James P.

About James P.

MY husband, passed from prostate cancer in 2013. He was diagnosed in Hartford CT where we live part time. The physician told us it was rare, only positive in 1 core with a PSA of 5.2..that Hartford could not help Jim. The hospital referred us to a oncologist in Las Vegas, pretty well know in the world, Dr Nicholas Vogelzang. He was there for both of us during Jim’s aggressive painful 3 years. We traveled every 6 weeks between CT and LV for treatments. That was demanding on us both, but I never gave up. With my research I was well informed what treatment would be next, which trial we entered. Thank heaven my family in CT was financially able to purchase several of his $7000.00 a month medications for his trial. Each one gave him 6wks before they stopped. Jim needed spine surgery to help his severe pain, upon release from the hospital the nurse dropped him when she assisted with moving from wheelchair to vehicle. Jensen another surgery 6 weeks after swelling went down. The way I handled my stress wasn’t the best, keeping myself busy taking care of him and the families that help us in LV and CT, not spending more quality time with him, but both of his daughter’s were by his side always making some memories, even one funny one. They took him on a bucket list, riding a hot air balloon …..that crashed into a pumpkin field in CT. Thank heaven for 911 and hospice when we got back home. He passed one month later, no the crash wasn’t involved. Having Dr Vogelzang’s personal cell number made a difference I can’t imagine with out. We held a Team Ropers celebration of life raising close to 10k, and a fabulous Relay For Cancer in CT. His granddaughter was honored for raising the most money in her age group, $10k. Jim was at the relay in a wheelchair, an event none of us will forget. We all wear our blue bracelets still walking and supporting Prostate Cancer research. The last trial DR.V offered to Jim was more than he could handle..I listened to DR V say that drug was the one he would take to an island if he could only take one. It was Jim’s decision to enter hospice in CT where he chose to pass away among family and friends. Experiencing this memory brings sadness and happiness.

Share on: Facebook | Twitter
Read More | Submit your Story