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

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

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

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