The PEG tube

Some of you know that we were hoping Bobby would have his radiation here in Boise so we could be available 24/7. He has consulted with a radiation oncologist in this area, but has decided to continue treatment in California. He feels very comfortable with the team he has been with since his diagnosis, his stuff (not that he has that much stuff) is there and there aren't any good hikes on Deer Flat Rd. It is called "Flat" for a reason. We don't particularly like that decision but can understand it and support it.

He was schedued to have his PEG, stands for percutaneous (through the skin) endoscopic gastrotomy (stomach tube) or feeding tube put in on Wednesday, October 20th. The PEG feeding tube is placed directly into the stomach so proper nutrition and weight maintenance can continue during treatment if swallowing becomes an issue because of pain and mouth sores and the inability to make saliva. We, of course hope that doesn't happen but "in case" he'll be good to go.

The PEG was installed on Wednesday morning and he went home (I think with the Doctors permission but not under her advice) Wednesday evening. He was having pain but thought he could manage it from home as well as it was being handled at the hospital. We received a call from Caroline at 1:00 a.m. letting us know they had gone back to the hospital via the emergency room. He was admitted. He was having severe stomach pain and had been vomiting. Thursday morning his stomach became hard and distended. A CT Scan was ordered on Thursday afternoon resulting in a diagnosis of Ileus, a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines. He had a build up of gas that he wasn't able to pass. He ended up spending four uncomfortable days in the hospital. The upper GI came back to life on Friday but the lower GI remained asleep until Saturday night,. He was finally able to pass gas and hold down solid food and was discharged on Sunday morning. He said he'd never had so many people rooting for him to pass gas. It was difficult not being there with him. We kept waiting to see if we should go or not. Seems there's always waiting.

Radiation was scheduled to begin on Monday, October 25th along with the first infusion of Cisplatin. However, things have been delayed a bit and won't start until Wednesday at the earliest.

I'm working with my manager to be able to return to Californina sometime mid November and stay through Thanksgiving and then go back again mid December. The details aren't worked out yet but good people are working on it.

Meanwhile David's dad is home. He was discharged from the hospital but has been back via the emergency room a couple times. He is home again and seems to be doing much better. David's mom has a wound on her leg that hasn't healed and she will be visiting the doc again on Wednesday. We know the time is coming soon that all the Grangers will be well at the same time. We're looking forward to that.

Thank you for your prayers.

"The Lord bless you and keep you."
Numbers 6:24

radiation

"It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear" Isaiah 65:24

Bobby had an appointment with the vascular surgeon regarding the blood clots in his arms, particularly the right arm. The doctor said the clots should clear up on their own (yea). The right arm had become stiff and was difficult to straighten but during the last few days, it has improved significantly. The physical therapist told him it would probably be 6 mths of therapy but seems he's a wonder child and is doing very well, he expects everything to be fine in a couple of weeks.

He had an extended appointment with the radiation oncologist, Dr. Miyawaki, on September 30th. Dr. Miyawaki and Dr. Eisenberg, as well as the "hotshot" (Dr. Eisenberg's words) in Canada, are all recommending 7 weeks of radiation and chemo once every three weeks during that time. That is the protocol for this type of cancer. The three rounds of chemo that he has had were done because the cancer had spread to the bone and they wanted to address that first. Since Bobby had a clean PET scan in August, the question had to be asked, "what if I did nothing? What's the bottom line?" That question hadn't been asked before. The answer.....1-3 years with the full treatment or 1-2 years if nothing more is done. They also add that there is a slight chance of a cure if he does the full treatment. I for one find it impossible to wrap my head/heart around those statistics. However, I know those statistics don't take into consideration the plans of God.

Bobby has sent his medical records to two other oncologists. We don't expect a different answer, but it does make sense to get a second opinion or two.

Bobby is taking this week to get ready for this next step. He is in Yosemite. He wanted to go to his canyon in Arizona (the big one) but was a little concerned that if he managed the hike down into the canyon he might not have the strength to get back out so, Yosemite will do for now.

This is another time of waiting. This news is somewhat of a surprise, I think, to all of us but nothing that happens is a surprise to God. He has sustained us this far and will sustain us as we continue on this journey. It's comforting to know that God answers before we ask and that He hears our calls.

Bobby said he was a little concerned that people aren't praying for him anymore because he did so well during the chemo treatments and they might think he doesn't need anymore prayer. He is being told that the radiation and additional chemo will be much more difficult than what he's already experienced. That may be, but then again, he is pretty amazing and God willing, he will surprise the doctors and everyone else during this treatment as well. I assured him that I know for a fact that there are many people praying for him. So, once again thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Back in Idaho

We left California, heading for home on September 24th. Both cars packed, apartment cleaned, goodbyes to landlord, co-workers, and oncology nurse, Lindsey, done. Bobby called on Thursday evening to let us know he would be going to Idaho with us to visit the grandparents. Grandma Vaughan (my mom) has lovingly sent cards and pictures to Bobby since we first learned of his diagnosis. It's been fun looking at pictures of him when he was little. She's been telling him all along that he needs to come home with mom and dad. On the other side of the family, Grandpa Granger recently had unexpected heart surgery. He went in for an angiogram and ended up having triple by-pass surgery the next day. Grandpa's stay in the hospital has been a little longer than expected and a visit from Bobby should cheer him up.

I had a great drive home because Bobby rode with me. Poor dad was on his own. Saturday we headed for the hospital. Grandpa and Grandma were both happy to see Bobby. It was particularly important for Grandpa to see Bobby looking so good. Apparently Grandpa thought he and Bobby were both dying and would be moments apart arriving in Heaven. Bobby assured him that they both have plenty of years left. Grandma Vaughan and Uncle Danny (my brother) were equally happy to see Bobby looking so good.

Bobby's visit was too short. It was hard to put him on an airplane Monday evening headed back to his home. He had a week of doctor appointments ahead of him.

"Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24