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  • Update on Bob….

    Posted by Clara on July 18, 2008 at 12:08 am

    Bob was scheduled for a chemo treatment two weeks ago(gemzar) but his blood counts were too low to have the treatment. We went back today for lab work, the blood counts were still too low so he was given an iron transfusion. We will go back again next Thursday and if the counts are up he will get a low dose of gemzar and carboplatin. Our doctor was encouraging and said he was surprised to see him even walk in with a cane. He was using a walker two weeks ago.

    Thanks for all the prayers.

    Clara


    Caretaker of husband, Bob.
    Stage IV
    Diagnosed Jan, 2007
    bobmac2 replied 16 years, 6 months ago 6 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • bobmac2's avatar

    bobmac2

    Member
    July 27, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Clara- I’m so sorry things aren’t better for you & Bob. Please look after yourself as well as Bob. Best wishes are being sent your way- Lorrie

  • tate's avatar

    tate

    Member
    July 27, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    Clara, My Prayers are certainly with you and Bob. I am sorry Bob is not doing better. I have been praying daily. You have been so supportive to me and others and I want you to know that I have been very concerned. I just don’t always know the right things to say…but I wanted you to know I am thinking and Praying for you both!

    Tate

  • 's avatar

    Guest
    July 27, 2008 at 12:26 am

    Clara,
    My words are sincere, I will never forget seeing Gene 30 pounds less wearing diapers after his surgery,, it emotionally devastated me, I can relate , yours is so much more tragic, I will keep praying for you , your in our hearts, Ginger and Gene

  • clara's avatar

    clara

    Member
    July 26, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    Thanks Ginger for your continued support….after all we Caregivers have to stick together and get through all of this. No one understands until they go through this what it is like.

    Today I was talking to a Niece that is a Colon Cancer Survivor and I can remember how little she got and absolutely could not eat. She continues to emphasize that people do not know what it is like until they go through it. She helps me a lot too.

    Bob has eaten a little better today even though the scales were even down more this morning and he is taking something to increase his appetite. I am hoping I can get him out some this next week. He just has not wanted to do anything, just content here at home. Lots of friends have come by lately and that helps me too.

    Glad you were here tonight to say the words I needed to hear. I will be signing off in a few min.

    Love and prayers,
    Clara


    Caretaker of husband, Bob.
    Stage IV
    Diagnosed Jan, 2007
  • 's avatar

    Guest
    July 26, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    Clara,

    I am sorry your hurting, it has to be hard to see this happening.
    I was encouraged he was walking with a cain, but not being able to do the
    treatment has to be a blow to both of you. My prayers are with you both,
    Ginger

  • clara's avatar

    clara

    Member
    July 26, 2008 at 11:36 pm

    On Thursday we went to the cancer center for lab work, to see the dr. and hoping they could get on with the chemo (gemzar and carboplatin).
    The blood counts were up some and the PA said that with the differential??? he could have a treatment but she was concerned because he had lost 3 more pounds and just did not seem to be up to par. She went to talk to the dr. and they both came back. Dr. could also tell that Bob’s physical condition did not seem good but let Bob make the choice of whether or not he wanted to have the chemo. Bob asked what I thought and I told him that this was one time that I could not make that decision.
    Dr. said if he did not want to go through with it, go home for 3 weeks and come back unless he gets to feeling better before then and is ready for the treatment.
    Bob had a shot of avanesp to try to build him up and he will have another in two weeks. Hopefully he can have the treatment in 3 weeks. If they cannot give him the chemo to try to treat the cancer then probably other steps will be taken (such as Hospice being called in).
    This has been very hard for Bob and myself. We actually talked about it some on Thurs. night. I may not be the patient but I sure do hurt.

    Clara


    Caretaker of husband, Bob.
    Stage IV
    Diagnosed Jan, 2007
  • 's avatar

    Guest
    July 18, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    Clara,
    Yes , he certainly is a trooper, I am sure this transfusion will do the job. In the meantime enjoy each other, I hope things pick up a little for him soon, take care Clara,,,best wishes to you both,,Ginger

  • clara's avatar

    clara

    Member
    July 18, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Karen and Leigh,

    As always, thanks for the encouraging words.

    I too hope that the cane can be put away next week. Bob is really a trooper and his doctor acknowledges that and encourages him.

    Every day is a joy because we are so blessed.

    Love and prayers
    Clara


    Caretaker of husband, Bob.
    Stage IV
    Diagnosed Jan, 2007
  • leigh's avatar

    leigh

    Member
    July 18, 2008 at 9:49 am

    Dear Clara,

    I hope Bob gets a good boost from the iron transfusion.

    You guys deserve a break and I really hope that Bob’s levels return to normal levels so that the chemo treatment can go ahead as planned next Thursday.

    Going from a walker to cane in two weeks is an improvement so something positive…lets hope he walks withought a cane next week…

    Leigh


    Leigh, 39
    Dx July 2007
    TURBT July 2007
    RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
    Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
    TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
    4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum
  • momof4's avatar

    momof4

    Member
    July 18, 2008 at 1:15 am

    Clara,

    you and Bob are constantly in my thoughts…please call if you need anything…

    I hope next weeks blood work gives him the go ahead for more treatment.

    With Love & Support,
    Karen


    Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.

    Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

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