First of all, I really want to thank everyone for all of your concern, kind words, and amazing mind blowing donations. I am shocked so many people still want to see me on this earth. I guess someone or something still has plans for me on this planet ????
As of today I've now had two PSA tests since the surgery and both were less then
.04. This is the lowest score they can read. Doesn't mean I'm out of the woods completely, but my prostate specific antigens are almost undetectable. In my case, I did have positive margins, meaning that when they removed the prostate, they took a test of the surrounding tissue, and there were two spots that tested positive which means that the cancer had left the prostate. It was such a microscopic amount that they think it probably left within two weeks before the surgery. This indicates that the cancer would have continued on a path outside my prostate and would have gone into the lymph nodes if I had not been able to get this surgery when I did - and I would not be writing you this note right now.
So in other words, I wouldn't be here without your contributions. I could not feel more blessed. The disclaimer the doctors give patients with positive margins is that 70% do have a recurrence within two years. So I will be tested every 6 weeks for the next two years.
My recovery has been slower then I wanted it to be due to various complications, like postoperative infections and nerve damage pain, that lasted much longer then the doctors had expected. I was kind of a guinea pig for this new nerve sparing procedure where they don't use a cauterizing gun during surgery to burn the blood vessels closed and damage nerve endings. The good part about that is that once I'm healed I should have all my nerves intact and they won't be damaged (cross your fingers) - and that should translate to full functions ladies. The bad news is that while I'm healing, all my nerves able to feel EVERYTHING, I was in tons of pain, burning and incontinence that lasted nearly 3 months. I literally lived in the shower for the first 6 weeks I was so uncomfortable. Sitting has been unbearable. Which has made it impossible to sit at the computer to get to all my emails and return calls to everyone personally. It’s been really hard to concentrate on anything when “Big Jim & The Twins” feel like they're on fire.
After these 3 months I had to try to get back to normal life with my son and my shop, and even tried to get out a little, did a couple shows with my band. I pushed my boundaries a little more then I should though, and am now taking it a little slower again – Doctors orders. Again, my apologies for not being able to get back to everyone personally, I'm really trying to do that, it’s just been a slow process.
With the prostate cancer seemingly behind me, in the next coming weeks I will be trying to research with the doctors what my options are for dealing with the three tumors on my spine. If it wasn't for all of your support and donations, I would not have even been able to have the MRI that first discovered these tumors, because the insurance company denied paying for it.
Again, THANK YOU. I feel truly blessed to have so many friends in my life that care. I hope I get to see everyone at the Dog & Pony Show.
Love Drac
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
New Goals
Hi Everyone:
We are so thrilled that we have nearly made our goal in raising the funds Drac needed for his prostate cancer surgery. Our estimates for this part of health care were pretty accurate, and he would not have been able to afford this without your help. However, what we did not plan for was that there would be more to deal with then just the prostate. As you may have heard from previous posts, while preparing for the prostate surgery the doctors discovered tumors on Drac's spine. They advised he deal with the prostate first and wait to tackle the tumors until after the surgery and when he was past most of the post operative issues. We are now at that point where he is exploring the options, and we're looking forward to more physical, mental and financial issues in the upcoming months. So we have pushed forward with organizing a benefit. This will be on Labor Day weekend, Aug 30, 31 & Sept 1. Please save the date and look for more info on this here.
I hope to see you all there! It will be a great group hug!
xo
Nancy
We are so thrilled that we have nearly made our goal in raising the funds Drac needed for his prostate cancer surgery. Our estimates for this part of health care were pretty accurate, and he would not have been able to afford this without your help. However, what we did not plan for was that there would be more to deal with then just the prostate. As you may have heard from previous posts, while preparing for the prostate surgery the doctors discovered tumors on Drac's spine. They advised he deal with the prostate first and wait to tackle the tumors until after the surgery and when he was past most of the post operative issues. We are now at that point where he is exploring the options, and we're looking forward to more physical, mental and financial issues in the upcoming months. So we have pushed forward with organizing a benefit. This will be on Labor Day weekend, Aug 30, 31 & Sept 1. Please save the date and look for more info on this here.
I hope to see you all there! It will be a great group hug!
xo
Nancy
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
DOG & PONY SHOW
Music Festival & Art and Collectibles Auction
Fundraising Event
Labor Day Weekend - Aug 30, Aug 31, Sept 1
Featuring performances by:
The Knitters
Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men
The Blasters
Peter Case
Tex & The Horseheads
Hacienda Brothers
Joe Woods Sings TSOL w/ special guests
Big Sandy & The fly-rite boys
Mike Stinson
Eddie Baytos & the Nervis Bros
The Cold Hard Facts
Levi Dexter
Slim Cessna's Auto Club
Red Meat
Ruby Friedman's Orchestra
Paging Beto
www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow
Fundraising Event
Labor Day Weekend - Aug 30, Aug 31, Sept 1
Featuring performances by:
The Knitters
Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men
The Blasters
Peter Case
Tex & The Horseheads
Hacienda Brothers
Joe Woods Sings TSOL w/ special guests
Big Sandy & The fly-rite boys
Mike Stinson
Eddie Baytos & the Nervis Bros
The Cold Hard Facts
Levi Dexter
Slim Cessna's Auto Club
Red Meat
Ruby Friedman's Orchestra
Paging Beto
www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
GREAT NEWS! May 1, 2008....
Hey everyone.....
The PSA tests came back on Thursday with a .04 score which means NO CHEMO OR RADIATION!!!!! He beat the cancer!!!!
He will be tested in six weeks again and regularly for 5 years to watch the numbers, but he is determined to use all preventative means to make sure he doesn’t let it come back! And you know when Drac puts his will power up front, he wins!
He is still recovering from the surgery but is getting out a bit and working slowly to build his strength back to his old self. The next hurdle for him is dealing with the tumors in his back. He is going to begin scheduling appointments with various doctors to determine his options.
In the meantime, we are still raising funds and planning a benefit to help with the previous and upcoming medical bills. Please stay close and we will let you know more as it happens.
Peace and gratitude,
Nancy
The PSA tests came back on Thursday with a .04 score which means NO CHEMO OR RADIATION!!!!! He beat the cancer!!!!
He will be tested in six weeks again and regularly for 5 years to watch the numbers, but he is determined to use all preventative means to make sure he doesn’t let it come back! And you know when Drac puts his will power up front, he wins!
He is still recovering from the surgery but is getting out a bit and working slowly to build his strength back to his old self. The next hurdle for him is dealing with the tumors in his back. He is going to begin scheduling appointments with various doctors to determine his options.
In the meantime, we are still raising funds and planning a benefit to help with the previous and upcoming medical bills. Please stay close and we will let you know more as it happens.
Peace and gratitude,
Nancy
Friday, April 25, 2008
April 25th Health Update
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that Drac has reached the 6th week of recovery from the prostate removal surgery. He is still dealing with some nagging side effects, infection and discomfort, but he is feeling a lot better mentally and can start light physical activity to help him regain his strength and endurance. He is slowly getting back to the phone and some of his other regular daily chores. He's even been able to get out of the house a bit.
On April 30th he will have his PSA levels checked so they can determine the state of the cancer cells that had left his prostate. Hopefully, the levels will be low. Please send your good thoughts and prayers for this. However, the doctors have advised him to prepare for the more likely situation that he will need to begin chemo or do radiation on these cells.
We'll have more news on the test results and what it means to us after May 1st.
Thanks for staying close and keeping in touch!
We love you!
Best,
Nancy
Just wanted to let you know that Drac has reached the 6th week of recovery from the prostate removal surgery. He is still dealing with some nagging side effects, infection and discomfort, but he is feeling a lot better mentally and can start light physical activity to help him regain his strength and endurance. He is slowly getting back to the phone and some of his other regular daily chores. He's even been able to get out of the house a bit.
On April 30th he will have his PSA levels checked so they can determine the state of the cancer cells that had left his prostate. Hopefully, the levels will be low. Please send your good thoughts and prayers for this. However, the doctors have advised him to prepare for the more likely situation that he will need to begin chemo or do radiation on these cells.
We'll have more news on the test results and what it means to us after May 1st.
Thanks for staying close and keeping in touch!
We love you!
Best,
Nancy
Thursday, March 27, 2008
March 28 Health Update
Hi Friends:
I know you have all been anxious to hear how the pathology test went, and I apologize for the lagging in this post. However, the news was not great as two of the margins tested positive with more cancer cells. This means that some of the cells had indeed left the prostate. Once again, the waiting begins. Drac will need to have his PSA levels tested again. However, they cannot guarantee accurate results this soon after surgery so he will have to wait 4 weeks to do this test. Once we get these results we will know if he will need either chemo or radiation treatment.
The good news is - Drac got the catheder out and he is regaining strength and beginning to feel much better. His spirits are really great, and he is ready to deal with whatever comes next. He is still having trouble sleeping and gets it when he can, so he's still been slow on the phone. But he's trying to reach out to everyone he can to thank them for sticking with him and being so incredibly supportive through this.
Please stay close as Drac continues to need your support. He and his family are eternally grateful. ...And keep the blogging going, he really loves it!
Blessings,
Nancy
I know you have all been anxious to hear how the pathology test went, and I apologize for the lagging in this post. However, the news was not great as two of the margins tested positive with more cancer cells. This means that some of the cells had indeed left the prostate. Once again, the waiting begins. Drac will need to have his PSA levels tested again. However, they cannot guarantee accurate results this soon after surgery so he will have to wait 4 weeks to do this test. Once we get these results we will know if he will need either chemo or radiation treatment.
The good news is - Drac got the catheder out and he is regaining strength and beginning to feel much better. His spirits are really great, and he is ready to deal with whatever comes next. He is still having trouble sleeping and gets it when he can, so he's still been slow on the phone. But he's trying to reach out to everyone he can to thank them for sticking with him and being so incredibly supportive through this.
Please stay close as Drac continues to need your support. He and his family are eternally grateful. ...And keep the blogging going, he really loves it!
Blessings,
Nancy
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March 19 Health Update
Hi all! The surgery went well, and as per our healthcare system, they sent him home on Sunday with a catheter to fend for himself! He's in a lot of pain and isn't sleeping well, but his mother, who is a retired nurse, is there 24/7 taking care of him. On Friday he'll go back to the hospital to get the catheter out and we will hear the results of the pathology test. Please pray for no chemo!!!
Thank you so much for standing by him. He loves reading your postings so keep em coming.
xo
Nancy
Thank you so much for standing by him. He loves reading your postings so keep em coming.
xo
Nancy
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Drac's Health Update 3/11/08
Hi everyone - After spending the past two weeks doing lots of testing and getting lots of doctors opinions, Drac has decided to move forward with the robotic prostate surgery at City of Hope. It is scheduled for this Friday, March 14. 14 is Drac's favorite number so we are already looking good! With your well wishes, thoughts and prayers, he should be home on Sunday to begin his recovery.
That's the good news!
The not so good news is that during the testing an MRI picked up benign tumors, three on his lower spine and a couple others higher up. This will be phase 2 of Drac's medical issues. Once he has rested enough, the doctors will bring him back in to deal with these. We are not exactly sure yet what will be recommended, but have been alerted that it may be another surgery or a protone treatment. Either way will involve more doctors bills and more time that he can not work. I will keep you all updated on how this evolves in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, we will be working on benefit ideas to help continue the fundraising efforts. This will probably happen in June. We are hopeful that by then we will have the worst behind us and Drac may even be recovered enough to join us!
That's the good news!
The not so good news is that during the testing an MRI picked up benign tumors, three on his lower spine and a couple others higher up. This will be phase 2 of Drac's medical issues. Once he has rested enough, the doctors will bring him back in to deal with these. We are not exactly sure yet what will be recommended, but have been alerted that it may be another surgery or a protone treatment. Either way will involve more doctors bills and more time that he can not work. I will keep you all updated on how this evolves in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, we will be working on benefit ideas to help continue the fundraising efforts. This will probably happen in June. We are hopeful that by then we will have the worst behind us and Drac may even be recovered enough to join us!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Surgery Fundraising status
Goal: $40,000
Raised: $37,491
Remaining Need: $2,509
Go to www.helpdrac.com for details on how to donate
Raised: $37,491
Remaining Need: $2,509
Go to www.helpdrac.com for details on how to donate
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friends, Family & Loved Ones
At the very young age of 45 our dear friend Drac has been diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer. Please know that he is actively seeking opinions by specialists in all areas to determine the best way to handle this. With his knowledge so far he has elected to do surgery with City of Hope on March 14th. They offer a robotic surgery with the highest success rate for complete elimination of the cancer. Of course there are so many individual variables involved, and his risks for needing chemo and/or radiation are still undetermined. He also runs risk of significant side effects that can impair his lifestyle for an undetermined amount of time. Until surgery is performed, we will not know whether or not he will need chemo and/or radiation and what, if any, side effects he will need to endure.
As you can imagine, this is a very costly endeavor. And we are in America, so you’re on your own for managing costs and weighing your options against your income. (Don’t get me started, just rent Sicko.)
This presents a devastating problem for Drac and his 12-year-old son, Jett. In case you are not aware, Drac has been a single father to Jett for 12 years (NO, God love him, I’m not his wife!). He has been a professional and struggling musician for 26 years and is also an independent contractor with his own business. An incredibly prideful and strong man who, even while fraught with anxiety to make ends meet for his family, has managed to spend the past 30 years giving up his couch to friends who are also struggling. To say the least, his compassion for others has always exceeded his needs. To me, he’s been a best friend for 26 years, my roommate, my handyman, my moving company (ummm, at least 10 times in 26 years), my mechanic, my BIG brother, and my counselor. I’m sure so many of you have similar experiences with him. That’s why he’s always on the phone!
Although Drac has medical insurance, the surgery alone is the only thing that is covered so far. His deductible and the Doctor’s fee (which is not covered) are quite high, and we still do not know about the after surgery expenses. He will need to take a minimum of 3 months off of work to recover. His business is a self owned operation which means that he cannot draw disability either. This work, being second only to his love of playing music, has been his most reliable income.
With all of this said, we are reaching out to all of you, in hopes that together we may be able to help ease Dracs anguish regarding the financial burden so he can focus his energy on building his strength to get through surgery and bide a long healing process.
It appears so far that Drac will need approximately $40,000 to get through this period. This will pay for the surgery costs and keep a roof over his and Jett’s head. If you can help with a donation of any kind we would be eternally grateful.
Please go to www.helpdrac.com
for details on how to donate.
We will keep you updated on his progress on all levels, including an accounting of how the fund raising is going, through the website and this blog. http://friendsofdrac.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to send your thoughts to Drac through the blog throughout this experience. He knows how blessed he is to have so many friends who care, and looks forward to your support through this period.
You can also reach out to me directly at 310-569-5003 or nancysefton@gsmgmt.net
Peace and friendship,
Nancy
As you can imagine, this is a very costly endeavor. And we are in America, so you’re on your own for managing costs and weighing your options against your income. (Don’t get me started, just rent Sicko.)
This presents a devastating problem for Drac and his 12-year-old son, Jett. In case you are not aware, Drac has been a single father to Jett for 12 years (NO, God love him, I’m not his wife!). He has been a professional and struggling musician for 26 years and is also an independent contractor with his own business. An incredibly prideful and strong man who, even while fraught with anxiety to make ends meet for his family, has managed to spend the past 30 years giving up his couch to friends who are also struggling. To say the least, his compassion for others has always exceeded his needs. To me, he’s been a best friend for 26 years, my roommate, my handyman, my moving company (ummm, at least 10 times in 26 years), my mechanic, my BIG brother, and my counselor. I’m sure so many of you have similar experiences with him. That’s why he’s always on the phone!
Although Drac has medical insurance, the surgery alone is the only thing that is covered so far. His deductible and the Doctor’s fee (which is not covered) are quite high, and we still do not know about the after surgery expenses. He will need to take a minimum of 3 months off of work to recover. His business is a self owned operation which means that he cannot draw disability either. This work, being second only to his love of playing music, has been his most reliable income.
With all of this said, we are reaching out to all of you, in hopes that together we may be able to help ease Dracs anguish regarding the financial burden so he can focus his energy on building his strength to get through surgery and bide a long healing process.
It appears so far that Drac will need approximately $40,000 to get through this period. This will pay for the surgery costs and keep a roof over his and Jett’s head. If you can help with a donation of any kind we would be eternally grateful.
Please go to www.helpdrac.com
for details on how to donate.
We will keep you updated on his progress on all levels, including an accounting of how the fund raising is going, through the website and this blog. http://friendsofdrac.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to send your thoughts to Drac through the blog throughout this experience. He knows how blessed he is to have so many friends who care, and looks forward to your support through this period.
You can also reach out to me directly at 310-569-5003 or nancysefton@gsmgmt.net
Peace and friendship,
Nancy
From Drac
I'm so grateful to my friends for helping me put up this site and blog and helping me through this incredibly difficult and challenging situation. I'm very embarrassed by this and if there was more time I would never ask any of my friends for money, but I was diagnosed on Jan 23 through a routine blood test and have been told that I need to have this procedure as soon as possible. Because of my family history I've been getting tested every 6 months since the age of 40 - it has gone from 0-60 incredibly quickly. So guys, words to the wise, go get checked. I'm looking at March 14th for surgery given my diagnosis. If I had time to wait, I'd find the money on my own, because I'm not done on this planet yet!
I truly value all the support of my friends and hope that you'll post with me on this blog. I'll check back regularly to let you know how I'm doing.
Love you all,
Drac
I truly value all the support of my friends and hope that you'll post with me on this blog. I'll check back regularly to let you know how I'm doing.
Love you all,
Drac
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Other Fundraising and Benefit Ideas
Please post if you are interested in setting up a fundraising event.
Please look for ideas from others that you can help with.
Please look for ideas from others that you can help with.
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
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