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