Medical History 2017-18

    Medical History 2017-18 of Eldon D. Olsen

Smile, things could be worse, so I smiled and sure enough, things did get worse.

Picture (with smile) August 2018 at Twin Rocks

Diagnosed with prostate cancer (Gleason 8) Fall of 2017.

Forty-five daily radiation treatments, $60,000, ending in December. It zapped the cancer! But in the process damaged the rectum.

Four months clear, then radiation proctitis bleeding started.

Steroid suppositories not effective.

Liver biopsy and blood test indicated liver and kidney weak.  Water retention in legs and stomach.

Three colonoscopy-like treatments couldn't stop the bleeding, $4,000 each. The proctologist gave up and referred to a hematologist. We really like Dr. Wells, the hematologist, who is also LDS and takes times to explain things.

Dr. Keith Wells

Emergency room for fever with 2 blood transfusions at $4,000. CT scan. E-coli infection, in hospital 3 days, $17,000.

Esther and Zachary

Started Cyclosporine (for immune suppression).

Several more blood and iron transfusions/infusions. Wonderful children and grandchildren donated blood to ease my guilt feelings of requiring blood.

Started Sucralfate twice daily rectal coating treatment. Janeil was taught in the hospital how to do them. It takes 20 minutes and she reads to me in between turnings. We read through the journals of our missions (wonderful reading!) and the book, Saints. Still doing the treatments.

Forty daily hyperbaric-oxygen chamber treatments, $50,000, ending in October, 2018. Weekday trips to Albany. Janeil drove (she claimed I drove verbally) and during the 2 ½ hour treatments, she went to exercise at the YMCA and shopped (adding greatly to the cost of the experience).  Required an Echocardiogram and tubes through ear drums. Resulted in less frequent bleeding.

Bone marrow biopsy.

Diagnosis received Aug. 18, 2018. Life threatening rare bone marrow failure condition called Aplastic Anemia.  Bone marrow isn't producing sufficient blood cells. Terminal within months if untreated.  Technically not cancer but behaves like it.  Only 1/10,000 have this condition. Cause and cure unknown for this bone marrow disorder but it can be managed with medication.

No pain, but lots of worry about bleeding and also diarrhea (the latter a result of medication). Lacking energy and also experiencing discouragement at times. Reluctant to leave the house, but am attending a cancer support group monthly which helps my attitude.

Started a new drug (on the market since 2014), Promacta pills, $24,000 per month. Conditions improved some by Fall 2018. I look like a very old man--gaunt and boney shoulders and arms, but below that like the Pillsbury Doughboy. The nurses like me because I tell jokes and ask about their families.

All costs covered by Providence Health Insurance (Medicare/ Medicaid) except small co-pays.  Rx insurance plan.

Services provided by the Corvallis Clinic, Samaritan Regional Cancer Center, the Hbot Center in Albany and Willamette Valley Cancer Institute.  I'm grateful for modern medicine and that it is located close by.

Fifty percent survival rate (five years). If I survive that long you can call me a "million dollar" man.  I don't feel like I will, but it's in the Lord's hands. His will be done. And there are still things to smile about!