To His Disappointment....the Hair Must GO!!!

Dad's hair was falling out in clumps......so it was time to shave it off. He would prefer to have a full head of hair.....

He was reminded that

"the Hair doesn't make the Man".

Lindsey reassures Grandpa that she still likes to rub his head even if his hair is gone!


His reaction when he first looked in the

mirror was......in a LOUD voice ......

"HOLY CRAP"

Not too spiritual but his response could have been worse!

We assured him that he has a nice head - not too many bumps - nice shape - besides........

Who needs hair with a face like that!!!

Please pray for strength and encouragement

Dad is dragging.... very tired.... can't get the air he needs - it has been difficult to do small tasks like... going to the mailbox. He is sleeping a lot. Seems more discouraged and doesn't feel as good as he would like. If you could please pray specifically for physical strength, good nutrition, and adequate lung function so that he can feel better. This is a tough time and we solicit your prayers. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Bob is a SLEEPY man........but doing well.....

Dad is doing well but is VERY SLEEPY.....he is sleeping a lot which is common while on Chemo. His blood work looked better today.

• White Blood count went up significantly since last week - the reference range is 4.8 to 10.8.... last week it was only 2.6 and this week it is 11.9 - Praise God!!! Infection (fever) is always a concern when the white blood count is so low. Our prayers have been answered.
• Platelets doubled since last week and are now within the reference range.
• Hemoglobin remains low - he will receive a shot next week if they are below 10 - He is currently at 10.9
• Red Blood count is within the reference range.

Praise God for the good report today!!!

If Dad continues to do well, he will receive his second "full" dose of Chemo next Wednesday (September 3).

In between naps, Dad has spent a significant amount of time with Shawn and Tim over the past couple weeks as Shawn is building a new home for his family. Dad loves helping his son and there is nothing better than a building project!!!! We are thankful that he feels good enough to go to the building site and be part of the project.

Thank you for your continued prayers for strength and healing as Dad faces this challenge.

Side Effects of Chemo have improved!!

One week since the "BIG" Chemo treatment!! Dad is feeling better than he did on the week-end. The symptoms that he was experiencing from the Chemo have improved and he is doing well. He had his blood work done this morning. Numbers were down .... we checked with the nurse to see if there was something he could do to build them back up..... she said that they are not at a dangerous level, there isn't anything he can do to bring them up - they should come back up on their own - just need to watch for fever (infection). He looks good and seems to be tolerating the treatments!!

Thank you, Almighty God, for your hand of mercy!!!

A few side effects from Chemo......

Dad is having a few side effects from the Chemo - He has bone pain especially in his hands and feet. He is able to eat but having a few stomach problems. He sounds great and remains positive. He says at this point that it isn't more than he can handle and is willing to fight through it to get the three treatments completed. Please continue to pray as he works through these symptoms. Keep on Fighting Dad and Stay Strong!!! We love you

So Far SOOOOO Good

Wow - God is Great and Dad is amazing - He picked blueberries yesterday!!! Keep praying because it is working. We'll keep you posted.

"Full" Dose of Chemo Received

On Tuesday, August 12, Dad received a "Full" dose of Chemo. It took approximately 5 hours to administer through IV. His body received the drugs without difficulties. The list of possible side effects are many and can be severe. Please pray for Dad over the next couple weeks, specifically for the following:

• Some of the major side effects may be bone and muscle pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, severe fatigue - please pray that the symptoms will be minimal.
• Dad was not smiling yesterday.... after 2 happy events (2 grandson's weddings) he had to come home and face a major treatment - please pray for encouragement - emotionally, spiritually and physically.
• If Dad is not able to tolerate this treatment size, they will reduce the dose next time - please pray that he is able to communicate his side effects so that he can get help with the symptoms and that his future treatments can to motified appropriately.
• Pray that Dad's White and Red Blood Cell, Hemoglobin and Platelet Count stay within the acceptable range so that he does not get infection and that his treatment can proceed as planned.

The Plan...

• On Wednesday, September 3 - he will received his second full dose of Chemo
• This Chemo Plan is .... 3 Treatments / 3 weeks between each dose.
• September 22 - a bladder biopsy will be taken at the hospital (day surgery) - a red spot was seen by Dr. Tekchandani and she wants to be sure his bladder cancer has not returned.

God has placed His hand on Dad through this entire process. Please continue to pray for Dad that he is able to tolerate the treatment and that his spirit remains positive. Mom and Dad enjoy the comments on this blog and other forms of encouragement will certainly help them through the weeks ahead. God Bless You All.

A Time to Celebrate as he waits for next appointment......

Another exciting trip....another beautiful wedding.......a new beautiful Granddaughter added to the family.....

On Friday, August 8, Dad took a slow boat ride across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger to Wisconsin. The purpose of the trip was to attend the wedding of his grandson Ryan. Praise God that Dad was strong, healthy and feeling well enough to travel and attend the wedding.

Dad will be visiting the Oncologist tomorrow (Tuesday, August 12) and possibly receiving his first "full" dose of Chemo..... An update will be posted tomorrow after his appointment....... in the meantime, sit back and enjoy the following two slide shows of Dad's Trip and Ryan's Wedding.

God is Good!!!

Bob takes a trip to Wisconsin to attend His Grandson's Wedding

Make a Smilebox postcard Scroll Down to view another slide show of the wedding!!!!

Enjoy a few snapshots from Ryan & Lauralyn's Wedding

Make a Smilebox greeting