It's been 55 days since Bobby's last day of radiation and 55 days since we've seen him. If I'd known it was going to be this long, We probably would have done a quick road trip to his place to see him. He's been in recovery mode and we've been waiting until he feels up to traveling. We talk on the phone and have long conversations, but it's not the same.
He found a little place to rent for a few weeks in Bolinas, a small coastal town approximately 10 miles west-southwest of San Rafael. The residents are apparently very reclusive and want to keep it that way. Supposedly they have torn down any road signs that point the way into town. It has been the perfect place for Bobby to rest. He's been able to take long walks on the beach without seeing another person. It's very quiet and there aren't any other distractions. He doesn't have cell phone or internet in that area....which can be a little worrisome to some of us but I think he's enjoyed even that.
He has been frustrated at what he perceives to be slow progress in regaining his strength, and getting off the meds. He has also been anxious to get rid of the feeding tube. The doctors gave him somewhat of a reality check by telling him it could be 12-18 mths. before he begins to feel more like himself and a couple more months with the feeding tube. He said that gave him permission to relax a bit and not push himself so hard but the very next week he called to say that he hadn't used the feeding tube for 4 days and was 30+ hrs without meds. He said he was going to ask the doctor to remove the feeding tube. I think the possibility of 12-18 mths and several more weeks with the feeding tube ended up just motivating him.
He did have the tube removed on February 10th without incident. Wahoo. That's a tremendous relief for him. He says he feels like his taste buds are coming back and it seems he has more saliva to help with the swallowing. Eating is a long slow process but at least it is eating.
He has used his time in Bolinas to gain both physical and spiritual strength. He has been hungry for God's Word and has been studying daily. We're looking forward to study time together when he comes for a visit.
He has a couple more weeks at the cottage in Bolinas, then an appointment with Dr. Eisenberg on March 8th. One thing they will discuss is whether or not to do a scan at this time or wait. Bobby said that everything he's read on line has indicated that if a scan is done within 90 days of the last radiation, the chances of a false positive are pretty high. That means if the scan did show activity we wouldn't know for sure if it was accurate or not. So, we'll see what happens. Bobby said at this time he is still radiating. His skin gets very hot and red. If mom has a vote, I say lets not scan now.
We can't wait for him to come visit which should be mid March.
Thank you for praying for him and asking about him. He said if anyone asks how he is doing to tell them he is feeling better. He has said when he wakes in the morning, that is the most difficult time of day for him both physically and psychologically. The reality of cancer and the uncertain future can overwhelm him. If God brings him to your mind early in the morning pray that he will know and feel the comfort of God's unfailing love.
"The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
Thank you for praying for him and asking about him. He said if anyone asks how he is doing to tell them he is feeling better. He has said when he wakes in the morning, that is the most difficult time of day for him both physically and psychologically. The reality of cancer and the uncertain future can overwhelm him. If God brings him to your mind early in the morning pray that he will know and feel the comfort of God's unfailing love.
"The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
