Bobby's recovery from the PEG installation has been slower than he expected or likes. He is still having some digestive issues. He contributes part of that to the fact that he is trying to consume a high amount of calories to gain back the 10 - 12 lbs. he lost during his four day stay in the hospital and is overtaxing his system. He has been told and is expecting to lose weight during this next round of treatment and doesn't want to start underweight. Because he's still recovering his start date for radiation is Monday, November 8th.
Since the radiation start date was delayed, Bobby flew to Houston Texas to the MD Anderson Cancer Center to meet with an oncologist there and get their opinion/evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment. MD Anderson has been named the top cancer hospital in the nation seven out of the past nine years in U.S. News & World Report's. It had been suggested to him that he get in their system even if he didn't choose to have treatment there. Apparently once you're in their system they will keep you updated regarding new treatments or any other pertinent information related to your specific type of cancer. He was very happy to have met with the oncologist there and get her evaluation. She had not received the pathology yet to confirm the diagnosis but had received all the other medical history so she said she is assuming the diagnosis is correct and she confirmed the treatment plan. She also let him know about an After Care group that will be starting in a couple months that he will be a part of. I believe their entire focus is preventing a recurrence. AMEN to that. Bobby was very impressed with their facility and care and definitely felt it was worth the trip.
While he was in Houston, he was able to visit Lakewood Church . One of the ushers asked him what brought him to the Houston area. When he told him he had an appointment at MD Anderson, he was ushered up near the front( they have a special prayer time for those with cancer, although I don't think it happened exactly the way it was planned). It happened that Dave Ramsey was teaching that day. Bobby is a big fan. It seems it was a good trip. When he called Monday after his meeting with the oncologist, he sounded very encouraged. That was a blessing to hear that hope in his voice.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
Numbers 6:24 and 25
