We met with Dr. Eisenberg yesterday to review the results of Bobby's first PET/CT scan since he started chemo. While we waited for the doctor, Bobby admitted that he was and had been very nervous all weekend. The results of his previous scan did not give us the results we had hoped for. God sustained us at that time and we knew whatever the results, He would sustain us now.

Some of what Dr. Eisenberg said we didn't understand but we did understand this "this report is a work of art". If this was the only scan Bobby had ever had, he wouldn't be diagnosed with cancer. Bobby heard "no more cancer". He will have one more round of chemo (three infusions) and then radiation because that is the protocol. Bobby is saying he's cured of cancer and now he has to get cured of the treatment.
God has shown Himself mighty. This is the picture of health.



And pictures of grateful, happy parents.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

I know many of you have wept with us. This is a day to rejoice with us.

More Waiting

Monday, August 23rd was a scheduled chemo day....the third infusion of the second round, but it was canceled. Dr. Eisenberg reviewed the blood test results and decided that Bobby's red blood count was too low. So, a PET Scan is scheduled for this Thursday, August 26th and Dr. Eisenberg will go over the results and decide on the next step next Monday, August 30th. We're anxious to see what's happening with the tumor and to know what to expect next.

Monday night David and Bobby and I went on a very long, very hot hike up Gold Hill. Apparently it was the same hike we did last week but if felt much longer and much steeper. This area has been experiencing record low temps all summer but as of Monday that all changed. We ended up walking about 5 miles and a little over 3 hours. When we were able to talk (as opposed to huffing and puffing) we talked about the probable side effects of radiation (feeding tube, mouth sores, headaches, etc.) and the physical and psychological effects of the cancer and the treatment. He is growing weary of feeling tired and weak and anxious to work again. The coming radiation treatments are heavy on his and our minds. His attitude is still very positive but the daily drudgery is wearing. We're praying that he will do as well with the radiation as he has with the chemo.

Yesterday, I felt a bit of that anxiety that was ever present in the early days of his diagnosis. A good friend reminded me of the mighty nature of our God with this verse.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

We'll know more next Monday but for now we wait.

Angel Island

Yesterday we took the ferry to Angel Island. Its an island in San Francisco Bay that is part of the California State Park system and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It has been used for an immigration station and a military base and a holding place for Japanese and German POW'sIt was also the location of a Nike Missile site that was decommissioned in 1962. The island has over 13 miles of hiking trails, amazing views and several historical buildings to wander through. We spent the day hiking and taking plenty of pictures.
It's been exactly three months since Bobby called to tell us the results of his biopsy...........Stage 4 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. A lot has happened in the last three months. Bobby has one more scheduled chemo infusion on Monday. We should find out what the next step will be regarding treatment. We also expect tests to be done to show what is happening with the tumor. We're praying that it is gone. Bobby is feeling good. He has been spared the majority of the possible side effects. His arms are getting sore from the infusions and he has some swelling and redness at the insertion sites. He is much weaker than normal, has some serious fatigue at times and soreness but most days he feels good and looks good. We are very thankful. We're praying and waiting and know we're being taken care of.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Yesterday, Monday the 16th day of August, was chemo day. Bobby always gets his lab work on Sunday afternoon and we hear the results on chemo day. We were especially interested to see what his white blood count was this week because of the three booster shots he received last week. As expected his count was way up and he'd gained one pound. That meant the infusion would go foward as planned except the dose was bumped back up to the full amount. He has one more scheduled infusion and then ?????? His regular medical oncologist has been out of town. He is the person making those decisions regarding treatment. So we're waiting to see what's next.

Bobby is always diligent about "pounding" the chemo into the bone, especially on chemo day so late afternoon we hit the trail. We hiked on Gold HIll which is a hike that climbs up a fire road behind Dominican College (near Bobby's apt.) and has some great views. One day last week he did this hike alone and found a really steep trail...so that's the one we took. It was a warm hike. We hiked for a couple hours and ended up back at his apt. just before sundown and just before it started getting cool. Our glutes and calves were well worked and Bobby was tired. Goals met!!

Bobby still has his hair. There's been some thining but not much. I have a friend at work that said if Bobby lost his hair then he would go bald with him. I kind want to see my friend bald.......... but I don't think Bobby's going to lose his hair. He looks good and feels much better than he did before chemo began. We are very thankful that he's doing so well. There are so many people praying for him. Whatever the next step brings, we know we're covered in prayer.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Yesterday Bobby, David and I walked to the cancer center for Bobby's white blood cell booster. It was a little over 4 miles round trip. The walk took a lot longer than the shot. This was his third shot. Hopefully his numbers will be better on Monday so he can stay on schedule.

Today we spent most of the day hiking. We left from Rodeo Beach and went into the Marin Headlands, a hilly area at the southernmost end of Marin County just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was windy and cool but beautiful as always. Bobby has had a little bit of a rough week with fatigue, nausea, bone type pain and reduced appetite. It's a change from the last month due to several factors. There was the addition of cisplatin this recent infusion along with the drop in his numbers, the booster shots and an expected cumulative effect. We're still very thankful that he's doing as well with the chemo as he is. He ran up the stairs. That's nothing less than answered prayer.

As we headed home and started through a tunnel, we got this great view of the city (San Francisco). All in all it was a great day.

Round Two

Monday, August 9th was chemo day again. After 2 weeks off Bobby wasn't eager to head back to the cancer center and be hooked to an IV all day but as it turned out it was a good chemo day. Herb made his famous banana bread (seems he's been doing this for several years), we had a private room, and his chemo nurse, Laura, was fantastic. Bobby's platelets were back to normal but his white blood count had dropped to the "almost" too low level. If the white blood count drops below a certain number (they said 3000) then chemo has to be suspended. His was at 3500. It had dropped from over 6000 two weeks ago. That is expected. The doctor decided to have him come in for a white blood booster shot for the next three days so he can stay on schedule with the chemo. His red blood cell count dropped as well. The red blood cells deliver oxygen to all the other cells in the body. When the red blood cells get too low it can cause a person to become anemic. That in turn can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, etc. It's a good reminder that the chemo kills bad cells as well as good cells.

And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; Hebrews 1:1

Bobby wanted to enjoy every moment possible before resuming chemo so we went camping in Yosemite. It was AMAZING.

Bobby is an experienced Yosemite camper but this was a first visit for David and me. It's an unbelievable expression of God's creativity. I imagine it pales in comparison to what's waiting for us in Heaven. We (mostly me) were excited to see bears (we saw two), and deer, and a variety of squirrls. Bobby took us on a great hike off the beaten path. He and dad took a quick, cold dip into the river. The park is huge and impossible to see in just a couple days. We're looking forward to a return trip.

We attended church services on Sunday morning lead by a group of young people affiliated with an organization called A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. They bring the message of Christ to those working, living, and visiting the National Parks. One of the team members told us that as believers, they are in the minority among the staff. The message was about trusting God during the tough times. We couldn't have been in a more beautiful setting to be reminded of God's mighty power and sovereignty. We are so thankful for every moment we are able to spend with Bobby and watch God healing his body.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

This song of praise was on my mind all last week. It's called the Doxology. We used to sing it all the time in church. I haven't heard it for a long time but we sang it yesterday at Valley Baptist Church in San Rafael, California. It sounded so pretty when the whole congregation sang this simple song of praise together.

We do praise God for all His blessings. Bobby is doing so well. He seems to feel better each day. Except for bone tiring fatigue and some stomach cramping, he feels good. He continues to have a good appetite. He has been busy exercising, visiting with Caroline's family, cleaning his apartment, baking healthy (sorta) cookies, taking Dad to a baseball game in San Franciso, and getting ready to go camping in Yosemite.

He won't have chemo again until Monday, August 9th. That will be a long day as it will be both the Cisplatin and Gemzar. We expect this time to be eaiser than the first time because he doesn't have the pain to contend with. Praise God. We expect radiation to begin sometime soon. For now, Bobby is doing well. And so is his mom and dad.

Thank you all for your prayers. We praise God for you. As you pray for us, we are praying for you.