Family and friends,
Lots of news since the last blog. After speaking with the GI doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, it is their belief that Bob is no longer bleeding from his small bowel. After reading the pathology slides from the surgery that happened, they determined that Bob had small bowel ischemia, where there is a loss of blood to the intestine. They felt the ulcer could have been caused by the leukemia or the overuse of NSAIDS. They did not feel at this time that a double balloon enteroscopy would be beneficial to Bob and would do more harm than good and felt comfortable that he could successfully undergo chemotherapy at this time.
That being said, we spoke to both oncologists at the Cleveland Clinic and at Bethesda. They both agreed since Dr. The at Bethesda had all of Bob's records and had completed the initial bone marrow aspirations, that it should be continued at Bethesda. When the results come in, we'll take it from there. If he's still in remission and only needs the 3 day consolidation therapy we'll see if he wants to stay at Bethesda or go to Moffett center in Tampa, or if he has relapsed (which is a possiblity since he has missed his 2nd scheduled chemo by 30 days) then we would definately not keep him at Bethesda and he would go directly to Tampa for treatment. (Bob has decided to stay in state and not be transferred at this time to Boston as we had originally intended).
As Bob's friend Dave reminded me, this week has not been a loss. Bob can now walk with the aid of a walker, he has full mobility of his hands to the point where he texted me this morning, he can speak now with the aid of a passy muir valve much more cleary than before, he can use the bathroom, and he is getting stronger. This will continue to be our focus this week as we prepare for the chemo treatments he has ahead of him.
Thanks to everyone for their continued thoughts, prayers and support.
Love and thanks,
Michele
Lots of news since the last blog. After speaking with the GI doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, it is their belief that Bob is no longer bleeding from his small bowel. After reading the pathology slides from the surgery that happened, they determined that Bob had small bowel ischemia, where there is a loss of blood to the intestine. They felt the ulcer could have been caused by the leukemia or the overuse of NSAIDS. They did not feel at this time that a double balloon enteroscopy would be beneficial to Bob and would do more harm than good and felt comfortable that he could successfully undergo chemotherapy at this time.
That being said, we spoke to both oncologists at the Cleveland Clinic and at Bethesda. They both agreed since Dr. The at Bethesda had all of Bob's records and had completed the initial bone marrow aspirations, that it should be continued at Bethesda. When the results come in, we'll take it from there. If he's still in remission and only needs the 3 day consolidation therapy we'll see if he wants to stay at Bethesda or go to Moffett center in Tampa, or if he has relapsed (which is a possiblity since he has missed his 2nd scheduled chemo by 30 days) then we would definately not keep him at Bethesda and he would go directly to Tampa for treatment. (Bob has decided to stay in state and not be transferred at this time to Boston as we had originally intended).
As Bob's friend Dave reminded me, this week has not been a loss. Bob can now walk with the aid of a walker, he has full mobility of his hands to the point where he texted me this morning, he can speak now with the aid of a passy muir valve much more cleary than before, he can use the bathroom, and he is getting stronger. This will continue to be our focus this week as we prepare for the chemo treatments he has ahead of him.
Thanks to everyone for their continued thoughts, prayers and support.
Love and thanks,
Michele
Posts
Thank you for the daily updates..
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to hear the bleeding has stopped. We know he will continue to beat any other issues as long as you are by his side! Moffit has been great for my grandmother. Hopefully they will be the same for Bob if that is where he chooses to get his treatment. We are very proud of the progress you are making Bob! Keep fighting and we'll keep praying!
ReplyDeleteAll our love,
Christy, Tim, Nicky and Aunt Rosie & Uncle Rich
Great news, prayers for no remission!!! I believe in miracles!
ReplyDeleteWe will be in florida next week and Mark (chickenhawk) may contact you depending on how the updates are going. God bless!
Love all of the progress in this past week.. Love it. Keep it up Bob. I'll pray the Chemo goes well for ya.
ReplyDeleteYour bud,
Jay
This is an amazing story. I remember you from Hall HS ('92, maybe?). Hang strong, Bob. We are praying for you in Connecticut.
ReplyDeleteKevin Jones
Keep fighting Bob. In December I will be 7 years cancer free. When you feel up to it, get back in the gym. I dropped 67lbs due to radiation treatment to my neck. After I had a feeding tube inserted and I got my strength back, I started lifting again. I think being able to do something you love will get you through this. Stay positive. Cancer changes you. You will now know what's important and focus on that. It will get better. Keep your chin up and livestrong brother. Tony Surface.
ReplyDelete