Hello all,
I apologize that it has taken us so long to communicate our situation but we are just getting a grasp of it ourselves and as we have quite a large extended family--our phone time has been hectic as well. The facility and staff here at the Mayo Clinic are simply amazing, they are covering every aspect of my being.
We now have a prognosis and a plan for the cancer. It is a Stage Three cancer at the point where the colon and the rectum come together and has gone through the wall of the rectum but just barely. There is one lymph node that is "suspicious" but cannot be biopsied due to the fact that they would have to access it through the tumor itself which would very like give a false positive reading. All other tests, there have been many, and all extensive, have revealed no further spread. We feel very fortunate that the incentive to retire came along when it did or we may have let this go on too long before getting that all important checkup. Let this be a lesson to all of you who are getting close to the big 50...I know its not pleasant but get that Colonoscopy done so that you don't find yourselves in the position we are in today.
The Plan...I will start Chemo and Radiation on Monday the 18th and will continue for six weeks here at Mayo Clinic. We had hoped to come home but it's just not in the cards if we want to beat this thing. After the treatments they will let my body rest for four to six weeks prior to surgery during which time we hope to get back home and get our "new to us" fifth wheel and return to Minnesota for the operation which will keep me in the hospital for a week or so. There is a campground close to the clinic where we will reside during recovery and follow up Chemo and Radiation which will start again four to six weeks after surgery and last for another four months. The whole process will take approximately nine months but the prognosis is good...first I WILL survive this and second I will be fairly normal considering who we are talking about!
Elaine and I appreciate all the offers of help and she may be heading home in a few weeks to get our affairs in order on the homefront, depending on how the Chemo/Radiation treatments go and I may be asking for some assistance at that time as we are contemplating moving out of the house in Cascade so that it is ready to sell if someone makes an offer. We are contemplating selling most of our household goods and putting the rest in storage. Does Gypsy come to mind?
We will update this blog as we go along...it appears that we will have more free time once the treatments start. Thanks for your support and please post to this blog and let us know how all is going back in the world of normal.
Our love to all.
Update
Amazing we only had one appointment today so I will have time to get this out and everyone contacted. They wanted to take another good look at my blood before poisening the crap out of me so with that done we will move forward as scheduled. Two more appointments this week then on with the show! Boy are these guys thorough!!!
We were unable to figure out how to post a comment back to our blog so ignore that part if you have the same problem but if you are smarter than the average bear please share that info and we will get this going both ways. Thanks.
We walked back from the hospital about 2.5 miles today and discovered a greenbelt and were surprised by a deer running down the path in the middle of the day in the middle of town…and then again at the hotel another deer came running through the parking lot….if you here of a major quake in southern Minnesota…
I apologize that it has taken us so long to communicate our situation but we are just getting a grasp of it ourselves and as we have quite a large extended family--our phone time has been hectic as well. The facility and staff here at the Mayo Clinic are simply amazing, they are covering every aspect of my being.
We now have a prognosis and a plan for the cancer. It is a Stage Three cancer at the point where the colon and the rectum come together and has gone through the wall of the rectum but just barely. There is one lymph node that is "suspicious" but cannot be biopsied due to the fact that they would have to access it through the tumor itself which would very like give a false positive reading. All other tests, there have been many, and all extensive, have revealed no further spread. We feel very fortunate that the incentive to retire came along when it did or we may have let this go on too long before getting that all important checkup. Let this be a lesson to all of you who are getting close to the big 50...I know its not pleasant but get that Colonoscopy done so that you don't find yourselves in the position we are in today.
The Plan...I will start Chemo and Radiation on Monday the 18th and will continue for six weeks here at Mayo Clinic. We had hoped to come home but it's just not in the cards if we want to beat this thing. After the treatments they will let my body rest for four to six weeks prior to surgery during which time we hope to get back home and get our "new to us" fifth wheel and return to Minnesota for the operation which will keep me in the hospital for a week or so. There is a campground close to the clinic where we will reside during recovery and follow up Chemo and Radiation which will start again four to six weeks after surgery and last for another four months. The whole process will take approximately nine months but the prognosis is good...first I WILL survive this and second I will be fairly normal considering who we are talking about!
Elaine and I appreciate all the offers of help and she may be heading home in a few weeks to get our affairs in order on the homefront, depending on how the Chemo/Radiation treatments go and I may be asking for some assistance at that time as we are contemplating moving out of the house in Cascade so that it is ready to sell if someone makes an offer. We are contemplating selling most of our household goods and putting the rest in storage. Does Gypsy come to mind?
We will update this blog as we go along...it appears that we will have more free time once the treatments start. Thanks for your support and please post to this blog and let us know how all is going back in the world of normal.
Our love to all.
Update
Amazing we only had one appointment today so I will have time to get this out and everyone contacted. They wanted to take another good look at my blood before poisening the crap out of me so with that done we will move forward as scheduled. Two more appointments this week then on with the show! Boy are these guys thorough!!!
We were unable to figure out how to post a comment back to our blog so ignore that part if you have the same problem but if you are smarter than the average bear please share that info and we will get this going both ways. Thanks.
We walked back from the hospital about 2.5 miles today and discovered a greenbelt and were surprised by a deer running down the path in the middle of the day in the middle of town…and then again at the hotel another deer came running through the parking lot….if you here of a major quake in southern Minnesota…
Let me know about anything I can do to help. I love cooking and cards, so whenever you need Dan and I to stop by and give you a hard time, we are SO down!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Dan and already decided that I'm coming to Minnesota to help for a while if you'll have me! I love you two!
ReplyDeleteIt is so great to be able to get updates from you. Amazing (but no surprise) about your horoscope! You are so fortunate (but no surprise) to have Elaine as your wife, supporting you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteScott and I are both willing to do ANYTHING we can to help either of you as you continue on your road to RECOVERY!
Hi Bob & Elaine, gee, you may be more entertaining in prose than in person. Wait, no, I remember some fun raft trips.
ReplyDeleteSandy & I will be available for ANYTHING to assist youse guys. That's the way they talk in Minnesota, right? We will be burning some incense in your honor tomorrow, well, actually it's just duff on the back lot, but the thought is there.
Love ya, prayin for ya,
Dave & Sandy
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates! It means a lot to all of us. I am reading each blog to Dad, as well, keeping him informed.
Just a thought while you travel this road...might just be a good time to begin that first chapter of the book you have talked about writing!
You are in our thoughts!
Your brother,
Roger
Hello Bob,
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say, Sorry I missed your retirement party. I read your (first)letter and thought how terrible to find this right at retirement but in retrospect is was a blessing to get that physical. I am glad you are getting the best treatment possible and your spirits seem upbeat. Laura and I wish you the best and look forward to the updates. We know all will go well and you will be home soon.
George Webb
Bob, you have got to be the most positive person I know. Keep the faith and long may your hair grow! We're all thinking about here. Hugs to you and Elaine! Barb
ReplyDeleteHello Bob, I just learned that you were in town a few weeks ago. I just talked to Brent and his wife, who I think said they had picked you up at the airport. Well as chance would have it, (and I had mentioned I might try to stop by your digs if I could find out where they were located, which I couldn't) but,we were on that trip while you were in Boise. So, it wouldn't have worked anyway. Well, Bob, I really miss the verbal badinage in which you and I often engaged. Pretty silly, if I recall correctly. Oh well, you had to go and retire. (Brent says you look like someone who just came back from Woodstock. Way to go.)Well, you guys be good,God Bless ya, and we love ya Brother. Parker
ReplyDelete