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

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

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!

Surgery Fundraising status

Goal: $40,000
Raised: $37,491
Remaining Need: $2,509

Go to www.helpdrac.com for details on how to donate

www.helpdrac.com

Please visit for ways to donate.