Hello All,
Just in case someone drops by the blog one more time, the entire Freeman family extends our thanks to all of you for your kind support, encouraging words, prayers and donations made in Bob's name to the AB Miller Masonry Student Tool Fund.
We are still smiling as we think about the attendance at Bob's memorial. 491 people signed the book and many others did not have a chance to. We estimated total attendance at about 700 people. Such a large turnout helped us cope in ways that words simply cannot convey.
Please know that we are all doing well although it remains tough. Just yesterday, (August 10), as I walked by the phone I thought, "I need to call Bob and see how he's feeling." Old habits are hard to break, but we know that time heals all wounds.
Again, one final time, many thanks and please remember to keep in touch with Shelly and Brandi and Jodi when you have a few moments.
With warmest regards,
Bob's Brother Bill
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Memorial Information
To Bob's many friends and colleagues:
We are so moved by your many kind and caring calls, e-mails, visits and blog comments. We are all doing well and our spirits are lifted as we hear of the many ways he touched and blessed your lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Bob's memorial is scheduled for Sunday, July 19th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sons of Italy hall at 9420 Sierra Avenue, in Fontana. The hall is located on the west side of Sierra, behind the Fontana Perfoming Arts Center, between Randall and San Bernardino Avenues. It was Bob's request that his friends and family join together one last time and raise one together in his memory. His life story will be told by family and friends, including a wonderful slide show. We will start promptly at 5:30. Light refreshments will be served.
It was also Bob's request that no funeral take place, that his friends join together to laugh and smile, and that his ashes later be spread in the manner he wished. So please come, raise a toast for Bob, laugh with us and shed a tear for him if you like, and join our family as we bid farewell to a man who was a friend to many and a stranger to none.
Finally, also at Bob's request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the A.B. Miller Masonry Students Tool Fund. Donations will be used to purchase tools for Miller masonry graduates when they enter the masonry field. Contributions may be made on the night of the memorial or they may be mailed to: A.B. Miller Masonry Student Tool Fund, C/O A.B. Miller High School, 6821 Oleander Ave., Fontana, CA, 92336.
Thanks once again to all of you.
The Freeman Family
We are so moved by your many kind and caring calls, e-mails, visits and blog comments. We are all doing well and our spirits are lifted as we hear of the many ways he touched and blessed your lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Bob's memorial is scheduled for Sunday, July 19th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sons of Italy hall at 9420 Sierra Avenue, in Fontana. The hall is located on the west side of Sierra, behind the Fontana Perfoming Arts Center, between Randall and San Bernardino Avenues. It was Bob's request that his friends and family join together one last time and raise one together in his memory. His life story will be told by family and friends, including a wonderful slide show. We will start promptly at 5:30. Light refreshments will be served.
It was also Bob's request that no funeral take place, that his friends join together to laugh and smile, and that his ashes later be spread in the manner he wished. So please come, raise a toast for Bob, laugh with us and shed a tear for him if you like, and join our family as we bid farewell to a man who was a friend to many and a stranger to none.
Finally, also at Bob's request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the A.B. Miller Masonry Students Tool Fund. Donations will be used to purchase tools for Miller masonry graduates when they enter the masonry field. Contributions may be made on the night of the memorial or they may be mailed to: A.B. Miller Masonry Student Tool Fund, C/O A.B. Miller High School, 6821 Oleander Ave., Fontana, CA, 92336.
Thanks once again to all of you.
The Freeman Family
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July 11th, 2009 Bob's Battle Ends
It is with both great sorrow and relief that we announce Bob's passing at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th, 2009. Bob was surrounded by family members Shelly, Brandi, Jodi, Kevin, Bill and his wife Judy, and nephew Brad. We know he is now fully restored, free from pain and with his mom and dad and all other family members who have passed before him.
Thank you friends, for your love, support and prayers. We'll post memorial information when it is available.
Love,
The Freemans
Thank you friends, for your love, support and prayers. We'll post memorial information when it is available.
Love,
The Freemans
Friday, July 10, 2009
UPDATE: July 10 No Change
Hello Friends,
No real change, just a slight deterioration in his awareness. The hospice doc visited yesterday and said to plan on 1-3 days when he enters a coma. So far, he is not in a coma but he does remain unresponsive. He IS comfortable tho, with meds controlling his pain. The quiet environment has helped tremendously as noise and commotion seem to agitate him. Your e-mails and blog comments have been SO supportive and we so enjoy reading them. If you have any problems posting a comment here on the blog, just send an e-mail to me at "billfreeman68@yahoo.com" and I'll see to it that the family sees it.
Again, our many thanks and please keep in touch.
Bill and the rest of the family.
No real change, just a slight deterioration in his awareness. The hospice doc visited yesterday and said to plan on 1-3 days when he enters a coma. So far, he is not in a coma but he does remain unresponsive. He IS comfortable tho, with meds controlling his pain. The quiet environment has helped tremendously as noise and commotion seem to agitate him. Your e-mails and blog comments have been SO supportive and we so enjoy reading them. If you have any problems posting a comment here on the blog, just send an e-mail to me at "billfreeman68@yahoo.com" and I'll see to it that the family sees it.
Again, our many thanks and please keep in touch.
Bill and the rest of the family.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
UPDATE: July 8th- Soon.....
Dear Friends,
Bob's passing is just days away, perhaps sooner, but in any event, it is imminent. We've all been keeping a vigil with him, sharing the blessing of helping him pass through to the other side.
When it happens, we will call as many folks as we can, but we will also post the info on the blog. We will also have notices in the San Bernardino Sun and Fontana Herald News newspapers. The Herald is only published once a week however, so we hope to get the word out through The Sun, the blog, e-mails, phone calls and his friends calling others, especially since school is out for summer break. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone whom you think would appreciate it, especially A.B. Miller staff, other FUSD employees and former students, as well as other friends, colleagues (both current and former) and acquaintances. Our e-mail list is rather limited.
Again, thanks to all of you for your continuing love, support and prayers.
Bill Freeman
Bob's passing is just days away, perhaps sooner, but in any event, it is imminent. We've all been keeping a vigil with him, sharing the blessing of helping him pass through to the other side.
When it happens, we will call as many folks as we can, but we will also post the info on the blog. We will also have notices in the San Bernardino Sun and Fontana Herald News newspapers. The Herald is only published once a week however, so we hope to get the word out through The Sun, the blog, e-mails, phone calls and his friends calling others, especially since school is out for summer break. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone whom you think would appreciate it, especially A.B. Miller staff, other FUSD employees and former students, as well as other friends, colleagues (both current and former) and acquaintances. Our e-mail list is rather limited.
Again, thanks to all of you for your continuing love, support and prayers.
Bill Freeman
Monday, July 6, 2009
Update- July 5th- Not So Good News
Dear Family and Friends,
Well, the news is not good. The following will not be easy to read, especially if you were not aware of the change in Bob's condition over the past two weeks.
As some of you know, Bob's long-time urologist told him and Shelly that the cancer had grown significantly in spite of the chemo and that surgery was no longer an option. This news came a week ago last Friday (June 26). His prognosis at that time was 6-9 months. This was a real setback for Bob, whose positive attitude and desire to beat cancer has kept him going all this time.
The past week (since June 26) has seen a rapid deterioration in his spirit and physical condition. Hospice has begun as well as a major increase in pain medications. The urologist could actually see the tumor in the wound opening, and that is where most of his pain is.
Then, on Saturday, July 4, he suffered some sort of neurological setback and/or had a major reaction to the increased drugs, now consistently administered via patch. His demeanor mimics that of a stroke victim, however, that has not yet been confirmed. He is uncommunicative except when spoken to, but he appears to understand what is going on. He is either or both just too weak to join in the conversation or the meds are making it difficult to do so, and/or he has in fact suffered some sort of neurological damage. Hospice is in the process of evaluating his condition to determine whether or not he suffered a stroke, but we just don't know yet. Some good news is that he is eating fruit and drinking liquid Ensure on a regular basis. He told Shelly however, that he "is tired" and is "ready to go home and say hello to everyone" (who passed before him.) When Shelly asked him whom he would say hello to first, he said, "I don't know. Whoever I see first."
Many people have offered to sit with him and/or Shelly and we thank you for your offers. Right now, we have everything covered and visitors are very difficult for him and Shelly. Shelly's computer is down right now but we hope to have a laptop set up for her by July 6th so that she can see your e-mails and read them to Bob. Her e-mail is shefre@sbcglobal.net. Phone calls and visitors, except from family, are discouraged right now until we know Bob's condition and immediate prognosis, and, it is VERY difficult for Bob to see folks when he is aware of how serious his condition is.
Anyway, that's the latest. Please keep Bob, Shelly and the girls in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanx to all of you for everything you have done for Bob and the family.
Bill Freeman
Well, the news is not good. The following will not be easy to read, especially if you were not aware of the change in Bob's condition over the past two weeks.
As some of you know, Bob's long-time urologist told him and Shelly that the cancer had grown significantly in spite of the chemo and that surgery was no longer an option. This news came a week ago last Friday (June 26). His prognosis at that time was 6-9 months. This was a real setback for Bob, whose positive attitude and desire to beat cancer has kept him going all this time.
The past week (since June 26) has seen a rapid deterioration in his spirit and physical condition. Hospice has begun as well as a major increase in pain medications. The urologist could actually see the tumor in the wound opening, and that is where most of his pain is.
Then, on Saturday, July 4, he suffered some sort of neurological setback and/or had a major reaction to the increased drugs, now consistently administered via patch. His demeanor mimics that of a stroke victim, however, that has not yet been confirmed. He is uncommunicative except when spoken to, but he appears to understand what is going on. He is either or both just too weak to join in the conversation or the meds are making it difficult to do so, and/or he has in fact suffered some sort of neurological damage. Hospice is in the process of evaluating his condition to determine whether or not he suffered a stroke, but we just don't know yet. Some good news is that he is eating fruit and drinking liquid Ensure on a regular basis. He told Shelly however, that he "is tired" and is "ready to go home and say hello to everyone" (who passed before him.) When Shelly asked him whom he would say hello to first, he said, "I don't know. Whoever I see first."
Many people have offered to sit with him and/or Shelly and we thank you for your offers. Right now, we have everything covered and visitors are very difficult for him and Shelly. Shelly's computer is down right now but we hope to have a laptop set up for her by July 6th so that she can see your e-mails and read them to Bob. Her e-mail is shefre@sbcglobal.net. Phone calls and visitors, except from family, are discouraged right now until we know Bob's condition and immediate prognosis, and, it is VERY difficult for Bob to see folks when he is aware of how serious his condition is.
Anyway, that's the latest. Please keep Bob, Shelly and the girls in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanx to all of you for everything you have done for Bob and the family.
Bill Freeman
Monday, June 29, 2009
UPDATE- June 29
Hello all,
Bob is home resting comfortably. He is very weak and is on IV antibiotics until this Thursday. He really is not up for visitors, so be sure to call Shelly first before going by.
We know that the chemo was not effective and surgery is no longer an option. He experiences periodic pain which is controlled by oral meds. His loss of weight contibutes to his weakness and he doesn't get out much except for his doctor appointments. If you call and he doesn't repsond, it's simply because he is so tired. Leave a voice mail though. He loves hearing from all his friends, colleagues and former students. We know you understand how trying this is for him, so be sure to keep him, Shelly and the girls in your thoughts and prayers. He talks about all his friends every day and wished he felt well enough to visit with you. Perhaps after he is removed from the heavy meds he will be able to see and/or talk with you.
Take care and please keep in touch.
Love to all of you,
The Entire Freeman Family.
Bob is home resting comfortably. He is very weak and is on IV antibiotics until this Thursday. He really is not up for visitors, so be sure to call Shelly first before going by.
We know that the chemo was not effective and surgery is no longer an option. He experiences periodic pain which is controlled by oral meds. His loss of weight contibutes to his weakness and he doesn't get out much except for his doctor appointments. If you call and he doesn't repsond, it's simply because he is so tired. Leave a voice mail though. He loves hearing from all his friends, colleagues and former students. We know you understand how trying this is for him, so be sure to keep him, Shelly and the girls in your thoughts and prayers. He talks about all his friends every day and wished he felt well enough to visit with you. Perhaps after he is removed from the heavy meds he will be able to see and/or talk with you.
Take care and please keep in touch.
Love to all of you,
The Entire Freeman Family.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Surgery Tuesday Night June 9th
Bob will undergo more surgery at 8 p.m. Tuesday night to remove necrotic (dead) tissue from his groin area. This appears to be the source of his recent groin infections. He remains hospitalized and will be in for at least a couple of more days. As of now, there are no new plans for chemo nor is surgery for the tumors an option until the infections clear up, and we still don't know whether or not surgery will be a viable option at that time.
Once again, it's time for your mighty prayers and faith. Although Bob's spirits remain high, he has been through a lot and it is wearing on him.
Thanks to all of you whom have sent have sent through words of encouragement. We try to pass them on to him everyday.
The Freemans
Once again, it's time for your mighty prayers and faith. Although Bob's spirits remain high, he has been through a lot and it is wearing on him.
Thanks to all of you whom have sent have sent through words of encouragement. We try to pass them on to him everyday.
The Freemans
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Chemo Over, But Bob Is In Hospital Again
Bob finished what is most likely his final round of chemo two and one-half weeks ago. The third round was very rough on him and his was quite ill. After he started feeling better, a group of us went to the river with him this past week (Laughlin) but he came down with some sort of infection; then his blood sugar dropped dangerously low resulting in his hospitalization last night (Friday, June 4th.) He'll probably be in for just a few days.
He had another CAT scan at the end of May, but no official results. It does look like some of the tumors are still there though, so we'll let you know when we know more.
Just thought you'd like to know the latest.
He had another CAT scan at the end of May, but no official results. It does look like some of the tumors are still there though, so we'll let you know when we know more.
Just thought you'd like to know the latest.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Update- April 19th- Round 2 Chemo Over!!
Hello All!!
It's Sunday afternoon and Bob is flipping the channels back and forth between the PGA, the NBA and the MLB. He finished Round 2 of chemo on Friday and is beginning to feel better. The flu-like symptoms usually show up at the end of day 2 and dissipate about 4-5 days later. He says he is feeling better by the hour but he is quite tired and he is still looking for the Mack truck that ran over him last week.
He's down about 33 pounds from December and, as he says, he is back to his "fighting weight."
Over the past month, a few new tumors appeared in his leg, and one was removed in outpatient surgery. The good news is that the margins around the removed tumor were biopsied and were found to be negative for more cancer. Also, Bob and Shelly have noticed a shrinkage of the tumors that he can feel in his leg, since the chemo began. And, the oncology doctor said all his blood work prior to last week's chemo looked really good. So... there are some encouraging signs pointing his way.
As far as work is concerned, Shelly is now officially retired and Bob has submitted all of this early retirement papers to the District, as well as his disability retirement application for the State Teachers Retirement System. STRS asked for all of his medical records, and, knowing what he has been through, that 2 week process took over 5 weeks to complete, but we finally got 'em in this week.
Well, that's the latest. Round 3 chemo starts around the 12th of May. The oncologist said the chemo will continue as long as he can tolerate it, so he can receive its maximum benefits.
We'll update again if anything new comes up.
Thanks again for all your help and support,
The Freemans
It's Sunday afternoon and Bob is flipping the channels back and forth between the PGA, the NBA and the MLB. He finished Round 2 of chemo on Friday and is beginning to feel better. The flu-like symptoms usually show up at the end of day 2 and dissipate about 4-5 days later. He says he is feeling better by the hour but he is quite tired and he is still looking for the Mack truck that ran over him last week.
He's down about 33 pounds from December and, as he says, he is back to his "fighting weight."
Over the past month, a few new tumors appeared in his leg, and one was removed in outpatient surgery. The good news is that the margins around the removed tumor were biopsied and were found to be negative for more cancer. Also, Bob and Shelly have noticed a shrinkage of the tumors that he can feel in his leg, since the chemo began. And, the oncology doctor said all his blood work prior to last week's chemo looked really good. So... there are some encouraging signs pointing his way.
As far as work is concerned, Shelly is now officially retired and Bob has submitted all of this early retirement papers to the District, as well as his disability retirement application for the State Teachers Retirement System. STRS asked for all of his medical records, and, knowing what he has been through, that 2 week process took over 5 weeks to complete, but we finally got 'em in this week.
Well, that's the latest. Round 3 chemo starts around the 12th of May. The oncologist said the chemo will continue as long as he can tolerate it, so he can receive its maximum benefits.
We'll update again if anything new comes up.
Thanks again for all your help and support,
The Freemans
Monday, March 30, 2009
Update- Monday, March 30th
Hello All!!
Bob came through his first round of chemo with relatively little discomfort compared to the horror stories he had heard. He was quite tired and felt like he had the flu for a few days, but that soon passed. He is increasing his physical activity and even took off for a couple of days with Shelly and Steve and Joy (Shelly's brother and his wife).
I'm not sure when he starts his next chemo round, but I think it is at the end of next week. I'm sure he'll tell me when he gets home and reads this! UPDATE!! UPDATE!! UPDATE!! He got home!! He read it!! His next round of chemo runs on April 15, 16 and 17. And, back from his trip to the "desert," about 200 miles northeast of here, on I-15, 25 miles north of Primm, he said he had a great time but drew nothing but "toilet flushes."
Also, he's not lost any hair from the chemo, but then, how would we know?
Take care all!!
The Freemans
Bob came through his first round of chemo with relatively little discomfort compared to the horror stories he had heard. He was quite tired and felt like he had the flu for a few days, but that soon passed. He is increasing his physical activity and even took off for a couple of days with Shelly and Steve and Joy (Shelly's brother and his wife).
I'm not sure when he starts his next chemo round, but I think it is at the end of next week. I'm sure he'll tell me when he gets home and reads this! UPDATE!! UPDATE!! UPDATE!! He got home!! He read it!! His next round of chemo runs on April 15, 16 and 17. And, back from his trip to the "desert," about 200 miles northeast of here, on I-15, 25 miles north of Primm, he said he had a great time but drew nothing but "toilet flushes."
Also, he's not lost any hair from the chemo, but then, how would we know?
Take care all!!
The Freemans
Sunday, March 22, 2009
UPDATE, SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd**** First Chemo Series Complete!!
Bob completed his first series of chemo sessions last Friday, March 20th. He had 8 hours of chemo on Wednesday, and 4 hours more on both Thursday and Friday. As of Sunday, he is resting well, but occasionally experiences flu-like symptoms. The docs told him to expect side efects, if any, within 7-10 days after he begins the treatment. Looks like he's starting a bit early. Fortunately, the flu-like symptoms are not constant, but, he is still fairly weak. He begins his next three day chemo round on April 15th. With the first round of chemo now complete, we're looking for some loss of hair, but with Bob, it's going to be very difficult to even NOTICE if his hair is falling out.
Anyway, that's the latest. We'll update you if the situation changes or if there is anything new.
The Freemans
Anyway, that's the latest. We'll update you if the situation changes or if there is anything new.
The Freemans
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Update- Wednesday, March 11th
Hi All,
Only change is the delay of the first chemo treatment from next Mon/Tues/Weds to next Weds/Thurs/Fri. Bob has had a long week and is pretty worn out. He's been through a lot and his body just isn't the young dude it once was. (::sigh:: So true for so many of us). All else remains the same.
Please keep in touch. Bob thoroughly enjoys your phone calls. If you're thinking of stopping by, please be sure to call first to make sure he's up to it.
Thanks again to all of you.
The Freemans
Only change is the delay of the first chemo treatment from next Mon/Tues/Weds to next Weds/Thurs/Fri. Bob has had a long week and is pretty worn out. He's been through a lot and his body just isn't the young dude it once was. (::sigh:: So true for so many of us). All else remains the same.
Please keep in touch. Bob thoroughly enjoys your phone calls. If you're thinking of stopping by, please be sure to call first to make sure he's up to it.
Thanks again to all of you.
The Freemans
Monday, March 9, 2009
Update, Monday 9, 2009- TREATMENT TO START
Hello All,
Bob and Shelly met with the oncology team last week and a treatment plan was finalized.
Beginning next Monday, March 16, Bob will undergo about 8 hours of chemo, followed by 6-8 hour treatments on both Tuesday and Wednesday. He'll then wait about 21 days, after which another three day treatment cycle will take place. These monthly treatments will continue for awhile and could be modified, depending on the effectiveness of the treatments.
Meanwhile, Bob is still recuperating at home and is slowly regaining his strength. He and Shelly have been trying to get out of the house every day and are trying to visit as many of you as possible, as his strength and time permit. He is also working on all the necessary paperwork required for his pending retirement. He had hoped to work a few more years, but that does not appear to be an option.
By the way, Bob will 61 years old this Saturday (March 14th), so be sure to call up the old man and wish him happy birthday.
Well, that's the latest. We'll let you know if anything changes.
The Freemans
Bob and Shelly met with the oncology team last week and a treatment plan was finalized.
Beginning next Monday, March 16, Bob will undergo about 8 hours of chemo, followed by 6-8 hour treatments on both Tuesday and Wednesday. He'll then wait about 21 days, after which another three day treatment cycle will take place. These monthly treatments will continue for awhile and could be modified, depending on the effectiveness of the treatments.
Meanwhile, Bob is still recuperating at home and is slowly regaining his strength. He and Shelly have been trying to get out of the house every day and are trying to visit as many of you as possible, as his strength and time permit. He is also working on all the necessary paperwork required for his pending retirement. He had hoped to work a few more years, but that does not appear to be an option.
By the way, Bob will 61 years old this Saturday (March 14th), so be sure to call up the old man and wish him happy birthday.
Well, that's the latest. We'll let you know if anything changes.
The Freemans
Saturday, February 28, 2009
A Semblance of Normalcy
Hello All,
It's Saturday afternoon and Bob and I (Brother Bill) just returned from a couple of hours at the A.B. Miller Girls Softball games. (Bob also made a short visit there Friday afternoon.) Bob's recovery is progressing as he increases his exercise and mobility each day. It was great for him to watch some of his former freshmen girls playing outstanding ball at the varsity level. It was also great to see them stage a late inning rally to win the game!!
Bob meets with his oncologist next Thursday to plot out the chemo schedule. Current plans call for 4 consecutive days of chemo, then a month long respite, followed by another 4 day treatment cycle, etc.. etc.. etc. We'll let you know if anything changes.
Thanks again for all of your support, phone calls, cards, etc... You are sincerely appreciated by all of us.
The Freemans
It's Saturday afternoon and Bob and I (Brother Bill) just returned from a couple of hours at the A.B. Miller Girls Softball games. (Bob also made a short visit there Friday afternoon.) Bob's recovery is progressing as he increases his exercise and mobility each day. It was great for him to watch some of his former freshmen girls playing outstanding ball at the varsity level. It was also great to see them stage a late inning rally to win the game!!
Bob meets with his oncologist next Thursday to plot out the chemo schedule. Current plans call for 4 consecutive days of chemo, then a month long respite, followed by another 4 day treatment cycle, etc.. etc.. etc. We'll let you know if anything changes.
Thanks again for all of your support, phone calls, cards, etc... You are sincerely appreciated by all of us.
The Freemans
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
BOB GOES HOME!!!
Hello Folks,
After 25 days in the hospital, Bob finally went home today!!! He'll contact his chemo doctor tomorrow and move on from there!
Please recall the missive we wrote a few days ago about limited visitors. He is still very tired and very weak and we need to keep him healthy for the treatments that start soon. Feel free to check the 2nd update from Monday, Feb. 23rd for this information.
Again, our many thanks for your kind support through these difficult times. Hopefully, we'll get him up to A.B. Miller sometime in the next week or so that he may personally thank you and say hello.
The Freemans
After 25 days in the hospital, Bob finally went home today!!! He'll contact his chemo doctor tomorrow and move on from there!
Please recall the missive we wrote a few days ago about limited visitors. He is still very tired and very weak and we need to keep him healthy for the treatments that start soon. Feel free to check the 2nd update from Monday, Feb. 23rd for this information.
Again, our many thanks for your kind support through these difficult times. Hopefully, we'll get him up to A.B. Miller sometime in the next week or so that he may personally thank you and say hello.
The Freemans
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Update- Tuesday, Feb. 24th
Hello All,
All is well. Bob's catheter was removed today and he is walking again. All of his docs came by today and said they are happy with his progress, altho the skin graft still needs a few more days to heal and adhere, so... he'll be there for another day or two. He still has one tube attached for the graft drainage and a couple of IV's remain.
He sends his weary, but best wishes.
The Freemans
All is well. Bob's catheter was removed today and he is walking again. All of his docs came by today and said they are happy with his progress, altho the skin graft still needs a few more days to heal and adhere, so... he'll be there for another day or two. He still has one tube attached for the graft drainage and a couple of IV's remain.
He sends his weary, but best wishes.
The Freemans
Monday, February 23, 2009
2nd Update- Monday, Feb. 23rd
Hello All,
Just a quick update from this morning:
Bob's urologist checked in with us tonight and said he is progressing well enough to look at a mid-week discharge date. Tomorrow (Weds.) they'll disconnect a couple more tubes, check his ability to walk with the graft without tearing it apart and then decide whether or not to send him home Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest. Plans call for Bob to contact oncology the day he is discharged with treatment starting within days.
Even though Bob will most likely soon be home, he is still weak and needs recuperation time. Coupled with his impaired immune system, it is important that he avoid situations where he could pick up a cold, the flu or any other of the myriad "bugs" working their way around the schools and community, so we must remain fairly diligent in limiting visitors when he gets home. Remember too, that the chemo really knocks the immune system for a loop, so he will be extra susceptible to infections when that treatment begins early next week. Bob and Shelly have asked that folks call first to see if he can have visitors. The worst thing that could happen would be for him to make it through all he's been through for the past 22 days in the hospital, and then come down with something that would keep him from getting the life-saving chemo treatments. So, once again, (and we know we don't have to say this because all of you understand) we ask that there be no "drop-in" visitors at Bob's home until you first speak with Bob or Shelly to make sure that he is up to and able to have visitors.
Bob sends his best to all of you and hopes that all is well with you and yours. He is anxious to get home and start the chemo and he feels terrible about not being able to see all of you. But, he is aware of the battle that lies before him and he wants to make sure all the cards are stacked in his favor when he begins his treatments.
From the rest of the Freemans, we continue to acknowledge and appreciate your help and your prayers, as well as your kind thoughts, words and deeds.
The Freemans
Just a quick update from this morning:
Bob's urologist checked in with us tonight and said he is progressing well enough to look at a mid-week discharge date. Tomorrow (Weds.) they'll disconnect a couple more tubes, check his ability to walk with the graft without tearing it apart and then decide whether or not to send him home Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest. Plans call for Bob to contact oncology the day he is discharged with treatment starting within days.
Even though Bob will most likely soon be home, he is still weak and needs recuperation time. Coupled with his impaired immune system, it is important that he avoid situations where he could pick up a cold, the flu or any other of the myriad "bugs" working their way around the schools and community, so we must remain fairly diligent in limiting visitors when he gets home. Remember too, that the chemo really knocks the immune system for a loop, so he will be extra susceptible to infections when that treatment begins early next week. Bob and Shelly have asked that folks call first to see if he can have visitors. The worst thing that could happen would be for him to make it through all he's been through for the past 22 days in the hospital, and then come down with something that would keep him from getting the life-saving chemo treatments. So, once again, (and we know we don't have to say this because all of you understand) we ask that there be no "drop-in" visitors at Bob's home until you first speak with Bob or Shelly to make sure that he is up to and able to have visitors.
Bob sends his best to all of you and hopes that all is well with you and yours. He is anxious to get home and start the chemo and he feels terrible about not being able to see all of you. But, he is aware of the battle that lies before him and he wants to make sure all the cards are stacked in his favor when he begins his treatments.
From the rest of the Freemans, we continue to acknowledge and appreciate your help and your prayers, as well as your kind thoughts, words and deeds.
The Freemans
Update-Monday, Feb. 23rd
Hello All,
The docs took off the skin graft bandage on Sunday and all looks well!! If the healing continues as it has, Bob may be home in a few days. He is allowed to sit in the chair, but the docs wouldn't let him walk around yesterday (Sunday) for fear of tearing loose the graft. But, he should be allowed to get up and prowl real soon.
We'll next post when we know Bob is going home or if something different develops. Till then, keep those warm and fuzzies coming!!
The Freemans
The docs took off the skin graft bandage on Sunday and all looks well!! If the healing continues as it has, Bob may be home in a few days. He is allowed to sit in the chair, but the docs wouldn't let him walk around yesterday (Sunday) for fear of tearing loose the graft. But, he should be allowed to get up and prowl real soon.
We'll next post when we know Bob is going home or if something different develops. Till then, keep those warm and fuzzies coming!!
The Freemans
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