First, Bobby had his PET scan on Monday. Then, on Thursday he had his feeding tube removed (good bye, my old friend!). The initial report on the PET scan is good news, showing a "nearly complete resolution" to the area. One of his doctors simply said "there is no activity in the area." Either way, we are breathing a little easier and are grateful for the good news. The plan is to repeat the scan in 2 months, continue to watch the size of the lymph node and hope that it reduces enough to the satisfaction of the doctors. If it doesn't, then we are off to Stanford for one last surgery.
So, we wait, and try to get on with life. It is time for us to discover what our new "normal" life will be. I know already that it will be better than before. We both have a deeper appreciation for each other, for different reasons, and we both have a deeper appreciation for our children, families, friends, co-workers, even acquaintances. A new perspective and value on life has been given to us, so I know that life as we know it will be better from here on out, even if that means more surgery, a recurrence, etc.
Bobby is doing his best to move on. He has been gradually tapering off his narcotics the last few weeks, and just went "cold turkey" a few days ago. He feels very weak, but the pain is subsiding quite a bit. His taste has returned to a degree, and the doctor yesterday said that he should notice a great improvement in his saliva function over the next few weeks. Lately, that is the most annoying thing for him to deal with. It is extremely difficult to eat and swallow food without saliva. We are back to using a humidifier at night to help with the dryness as well. He carries a water bottle around with him everywhere (thanks Allison, for your thoughtfulness on that!) He hopes to return to work on September 30. Right now, he is outside on the tractor mowing the lawn, something he hasn't done for months! Thank goodness for my dad and Larry, who have prevented the 3 acres from turning into a jungle!
Bobby's brother, Paul, recently came to visit. When I asked him if he liked Bobby's hair, he told me he didn't know what to think- was it a bad haircut, or was it from the treatments? Since I am the one who cuts his hair, I better clarify... the chemo thinned him out everywhere. The radiation gave him the bald spot behind his left ear, and the nearly bald spot across the back. The doctors say that in time, it should all grow back. If not, it's nothing a hat can't hide!
I must say, aside from his crazy hairline, he is looking pretty good! Many who have seen him lately comment on that. He isn't fitting the stereotypical cancer mold, I guess. If ever I am teasing, or kidding around with him about his cancer, he will correct me and say "you mean I had cancer" and emphasize the past tense. There are still difficult times, but for the most part things are looking up!
Didn't Pavlov just ring a bell or something? Maybe that would make swallowing easier for Bobby.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this news is the best news of the week. The events of this week are the results of your unwavering faith in the Lord. They are the results of the fasting and prayers of those who love you. You are surrounded by people who have kept your family close in their thoughts and hearts for months. I know this story isn't finished yet, but it has touched so many lives. And when our lives are again affected by cancer - by friend, by family member, or personally, we will remember your family and the amazing example set by your faith and testimony. May the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ burn as brightly in our hearts.