Matt Huesmann Fights Cancer
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I know this news is a surprise to 99% of you reading this. “It’s 2020 for sure” has been my short answer when people ask me how I’m doing. But to be honest, the last three months have been a combination of shock, fear of the unknown, a bunch of tests, waiting for results, doctors appointments, pain, exhaustion and more, and that’s just to get a medical diagnosis and eventually a potential treatment plan. But as of this afternoon, now that I have a defined course of action in front of me, I can finally provide the longer answer to all of you, my dear friends, and perhaps for some of you who might feel inclined, provide an opportunity for additional help.
Summary of Diagnosis:
As a result of a routine physical in late August, I was referred to a urologist. That led to more tests and biopsies where I was diagnosed with a surprisingly aggressive form of prostate cancer for someone my age. That led to more tests, bone scans, MRI’s, and CT scans to check for spread etc. Six weeks ago, I began my initial treatment plan and started hormone therapy (lovely stomach injections and bizarre side effects) to halt the growth and spread of the cancer.
After meetings with my urologist and oncologist, the decision is that my best treatment plan should be a combination of 5-6 weeks of daily proton radiation therapy, followed by a surgery with radiation seed implants. They have great hope from all the test results that the cancer can be contained and removed but treatment should not be delayed.
The Plan:
We are moving forward in faith with Proton therapy based on research, physician guidance, and the recommendations from two other people we know who went through this similar treatment. Ironically, the clinic is called “Provision Cares” and indeed we are thankful God has shown His hand of care in so many ways so far. After several denials and appeals, as of today, a significant amount of this expensive process has now been approved through what can only be described as God’s hand of providence. We have pursued Proton therapy over traditional radiation because Oncologists describe this as a “laser guided smart bomb” to the cancer. The result is little to no damage to surrounding organs. This is more important at my unique young age (according to the doctors). The cost is approx. $2000 a treatment with 25-30 treatments forecasted.
So the challenge we are still facing is the remaining medical and living expenses that go beyond what insurance will cover. Along with the challenges of self-employment that a year of Covid has caused, we now have the added challenge that due to the daily treatment requirements at the center, I will be unable to be work my freelance day jobs I have done for the last 30 years as a career. I do hope to teach a few part time classes per my doctors guidance, depending on fatigue levels and the risks of covid with a compromised immune system. The main treatment process will last about 2.5-3 months total as far as I understand now. After the proton and surgical radiation treatments, I will continue another 18-24 months of hormone therapy injections.
So for all of you who have seen me appear to be on another planet at times, or struggling physically, you now know why. One thing we know for sure, we know God is faithful and loving, always has a plan, and we can walk in hope, trust and faith in His divine purposes. A special thanks to my lovely, irreplaceable wife who has been remarkable as always in this journey so far.
The Ask and The Thanks in Advance:
Pray for healing and care, and for my wife for energy and protection as she cares for me and still works in the healthcare field.
That I learn to take the needed time to “rest and heal”.
The financial support to make it through this.
Forgiveness if I can’t speak with everyone directly.
Thankfulness that one of the best proton doctors and treatment facilities is actually here in Franklin. Many people have to travel from out of state and stay for 6 weeks in a motel.
You, my community of incredible friends near and far, that I’ve been blessed to know from my music, video, academic and church worlds, are all simply amazing people who I love and appreciate so much. I pray each and everyone of you to have a blessed season of thankfulness, quiet peace and love with your family and friends.
I will leave you with the writing of Elizabeth Elliot that I read almost daily.
“Do The Next Thing”
From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing
Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
– Elizabeth Elliot
Again, thank you in advance for your kind support during this journey. Let the healing begin.:-)
Matt and Krystal Huesmann
Summary of Diagnosis:
As a result of a routine physical in late August, I was referred to a urologist. That led to more tests and biopsies where I was diagnosed with a surprisingly aggressive form of prostate cancer for someone my age. That led to more tests, bone scans, MRI’s, and CT scans to check for spread etc. Six weeks ago, I began my initial treatment plan and started hormone therapy (lovely stomach injections and bizarre side effects) to halt the growth and spread of the cancer.
After meetings with my urologist and oncologist, the decision is that my best treatment plan should be a combination of 5-6 weeks of daily proton radiation therapy, followed by a surgery with radiation seed implants. They have great hope from all the test results that the cancer can be contained and removed but treatment should not be delayed.
The Plan:
We are moving forward in faith with Proton therapy based on research, physician guidance, and the recommendations from two other people we know who went through this similar treatment. Ironically, the clinic is called “Provision Cares” and indeed we are thankful God has shown His hand of care in so many ways so far. After several denials and appeals, as of today, a significant amount of this expensive process has now been approved through what can only be described as God’s hand of providence. We have pursued Proton therapy over traditional radiation because Oncologists describe this as a “laser guided smart bomb” to the cancer. The result is little to no damage to surrounding organs. This is more important at my unique young age (according to the doctors). The cost is approx. $2000 a treatment with 25-30 treatments forecasted.
So the challenge we are still facing is the remaining medical and living expenses that go beyond what insurance will cover. Along with the challenges of self-employment that a year of Covid has caused, we now have the added challenge that due to the daily treatment requirements at the center, I will be unable to be work my freelance day jobs I have done for the last 30 years as a career. I do hope to teach a few part time classes per my doctors guidance, depending on fatigue levels and the risks of covid with a compromised immune system. The main treatment process will last about 2.5-3 months total as far as I understand now. After the proton and surgical radiation treatments, I will continue another 18-24 months of hormone therapy injections.
So for all of you who have seen me appear to be on another planet at times, or struggling physically, you now know why. One thing we know for sure, we know God is faithful and loving, always has a plan, and we can walk in hope, trust and faith in His divine purposes. A special thanks to my lovely, irreplaceable wife who has been remarkable as always in this journey so far.
The Ask and The Thanks in Advance:
Pray for healing and care, and for my wife for energy and protection as she cares for me and still works in the healthcare field.
That I learn to take the needed time to “rest and heal”.
The financial support to make it through this.
Forgiveness if I can’t speak with everyone directly.
Thankfulness that one of the best proton doctors and treatment facilities is actually here in Franklin. Many people have to travel from out of state and stay for 6 weeks in a motel.
You, my community of incredible friends near and far, that I’ve been blessed to know from my music, video, academic and church worlds, are all simply amazing people who I love and appreciate so much. I pray each and everyone of you to have a blessed season of thankfulness, quiet peace and love with your family and friends.
I will leave you with the writing of Elizabeth Elliot that I read almost daily.
“Do The Next Thing”
From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing
Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
– Elizabeth Elliot
Again, thank you in advance for your kind support during this journey. Let the healing begin.:-)
Matt and Krystal Huesmann
Organizer
Matt Huesmann
Organizer
Franklin, TN
