August 01, 2007

On our most recent visit to UFPTI for my 6 month check-up and visit with Dr. Vargas, there were a whole batch of new faces in the lunch room area. I was amazed at the way everyone was relating their stories of how they found out about Proton Therapy Treatments and how their Urologist didn't know about this new form of treatment. Some of the patients were given their blessing by their Urologist and others didn't want anything to do with the patient when they were notified that they would be receiving Proton Therapy Treatments. I guess its the same old story, what they don't know about they won't recommend.

I did have some good news on my visit. My PSA has dropped to a 2.8 level. Down from 9.7 when I began treatments.

) The new coffee shop opened on Tuesday, July 10, 2007. They have already gone through gallons of fresh coffee and dozens of donuts.
) Coffee and Donuts has been moved to Monday ... at the Coffee Shop, with handmade donuts from Wormans. Mmmm Good.
) The Monday "Lunch Break" has been moved to Tuesday and will be held at a local restaurant.
) The Wives Group has been formed and continues to meet with Kati Mahoney, MSW.
) The "Thursday Dinner Restaurant Tour" started in June and meets at various area restaurants. As soon as I get a schedule of the restaurants, I will post in on the web-site.
) The "Peds Pizza Party" has been started by Kati Mahoney for the pediatric patients.
) For New Patient Orientation (and tours), we have occupied the conference room behind the PET/CT, and have the website animation and a Jacksonville DVD from the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
) The New Housing Brochure is finished and going up on the UFPTI web site.
) Transportation, Recreation and Restaurants will be going up next.
) Libby Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring a display of art painted by Cancer Patients, during the first two weeks in November, at UFPTI. This should be great.
) The convention and Visitors Bureau is supplying UFPTI with more than 40 pieces of framed Poster Art, from all Jackconville venues (Jazz Festival, Equestrian Center, Suns, Jaguars, Museums, Blu Angels, etc.) to hang in the changing and exam rooms.
) Most importantly, the patients provided the most wonderful lunchees to the staff and faculty, at a covered dish and BBQ patient celebration. They fed more than 139 patients, staff and faculty at each party. What a group. The next patient/staff celebration is scheduled for Labor Day.