is sufficient for whatever we face and I believe and embrace His healing power.

David, when I looked into Proton Treatment they were using only 36 sessions. If I understood your post, they have increased to 45 treatments. Do you know why the increase? Have they reduced the dose per treatment or increased the amount of radiation?

In two weeks, I will go in for my 4 year follow-up. I can testify that there is quality life after treatment for prostate cancer.

[David Parker]

David, when I looked into Proton Treatment they were using only 36 sessions. If I understood your post, they have increased to 45 treatments. Do you know why the increase? Have they reduced the dose per treatment or increased the amount of radiation?

In two weeks, I will go in for my 4 year follow-up. I can testify that there is quality life after treatment for prostate cancer.

Depending on your diagnosis, they offer a ~20 treatment option (twice the dosage, both left and right side radiation each day) and the more conservative 45 day lower dosage option. (alternating left and right side radiation each day) Weekends off of course. They offered me both options. When pressed, the doctors did admit that the double dose shorter regimen has resulted in more frequent and serious side effects, though still not as bad as many alternate treatment plans. I chose to go with the 45 day 'conservative' treatment as it has proven to be the best in avoiding unpleasant side effects. They seem to always be tweaking and adjusting their methodologies, so it doesn't surprise me that they went from 39 to 45 treatments at some point. I'd have to dig through a bunch of docs to verify my exact daily Gy dose, but I'll ask the Doctor when I see him this next week.

Wonderful to hear of your success and looking forward to getting this behind me too!

[David Parker]

David, when I looked into Proton Treatment they were using only 36 sessions. If I understood your post, they have increased to 45 treatments. Do you know why the increase? Have they reduced the dose per treatment or increased the amount of radiation?

I finally remembered to look this up. Total dosage is 81 Gy divided by 45 treatments. Each treatment is 180 centigray (cGy) or 1.8 Gy. Total dosage and treatment numbers are apparently tweaked per patient/diagnosis.

[Peggy Gray]

How are things going, David?

[David Parker]

How are things going, David?

Thank you Peggy!

I am very grateful that I only have two more treatments. Wednesday will be my last and I'll be heading home.

Biggest challenge is fighting snow and ice to get 'down the hill' to Loma Linda each day. Am staying in a cabin in Wrightwood, at 6200' elevation, and have been hit with several snow storms. I left this morning at 5:45 AM for the 45 mile drive, and it took me 2.5 hours. I was chained up and ready, but multiple accidents choked up traffic for a long time. Only received ~3 inches of new snow last night, but it snowed down to the 3500' level and these So Cal drivers apparently don't know to slow way down in such conditions. Was a mess. Hopefully that is now behind me as Tues & Wed is forecast to be clear.

Only side effects have been some fatigue and some relatively minor issues. Nothing serious. Will take a year or so to fully judge the results of the treatments based on PSA and DRE tests, but we are in faith that the cancer is defeated and all will be good. "It is well, it is well, with my soul". Praise God!

Thank you all for the prayers and encouragement. It means more than I can express.