Meeting with the Oncologist and Third Chemo Treatment

Dad had a visit with Dr. Danso (Oncologist) and received his third full Chemo treatment today. This is the last one (hopefully). His blood count is fairly good (at least the numbers were high enough to receive Chemo). His Red Blood Count and Hemoglobin are on the low side - these numbers should rise now that he has finished his Chemo. One of the side effects of the Chemo is Neuropathy (numbness of hands and feet). It was recommended that Dad take L-Glutamine over the next 4 days to help with this.

What's next?
- CT Scan on November 3
- Return visit to Oncologist (Dr. Danso) November 12 11:30 am
- Return visit to Radiologist (Mehta) on November 13 2:30 am


In November, we will know whether the treatment has been successful.

Specific Prayer Requests:
- Symptoms of this Chemo treatment will be minimal
- Regain strength - physically - specifically his lungs
- Maintain good nutrition and weight will remain stable
- Blood count will rise to a normal level
- Positive news in November following 6 months of treatment

Thank you for your love and support - We will keep you up-to-date on his progress
God has blessed our family.

A Special Day at Church for Dad.......

A special service was held today at the Floyd Church of God..... for the past few years, the Floyd Church family has held an "outdoor" church service in September - this year they had camping, bonfires, worship and preaching, lots of food and great fellowship. A new sign and lighthouse in front of their place of worship was dedicated this morning.


This year was extra special for our family. Although we didn't take part in the camping, we did enjoy the Sunday Worship and Picnic gathering. During the morning worship service, Eric (Bob's nephew) dedicated a beautiful gospel song to his "Uncle Bob". It is one of Dad's favorite songs right now and it goes like this...

I thought that number one—would surely be me
I thought I would be—what I wanted to be
I thought I would build—on life`s sinking sand
But I can`t even walk
Without you holding my hand

I thought that I could—do a lot on my own
I thought I could make it—all alone
I thought of myself—as a mighty strong man
But I can`t even walk
Without you holding my hand

Chorus
Lord, I can`t even walk
Without you holding my hand
The mountains too high
And the valley`s too wide
I`m down on my knees—I learned to stand
Because I can`t even walk
Without you holding my hand

I think that I`ll make---Jesus my own
From now on—when I`m in trouble
On Him –I`ll call
If I don`t trust Him—I`d be less than a man
Because I can`t even walk
Without you holding my hand

We were all blessed by the beautiful song that Eric sang....Despite the VERY cold weather - it was a Special Day for Dad. Here are a few pictures of the event. Hope you enjoy.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Great News from Dr. Tekchandani ! ! !

In June of this year, Dr. Anita Tekchandani, M.D. (Urologist) saw a red spot on Dad's Bladder and as a result, scheduled a bladder biopsy for this coming Monday (9/22). In preparation for the biopsy, Dad had an appointment this afternoon with Dr. Tekchandani.

After discussing Dad's current Chemo treatment, symptoms and reviewing his blood work - Dr. Tekchandani decided to take another look at his bladder by scoping in the office. The "red spot" is GONE. His bladder looks good, he currently is not experiencing difficulty with his bladder, therefore..........The Biopsy will be cancelled!! Dad will have a return visit to Dr. Tekchandani in January.

Based on the above decision, next week will be a bit easier for Dad - He will receive a full dose of Chemo on Wednesday, Sept 24. Thank you for your continued prayers for Dad - He is a trooper - the symptoms have not been fun but he is hanging in there!!! God is hearing your prayers. Praise HIM!!!

Dr. Tekchandani: Thank you for taking such good care of Dad - You have monitored him closely since the onset of his original bladder cancer in 2000. Not only have you provided outstanding medical care but have always been a wonderful support to both Mom and Dad throughout Dad's treatment. We are touched that you take the time to be a regular visitor of this blog in order to stay current on Dad's progress. Bless you for your thorough medical care and your tender spirit. You are a blessing to our family.

Oxygen........

Dad had an appointment yesterday with Visiting Nurses to take a test regarding a "portable" Oxygen Tank. He was able to get everything ironed out with his Oxygen supply. He now has a very adequate portable device to use when going outside the house. Also, a longer tube was obtained so that the large machine producing the oxygen can stay in the back of the house allowing him to move throughout the entire house. This makes for better mobility and the opportunity to leave the oxygen on more of the time. The machines makes some noise - so there's new sounds and equipment to get used to......Thank You God that Dad is getting adequate oxygen.

Dad says he's doing "so-so"

He's not a complainer and definately not a hypochondriac. Currently, he is dealing with symptoms of his Chemo treatment received last Wednesday. His hands and feet are aching, mostly his knuckles - he is VERY sleepy. He's cold all the time and wraps up in a blanket every chance he gets. Nothing really tastes good to him so it's not fun to eat......It took a lot to get that much info from him as he is not one to feel sorry for himself. Pretty much the same symptoms as last treatment.

He was able to go to Church this morning. He said there were a few ladies that rubbed his bald head....most of them were his nieces!!!! They enjoyed loving on Uncle Bob. Praise God that Dad is able to join together with other believers and worship his Lord.

Please continue to lift Dad up in your prayers - Bless you all!

Meeting with Dr. Danso today - Second "Full" Chemo

Dad's meeting with the Oncologist (Dr. Danso) went well today - discussing his treatment side effects, his lack of oxygen and his new haircut. Dad's lab work was at an acceptable level that allowed him to receive his second dose of full Chemo. The treatment went well with no difficulties.

Dad's blood oxygen was monitored while he took a walk with the nurse and as suspected he qualified to receive oxygen. Everything is being arranged through Visiting Nurses to have an oxygen supply at home and also a small tank to carry with him when he goes outside....to the mailbox... to the grocery store, etc. This is going to help him feel better when he has difficulty breathing. He will also sleep with the oxygen which should help with his fatigue during the day.

Dad lost weight over that past few weeks so Mom arranged to get a large supply of "BOOST", a diet supplement to help him maintain his weight.

Please pray for Dad over the next couple weeks as he deals with the symptoms of this second treatment. Chemo is tough stuff!!!!! Thank you, God, for sustaining Dad and bringing him this far. Thank you, Friends and Family, for lifting Dad up to God in your prayers. Bless you all.