Editor’s Note: Pam Gasvoda expressed to me their deep appreciation for Big Sandy for the care and support they have received; however, she didn’t want to have to keep repeating the following information over and over.
In January 1998, Arnie Gasvoda had surgery because he had prostate cancer. In January 1999, he had six weeks of radiation treatments recommended by his urologist because his PSA kept going up. Now 20 years later, he has radiation cystitis due to the radiation way back then. He has a very weak, like hamburger, bladder. This started with having blood in his urine at the end of August. He spent many days in the hospital in Great Falls, trying different medicines to make his bladder stronger. Nothing seemed to work, so on Sept 21, he started hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments. Google, as it is very interesting. Done at Benefis West Campus Monday to Friday for two hours every day, Arnie is placed in a chamber where he receives 100% oxygen concentration. The goal is for increased oxygen; therefore, an increased amount of blood supply to soft tissue. A regular course of treatment is 40 sessions. This is all new to us but very interesting. It is done for people with diabetes with wounds, recent surgeries to increase the healing of any soft tissue issues. The provider assured us that good results have been documented. We are certainly hoping so. We need to shout out to the gift of Life in Great Falls. Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments are available in other big towns but not always is there a place where families can stay for free in lovely apartments. This facility is right across the street from Benefis West, so easy to get to.
Pam Gasvoda
