Update as of 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6th:

Bob remains in serious but stable condition in ICU at Kaiser Fontana. His vital signs remain steady, his color and the circulation in his legs have improved and the wound site is healing. He remains in a lot of pain however, and now uses a morphine pack to self-administer pain meds.

His history of infections prompted the docs to designate him as an "isolation patient," which means that all visitors must now wear gowns while in the room. The docs explained that this precaution is as much for the health and safety of visitors and staff as it is for Bob. Visitation remains limited to immediate family members only.

This afternoon, Bob and Shelly and Brandi met with the surgeons to determine the future course of action. Right now, barring any unforseen developments, Bob will again go under the surgeon's knife some time next week in an effort to extract as much of the cancer as possible. The surgeons will then assess the chemo option and share it with Bob and Shelly. We do not yet know the day for the surgery, but we will post it when it is available.

Also, we continue to appreciate your love and concern. Shelly has been inundated with phone calls and has returned as many as possible, but please continue to be patient, as you have so kindly been all week . She too is recovering from her surgery last Friday and she has had a rough week, to say the least.

Now, having said all that, PLEASE feel free to post a note to Bob or any other family member. In fact, we strongly urge you to do so. We will share your comments with him on a daily basis.

Sincerely,

Bill Freeman