Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving & Tree Pics

Relaxing after a wonderful dinner!
Poppies helping the kids make a tower of blocks.




The perfect Christmas Tree for the newlyweds!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Bob started the second round of chemo - 5 consecutive days every 28 days. It has made him much more tired this time and it has bothered his stomach. Despite this, he had a pretty good week last week. He and Dale replaced the brake lines and calipers on the plow truck last Thursday. Good thing too because Bob needed to plow the snow on Friday. He also used the snowblower! On Saturday we put up some outdoor Christmas lights. The last few days Bob hasn't felt the best---headaches (most likely from the weather), stomachaches and very tired. When I talked with him tonight, he was still tired but the headache and stomach aches were gone.

I know that I have much to be thankful for. At the top of the list is Bob and the time I can spend with him. I'm thankful for all of you who read this and support Bob in his battle to conquer his cancer. I'm thankful for the love and suppport of our families and friends. I'm thankful for the support of my friends and colleagues at Fremont High School. And, I'm thankful for God's healing powers and for all of the prayers you have said. Please continue praying as Bob continues his battle.

I hope all of you can spend time with your loved ones over the holiday weekend.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I am sorry that it has been so long since my last update.

Bob is feeling better all the time. His headaches are almost a thing of the past. Praise God! He has been busy working outside these past few weeks. Taking care of all the leaves seems to be a never-ending task, especially when you live in the woods. He also has spent some time in his shop working on various things. He seems to have a mental list of things to do around the house and is getting some of those things done too. He has found that he can't work 12 hours days anymore-but that is a good thing. He says if he takes his time and doesn't get frustrated he can do anything. Bob and his (newly retired) friend Dale have started a new tradition and go to lunch at Sportsman's Bar every Friday. They tell me that they are not getting into any trouble, but if you know these two guys you have to wonder.

Bob decided to postpone his driver's advisement appointment until he gets his new glasses. He has an appointment next week to get his eyes checked. Hopefully he will have new glasses within two weeks.

His MRI showed that there is still considerable swelling from the radiation so is inconclusive. Another one will probably be scheduled near the end of November. The doctor had said before that the results of the MRI about 8 weeks after radiation show the best results because the brain has had time to heal from the radiation and surgery, thus less swelling.

Bob will be taking chemo for 5 days every four weeks. It is the same medication as before, just a higher dose. The doctor doesn't think he will have any nausea since he tolerated it so well before. He will be tired for the days he is taking it, but not for the rest of the time. This will probably be for one year. He was not happy to hear that. I think he was hoping that he would be done with the drugs. He is continuing to decrease the steroid (used to prevent headaches and swelling). The trick is to do it slow enough so that he doesn't get headaches. While it was very helpful and did what is was supposed to, he has noticeable side effects and is eager to be off that medicine in particular. He has the bloating and weight gain, plus weakness in his thighs. The doctor noticed this and said it is a common side effect and that Bob will regain his strength once he is off the steroids. We noticed it but thought it was because he was tired.

We are thankful for the healing that God has done in his body and continue to pray that Bob is cancer free. Remember, you can keep us posted on your life by writing a message in the guestbook or by sending an email to janicebob.danielson@gmail.com.