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