A lot has happened since my last update. Bob’s last visit to the optometrist showed that he did not gain back enough of his peripheral vision to be able to drive again. Even though he knew it was a possibility, it was tough to hear. I think he can reconcile himself to not driving a car or his pickup again, but it is much harder for him to acknowledge that he may never again drive his Harley. He still has hope though.
He decided that if he couldn’t drive on the road that he should get a golf cart. He bought a used gas golf cart and has been checking it out and doing routine maintenance. We plan to go out into the woods and clear a path so that he can take it out there. He may even take it down to Hamlin Grocery, to visit Guenie or to Stix. I think it was a great idea because it gives him a little more freedom and independence. Of course, he says he bought it for the kids to enjoy too. He is going to make a back seat so that we can all go out on it. He still has the quad but that is a little too much for the kids to use by themselves. Plus, the quad tears up the grass but the golf cart can go anywhere.
Bob’s last MRI showed that one of the spots is growing, but the others are decreasing or gone. More surgery or radiation is not an option because the risk is greater than the benefit. It would most likely impair his speech and/or movement. The neurosurgeon and the radiation oncologist suggested chemo was the best option. So, we went back to see Dr. Peterson. She will stop the current chemo-Temodar. Instead he will take Avastin and Camptosar. Both are administered IV. Here is a simple explanation of how they work. The Avastin is not really a chemo drug; but it reduces the growth and spread of cancer cells by limiting growth of new blood vessels. Camptosar is a chemo drug that kills the cancer cells.
The next step is for Bob to meet with a general surgeon tomorrow to get a port put in. (The port will be used to administer the new drugs, plus will be used for any blood draws and for the injection of the dye used for the MRI.) Hopefully the surgeon can do this next week so that treatment can begin the next week. The site needs about a week to heal before he begins the Avastin. He will get the IV drugs once a week for 3 weeks and then have a week off. After 2 cycles they will do another MRI to see how it is working. Then they can reduce the frequency or adjust the dose. Each visit will take approximately 2 ½ hours. I’m thankful that the treatments will be done at the Cancer Center north of Scottville so we can be there in about 15-20 minutes.
Bob has good days and bad. He is having some bad headaches, some come and go quickly, some linger. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern. He tries to get outside every day and get some yard work done. He does get frustrated that he can’t do things as quickly as he used to, but does appreciate that he can do just about anything he wants to if he takes his time.
We are looking forward to spending next winter in Florida and are busy making plans. The doctor has said that is not a problem and will set Bob up with a Cancer Center there. Bob bought a small trailer and is going to add deck and sides so that I can take lots of stuff with us. He knows that we cannot pack enough in our car!
I am thankful for all the healing that God has provided. Of course, I am still praying for a miracle cure. I am thankful for the time that we spend together and pray that we have many more years to spend together. School will be out soon and I will be able to spend all my time in Ludington.
We’d love to hear from you. Stop in for a visit, send an email or drop a note of encouragement on the website. Most of all, keep praying for Bob and for a cure for cancer!
P.S. Bob will have the port put in next Tuesday at the hospital in Ludington. It is an outpatient procedure and he should be home in a couple of hours. They won't put him completely under; just a relaxer and a local anaesthesia.
.jpg)
