I can not believe it has been 2 months since the last post. I guess we have been hibernating, well Robert has anyway. I have been running around the house in shorts. Robert's last PET scan in January showed the tumors were the same, maybe a little smaller. Robert is still receiving weekly chemo treatments and has not started daily radiation treatments. He is to have 30 or 35 and he had his 7th treatment today. When we met with Kerley, (Robert's) radiation doctor he talked Robert into getting a feeding tube. Robert has told Dr. Nadler this whole time that he would never get another one. Well Kerley is the only one that could convince him to get one. We have a great respect for all Robert's doctors and have a really good personal relationship with all of them, in fact Dr. Nadler called us from his personal cell phone last Friday to discuss a matter that came up with his staff (we'll just leave it at that) from the airport waiting to catch a flight to San Antonio and now I have Nadler's cell # and I really don't think he would mind me saving it in my contact list. Where was I going with all that? Oh yeah, well Robert has a special bond with Kerley, and has since the first day we walked in his office scared too death in January 2007. He took Robert under his wing and has kept him there every since. We see so many doctors specialists of every kind, but Kerley knows what Robert needs without Robert telling him. I feel better knowing Robert sees Kerley everyday.
The surgery Robert had to stretch his esophagus worked a little but he did not get the results he was hoping for. He is having to use the feeding tube for medicines now, my good friend Lisa was up weekend before last and we were out sight seeing and Robert was home alone and took one of his pills, it got lodged in his throat then the capsule burst and he aspirated it in his lungs. It was a very scary moment for him, being alone, but Thank God it dislodged and he caught his breath.
Nadler's plan is for Robert to do the daily radiation and weekly chemo treatments, follow up with a few more chemo treatments and kill this Cancer once and for ALL. We trust that this will be the end result. I feel like I am rambling. I am home alone tonight. Robert is at Cassie's spending the night with her, he has to be at Baylor first thing in the morning to see Nadler, then chemo and then rush off to Paris for radiation, so I have a clean house now, had banana's that got too ripe to eat, so made Banana Nut bread, did laundry and took Oscar outside for a walk, now I am blogging and realize I am rambling. So I will end this but before I do ...
I want to say I love my family! They are the best anyone could ever ask for. Each one has such a special place in my heart. I know we would not be where we are today without each and every one of them. All the support each one offers is more than I deserve and I hope that someday I will be able to pay back a portion of what they have given me. This includes our friends also, which are like family to us! Hope everyone has a great week, and I promise I will do better on the updates. Thanks for all the prayers, cards and letters. We are so blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives.
Love,
Robert and Judy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year!
Robert and I want to wish each and everyone a very Happy and Healthy New Year! We are in Dallas this evening, Robert has chemo early Wednesday morning and then we will head home tomorrow afternoon. Robert and I had a very nice and quiet Christmas. We missed being with our family this year, but we have spent so much time traveling back and forth to Dallas, we just needed to be at home this year. Robert is having weekly chemo treatments and chemo days come around way too often. This terrible disease called cancer takes away so many things from you and changes your life in ways you could never imagine. One of the ways is it creates isolation and loneliness. Robert has to be careful in public places, he can not afford to be in contact with anyone who is sick. The chemo is still making him weak and Robert is still losing weight. He weighed 159 today, I suspect he will be lectured again by his dietitian tomorrow. Robert has been eating as much as he can, but just can not maintain his weight. The procedure he was suppose to have a couple of weeks ago to have his esophagus stretched, did not go as planned, so we are going to try it again next week. We will be back in Dallas next Tuesday, for a PET scan, Wednesday for Chemo and then Thursday he will have the surgery to stretch his esophagus, to help him with swallowing pills. I will try to update the blog more frequently, Robert does read it and he would love to hear from you. I have asked him to get on here and say a few words. Maybe you can encourage him to do so. Thanks again for all your encouraging emails and cards. They really do help with the long lonely days for Robert.
Monday, December 6, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thanks to my Dear Friend Pat, (who knows exactly how heavy a load can be). Pat sent me this today and it is exactly what I need to hear!
The Ant and the Contact lens: A TRUE STORY
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
‘Great’, she thought. “Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.” She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.
She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found.
Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse ‘The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth’.
She thought, “Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and you know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.”
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, “Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?”
Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there.
Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do; I'll carry it for You. '
I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it’s awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will. '
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him...I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Thanks again Pat!
The Ant and the Contact lens: A TRUE STORY
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
‘Great’, she thought. “Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.” She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.
She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found.
Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse ‘The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth’.
She thought, “Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and you know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.”
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, “Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?”
Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there.
Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do; I'll carry it for You. '
I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it’s awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will. '
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him...I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Thanks again Pat!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving!
Robert and I would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for, family, friends, our Church and the Doctors and nurses that take excellent care of Robert. We thank God for putting these people in our lives. We will be home for Thanksgiving and look forward to family coming up, but will miss the ones we are not able to be with.
My Grandmother fell and broke her leg; she had surgery in Little Rock Friday and will either spend Thanksgiving in the hospital or a rehab facility. Either way, she, my Dad and Aunt Sharon will not be with family this holiday. Please pray for a speedy recovery for her and safe travels for them.
Robert had a CT scan last Wednesday. The results are some lymph nodes were unremarkable (which means they are too small to measure) and no change in the larger mass. Dr Nadler discussed 3 options for Robert. He told us to enjoy our Thanksgiving, discuss our options and let him know what we decide when we go back December 1st. and then he will let us know what his recommendation will be when he hears what we have decided. Robert has an apt. with his ENT Tuesday, and we are anxious to hear Dr. Oxford’s opinion on what our choices are.
Robert has been feeling really lousy past couple of weeks from the really strong chemo. But the good news is Dr. Nadler told him he would never have to take the high doses of Cistplatin again. The side effects are just too much for him. Robert’s weight was 167 last week and his energy level is very low. In another week, Robert should start feeling better with more energy. His white blood count was low, so they gave him another booster shot. Unfortunately it does not give him any energy, but does help with the blood count. Cancer sucks and I hate it! It is really hard to watch my husband suffer, but we have to trust all this will be worth it and better days ahead. Robert reads the blog, so please feel free to drop him a line. Happy Thanksgiving to all and safe travels.
Love,
Robert and Judy
Robert and I would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for, family, friends, our Church and the Doctors and nurses that take excellent care of Robert. We thank God for putting these people in our lives. We will be home for Thanksgiving and look forward to family coming up, but will miss the ones we are not able to be with.
My Grandmother fell and broke her leg; she had surgery in Little Rock Friday and will either spend Thanksgiving in the hospital or a rehab facility. Either way, she, my Dad and Aunt Sharon will not be with family this holiday. Please pray for a speedy recovery for her and safe travels for them.
Robert had a CT scan last Wednesday. The results are some lymph nodes were unremarkable (which means they are too small to measure) and no change in the larger mass. Dr Nadler discussed 3 options for Robert. He told us to enjoy our Thanksgiving, discuss our options and let him know what we decide when we go back December 1st. and then he will let us know what his recommendation will be when he hears what we have decided. Robert has an apt. with his ENT Tuesday, and we are anxious to hear Dr. Oxford’s opinion on what our choices are.
Robert has been feeling really lousy past couple of weeks from the really strong chemo. But the good news is Dr. Nadler told him he would never have to take the high doses of Cistplatin again. The side effects are just too much for him. Robert’s weight was 167 last week and his energy level is very low. In another week, Robert should start feeling better with more energy. His white blood count was low, so they gave him another booster shot. Unfortunately it does not give him any energy, but does help with the blood count. Cancer sucks and I hate it! It is really hard to watch my husband suffer, but we have to trust all this will be worth it and better days ahead. Robert reads the blog, so please feel free to drop him a line. Happy Thanksgiving to all and safe travels.
Love,
Robert and Judy
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Update!
I realized it has been a while since the last update! Well let's see. Robert has had 4 treatments of Cistplatin and Taxotere and 5 treatments of Vectibix. His last treatment was yesterday. He usually starts to feel bad about 4 or 5 days after the treatment and the side effects are lasting longer each time, but he has had a bad day today. He says he just feels lousy. We have discussed with his Doctor what Robert's future treatments may be. We have agreed that the Cistplatin chemo he is receiving is just too strong to continue. Dr. Nadler has ordered a scan next week, so we will find out Wednesday how the treatments have done the past 5 weeks and will then discuss how we proceed from here. Before today Robert was feeling pretty good and has been able to eat. We were hoping that he would have gained 5 lbs. but he only gained 1 lb. Which is better than losing, but he needed a little more cushion heading into the next couple of weeks. Robert weighed 170. I am asking our family and dear friends to pray for Robert's continued strength, mentally as well as physically. Right now he is struggling mentally. I think the pain he has constantly is taking its toll. He really needs the scan to show the treatments are working and hopefully that will revive him again.
Happy Anniversary Roberto!
Robert and I have been married 9 years. In some ways I can not remember my life without him and in some ways I can't believe it has already been 9 years.
Robert you have changed my life so much for the better. You got me back in church and because of you I can say I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. I wish I could do something as equal as that for you. It does not get any better than that. I wish I could take your pain away for a day. I am so in awe of your strength. Happy Anniversary honey. I love you!
Robert you have changed my life so much for the better. You got me back in church and because of you I can say I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. I wish I could do something as equal as that for you. It does not get any better than that. I wish I could take your pain away for a day. I am so in awe of your strength. Happy Anniversary honey. I love you!
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