Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Hey everybody! Well the time has finally come for me to go back to work. I am so thankful. I had my feeding tube taken out May 29. I can only eat half as much as I did before my cancer. I lost a total of 35 lbs. since January 17 that was the day of my surgery. I had my appointment with my chemo Dr. last week, he said my neck will be swollen for about another month and my tongue is still burning from the radiation. My tongue will heal in about 3 months. It has been a long hard road for Judy and I. I could not have made it through all of this without her by my side and family and friends and most of all Gods grace and the strength he has given me through all this. I will have a Pet- Scan July 27 to make sure that we stay on top of everything. I still have appointments with my surgeon in Baylor every 6 weeks for the first year. The company I work for gave me a brand new 2008 Peterbilt and trailer to start back to work with. I will have to take it slow for a little while till I get my strength back. I just want to thank each and every one of you for your calls, cards, prayers, and love you have shown us during this time. Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads out there!
This is Trailblazer signing off.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Update From Robert
May 11, 2007
Friday
Hey everybody! Sorry it has been so long since my last log. Today is Friday May 11. I had my appointment with my radiation Dr. April 25, he told me everything looked like it is supposed to. I had begun to eat a little a week before my appointment but due to the swelling and soreness of my tongue I had to stop. He told me I would have to be eating 2 weeks on my own without my peg tube before I could have it removed and be showing a steady weight gain. My weight was 195 lbs. It is impossible to gain weight when your on nothing but liquid. He told me he really expected my weight to be a lot less than that so I actually was doing better that anticipated. He gave me another prescription for antibiotics for 7 days. My next appointment with him is May 16. Judy and I head to Dallas for my appointment with my surgeon Dr. Oxford May 8. The weekend before we leave I started eating again, it was a little difficult but at least I was trying. I went Saturday night and all day Sunday without using my tube, but when I got up Monday my neck was a little swollen. I thought well they told me it would swell from time to time because I don’t have any lymph nodes anymore so the fluids will have to find new routes out of my body. We leave Monday morning to go to Dallas and enjoy getting out and spending the night so it won’t be an all day drive Tuesday. We stop Monday in Sulphur Springs to eat lunch. We ate at Long John Silvers. I had 2 pieces of fish, 3 shrimp, 1 hush puppy, a few french fries, and a medium Root beer. It sure was good! I told Judy maybe tomorrow Dr. Oxford might o.k. for my tube to be taken out since I am eating pretty well. We stopped again in Greenville at TCBY and got ice cream, but then after that stop downhill from there. My neck started swelling and got hard as if I had swallowed a bag of concrete. It is really painful. So Monday night I had to go back to the tube what a disappointment. Got up Tuesday morning went to my appointment. Dr. Oxford said I had an infection in my neck, so he gave me a prescription for amoxicillin which is an antibiotic for 10 days. He said my tube may have to stay in for a little while longer. He showed Judy how my tongue was cooked by the radiation, it is still awfully sore. He said the radiation should be completely out of my body in another week or so. So today is May 11 and my neck is swollen and has fever in it and it really is painful. Hopefully the medicine will take care of it. Hope all you Mothers have a blessed Mothers Day !! Talk to ya’ll later.
Friday
Hey everybody! Sorry it has been so long since my last log. Today is Friday May 11. I had my appointment with my radiation Dr. April 25, he told me everything looked like it is supposed to. I had begun to eat a little a week before my appointment but due to the swelling and soreness of my tongue I had to stop. He told me I would have to be eating 2 weeks on my own without my peg tube before I could have it removed and be showing a steady weight gain. My weight was 195 lbs. It is impossible to gain weight when your on nothing but liquid. He told me he really expected my weight to be a lot less than that so I actually was doing better that anticipated. He gave me another prescription for antibiotics for 7 days. My next appointment with him is May 16. Judy and I head to Dallas for my appointment with my surgeon Dr. Oxford May 8. The weekend before we leave I started eating again, it was a little difficult but at least I was trying. I went Saturday night and all day Sunday without using my tube, but when I got up Monday my neck was a little swollen. I thought well they told me it would swell from time to time because I don’t have any lymph nodes anymore so the fluids will have to find new routes out of my body. We leave Monday morning to go to Dallas and enjoy getting out and spending the night so it won’t be an all day drive Tuesday. We stop Monday in Sulphur Springs to eat lunch. We ate at Long John Silvers. I had 2 pieces of fish, 3 shrimp, 1 hush puppy, a few french fries, and a medium Root beer. It sure was good! I told Judy maybe tomorrow Dr. Oxford might o.k. for my tube to be taken out since I am eating pretty well. We stopped again in Greenville at TCBY and got ice cream, but then after that stop downhill from there. My neck started swelling and got hard as if I had swallowed a bag of concrete. It is really painful. So Monday night I had to go back to the tube what a disappointment. Got up Tuesday morning went to my appointment. Dr. Oxford said I had an infection in my neck, so he gave me a prescription for amoxicillin which is an antibiotic for 10 days. He said my tube may have to stay in for a little while longer. He showed Judy how my tongue was cooked by the radiation, it is still awfully sore. He said the radiation should be completely out of my body in another week or so. So today is May 11 and my neck is swollen and has fever in it and it really is painful. Hopefully the medicine will take care of it. Hope all you Mothers have a blessed Mothers Day !! Talk to ya’ll later.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Robert's First Meal!
The day has finally come. It has been a very long road, but Robert can now eat and swallow a little bit. Some of our Beavers Bend friends brought us Baked chicken, green beans, mashed potato’s, pecan pie and bread. Well Robert fixed him a plate and between tears he is able to get some down. He said he forgot how good chicken tasted. He has drank about 32 ounces of tea also. What a happy day in the Goodner residence this is. I can not tell you how good it looks to actually see Robert eating. Many prayers have been answered today. Wanted to share the news with you as soon as possible. Ya’ll have a great weekend we will for sure……
Love,
Judy and Robert
Love,
Judy and Robert
Friday, April 20, 2007
Message From Robert
April 19 2007
Thursday
I just wanted to update a little, I know it’s been about 3 weeks since my last update but my mouth has been so sore I haven’t felt like doing much. My left side where the radiation was concentrated most is still swollen and it really hurts. My throat feels like as if you would have a bad case of strep throat, but now I have started to be able to swallow my saliva and it really is uncomfortable. I try everyday to swallow water, tea but my throat is just not ready yet. I am very thankful that I am not going to get dry mouth. My radiation Dr. said when you contract dry mouth it usually takes up close to a year for your saliva to return. I go back to Paris next Wednesday for my radiation Dr. wants to check and see if I am still hydrating myself properly. That is the most important thing you have to stay on top of is hydration. Believe me I know from experience. I have put more Gatorade and water through my feeding tube than the law should allow. I pray everyday maybe in the next coming weeks I will be able to swallow and start trying to eat a little. You don’t know what it’s like when it’s taken away from you. I told Judy when we get to go out to eat it’s going to take a little longer because I am going to be thankful for every bite I take!! The following week I go back to Baylor for Dr. Oxford to run a camera down the back of my throat to check and see if the radiation got everything. After that I go back every 6 weeks for a year and get a CT SCAN to make sure I am clear of Cancer. Then the second year it’s every 3 months. I want to thank everybody for your prayers, calls, cards, your comments on the blog, it really means a lot to me. Most of all I give God thanks for giving me the strength and direction to get through this setback in my life!! I will post again soon. See ya’ll later.
Thursday
I just wanted to update a little, I know it’s been about 3 weeks since my last update but my mouth has been so sore I haven’t felt like doing much. My left side where the radiation was concentrated most is still swollen and it really hurts. My throat feels like as if you would have a bad case of strep throat, but now I have started to be able to swallow my saliva and it really is uncomfortable. I try everyday to swallow water, tea but my throat is just not ready yet. I am very thankful that I am not going to get dry mouth. My radiation Dr. said when you contract dry mouth it usually takes up close to a year for your saliva to return. I go back to Paris next Wednesday for my radiation Dr. wants to check and see if I am still hydrating myself properly. That is the most important thing you have to stay on top of is hydration. Believe me I know from experience. I have put more Gatorade and water through my feeding tube than the law should allow. I pray everyday maybe in the next coming weeks I will be able to swallow and start trying to eat a little. You don’t know what it’s like when it’s taken away from you. I told Judy when we get to go out to eat it’s going to take a little longer because I am going to be thankful for every bite I take!! The following week I go back to Baylor for Dr. Oxford to run a camera down the back of my throat to check and see if the radiation got everything. After that I go back every 6 weeks for a year and get a CT SCAN to make sure I am clear of Cancer. Then the second year it’s every 3 months. I want to thank everybody for your prayers, calls, cards, your comments on the blog, it really means a lot to me. Most of all I give God thanks for giving me the strength and direction to get through this setback in my life!! I will post again soon. See ya’ll later.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
April 15, 2007
Sunday
Well it has been just a little over 2 weeks since Robert’s last radiation treatment. Robert’s face is completely healed, he has no more sores on the outside of his face and his skin is a pink color. Robert now has a wisdom tooth trying to come through on his left side, where most of the radiation was concentrated. We talked to my Uncle Gary who is a dentist and he told Robert to gargle with warm salt water and take his pain medicine and he can use an ice pack until we can talk to the doctor. I called the radiation doctor and they said Robert can not have any dental work done for 6 months, so we are hoping that tooth will not give him much trouble. Robert has good days and bad days, but more good than bad now. He still has to take pain medicine on a regular basis and still can not swallow due to the pain in his throat, but he tries everyday. He wants to be able to drink or eat anything so bad. He will try to drink tea or have a popsicle, but his throat is still not ready. He is much closer to being able to swallow than he was a couple of weeks ago, so I know after a couple more weeks he will be eating everything in sight. I can’t wait for that day. Thanks again to all for your thoughts, prayers and encouraging words.
Judy and Robert
Sunday
Well it has been just a little over 2 weeks since Robert’s last radiation treatment. Robert’s face is completely healed, he has no more sores on the outside of his face and his skin is a pink color. Robert now has a wisdom tooth trying to come through on his left side, where most of the radiation was concentrated. We talked to my Uncle Gary who is a dentist and he told Robert to gargle with warm salt water and take his pain medicine and he can use an ice pack until we can talk to the doctor. I called the radiation doctor and they said Robert can not have any dental work done for 6 months, so we are hoping that tooth will not give him much trouble. Robert has good days and bad days, but more good than bad now. He still has to take pain medicine on a regular basis and still can not swallow due to the pain in his throat, but he tries everyday. He wants to be able to drink or eat anything so bad. He will try to drink tea or have a popsicle, but his throat is still not ready. He is much closer to being able to swallow than he was a couple of weeks ago, so I know after a couple more weeks he will be eating everything in sight. I can’t wait for that day. Thanks again to all for your thoughts, prayers and encouraging words.
Judy and Robert
Friday, March 30, 2007
Hallelujah Robert Has Rung the Bell!!
Ringing the Bells
Proud Graduate
No More Mask
March 30, 2007
Friday
Well treatments are over!! Robert had his last radiation treatment Wednesday. At Paris Cancer Treatment Center they have a bell you ring after your last treatment. Robert told Dr. Kerley when he saw him Monday that he better be sure and wear his ear plugs because he was going to get down on that bell. And let me tell you he did, it was so good to see him ringing that bell, they heard the bell all over the building. Dr. Kerley told Robert he would continue to get worse before he gets better. The radiation will continue to burn him. The radiation burns from the inside out. When the doctors and staff would tell Robert he would have pain, they were not stretching the truth. Robert is in constant pain now. As you could tell by the previous pictures Robert’s face is really burned. He does not complain about his face, he just complains about the inside of his mouth and throat. I think Robert is a little discouraged now, he was thinking when he woke up Thursday morning he would already feel better. He had hopes of being able to go back to work by his birthday which is April 18th. Robert still has a long recovery and I hope and pray God gives him the strength to stay positive and see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can not tell you how much your comments have helped us and please continue to let Robert hear from each and everyone. It helps more than you realize. Robert does not talk much, probably does not say more than 10 words a day, but looks forward to reading the blog. If anyone wants to send Robert a personal email and does not feel comfortable leaving comments on the blog please do so. You can email him at judygood@pine-net.com. Robert got his first ecard from Sandi the other day and thought that was the coolest thing. Thanks again for your prayers and thoughts.
Judy
Friday
Well treatments are over!! Robert had his last radiation treatment Wednesday. At Paris Cancer Treatment Center they have a bell you ring after your last treatment. Robert told Dr. Kerley when he saw him Monday that he better be sure and wear his ear plugs because he was going to get down on that bell. And let me tell you he did, it was so good to see him ringing that bell, they heard the bell all over the building. Dr. Kerley told Robert he would continue to get worse before he gets better. The radiation will continue to burn him. The radiation burns from the inside out. When the doctors and staff would tell Robert he would have pain, they were not stretching the truth. Robert is in constant pain now. As you could tell by the previous pictures Robert’s face is really burned. He does not complain about his face, he just complains about the inside of his mouth and throat. I think Robert is a little discouraged now, he was thinking when he woke up Thursday morning he would already feel better. He had hopes of being able to go back to work by his birthday which is April 18th. Robert still has a long recovery and I hope and pray God gives him the strength to stay positive and see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can not tell you how much your comments have helped us and please continue to let Robert hear from each and everyone. It helps more than you realize. Robert does not talk much, probably does not say more than 10 words a day, but looks forward to reading the blog. If anyone wants to send Robert a personal email and does not feel comfortable leaving comments on the blog please do so. You can email him at judygood@pine-net.com. Robert got his first ecard from Sandi the other day and thought that was the coolest thing. Thanks again for your prayers and thoughts.
Judy
Monday, March 26, 2007
Let's Say a Special Prayer
This is Robert's last week of treatment but as you can all see he is in tremendous pain not only from the burnt areas on his face and neck but also from the sores inside of his mouth. The pain for Robert is so tremendous that he is consistantly on liquid morphine and at times still finds the pain unbearable. Robert and Judy are almost done with this treatment but still are in need of healing prayers so let's all pray;
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
posted by LisaW
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
posted by LisaW
Saturday, March 24, 2007
3-2-1 Countdown to last treatment YEAH!
3 More radiation treatments, we are so excited!! You can see in the pictures how burned Robert is. If he even touches his skin it peels off. But at least he has the next 2 days off and then only 3 more treatments and then every day he should get a little better.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
March 20, 2007
Tuesday
Hey Guys!! Today is March 20; I had my last Chemo treatment today!! YES! YES! YES! Thank you Lord! It is also my daughters birthday today, so happy birthday Cassie !! We love you. I really feel good today. We met with radiation Dr. Kurley Monday he said everything is looking like it is suppose to. My mouth is really sore inside, when my teeth touch my tongue it is very painful. My skin is peeling on my face where the radiation is hitting it. It looks like I have 2nd. Degree burns on my face. He told me it will take about 2 weeks after last treatment which is March 28 for my throat to heal to where I can begin to swallow and begin to try to eat. My weight Monday was 203 lbs. Met Tuesday with Chemo Dr. He said everything went as planned. I still haven’t lost any hair except at the bottom of my neckline. The Nurse said she was surprised that I was able to still talk, she said most patients are not able to at this point. She is still stunned why I haven’t lost my hair to. I asked her why I am still producing saliva and she said be thankful that you are. She said most patients at this point have dry mouth and it takes close to a year for it to come back, and they have to carry a water bottle with them all the time. So I give thanks to God for all this that he has brought me through. I don’t have to sleep with oxygen any more either! The light seems to be getting brighter everyday. Thanks everybody for your continued prayers, cards, calls, and concern. I will post next week after my last radiation!! May God bless you and your families.
Robert
Hello from me now, I am also grateful how well Robert is doing. I am in awe of him and his strength. As some of you are aware my father had sinus surgery yesterday, they removed his adenoids, tonsils and his uvula and they rotor rudered his sinuses. Dr. Oxford, the same surgeon who did Robert’s neck dissection did my Dad’s surgery. My dad had people telling him that this type surgery was the worst surgery you could have as far as pain goes. Well Sandi and I got him to the hospital Monday at 5:15 am and the surgery lasted for 4 hours and he was in recovery for 4 hours. He and Sandi were home this morning by about 10:00 am and our Dad is doing really well. Last time I talked to them Sandi was cooking hamburgers for dinner. It is amazing how well he is doing and I think we have the excellent surgeon Dr. Oxford as well Robert’s attitude as an example to contribute to his great recovery. Of course he has the best nurse in the world taking care of him also. Thanks Sandi!!!! Thanks again for all your special comments. We really appreciate them. And we are so looking forward to next Wednesday for Robert to ring the bell.
Judy
Ps. Robert’s favorite driver Jimmy Johnson has won 2 races since Andrew gave him that @#$% hat. It sits right on top of our TV, so when I watch my NASCAR races I have to look at that @#$% hat. Lisa Garvin (a Jr. Fan) made me promise that I would hide that @#$% hat Sunday before the race, and if that does not work, when her and William come back to visit we are going to use the @#$% hat to start our camp fire. Go # 2 Miller Lite Dodge - Kurt Busch 2004 NASCAR Champion!!!
I have attached some pictures… Robert’s last chemo treatment and how we spent St. Patrick’s Day!!
Tuesday
Hey Guys!! Today is March 20; I had my last Chemo treatment today!! YES! YES! YES! Thank you Lord! It is also my daughters birthday today, so happy birthday Cassie !! We love you. I really feel good today. We met with radiation Dr. Kurley Monday he said everything is looking like it is suppose to. My mouth is really sore inside, when my teeth touch my tongue it is very painful. My skin is peeling on my face where the radiation is hitting it. It looks like I have 2nd. Degree burns on my face. He told me it will take about 2 weeks after last treatment which is March 28 for my throat to heal to where I can begin to swallow and begin to try to eat. My weight Monday was 203 lbs. Met Tuesday with Chemo Dr. He said everything went as planned. I still haven’t lost any hair except at the bottom of my neckline. The Nurse said she was surprised that I was able to still talk, she said most patients are not able to at this point. She is still stunned why I haven’t lost my hair to. I asked her why I am still producing saliva and she said be thankful that you are. She said most patients at this point have dry mouth and it takes close to a year for it to come back, and they have to carry a water bottle with them all the time. So I give thanks to God for all this that he has brought me through. I don’t have to sleep with oxygen any more either! The light seems to be getting brighter everyday. Thanks everybody for your continued prayers, cards, calls, and concern. I will post next week after my last radiation!! May God bless you and your families.
Robert
Hello from me now, I am also grateful how well Robert is doing. I am in awe of him and his strength. As some of you are aware my father had sinus surgery yesterday, they removed his adenoids, tonsils and his uvula and they rotor rudered his sinuses. Dr. Oxford, the same surgeon who did Robert’s neck dissection did my Dad’s surgery. My dad had people telling him that this type surgery was the worst surgery you could have as far as pain goes. Well Sandi and I got him to the hospital Monday at 5:15 am and the surgery lasted for 4 hours and he was in recovery for 4 hours. He and Sandi were home this morning by about 10:00 am and our Dad is doing really well. Last time I talked to them Sandi was cooking hamburgers for dinner. It is amazing how well he is doing and I think we have the excellent surgeon Dr. Oxford as well Robert’s attitude as an example to contribute to his great recovery. Of course he has the best nurse in the world taking care of him also. Thanks Sandi!!!! Thanks again for all your special comments. We really appreciate them. And we are so looking forward to next Wednesday for Robert to ring the bell.
Judy
Ps. Robert’s favorite driver Jimmy Johnson has won 2 races since Andrew gave him that @#$% hat. It sits right on top of our TV, so when I watch my NASCAR races I have to look at that @#$% hat. Lisa Garvin (a Jr. Fan) made me promise that I would hide that @#$% hat Sunday before the race, and if that does not work, when her and William come back to visit we are going to use the @#$% hat to start our camp fire. Go # 2 Miller Lite Dodge - Kurt Busch 2004 NASCAR Champion!!!
I have attached some pictures… Robert’s last chemo treatment and how we spent St. Patrick’s Day!!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Robert's Surprise Package
March 10, 2007
Saturday
Hello again to all. I wanted yall to see Robert in his new hat. This is the surprise from Julie and Andrew. Andrew is the manager of Lowe’s in Hot Springs. He went to Las Vegas last week for Lowe’s Managers Conference. Andrew knew Robert was a Jimmy Johnson fan. For you non Nascar fans, Jimmy Johnson is the driver for the # 48 Lowe’s car. Andrew bought the hat and then got Jimmy Johnson, Chad Knaus crew chief for the # 48 Lowe’s team and the car owner Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motor Sports to sign it. Andrew could have got Jimmy’s wife to sign it but he said she was so beautiful he was too intimated to ask for hers. Also, Jimmy was the 2006 Nascar Champion, but that’s o’k because my driver was the 2004 Nascar Champion. Go # 2 Miller Lite Dodge woo hoo!! The hat came in the mail Thursday. Robert has felt bad Thursday and Friday due to the chemo kicking in. I was not able to take his picture until today. He was so happy when he saw the hat, he could not say anything, and he got choked up. Julie you and Andrew have really got to stop making him cry, it hurts him too bad. Ha Ha. Andrew thanks again so much for thinking of Robert. I can not tell you how much it means to him. Also we want to congratulate Julie and Andrew on their upcoming nuptials. We are happy you will be a part of our crazy family. Poor guy you don’t have a chance. Also we are so proud of you for receiving the award at the conference for Highest Gross Sells and for Store Manager of the Year! That is so awesome and we are so proud of you.
Saturday
Hello again to all. I wanted yall to see Robert in his new hat. This is the surprise from Julie and Andrew. Andrew is the manager of Lowe’s in Hot Springs. He went to Las Vegas last week for Lowe’s Managers Conference. Andrew knew Robert was a Jimmy Johnson fan. For you non Nascar fans, Jimmy Johnson is the driver for the # 48 Lowe’s car. Andrew bought the hat and then got Jimmy Johnson, Chad Knaus crew chief for the # 48 Lowe’s team and the car owner Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motor Sports to sign it. Andrew could have got Jimmy’s wife to sign it but he said she was so beautiful he was too intimated to ask for hers. Also, Jimmy was the 2006 Nascar Champion, but that’s o’k because my driver was the 2004 Nascar Champion. Go # 2 Miller Lite Dodge woo hoo!! The hat came in the mail Thursday. Robert has felt bad Thursday and Friday due to the chemo kicking in. I was not able to take his picture until today. He was so happy when he saw the hat, he could not say anything, and he got choked up. Julie you and Andrew have really got to stop making him cry, it hurts him too bad. Ha Ha. Andrew thanks again so much for thinking of Robert. I can not tell you how much it means to him. Also we want to congratulate Julie and Andrew on their upcoming nuptials. We are happy you will be a part of our crazy family. Poor guy you don’t have a chance. Also we are so proud of you for receiving the award at the conference for Highest Gross Sells and for Store Manager of the Year! That is so awesome and we are so proud of you.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Roberto's Update:)
March 7, 2007
Wednesday
Hey Guys! Just a little more update from me, so here we go. February 28 one of our dearest friends Lisa Garvin came up to help us for a few days and she did a great job. She was such a great help to both of us. She suggested I try some potato soup to help me gain weight, and by golly it worked! She took me to treatment Friday while Judy stayed home and got caught up on some chores. She even got to feed me while I was getting hydrated, she did a great job! She left from Paris and went home; we sure enjoyed her company as always. We love you Gabbin! When we got home Friday my favorite nurse Sandi-Sandi and niece A.K.A. Mud Bug came to spend the weekend with us. I felt pretty good except my mouth is constantly hurting, so she didn’t have to tend to me much. Mud Bug had 2 teeth implants put in before they came up so she was in a lot of pain also. Both of our jaws were swollen so we looked like chipmunks. We enjoyed their company as always, we love ya’ll very much. They left to go home Sunday. Monday was radiation day #19; we got to see Dr. Kurley he said everything is looking like it is supposed to. My throat is pretty much raw, and he will continue to make me a redneck before it is all over. On the lower half of my face he said I will never be able to grow a beard because of the radiation. My weight went up from 195 lbs. to 205 lbs. My goal is to get up to 210 before I finish treatment. I am pushing as close to 64 ounces of PowerAde & Gatorade & water as I can, they want me to do 2200 calories each day I am not quite there we are doing good if I get 1500 calories a day, I can tell ya’ll that it is hard to do when you can do only 2 ounces per syringe. I wake up each morning at about 1:30 A.M. and feed myself to help me through the night. I don’t get much sleep at night because of having to suction my mouth every 30 minutes or so. That will all come to an end soon but then I will have dry mouth for awhile. The Nurse said I would have to continue my feeding tube for about 2 – 3 weeks after treatment till I can swallow and eat without any problems. Tuesday was chemo day, only 2 left! I didn’t get to get radiation because the machine was broke, but I got to continue Wednesday. That is #20. My daughter came up Monday afternoon and she went with us to treatment Tuesday. I was so glad to see her, we had a good visit, she went home Wednesday. Can’t wait till our next visit, I love you Cassie! Judy said to check postings in about 2 days, her sister Julie and Julie’s fiancé Andrew are sending me something to have my picture made with so keep looking and we will all find out what the surprise is! I felt pretty good today so I got outside today and washed my Peterbuilt it really made me feel better. I will be hollering at ya’ll later! The light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to get brighter.
Wednesday
Hey Guys! Just a little more update from me, so here we go. February 28 one of our dearest friends Lisa Garvin came up to help us for a few days and she did a great job. She was such a great help to both of us. She suggested I try some potato soup to help me gain weight, and by golly it worked! She took me to treatment Friday while Judy stayed home and got caught up on some chores. She even got to feed me while I was getting hydrated, she did a great job! She left from Paris and went home; we sure enjoyed her company as always. We love you Gabbin! When we got home Friday my favorite nurse Sandi-Sandi and niece A.K.A. Mud Bug came to spend the weekend with us. I felt pretty good except my mouth is constantly hurting, so she didn’t have to tend to me much. Mud Bug had 2 teeth implants put in before they came up so she was in a lot of pain also. Both of our jaws were swollen so we looked like chipmunks. We enjoyed their company as always, we love ya’ll very much. They left to go home Sunday. Monday was radiation day #19; we got to see Dr. Kurley he said everything is looking like it is supposed to. My throat is pretty much raw, and he will continue to make me a redneck before it is all over. On the lower half of my face he said I will never be able to grow a beard because of the radiation. My weight went up from 195 lbs. to 205 lbs. My goal is to get up to 210 before I finish treatment. I am pushing as close to 64 ounces of PowerAde & Gatorade & water as I can, they want me to do 2200 calories each day I am not quite there we are doing good if I get 1500 calories a day, I can tell ya’ll that it is hard to do when you can do only 2 ounces per syringe. I wake up each morning at about 1:30 A.M. and feed myself to help me through the night. I don’t get much sleep at night because of having to suction my mouth every 30 minutes or so. That will all come to an end soon but then I will have dry mouth for awhile. The Nurse said I would have to continue my feeding tube for about 2 – 3 weeks after treatment till I can swallow and eat without any problems. Tuesday was chemo day, only 2 left! I didn’t get to get radiation because the machine was broke, but I got to continue Wednesday. That is #20. My daughter came up Monday afternoon and she went with us to treatment Tuesday. I was so glad to see her, we had a good visit, she went home Wednesday. Can’t wait till our next visit, I love you Cassie! Judy said to check postings in about 2 days, her sister Julie and Julie’s fiancé Andrew are sending me something to have my picture made with so keep looking and we will all find out what the surprise is! I felt pretty good today so I got outside today and washed my Peterbuilt it really made me feel better. I will be hollering at ya’ll later! The light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to get brighter.
We Are Here for You Robert and Judy!
Judy and Robert you have weathered a great deal of your journey and together your opportunities are endless focus on Quick Healing, Good Health and Great Times Ahead!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
A Message from Robert
Thursday
March 1, 2007
Hey everybody, thought I would update ya’ll while I feel a little better today than I have in the last week. I finally have February behind me. I hope the worst is behind me but we will have to wait and see. Tomorrow is March 2 so I will be halfway through with treatment. Monday when I weighed I was at 195 lbs. Thursday weighed again at 202 lbs. I took IV fluids Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and again Friday. I actually look like a Kill-Dee bird standing in a pair of shotgun shells! I started losing some of my hair today in the back so Judy cut it really short for me. It’s really difficult to keep enough fluids and nutrition going through my tube to keep me hydrated. I didn’t know how hard it would be to not be able to eat or drink for a long period of time. I can’t wait till the day I can eat, drink, and taste again. I just want everyone to know how much Judy and I appreciate everyone’s prayers, calls, cards, and thoughts from everyone. May God bless each one of you and your families. I will be talking to you guys later!!
March 1, 2007
Hey everybody, thought I would update ya’ll while I feel a little better today than I have in the last week. I finally have February behind me. I hope the worst is behind me but we will have to wait and see. Tomorrow is March 2 so I will be halfway through with treatment. Monday when I weighed I was at 195 lbs. Thursday weighed again at 202 lbs. I took IV fluids Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and again Friday. I actually look like a Kill-Dee bird standing in a pair of shotgun shells! I started losing some of my hair today in the back so Judy cut it really short for me. It’s really difficult to keep enough fluids and nutrition going through my tube to keep me hydrated. I didn’t know how hard it would be to not be able to eat or drink for a long period of time. I can’t wait till the day I can eat, drink, and taste again. I just want everyone to know how much Judy and I appreciate everyone’s prayers, calls, cards, and thoughts from everyone. May God bless each one of you and your families. I will be talking to you guys later!!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Treatments are Kickin' Robert's Tail
February 26, 2007
Monday
We made it thru the weekend and could not have made it without the help of Sandi, my Dad and Michael. I can not even tell anyone how much help it was to have Sandi here, not only for nursing but for mental support for me. She got up Saturday and Sunday during the night to give Robert his breathing treatment, meds and fluids. With all the pampering Robert received from all of us, you would think he would be ready to take off on his 4 wheeler. Sandi, our Dad and I all went with Robert to treatment this morning; he had radiation treatment and was seeing the radiation doctor. I wanted Sandi to go in with the doctor and help me get a handle on Robert’s nutrition. Robert went back for radiation and the nurse came and got me and said Robert was very weak and they were going to hook him up to some fluids. Robert is still unable to swallow and it is very painful for him to speak. Robert has sores on his bottom lip now so they are going to cancel his chemo treatment this week to give his mouth some time to heal. We will continue chemo next week. We told the doctor about the trip to the ER this weekend and told him our insurance is not going to cover the supplements the nutritionist has prescribed for him, and there is no way we can pay for it out of pocket it is VERY expensive. Dr. Kurley said we could use Carnation Instant Breakfast, that Robert would get what he needed from that. We will see I am not convinced. Robert lost 14 lbs. in one week. He is down to 195 now. After we saw the doctor we walked over to the chemo room to get the IV for fluids, Robert had to go to the bathroom, which was about 10 feet from the recliner, I went and got Sandi to set with him while I battled the insurance company on the nutrition and the cost of the new nausea medicine they have prescribed for Robert which is also very expensive even with our co-pay. Can you tell I am not real happy with our insurance company, they are a bunch a crooks. When Robert was in the bathroom he passed out, when Sandi got to him and got him back in the recliner his blood pressure was 80/60. The nurses got the IV started and got fluids in him. Sandi very reluctantly had to leave, she had to be at work at 3:00pm at the hospital, and she was only about 2 hours late. We are back home now and Robert is feeling better just very weak. We are trying to push more fluids to keep him hydrated; it is a thin line what Robert can tolerate and how much he needs to stay hydrated. We are optimistic that Robert will gain some strength soon.
Monday
We made it thru the weekend and could not have made it without the help of Sandi, my Dad and Michael. I can not even tell anyone how much help it was to have Sandi here, not only for nursing but for mental support for me. She got up Saturday and Sunday during the night to give Robert his breathing treatment, meds and fluids. With all the pampering Robert received from all of us, you would think he would be ready to take off on his 4 wheeler. Sandi, our Dad and I all went with Robert to treatment this morning; he had radiation treatment and was seeing the radiation doctor. I wanted Sandi to go in with the doctor and help me get a handle on Robert’s nutrition. Robert went back for radiation and the nurse came and got me and said Robert was very weak and they were going to hook him up to some fluids. Robert is still unable to swallow and it is very painful for him to speak. Robert has sores on his bottom lip now so they are going to cancel his chemo treatment this week to give his mouth some time to heal. We will continue chemo next week. We told the doctor about the trip to the ER this weekend and told him our insurance is not going to cover the supplements the nutritionist has prescribed for him, and there is no way we can pay for it out of pocket it is VERY expensive. Dr. Kurley said we could use Carnation Instant Breakfast, that Robert would get what he needed from that. We will see I am not convinced. Robert lost 14 lbs. in one week. He is down to 195 now. After we saw the doctor we walked over to the chemo room to get the IV for fluids, Robert had to go to the bathroom, which was about 10 feet from the recliner, I went and got Sandi to set with him while I battled the insurance company on the nutrition and the cost of the new nausea medicine they have prescribed for Robert which is also very expensive even with our co-pay. Can you tell I am not real happy with our insurance company, they are a bunch a crooks. When Robert was in the bathroom he passed out, when Sandi got to him and got him back in the recliner his blood pressure was 80/60. The nurses got the IV started and got fluids in him. Sandi very reluctantly had to leave, she had to be at work at 3:00pm at the hospital, and she was only about 2 hours late. We are back home now and Robert is feeling better just very weak. We are trying to push more fluids to keep him hydrated; it is a thin line what Robert can tolerate and how much he needs to stay hydrated. We are optimistic that Robert will gain some strength soon.
Treatments are Kickin' Robert's Tail
February 26, 2007
Monday
We made it thru the weekend and could not have made it without the help of Sandi, my Dad and Michael. I can not even tell anyone how much help it was to have Sandi here, not only for nursing but for mental support for me. She got up Saturday and Sunday during the night to give Robert his breathing treatment, meds and fluids. With all the pampering Robert received from all of us, you would think he would be ready to take off on his 4 wheeler. Sandi, our Dad and I all went with Robert to treatment this morning; he had radiation treatment and was seeing the radiation doctor. I wanted Sandi to go in with the doctor and help me get a handle on Robert’s nutrition. Robert went back for radiation and the nurse came and got me and said Robert was very weak and they were going to hook him up to some fluids. Robert is still unable to swallow and it is very painful for him to speak. Robert has sores on his bottom lip now so they are going to cancel his chemo treatment this week to give his mouth some time to heal. We will continue chemo next week. We told the doctor about the trip to the ER this weekend and told him our insurance is not going to cover the supplements the nutritionist has prescribed for him, and there is no way we can pay for it out of pocket it is VERY expensive. Dr. Kurley said we could use Carnation Instant Breakfast, that Robert would get what he needed from that. We will see I am not convinced. Robert lost 14 lbs. in one week. He is down to 195 now. After we saw the doctor we walked over to the chemo room to get the IV for fluids, Robert had to go to the bathroom, which was about 10 feet from the recliner, I went and got Sandi to set with him while I battled the insurance company on the nutrition and the cost of the new nausea medicine they have prescribed for Robert which is also very expensive even with our co-pay. Can you tell I am not real happy with our insurance company, they are a bunch a crooks. When Robert was in the bathroom he passed out, when Sandi got to him and got him back in the recliner his blood pressure was 80/60. The nurses got the IV started and got fluids in him. Sandi very reluctantly had to leave, she had to be at work at 3:00pm at the hospital, and she was only about 2 hours late. We are back home now and Robert is feeling better just very weak. We are trying to push more fluids to keep him hydrated; it is a thin line what Robert can tolerate and how much he needs to stay hydrated. We are optimistic that Robert will gain some strength soon.
Monday
We made it thru the weekend and could not have made it without the help of Sandi, my Dad and Michael. I can not even tell anyone how much help it was to have Sandi here, not only for nursing but for mental support for me. She got up Saturday and Sunday during the night to give Robert his breathing treatment, meds and fluids. With all the pampering Robert received from all of us, you would think he would be ready to take off on his 4 wheeler. Sandi, our Dad and I all went with Robert to treatment this morning; he had radiation treatment and was seeing the radiation doctor. I wanted Sandi to go in with the doctor and help me get a handle on Robert’s nutrition. Robert went back for radiation and the nurse came and got me and said Robert was very weak and they were going to hook him up to some fluids. Robert is still unable to swallow and it is very painful for him to speak. Robert has sores on his bottom lip now so they are going to cancel his chemo treatment this week to give his mouth some time to heal. We will continue chemo next week. We told the doctor about the trip to the ER this weekend and told him our insurance is not going to cover the supplements the nutritionist has prescribed for him, and there is no way we can pay for it out of pocket it is VERY expensive. Dr. Kurley said we could use Carnation Instant Breakfast, that Robert would get what he needed from that. We will see I am not convinced. Robert lost 14 lbs. in one week. He is down to 195 now. After we saw the doctor we walked over to the chemo room to get the IV for fluids, Robert had to go to the bathroom, which was about 10 feet from the recliner, I went and got Sandi to set with him while I battled the insurance company on the nutrition and the cost of the new nausea medicine they have prescribed for Robert which is also very expensive even with our co-pay. Can you tell I am not real happy with our insurance company, they are a bunch a crooks. When Robert was in the bathroom he passed out, when Sandi got to him and got him back in the recliner his blood pressure was 80/60. The nurses got the IV started and got fluids in him. Sandi very reluctantly had to leave, she had to be at work at 3:00pm at the hospital, and she was only about 2 hours late. We are back home now and Robert is feeling better just very weak. We are trying to push more fluids to keep him hydrated; it is a thin line what Robert can tolerate and how much he needs to stay hydrated. We are optimistic that Robert will gain some strength soon.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The Storm after The Calm
February 24, 2007
Saturday
Hello to all!! Well I wish I could tell you that Robert was still feeling good. Robert did not sleep at all last night, he is still very congested and having to spit every minute. He got nauseated again, and it was so bad he was throwing up blood and he said he felt like a weight was on his chest. He suffered from 1:30 to 3:00 am. Robert finally could not take it anymore and we called 911 and the ambulance took him to the hospital. They did an EKG and watched him for a while. They told us Robert’s heart was o.k.; it’s probably just all the acid in his stomach, so they sent us home with more prescriptions. We had medical supply deliver a hospital bed to make Robert more comfortable, he is also on Oxygen and taking breathing treatments. For some reason his oxygen level has dropped so they are going to get that back up, and the breathing treatments are to help open up his airway. When we were at the hospital Robert got to use suction and that helped him more than anything, he did not have to rise up and spit. When we got home from the hospital my Dad and I went to the medical supply store and got a suction we can use at home, also picked up more prescriptions. Michael Chase stayed home with Robert and fed him and also put some liquid down his tube. I do not know what I would have done without My Dad and Michael being here. With keeping up with all the medicines, oxygen, feedings, hydrating it is too much for one person to do. Sandi is on her way up, so Robert will have 4 people taking care of him. I am so thankful for her, even though there are 3 of us now, we are pretty exhausted. I told my Dad that the chemo and radiation is kicking Roberts butt, but it is kicking the care takers butt also. We just can not seem to get one step ahead of what Robert needs. Sandi who is an RN has her work cut out for her. Hopefully the next report will be a good one.
Robert and Judy
Saturday
Hello to all!! Well I wish I could tell you that Robert was still feeling good. Robert did not sleep at all last night, he is still very congested and having to spit every minute. He got nauseated again, and it was so bad he was throwing up blood and he said he felt like a weight was on his chest. He suffered from 1:30 to 3:00 am. Robert finally could not take it anymore and we called 911 and the ambulance took him to the hospital. They did an EKG and watched him for a while. They told us Robert’s heart was o.k.; it’s probably just all the acid in his stomach, so they sent us home with more prescriptions. We had medical supply deliver a hospital bed to make Robert more comfortable, he is also on Oxygen and taking breathing treatments. For some reason his oxygen level has dropped so they are going to get that back up, and the breathing treatments are to help open up his airway. When we were at the hospital Robert got to use suction and that helped him more than anything, he did not have to rise up and spit. When we got home from the hospital my Dad and I went to the medical supply store and got a suction we can use at home, also picked up more prescriptions. Michael Chase stayed home with Robert and fed him and also put some liquid down his tube. I do not know what I would have done without My Dad and Michael being here. With keeping up with all the medicines, oxygen, feedings, hydrating it is too much for one person to do. Sandi is on her way up, so Robert will have 4 people taking care of him. I am so thankful for her, even though there are 3 of us now, we are pretty exhausted. I told my Dad that the chemo and radiation is kicking Roberts butt, but it is kicking the care takers butt also. We just can not seem to get one step ahead of what Robert needs. Sandi who is an RN has her work cut out for her. Hopefully the next report will be a good one.
Robert and Judy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hallelujah A Great Update for Robert!
(click photos to see full size)
February 21, 2007
Wednesday
I just have to tell everyone what the power of prayer has done for us and for the non-believers I am here to tell you I have witnessed the transformation of a man that was begging me to take him to the hospital a couple of nights ago to a man that heard Grandpa Tucker was almost here so he jumped on his 4 wheeler and took off to meet him down the road. If you all could have seen the look on my fathers face when he drove up; it was priceless. I don’t think he is convinced yet that I have not been lying to him just to get him down here. Robert’s night and morning was bad as it has been the last few days, he could not sleep and started having muscle spasms and still very nauseated. We went to 12th radiation treatment and then had 4th chemo treatment, the chemo nurse pumped Robert with lot’s of fluids, he was unable to speak he could not even take a very small sip of water with out bringing it back up. I could tell his coloring was improving after the 2nd bag of fluids. When we got home Robert actually emptied the bathroom trash can all by himself and without me even asking him to. I was very grateful, next thing I know he went outside and got his 4 wheeler out of the shop and he was gone. He was gone for about 45 minutes; I was worried and thought I should go look for his sorry butt. But he came riding up with a big ole grin on his face. Of course I jumped all over him because of the sun exposure to his neck. You can see in the picture Oscar was excited Daddy was feeling better too. I just can not tell you the difference in Robert. We are so thrilled and we know not to take these great times for granted. Robert said getting back to work and riding that 4 wheeler is his goals. I could not wait to update the blog and let everyone know how wonderful Robert’s afternoon has been with thanks to all of you and our Heavenly Father!
Lots of Love and Gratitude,
Robert and Judy
Ps. Dana, Robert said to tell Jimmy, Robert Olen said when he gets better he will come see him.
Wednesday
I just have to tell everyone what the power of prayer has done for us and for the non-believers I am here to tell you I have witnessed the transformation of a man that was begging me to take him to the hospital a couple of nights ago to a man that heard Grandpa Tucker was almost here so he jumped on his 4 wheeler and took off to meet him down the road. If you all could have seen the look on my fathers face when he drove up; it was priceless. I don’t think he is convinced yet that I have not been lying to him just to get him down here. Robert’s night and morning was bad as it has been the last few days, he could not sleep and started having muscle spasms and still very nauseated. We went to 12th radiation treatment and then had 4th chemo treatment, the chemo nurse pumped Robert with lot’s of fluids, he was unable to speak he could not even take a very small sip of water with out bringing it back up. I could tell his coloring was improving after the 2nd bag of fluids. When we got home Robert actually emptied the bathroom trash can all by himself and without me even asking him to. I was very grateful, next thing I know he went outside and got his 4 wheeler out of the shop and he was gone. He was gone for about 45 minutes; I was worried and thought I should go look for his sorry butt. But he came riding up with a big ole grin on his face. Of course I jumped all over him because of the sun exposure to his neck. You can see in the picture Oscar was excited Daddy was feeling better too. I just can not tell you the difference in Robert. We are so thrilled and we know not to take these great times for granted. Robert said getting back to work and riding that 4 wheeler is his goals. I could not wait to update the blog and let everyone know how wonderful Robert’s afternoon has been with thanks to all of you and our Heavenly Father!
Lots of Love and Gratitude,
Robert and Judy
Ps. Dana, Robert said to tell Jimmy, Robert Olen said when he gets better he will come see him.
Footprints - Love From Mom and Benny!
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson
Holding on To Faith!
February 20, 2007
Tuesday
Robert had another bad night Monday night. We went to Paris for the daily radiation treatment; he had to stop in the middle of therapy due to the congestion, nausea and pain. They let Robert rest a little, then they suctioned his throat and that allowed him to complete his treatment, so one more down and 24 to go. Robert lost another 5 pounds. The radiation doctor has set Robert up with a nutritionist and a respiratory therapist. Robert can not tolerate the Ensure so the nutritionist will give him exactly what he needs for his height and normal weight; it is suppose to be a lot softer on his stomach. Robert will get most of his nutrition during the night they will set him up on a bolus, I think hat is what it is called, it will be like an IV which will go thru his feeding tube. Robert has a long way to go and has already lost 11 lbs. The respiratory therapist will monitor him and make sure he is getting enough oxygen and also make sure pneumonia does not set in. Robert will sleep with a monitor on his finger and we will take it in with us to treatments everyday, they will download the results right there and will determine if his oxygen level is where it needs to be. I am sure you are like me this is way too much information for the normal person to understand. I am hoping the new nutrition they give him will help Robert. I just feel so helpless right now, it is so hard watching him suffer and not being able to do anything about it. I know better days are ahead for us, my dad is coming down tomorrow to keep us company, and we are looking forward to seeing him. Robert can not talk now or even swallow, so it will be nice just to be able to have a conversation with someone who can talk back. Thanks again so much for your comments. Robert just said his temperature is up to 99.6, gotta go do my nursing duties. Love and Best Wishes to all. Judy and Robert
Tuesday
Robert had another bad night Monday night. We went to Paris for the daily radiation treatment; he had to stop in the middle of therapy due to the congestion, nausea and pain. They let Robert rest a little, then they suctioned his throat and that allowed him to complete his treatment, so one more down and 24 to go. Robert lost another 5 pounds. The radiation doctor has set Robert up with a nutritionist and a respiratory therapist. Robert can not tolerate the Ensure so the nutritionist will give him exactly what he needs for his height and normal weight; it is suppose to be a lot softer on his stomach. Robert will get most of his nutrition during the night they will set him up on a bolus, I think hat is what it is called, it will be like an IV which will go thru his feeding tube. Robert has a long way to go and has already lost 11 lbs. The respiratory therapist will monitor him and make sure he is getting enough oxygen and also make sure pneumonia does not set in. Robert will sleep with a monitor on his finger and we will take it in with us to treatments everyday, they will download the results right there and will determine if his oxygen level is where it needs to be. I am sure you are like me this is way too much information for the normal person to understand. I am hoping the new nutrition they give him will help Robert. I just feel so helpless right now, it is so hard watching him suffer and not being able to do anything about it. I know better days are ahead for us, my dad is coming down tomorrow to keep us company, and we are looking forward to seeing him. Robert can not talk now or even swallow, so it will be nice just to be able to have a conversation with someone who can talk back. Thanks again so much for your comments. Robert just said his temperature is up to 99.6, gotta go do my nursing duties. Love and Best Wishes to all. Judy and Robert
Monday, February 19, 2007
Faith and Prayer
February 19, 2007
Monday
Robert had his worst night so far last night. He was in so much pain from the sores in his mouth and then on top of that he got sick to his stomach. Of course he blamed my homemade liquid diet, so now its nothing but Ensure and liquids. He was begging me to take him to the hospital due to his extreme pain. I got some pain medicine and nausea medicine down his feeding tube. That did help a little. Thru all the pain he was a trooper and went on to radiation and then we saw the radiation doctor. I was really scared Robert had pneumonia, but the doctor said Roberts lungs are clear, it is just the chemo and radiation doing what they are suppose to by killing everything good and bad.. The doctor said Robert has thrush. Melissa you are exactly right, the doctor has prescribed all those medications you named and they are in liquid form so we put them right in the feeding tube. You can not know how much your and Chris’s experience in fighting this ugly beast has helped us. I hope and pray the mouthwash medicine helps. Dr. Kurley said “the chemo is what is kicking Robert’s butt right now, but by Friday it will be the radiation”, which means we have some trying days and nights ahead of us.
Monday
Robert had his worst night so far last night. He was in so much pain from the sores in his mouth and then on top of that he got sick to his stomach. Of course he blamed my homemade liquid diet, so now its nothing but Ensure and liquids. He was begging me to take him to the hospital due to his extreme pain. I got some pain medicine and nausea medicine down his feeding tube. That did help a little. Thru all the pain he was a trooper and went on to radiation and then we saw the radiation doctor. I was really scared Robert had pneumonia, but the doctor said Roberts lungs are clear, it is just the chemo and radiation doing what they are suppose to by killing everything good and bad.. The doctor said Robert has thrush. Melissa you are exactly right, the doctor has prescribed all those medications you named and they are in liquid form so we put them right in the feeding tube. You can not know how much your and Chris’s experience in fighting this ugly beast has helped us. I hope and pray the mouthwash medicine helps. Dr. Kurley said “the chemo is what is kicking Robert’s butt right now, but by Friday it will be the radiation”, which means we have some trying days and nights ahead of us.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Prayer's for Healing
February 18, 2007
Sunday
We are home from spending the weekend at Sandi and Mick’s. Sandi thank you so much for taking care of Robert for me Saturday while I went to Dallas with Lisa Garvin and Lisa Wood. I can not tell you how nice it was to get out and spend the time with friends. I did not know how much I needed to get out until I did. Thank you so much for taking me to PF Changs. Man I love that restaurant. I had the lettuce wraps for dinner tonight. Yum Yum.. O.k. enough about me. When we got up Saturday morning Robert was not feeling well, and it has just gotten worse from there. He went and visited with friends in Canton and then went to see his brothers Billy and Larry. When he got back to Mick and Sandi’s he was exhausted. He now has sores on the inside of his mouth and on his tongue. He can not eat anything right now, so I made my first liquid meal for him to put in his feeding tube. I gave him ham, steamed carrots and cabbage with V8 Juice and water to liquefy. I am sure that sounds as nasty to ya’ll as it does to me, but he can not taste it anyway. Well he said the V8 made him sick to his stomach so I failed at my first liquid meal, but I promise Robert’s loved ones, I will keep trying and so far am refraining from grabbing the Drano. Robert has probably not said more than 20 words today. What he has said was “this is hell”!! Robert is losing his positive attitude, so I am asking friends and loved ones to encourage him with your special words and remember him in your prayers. He really needs it right now. This has been a tough day for him, but we see the radiation doctor tomorrow so hopefully he will give Robert something for the pain from the sores in his mouth. Thanks again to all.
Sunday
We are home from spending the weekend at Sandi and Mick’s. Sandi thank you so much for taking care of Robert for me Saturday while I went to Dallas with Lisa Garvin and Lisa Wood. I can not tell you how nice it was to get out and spend the time with friends. I did not know how much I needed to get out until I did. Thank you so much for taking me to PF Changs. Man I love that restaurant. I had the lettuce wraps for dinner tonight. Yum Yum.. O.k. enough about me. When we got up Saturday morning Robert was not feeling well, and it has just gotten worse from there. He went and visited with friends in Canton and then went to see his brothers Billy and Larry. When he got back to Mick and Sandi’s he was exhausted. He now has sores on the inside of his mouth and on his tongue. He can not eat anything right now, so I made my first liquid meal for him to put in his feeding tube. I gave him ham, steamed carrots and cabbage with V8 Juice and water to liquefy. I am sure that sounds as nasty to ya’ll as it does to me, but he can not taste it anyway. Well he said the V8 made him sick to his stomach so I failed at my first liquid meal, but I promise Robert’s loved ones, I will keep trying and so far am refraining from grabbing the Drano. Robert has probably not said more than 20 words today. What he has said was “this is hell”!! Robert is losing his positive attitude, so I am asking friends and loved ones to encourage him with your special words and remember him in your prayers. He really needs it right now. This has been a tough day for him, but we see the radiation doctor tomorrow so hopefully he will give Robert something for the pain from the sores in his mouth. Thanks again to all.
Prayer's for Healing
February 18, 2007
Sunday
We are home from spending the weekend at Sandi and Mick’s. Sandi thank you so much for taking care of Robert for me Saturday while I went to Dallas with Lisa Garvin and Lisa Wood. I can not tell you how nice it was to get out and spend the time with friends. I did not know how much I needed to get out until I did. Thank you so much for taking me to PF Changs. Man I love that restaurant. I had the lettuce wraps for dinner tonight. Yum Yum.. O.k. enough about me. When we got up Saturday morning Robert was not feeling well, and it has just gotten worse from there. He went and visited with friends in Canton and then went to see his brothers Billy and Larry. When he got back to Mick and Sandi’s he was exhausted. He now has sores on the inside of his mouth and on his tongue. He can not eat anything right now, so I made my first liquid meal for him to put in his feeding tube. I gave him ham, steamed carrots and cabbage with V8 Juice and water to liquefy. I am sure that sounds as nasty to ya’ll as it does to me, but he can not taste it anyway. Well he said the V8 made him sick to his stomach so I failed at my first liquid meal, but I promise Robert’s loved ones, I will keep trying and so far am refraining from grabbing the Drano. Robert has probably not said more than 20 words today. What he has said was “this is hell”!! Robert is losing his positive attitude, so I am asking friends and loved ones to encourage him with your special words and remember him in your prayers. He really needs it right now. This has been a tough day for him, but we see the radiation doctor tomorrow so hopefully he will give Robert something for the pain from the sores in his mouth. Thanks again to all.
Sunday
We are home from spending the weekend at Sandi and Mick’s. Sandi thank you so much for taking care of Robert for me Saturday while I went to Dallas with Lisa Garvin and Lisa Wood. I can not tell you how nice it was to get out and spend the time with friends. I did not know how much I needed to get out until I did. Thank you so much for taking me to PF Changs. Man I love that restaurant. I had the lettuce wraps for dinner tonight. Yum Yum.. O.k. enough about me. When we got up Saturday morning Robert was not feeling well, and it has just gotten worse from there. He went and visited with friends in Canton and then went to see his brothers Billy and Larry. When he got back to Mick and Sandi’s he was exhausted. He now has sores on the inside of his mouth and on his tongue. He can not eat anything right now, so I made my first liquid meal for him to put in his feeding tube. I gave him ham, steamed carrots and cabbage with V8 Juice and water to liquefy. I am sure that sounds as nasty to ya’ll as it does to me, but he can not taste it anyway. Well he said the V8 made him sick to his stomach so I failed at my first liquid meal, but I promise Robert’s loved ones, I will keep trying and so far am refraining from grabbing the Drano. Robert has probably not said more than 20 words today. What he has said was “this is hell”!! Robert is losing his positive attitude, so I am asking friends and loved ones to encourage him with your special words and remember him in your prayers. He really needs it right now. This has been a tough day for him, but we see the radiation doctor tomorrow so hopefully he will give Robert something for the pain from the sores in his mouth. Thanks again to all.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Weekly Update from Robert!
February 16, 2007
Friday
Hey everybody! A little update from me. Met Monday with Dr. Kurley [radiation] he said it is working like it is suppose to. The inside of my mouth is getting a little sore now; my taste buds are going away really fast. I weighed 220 lbs Monday, Wednesday 214 lbs. I’m still eating by mouth, but I have also been using my feeding tube getting ready when the time comes. It is not fun! But I know it is necessary to keep me going so I can get through this. I have been having a little nausea after chemo nothing to really complain about. I keep saying to myself over & over when I get radiation, chemo, or get to feeling bad, I say to myself IT SHALL ALL PASS! Met with Dr. Parkesh Wednesday [chemo] he said my red blood count & white blood count was great. I have been getting a cough so he prescribed anti-biotics for precaution. I have been doing my neck exercises, walking down by the river for fresh air when weather permits. I feel pretty good today so after my radiation this afternoon Judy, Oscar & I are going to my favorite other place to be when I’m not sick, & that is Sandi & Micks on Cedar Creek Lake!! I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us, for without you & Gods strength & guidance it would be a difficult road. He has given me a wonderful, caring, loving wife who is there every step of the way, she is my Hero! I love you Judy! Got to get ready for radiation, talk to you guys soon.
Friday
Hey everybody! A little update from me. Met Monday with Dr. Kurley [radiation] he said it is working like it is suppose to. The inside of my mouth is getting a little sore now; my taste buds are going away really fast. I weighed 220 lbs Monday, Wednesday 214 lbs. I’m still eating by mouth, but I have also been using my feeding tube getting ready when the time comes. It is not fun! But I know it is necessary to keep me going so I can get through this. I have been having a little nausea after chemo nothing to really complain about. I keep saying to myself over & over when I get radiation, chemo, or get to feeling bad, I say to myself IT SHALL ALL PASS! Met with Dr. Parkesh Wednesday [chemo] he said my red blood count & white blood count was great. I have been getting a cough so he prescribed anti-biotics for precaution. I have been doing my neck exercises, walking down by the river for fresh air when weather permits. I feel pretty good today so after my radiation this afternoon Judy, Oscar & I are going to my favorite other place to be when I’m not sick, & that is Sandi & Micks on Cedar Creek Lake!! I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us, for without you & Gods strength & guidance it would be a difficult road. He has given me a wonderful, caring, loving wife who is there every step of the way, she is my Hero! I love you Judy! Got to get ready for radiation, talk to you guys soon.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Robert and Judy,
Valentines Day is a Day for Recognizing and Honoring Love and I Can Think of No Better Example Than the Love That Has Been Shown Not Only by Your Family and Friends but Especially by Your Relationship Together. Robert You are Judy's Rock and Judy You are Roberts Rock and the Two of You Are Each Others Heart and Together Anything is Possible!
A Valentine For You!
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable,
and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but
rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith,
is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance.
Love will last forever....
I Corinthians 13:4-8
PS Sandi I found a box of tissues for you:)
LW
Friday, February 9, 2007
More Treatments Behind Us and Many Thanks to You All!
February 9, 2007
Friday
Robert has completed 2 treatments of chemo and 3 treatments of radiation. He is doing great. He has had no side effects from the treatments yet. Robert is now doing radiation Monday thru Friday and chemo once a week. We are hoping and praying Robert will just breeze thru the treatments and will be back to working in a couple of months. Michael has come up to entertain us this weekend. We are very grateful for the company. Thanks Mikey.
When I hear the following song I think of each person that has so lovingly and generously put their needs aside to be with Robert and I in this time of great need and despair. We want everyone to know that we are so grateful you are a part of our lives. We cannot say Thank You enough for your generous gifts and your lovely encouraging words. The transition has been easy due to our success in surrounding ourselves with only the best of people. Your acts of Humanitarianism will be held closely in our hearts and minds. Our appreciation and love for You All will never falter. Thank you so very much, may we one day have the luck and opportunity to repay that which Everyone has so graciously given.
Friday
Robert has completed 2 treatments of chemo and 3 treatments of radiation. He is doing great. He has had no side effects from the treatments yet. Robert is now doing radiation Monday thru Friday and chemo once a week. We are hoping and praying Robert will just breeze thru the treatments and will be back to working in a couple of months. Michael has come up to entertain us this weekend. We are very grateful for the company. Thanks Mikey.
When I hear the following song I think of each person that has so lovingly and generously put their needs aside to be with Robert and I in this time of great need and despair. We want everyone to know that we are so grateful you are a part of our lives. We cannot say Thank You enough for your generous gifts and your lovely encouraging words. The transition has been easy due to our success in surrounding ourselves with only the best of people. Your acts of Humanitarianism will be held closely in our hearts and minds. Our appreciation and love for You All will never falter. Thank you so very much, may we one day have the luck and opportunity to repay that which Everyone has so graciously given.
Rascal Flatts - My Wish Lyrics
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.
But More than anything, Yeah, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Robert Tells All about his New Mask:)
February 3, 2007
Saturday
Hello everyone,
Judy and I had to go back to Paris Friday to get my Jason mask from Friday 13th made. I will wear the mask during every radiation treatment. The mask will make sure my head is in the same position for each of the 35 treatments. They keep the mask in a freezer so it will be freezing when I put it on. We met my radiation nurses Friday, Maria Antoinette (black lady in picture) and Toni, and they went over everything I should expect from the radiation. They are great and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. They tell me I will like them and then ½ thru treatment I will not like them at all. I find that hard to believe they are wonderful. I told them I will be their favorite patient they have ever had. My radiation starts Wednesday, and they tell me it will not affect me until about the 2nd week of treatment. I am going to hold Maria and Toni to that.
On the way home from Paris Friday, Judy and I stopped in to see my buddy who owns Kiamichi Chevrolet (Tim Tomlinson) here in Broken Bow. Tim and his wife Judy did not know what was going on. I told Tim and asked him if he had a car we could use to go back and forth to treatments that got good gas mileage. Tim said “Robert, you do not worry about a thing, I will take care of it for you”. Tim is going to supply us a car to drive to treatments. Tim called Judy Saturday morning and said he and his wife were talking about my situation and his wife, Judy said they needed to do more, so they are not only taking care of a vehicle for us to travel back and forth in, but they are taking care of the gas also. I can not tell you what that means to Judy and I, God is still working in mysterious ways. We are just in awe and do not fully understand all the wonderful people who have reached out to help us. If anyone is looking for a new vehicle, please keep Kiamichi Chevrolet in mind. They are truly wonderful people.
Cassie and her boyfriend Chris came up for the weekend. We went 4 wheeling today with Robert’s boss Jeff Gibbs and his brother Gerald. We all had a great time; there was still a little snow in places. We are hoping I still have a couple of weeks of riding left before the radiation kicks in. The dirtiest 4 wheeler award goes to Cassie, she and Mudbug (my niece Morgan) do not like to slow down for the puddles. Hope everyone has a great superbowl party, Judy, Oscar and I can’t wait. Go Saints!!! (there you go Sani Ani)
Saturday
Hello everyone,
Judy and I had to go back to Paris Friday to get my Jason mask from Friday 13th made. I will wear the mask during every radiation treatment. The mask will make sure my head is in the same position for each of the 35 treatments. They keep the mask in a freezer so it will be freezing when I put it on. We met my radiation nurses Friday, Maria Antoinette (black lady in picture) and Toni, and they went over everything I should expect from the radiation. They are great and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. They tell me I will like them and then ½ thru treatment I will not like them at all. I find that hard to believe they are wonderful. I told them I will be their favorite patient they have ever had. My radiation starts Wednesday, and they tell me it will not affect me until about the 2nd week of treatment. I am going to hold Maria and Toni to that.
On the way home from Paris Friday, Judy and I stopped in to see my buddy who owns Kiamichi Chevrolet (Tim Tomlinson) here in Broken Bow. Tim and his wife Judy did not know what was going on. I told Tim and asked him if he had a car we could use to go back and forth to treatments that got good gas mileage. Tim said “Robert, you do not worry about a thing, I will take care of it for you”. Tim is going to supply us a car to drive to treatments. Tim called Judy Saturday morning and said he and his wife were talking about my situation and his wife, Judy said they needed to do more, so they are not only taking care of a vehicle for us to travel back and forth in, but they are taking care of the gas also. I can not tell you what that means to Judy and I, God is still working in mysterious ways. We are just in awe and do not fully understand all the wonderful people who have reached out to help us. If anyone is looking for a new vehicle, please keep Kiamichi Chevrolet in mind. They are truly wonderful people.
Cassie and her boyfriend Chris came up for the weekend. We went 4 wheeling today with Robert’s boss Jeff Gibbs and his brother Gerald. We all had a great time; there was still a little snow in places. We are hoping I still have a couple of weeks of riding left before the radiation kicks in. The dirtiest 4 wheeler award goes to Cassie, she and Mudbug (my niece Morgan) do not like to slow down for the puddles. Hope everyone has a great superbowl party, Judy, Oscar and I can’t wait. Go Saints!!! (there you go Sani Ani)
Thursday, February 1, 2007
First Chemo Treatment Out of the Way ! Yeah Way to Go Robert
Thursday February 1, 2007
Robert received his first chemo treatment today. Everything went really well. The treatment lasted about 3 hours. The nurse went over the chemo drugs and their side effects. The normal treatment should last about 2 hours. The first thing they did was start an IV and give Robert saline, then they gave him Benadryl, which takes about 20 to 30 min., then they gave him a anti-nausea med, which also take about 20 to 30 minutes. Then they administer the first chemo drug which is Docetaxel (common name is Taxotere) and then the 2nd drug which is Carboplatin (common name is Paraplatin). These drugs take about 30 minutes each to administer. Robert said he never felt anything and they told us the side effects usually do not show up until 2 or 3 days after treatment. They have prescribed him something for the nausea. I was reading about the drugs and their side effects, one side effect with the Carboplatin was “because of the way this drug acts on the body, there is a chance that it can cause side effects months or even years after the drug is used and the effects can be cancer such as leukemia.” Isn’t that the craziest thing?
We met with the radiation doctor after his chemo treatment. His name is Dr.Kerley, we really like him a lot, he looked just like my Uncle Dana. He has a real good sense of humor so he will be fun to work with. He loves to tell jokes and loves to hear them, so if anyone has any good jokes send them my way. Dr. Kerley is on the board of directors of the Texas Oncology something or other, he has really good credentials so we feel blessed he will be working with Robert. Robert will start his radiation next week. Dr. Kerley told Robert he should be ok until probably the end of February, then he will have trouble eating and drinking. He told Robert he was going to have to make him feel really lousy and then he would feel even worse, but he WOULD feel better again and WOULD be cancer free. We will continue to keep the site updated on Robert’s journey. Thanks again for sharing with us.
We met with the radiation doctor after his chemo treatment. His name is Dr.Kerley, we really like him a lot, he looked just like my Uncle Dana. He has a real good sense of humor so he will be fun to work with. He loves to tell jokes and loves to hear them, so if anyone has any good jokes send them my way. Dr. Kerley is on the board of directors of the Texas Oncology something or other, he has really good credentials so we feel blessed he will be working with Robert. Robert will start his radiation next week. Dr. Kerley told Robert he should be ok until probably the end of February, then he will have trouble eating and drinking. He told Robert he was going to have to make him feel really lousy and then he would feel even worse, but he WOULD feel better again and WOULD be cancer free. We will continue to keep the site updated on Robert’s journey. Thanks again for sharing with us.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Update from Judy & A Special Message from Robert!
click photos to enlarge
January 30, 2007
Tuesday
Robert and I went 4 Wheeling today, it was a little chilly but it was great to be outside riding again. We rode for about 3 hours and Robert did great, he did not show off as much as he does when Maniac Mick and the Mad Jap are here, but it was just great to see him riding again. For all you people out there who are saying how much fun could it be riding 4 wheelers well I am here to tell you don’t knock it til you try it and anytime you want to try it just let us know and we will take anyone 4 wheeling and I promise you, you will be just like Maniac Mick and go out and buy one after just riding once. I am very happy Robert loves it as much as he does, because I think the thought of the OklaArkTex Gang riding without him will drive him crazy and will push him harder in his recovery. Thanks again for all your comments; we can not tell you how much we enjoy hearing from each and every one of you. Robert has his first chemo. Apt. Thursday and we will let everyone know how it goes.
Judy
P.S. Benny’s 94 year old aunt Otta Lee fell and broke her hip and is in the hospital and they will be moving her over to hospice. Robert and I are so sorry we can not be there just want ya’ll to know we are thinking and praying for you.
Hey everybody! I want to take this opportunity to thank each & every one of you for your prayers & support. You don’t know how much it means to me when I read the blog.
It lifts my spirit & gives me more positive strength! I thank God everyday for his strength & guidance he has given me. It has amazed me that I haven’t had to take any pain medication since day 1! With his guidance & your prayers I am going to prove them wrong with my chemo – radiation treatments. May God bless each one of you!! As the player on the sideline would say, put me in coach I’m ready to play!! Let’s finish this game I have other things pending. Thanks again everybody!
Robert
Tuesday
Robert and I went 4 Wheeling today, it was a little chilly but it was great to be outside riding again. We rode for about 3 hours and Robert did great, he did not show off as much as he does when Maniac Mick and the Mad Jap are here, but it was just great to see him riding again. For all you people out there who are saying how much fun could it be riding 4 wheelers well I am here to tell you don’t knock it til you try it and anytime you want to try it just let us know and we will take anyone 4 wheeling and I promise you, you will be just like Maniac Mick and go out and buy one after just riding once. I am very happy Robert loves it as much as he does, because I think the thought of the OklaArkTex Gang riding without him will drive him crazy and will push him harder in his recovery. Thanks again for all your comments; we can not tell you how much we enjoy hearing from each and every one of you. Robert has his first chemo. Apt. Thursday and we will let everyone know how it goes.
Judy
P.S. Benny’s 94 year old aunt Otta Lee fell and broke her hip and is in the hospital and they will be moving her over to hospice. Robert and I are so sorry we can not be there just want ya’ll to know we are thinking and praying for you.
Hey everybody! I want to take this opportunity to thank each & every one of you for your prayers & support. You don’t know how much it means to me when I read the blog.
It lifts my spirit & gives me more positive strength! I thank God everyday for his strength & guidance he has given me. It has amazed me that I haven’t had to take any pain medication since day 1! With his guidance & your prayers I am going to prove them wrong with my chemo – radiation treatments. May God bless each one of you!! As the player on the sideline would say, put me in coach I’m ready to play!! Let’s finish this game I have other things pending. Thanks again everybody!
Robert
Sunday, January 28, 2007
We Are Home Once Again!
January 28, 2007
Sunday
Sunday
Robert had an appointment with his surgeon, Dr. Oxford Friday in Dallas. Dr. Oxford removed all Roberts’s sutures and the last 2 drains he had in. Robert felt like a free man and was so happy to get all that out. Dr. Oxford showed us pictures of the mass he removed from Robert’s neck and we both could not believe how big it was. I am going to try and see if he can email me the pictures and will post them if they are not too graphic. The mass stretched out on a table was about 12 inches long and about 4 inches wide and 1 and ½ inches thick. Dr. Oxford said he removed 38 lymph nodes in Robert’s neck with 8 being cancerous. Sandi said that is probably why the nurse did not give us any updates during surgery, she was way too busy charting. We do not see Dr. Oxford again until 6 weeks after the chemotherapy and Radiation are completed. Then we will see him every 6 weeks for one year and then every 2 to 3 months for another year. Dr. Oxford said this type cancer is prone to come back so he is going to keep a close eye on Robert.
We spent the weekend with Sandi and Morgan, Mick was working in Oklahoma, and sorry we missed you Mick. We met Lisa and William for dinner Thursday nite and then went to eat with Al and Beverly Saturday nite. Thanks so much to yall for the wonderful company and good meals. Robert said he is very thankful for the opportunity just to be able to go out to eat. Robert worked on Sandi’s weights this weekend and is still doing better than expected. The doctor said he may not be able to raise his left arm to shoulder level for about 6 to 9 months and he is nearly back to raising his arm as high as he could before the surgery. It’s just amazing!!! Oh yeah I was forced to ride Sandi’s stationary bike last nite and I rode 3.65 miles in 31 minutes. Yeah Judy… Sandi and Robert were being slouchers and I showed them up….. Robert wants you all to know that he credits all his fast healing and positive attitude to everyone’s’ prayers and God’s strength. We are going to try to ride our 4 Wheelers before Robert starts chemo Thursday. We will post some new pictures. Happy Trails to you all!!!
We spent the weekend with Sandi and Morgan, Mick was working in Oklahoma, and sorry we missed you Mick. We met Lisa and William for dinner Thursday nite and then went to eat with Al and Beverly Saturday nite. Thanks so much to yall for the wonderful company and good meals. Robert said he is very thankful for the opportunity just to be able to go out to eat. Robert worked on Sandi’s weights this weekend and is still doing better than expected. The doctor said he may not be able to raise his left arm to shoulder level for about 6 to 9 months and he is nearly back to raising his arm as high as he could before the surgery. It’s just amazing!!! Oh yeah I was forced to ride Sandi’s stationary bike last nite and I rode 3.65 miles in 31 minutes. Yeah Judy… Sandi and Robert were being slouchers and I showed them up….. Robert wants you all to know that he credits all his fast healing and positive attitude to everyone’s’ prayers and God’s strength. We are going to try to ride our 4 Wheelers before Robert starts chemo Thursday. We will post some new pictures. Happy Trails to you all!!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Met with Chemo Doctor today!
We met with the Chemotherapy doctor today. Robert will begin Chemo next Thursday February 1st. The doctor wants to give Robert’s incisions time to heal before the treatment starts. We will also meet with the radiation doctor then and he will set up the radiation apt.’s. Robert will have 7 treatments of chemo and 5 days a week for 7 weeks will have radiation treatments. The doctor said Robert will lose his hair 2 weeks into chemo, so he is ready to shave his head now and get it over with. I told him let’s just wait til we have to, I don’t wanna be looking at no cancer patient any longer than I have to. Ha Ha... He should also be able to eat anything he wants for a couple of weeks and then he will have to be fed thru the feeding tube. I told Robert he better be a good patient, he will never know what I put down that feeding tube. Robert’s chemo doctor is a straight shooting doctor who does not sugar coat the truth. He said this is very serious but he feels good about the treatments killing the remaining cancer. Robert is doing great emotionally, spiritually and physically. I am in awe over his attitude. The doctor told Robert today he has Stage 4A and the worst stage you can have is 4B, the cancer was in 8 lymph nodes, and the dr. said that was pretty high and could not believe Robert was not a smoker, chewer or a dipper ever. He said this is really rare for him to get this and it could have been caused by 2nd hand smoke. So all you smokers out there, you can think of my husband when you light up and think I am not only hurting myself I could be hurting MY loved ones. Robert has a long road ahead of him and we are still learning how hard it is going to be, but as long as Robert keeps his positive attitude it will seem a little straighter and not as bumpy I hope. Again thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, if it was not for them when we pulled up in the parking lot and saw the Cancer Treatment Center sign, I think we would have just broke down, but we did not we held our heads high. Love to all.
Robert and Judy
Robert and Judy
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Back in Broken Bow
Just wanted to let everyone know that the kids AKA Robert and Judy made it back home late yesterday and Robert is still doing really good. They were wanting to try and start the Chemo / Rad therapy tomorrow so I know Judy Judy is running around trying to get everything in order and handled so she can be at home with Robert as much as possible. I will post more definitive update as soon as I hear from from Judy and Robert .
lisa wood on behalf the GOODNERS:)
lisa wood on behalf the GOODNERS:)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
January 21, 2007Sunday
Robert had a good day Saturday, it was very quiet so he was able to rest more than he did Friday. He really enjoyed visiting with Ronnie and Janice, friends he has not seen in a while and I finally got to meet them after hearing lots of stories about them. Dr. Oxford released Robert this morning so we get to go home. YEAH!!! We will go to Sandi and Micks when we are released and then we will head home to Beavers Bend tomorrow. We want to say thanks so much to all the wonderful people in our lives, I guarantee you Robert nor I would be as strong as we are with out each and every one of you. The comments and phone calls are so appreciated they are our support line. O'k Sandi get that chocolate out or has Mad Jap eaten it all? Anyway here we come..
Robert had a good day Saturday, it was very quiet so he was able to rest more than he did Friday. He really enjoyed visiting with Ronnie and Janice, friends he has not seen in a while and I finally got to meet them after hearing lots of stories about them. Dr. Oxford released Robert this morning so we get to go home. YEAH!!! We will go to Sandi and Micks when we are released and then we will head home to Beavers Bend tomorrow. We want to say thanks so much to all the wonderful people in our lives, I guarantee you Robert nor I would be as strong as we are with out each and every one of you. The comments and phone calls are so appreciated they are our support line. O'k Sandi get that chocolate out or has Mad Jap eaten it all? Anyway here we come..
Friday, January 19, 2007
January 19, 2007Friday
Thanks to everyone’s prayers and special thoughts Robert made it thru surgery just great. The doctor said that everything went well. The surgery lasted 8 hours and the mass was the size of a grapefruit. There are still 2 places on the back of Roberts tongue, but the Doctor said chemo. And radiation would treat that area, so Robert could keep his tongue. The mass invaded his jugular, so Dr Oxford removed a nerve in Roberts left leg to replace the jugular and he removed muscle out of his chest to protect the carotid artery. When Robert was in recovery the nurse broke the rules and allowed Cassie and I to go back to see him. We were very grateful for that. We found him pretty out of it and he could barely speak, but first thing he wanted to know was if Mick was there? We said yes and he said to tell Mick “This was the hardest Trail he has been on so far”. We finally got in his room at 10:00pm. Robert was alert and talkative. Robert so far has managed his pain very well. He is up sitting in a chair for the first time, and drinking a smoothie. They are suppose to come and get him to start his therapy on his shoulder, due to removing the nerves and muscle. Robert said to tell everyone he sure is glad he is thru with that trail and ready for the next. Robert’s attitude has been so wonderful. He told Sandi she would make a pretty good nurse if Mick could ever get her to work. Lisa Wood and Lisa Garvin, we went thru his gift basket this morning and he was exhausted, had to take a nap after looking at EVERYTHING you guys did for him. We can never thank you enough. He loved it all. We love everyone and thanks again. Will keep you updated on how the therapy goes.
Out Of Surgery and Doing Good
Robert finally made it out of surgery around 7:00pm and he stayed in recovery until aroubd 9:30pm. They removed the squamous cell tissue in his neck and reconstructed the area with muscle tissue from his pectoral / shoulder area on the same side. He had quiet a bit of discomfort but that did not stop him from talking and even though he had plenty of pain medication he was pretty darn coherant. He was also drinking water through a straw that his lovely wife and nurse helped him with and overall considering what he went through he looked good. He has quiet a few stiches and we hope to have a photo to post sometime on Friday. Judy Judy was so relieved when they brought Robert up to his room, I hope they both get some really good rest tonight of course Robert's morphone drip will help him, let's hope Judy can lay down and clear her mind tonight. They do have internet access so all of you that want to comment feel free to do so as they can see your thoughts and prayers from their room:)
Thank God Robert had such awesome surgeons!
Thank God Robert had such awesome surgeons!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
In Surgery
January 18, 2007
Thursday 2:00PM
We have made it to the hospital.. They took Robert back at 10:30. The
Dr.
said the surgery will last approximately 6 hours. Robert’s attitude is
very
good, he stayed positive up until they were rolling him back to the
operating room. Robert, Grand Pa Tucker and I spent the nite at Sandi
and
Micks last nite. Robert requested Ochoa’s for his last good meal in a
while. Al and Beverly joined us with Mother and Benny. We all pigged
out.
Robert ate so much he woke me up at 2:00 am upchucking. So needless
to
say Mick and I were awake from 2:00 to time to leave at 5:30 am.
Morgan
bought Robert an ice cream cake and Sandi made brownies, so we have been
treated very well. Cassie, Coley, Robert’s sister and her husband with
all
my crew are just sitting here with me. Everyone is being very
supportive,
John and Linda, thanks so much for the prayers before surgery and Terri
I
can not tell you how much we enjoyed talking and praying with you. We
will
let everyone know as soon as we can. Thanks again for all the support.
And
a HUGE thanks to Al and Beverly and Chris your father is just awesome
you
just can’t know how much that means to us..
4:20 UPDATE From Lisa Garvin
I just got a call from Sandi with an update on Robert. The tongue biopsy confirmed the squamos cell cancer and they are just now starting the neck surgery. It will be another 3 or 4 hours. I know you all will continue praying for them. I will let you know if I find out anymore this afternoon.
Thursday 2:00PM
We have made it to the hospital.. They took Robert back at 10:30. The
Dr.
said the surgery will last approximately 6 hours. Robert’s attitude is
very
good, he stayed positive up until they were rolling him back to the
operating room. Robert, Grand Pa Tucker and I spent the nite at Sandi
and
Micks last nite. Robert requested Ochoa’s for his last good meal in a
while. Al and Beverly joined us with Mother and Benny. We all pigged
out.
Robert ate so much he woke me up at 2:00 am upchucking. So needless
to
say Mick and I were awake from 2:00 to time to leave at 5:30 am.
Morgan
bought Robert an ice cream cake and Sandi made brownies, so we have been
treated very well. Cassie, Coley, Robert’s sister and her husband with
all
my crew are just sitting here with me. Everyone is being very
supportive,
John and Linda, thanks so much for the prayers before surgery and Terri
I
can not tell you how much we enjoyed talking and praying with you. We
will
let everyone know as soon as we can. Thanks again for all the support.
And
a HUGE thanks to Al and Beverly and Chris your father is just awesome
you
just can’t know how much that means to us..
4:20 UPDATE From Lisa Garvin
I just got a call from Sandi with an update on Robert. The tongue biopsy confirmed the squamos cell cancer and they are just now starting the neck surgery. It will be another 3 or 4 hours. I know you all will continue praying for them. I will let you know if I find out anymore this afternoon.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Surgery is Scheduled
January 16, 2007
Tuesday
Robert’s doctor has scheduled his surgery for Thursday 10:00 AM, we will be at Baylor, downtown Dallas in the Roberts Building. The surgery should last 3 to 6 hours. The doctor is going to take a piece of tongue and have it tested right then. When he gets the results he will know how much will have to be removed. Then the Doctor will then remove the lymph nodes, since the mass is putting pressure on Robert’s artery so the doctor will remove muscle and replace it with muscle on Robert’s booby, well he would probably want me to say peck, but I like saying booby. He will then remove a nerve from his neck and replace it with a nerve in his left leg. Robert may be up for visitors on Friday so if you plan to visit please plan on Friday or later. If you want to visit later than Saturday check this site to see if we have already headed home? Robert also asked PLEASE NO FLOWERS!!
Just donations***ok I added that on myself (Lisa Wood)
Robert took a load to Houston and should be home late tonight, driving the past couple of days has really helped out a lot, kept his mind busy. He has a dentist apt. tomorrow and then we will head to Sandi’s to spend the nite with her. Mother is going to watch my sweet little angel Oscar Meyer Olen Goodner. Thanks Mother and Benny that will take a load off knowing he is safe and happy. Grandpa Tucker is coming for the surgery and Mother and Benny have cut their trip to Port Aransas short and are also coming. I am so grateful. We are hoping to be home Monday or Tuesday, Robert will start his chemo and radiation Wed. the 24th. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. We can not tell you how much we appreciate it and will keep the site updated.
Tuesday
Robert’s doctor has scheduled his surgery for Thursday 10:00 AM, we will be at Baylor, downtown Dallas in the Roberts Building. The surgery should last 3 to 6 hours. The doctor is going to take a piece of tongue and have it tested right then. When he gets the results he will know how much will have to be removed. Then the Doctor will then remove the lymph nodes, since the mass is putting pressure on Robert’s artery so the doctor will remove muscle and replace it with muscle on Robert’s booby, well he would probably want me to say peck, but I like saying booby. He will then remove a nerve from his neck and replace it with a nerve in his left leg. Robert may be up for visitors on Friday so if you plan to visit please plan on Friday or later. If you want to visit later than Saturday check this site to see if we have already headed home? Robert also asked PLEASE NO FLOWERS!!
Just donations***ok I added that on myself (Lisa Wood)
Robert took a load to Houston and should be home late tonight, driving the past couple of days has really helped out a lot, kept his mind busy. He has a dentist apt. tomorrow and then we will head to Sandi’s to spend the nite with her. Mother is going to watch my sweet little angel Oscar Meyer Olen Goodner. Thanks Mother and Benny that will take a load off knowing he is safe and happy. Grandpa Tucker is coming for the surgery and Mother and Benny have cut their trip to Port Aransas short and are also coming. I am so grateful. We are hoping to be home Monday or Tuesday, Robert will start his chemo and radiation Wed. the 24th. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. We can not tell you how much we appreciate it and will keep the site updated.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
January 14th 2007
January 3, 2007
Tuesday
Robert has a doctor apt. with Doctor West to check out the knot on his neck. We see the Dr. and he refers us to Dr. Gregg who is a general surgeon. Dr. West said Dr. Gregg will take a biopsy and we can go from there Dr. West sent us over to the hospital for some X-rays on his chest. He asked Robert if he ever had a broken rib, and Robert said no so he wanted to see what was going on there. We went to McCurtain Co. Memorial and then we go see Dr. Gregg Thursday.
January 4, 2007
Wednesday
We go see Dr. Gregg and he said he wanted a CT Scan on Roberts neck, said he did not want to biopsy it until he could see what was going on. Dr. Gregg said there were too many things going on in the neck for him to do the biopsy. Dr.Gregg scheduled the CT scan at McCurtain co Memorial Friday. Robert asked my sister Sandi who is a RN if it was a big deal and she said no.
January 5, 2007
Friday
Went to McCurtain Co. Memorial for the CT scan and Robert was not real happy with Sandi, he had to have an IV and the nurse went thru his vein, The Dr. wanted the CT w/ contrast so they shot dye in the IV. Robert said it burned his butt hole really bad. They told us we should get the results back Monday. At this point now I am getting worried, I have felt like it was just a gland thing and now I am beginning to think it is something more serious. Can’t wait for Monday, are ready to know something.
January 6th, and 7th, 2007
Saturday and Sunday
Weather was great here so Robert and I sent 4 Wheeling both days. Went to Daisy State Park in Arkansas Saturday, not a very good trail, but at least we got away from the house. Sunday we just went riding here and enjoyed our day.
January 8, 2007
Monday
Finally heard from Dana at Dr. Gregg’s office Monday, she said there was a large mass in Roberts’s neck it was in his lymph nodes and it was putting pressure on his Voice Box and has closed off 2 veins running up his neck. She told us we needed to get to a specialist ASAP, she said she wanted to get us into a specialist in Shreveport, and we told her we would like to get in with a Dr. Sandi recommended to us and wanted to go to Dallas because of family and friends. I asked Dana what the chances were that it was Cancer, Dana said Judy the chances are very good it is Cancer, but you never know there could be a freaky thing going on with his lymph nodes. I gave Dana the # and she said she would set it up. Probably would not hear until Tuesday. I had to leave for Dallas Monday nite, for my annual check up and mammogram on Tuesday. Robert and I are pretty scared right now and Robert is saying he just wants it out of his neck now.
January 9, 2007
Tuesday
I go to my mammogram and sitting in my gynecologists office at 10:00 apt. is not until 11:30, Dana calls and says the Dr. we wanted to see is not on our insurance and says she really wants us to get to Shreveport time is of the essence to us now. I told her Robert wants to just pack up and got to MD Anderson. Dana said that would be a good idea and Dr. Gregg also thinks that is what we should do. Dana said let me check to make sure MD Anderson is in our network. And they were not, so we were back to square one. I was in the waiting room going thru the yellow pages looking for Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist who can get Robert in as soon as possible, I was having no luck at all. I had a breakdown right there in the waiting room; everyone could hear my conversations with the dr. offices and insurance company so they all subjected to what we were going thru. I felt bad for the pregnant woman having to look at me and listen to me. I finally got in to see Dr. Heckman and was telling him about the situation with Robert he said he knew of a good dr. and would make a call for me. When I got home from Dallas, Dr. Oxford who Heckman recommended called us and set up an apt. for Thursday at 11:15. Dr. Heckman also called and wanted to let me know he talked to Oxford and he would be calling. I told him he had already called. Any woman out there not having a gyno, I am telling you Dr. Heckman is the BEST in the world; he is the most caring and compassionate dr. I have ever met in my life. Can you be in love with your Gyno? Well I am.
January 10, 2007
Wednesday
Spent the day getting things ready for the apt. with Oxford Thursday. Robert and I are very concerned. I told a few friends what was going on. Lisa Wood who is a good friend in Dallas said she knows a guy who just went thru this and gave me the website to his blog to read what he went thru. Well I read it and it scared the hell out of me. Robert did not want to read it and said that is not what I have. Well needless to say I did not sleep very much and Lisa was upset for giving me the website.
January 11, 2007
Thursday
Went to see Dr Oxford, he took a biopsy and looked down Roberts throat with a camera. Dr. Oxford told Robert he said he believes he has Squamous Cell Cancer. The Dr. told us Robert needed to have Chemo. And Radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and then he would do surgery to have the lymph nodes removed. Robert told the Dr. he wants the surgery first and then will do the chemo and radiation. Dr. Oxford said that was fine we could approach it that way. Dr. Oxford sent us over for a CT scan on Roberts chest to make sure it has not spread down in his chest. Dr. Oxford said the cancer started in Roberts tongue and has moved down to the lymph nodes. Dr. Oxford also told us there is a 2/3 success rate with this type of cancer. He also had us pre-admit to the hospital while we were there so when the results came in we could just show up for the surgery. At this point Robert is very upset; he really did not think it was cancer. From what I read I had a good idea. We are just waiting for the tests to come in and schedule the apt.
January 12, 2007
Friday
Came home from Sandi and Mick’s. It was very good to go and stay with them Thursday nite. Helped us both being with them.
January 13, 2007
Saturday
Robert got up and went to sit with Gary and Angie, our Hochatown group is being so sweet and supportive. Fred, Gary, Angie and Tony all said they would do anything they could to help us. They told Robert they would take him to Paris, TX for his treatments for me. Lisa and William are on their way up to stay with us a couple of days. The weather is terrible, flooding and suppose to continue to get worse, but they are coming anyway. They are just awesome. Robert and I are just beginning to see how lucky and blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family. It shouldn't but it does take something like this for you to appreciate your friends and family.
January14, 2007
Sunday
Lisa and William got here and we were so happy to see them. It has been raining here since Friday nite. We got a break in the rain and got to go ride 4 wheelers. It was Lisa and Williams first time to ride. Well needless to say they are hooked like us. We took them to the waterfall, rock quarry and the river. It is so beautiful there, for those who live in Canton you can stop by the bank and Lisa has some pictures. We had a good time, it started raining again on us and we were soaked by the time we got back. Robert is starting to complain about pain in his ear and eye. That has me a little concerned, he has not complained about this before. Sure ready to hear from the doctor. Anyway, Lisa and William I can not tell you what it has meant to us for you to come up here in this bad weather. Thanks and we love ya..
Tuesday
Robert has a doctor apt. with Doctor West to check out the knot on his neck. We see the Dr. and he refers us to Dr. Gregg who is a general surgeon. Dr. West said Dr. Gregg will take a biopsy and we can go from there Dr. West sent us over to the hospital for some X-rays on his chest. He asked Robert if he ever had a broken rib, and Robert said no so he wanted to see what was going on there. We went to McCurtain Co. Memorial and then we go see Dr. Gregg Thursday.
January 4, 2007
Wednesday
We go see Dr. Gregg and he said he wanted a CT Scan on Roberts neck, said he did not want to biopsy it until he could see what was going on. Dr. Gregg said there were too many things going on in the neck for him to do the biopsy. Dr.Gregg scheduled the CT scan at McCurtain co Memorial Friday. Robert asked my sister Sandi who is a RN if it was a big deal and she said no.
January 5, 2007
Friday
Went to McCurtain Co. Memorial for the CT scan and Robert was not real happy with Sandi, he had to have an IV and the nurse went thru his vein, The Dr. wanted the CT w/ contrast so they shot dye in the IV. Robert said it burned his butt hole really bad. They told us we should get the results back Monday. At this point now I am getting worried, I have felt like it was just a gland thing and now I am beginning to think it is something more serious. Can’t wait for Monday, are ready to know something.
January 6th, and 7th, 2007
Saturday and Sunday
Weather was great here so Robert and I sent 4 Wheeling both days. Went to Daisy State Park in Arkansas Saturday, not a very good trail, but at least we got away from the house. Sunday we just went riding here and enjoyed our day.
January 8, 2007
Monday
Finally heard from Dana at Dr. Gregg’s office Monday, she said there was a large mass in Roberts’s neck it was in his lymph nodes and it was putting pressure on his Voice Box and has closed off 2 veins running up his neck. She told us we needed to get to a specialist ASAP, she said she wanted to get us into a specialist in Shreveport, and we told her we would like to get in with a Dr. Sandi recommended to us and wanted to go to Dallas because of family and friends. I asked Dana what the chances were that it was Cancer, Dana said Judy the chances are very good it is Cancer, but you never know there could be a freaky thing going on with his lymph nodes. I gave Dana the # and she said she would set it up. Probably would not hear until Tuesday. I had to leave for Dallas Monday nite, for my annual check up and mammogram on Tuesday. Robert and I are pretty scared right now and Robert is saying he just wants it out of his neck now.
January 9, 2007
Tuesday
I go to my mammogram and sitting in my gynecologists office at 10:00 apt. is not until 11:30, Dana calls and says the Dr. we wanted to see is not on our insurance and says she really wants us to get to Shreveport time is of the essence to us now. I told her Robert wants to just pack up and got to MD Anderson. Dana said that would be a good idea and Dr. Gregg also thinks that is what we should do. Dana said let me check to make sure MD Anderson is in our network. And they were not, so we were back to square one. I was in the waiting room going thru the yellow pages looking for Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist who can get Robert in as soon as possible, I was having no luck at all. I had a breakdown right there in the waiting room; everyone could hear my conversations with the dr. offices and insurance company so they all subjected to what we were going thru. I felt bad for the pregnant woman having to look at me and listen to me. I finally got in to see Dr. Heckman and was telling him about the situation with Robert he said he knew of a good dr. and would make a call for me. When I got home from Dallas, Dr. Oxford who Heckman recommended called us and set up an apt. for Thursday at 11:15. Dr. Heckman also called and wanted to let me know he talked to Oxford and he would be calling. I told him he had already called. Any woman out there not having a gyno, I am telling you Dr. Heckman is the BEST in the world; he is the most caring and compassionate dr. I have ever met in my life. Can you be in love with your Gyno? Well I am.
January 10, 2007
Wednesday
Spent the day getting things ready for the apt. with Oxford Thursday. Robert and I are very concerned. I told a few friends what was going on. Lisa Wood who is a good friend in Dallas said she knows a guy who just went thru this and gave me the website to his blog to read what he went thru. Well I read it and it scared the hell out of me. Robert did not want to read it and said that is not what I have. Well needless to say I did not sleep very much and Lisa was upset for giving me the website.
January 11, 2007
Thursday
Went to see Dr Oxford, he took a biopsy and looked down Roberts throat with a camera. Dr. Oxford told Robert he said he believes he has Squamous Cell Cancer. The Dr. told us Robert needed to have Chemo. And Radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and then he would do surgery to have the lymph nodes removed. Robert told the Dr. he wants the surgery first and then will do the chemo and radiation. Dr. Oxford said that was fine we could approach it that way. Dr. Oxford sent us over for a CT scan on Roberts chest to make sure it has not spread down in his chest. Dr. Oxford said the cancer started in Roberts tongue and has moved down to the lymph nodes. Dr. Oxford also told us there is a 2/3 success rate with this type of cancer. He also had us pre-admit to the hospital while we were there so when the results came in we could just show up for the surgery. At this point Robert is very upset; he really did not think it was cancer. From what I read I had a good idea. We are just waiting for the tests to come in and schedule the apt.
January 12, 2007
Friday
Came home from Sandi and Mick’s. It was very good to go and stay with them Thursday nite. Helped us both being with them.
January 13, 2007
Saturday
Robert got up and went to sit with Gary and Angie, our Hochatown group is being so sweet and supportive. Fred, Gary, Angie and Tony all said they would do anything they could to help us. They told Robert they would take him to Paris, TX for his treatments for me. Lisa and William are on their way up to stay with us a couple of days. The weather is terrible, flooding and suppose to continue to get worse, but they are coming anyway. They are just awesome. Robert and I are just beginning to see how lucky and blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family. It shouldn't but it does take something like this for you to appreciate your friends and family.
January14, 2007
Sunday
Lisa and William got here and we were so happy to see them. It has been raining here since Friday nite. We got a break in the rain and got to go ride 4 wheelers. It was Lisa and Williams first time to ride. Well needless to say they are hooked like us. We took them to the waterfall, rock quarry and the river. It is so beautiful there, for those who live in Canton you can stop by the bank and Lisa has some pictures. We had a good time, it started raining again on us and we were soaked by the time we got back. Robert is starting to complain about pain in his ear and eye. That has me a little concerned, he has not complained about this before. Sure ready to hear from the doctor. Anyway, Lisa and William I can not tell you what it has meant to us for you to come up here in this bad weather. Thanks and we love ya..
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