Updates!

O'k it is time for an update! We have received emails wanting to know how Robert is doing and what is new on his treatments, also I need to update this site for me! When I wonder if we are to be in Dallas, Paris or home I can refer back to this..

Last week Robert saw his Oncologist(Dr. Nadler) and we informed him that Robert wants to continue chemo for a couple of months, and then after his next scan we will see where we are. Robert saw his ENT and we discussed with him Robert's difficulty in swallowing. He said there is not much he can due because of scar tissue from all the trauma from surgeries and 67 radiation treatments, but he did refer him to Dr. Burdick, GI,. Robert is scheduled for surgery Monday. We are hoping Dr. Burdick can stretch Robert's esophagus so maybe Robert can swallow meds and will be able to drink water without choking. Robert is anxious and has high expectations this will answer some prayers. It breaks my heart to see Robert just try to swallow a small pill.

Robert's blood count has been low the last couple of weeks. He is anemic, low magnesium and his white blood count has been low. His nutritionist is working with him closely to keep him as healthy as possible, while they inject poisons in him. But good news is Robert will not be receiving the high doses of chemo anymore. Dr. Nadler has changed the chemo treatments to weekly, with lower doses so the side effects are not as bad for him.

We met with Dr. Kerley (Robert's radiation dr.) in Paris today. We discussed possibly starting daily radiation treatments in January. With the findings of the latest CT scan, Dr. Nadler feels that Robert must have radiation if there is any chance of a cure. Dr. Kerley is going to study the ct scans and will determine if the cancer is outside the already radiated areas. If so, then as Dr. Nadler says we will go for broke. Dr. Nadler has been hesitant to start radiation to see if the cancer will respond to the chemo and make sure the cancer has not spread to other areas.

So to recap, this week: Today: Apt. with Kerley, Paris
Thursday: Apt. with Nadler and chemo, Baylor
Saturday: Canton, working for Mimi and Papaw
Monday: Surgery with Dr. Burdick, Baylor
Thursday: Apt. with Nadler and chemo, Baylor

Our specific prayers this week are: Robert continues to get stronger, Robert's blood count is up, surgery is a success and that cancer is outside the already radiated area to give Robert a fighting chance.