We met with Rob's surgeon this afternoon, and we did not hear what we hoped to hear. We sat and locked hands as we listened... The cancer was much more aggressive than what the doctor had thought.
Rob's bladder still had cancer in it, it had spread through the bladder to surrounding tissues, and was deep within the ureter wall. He also had prostate cancer, the very lowest level - but in both lobes. And out of the 26 lymph nodes they removed, cancer was found in three of them... a small number, but evidence it had spread.
We sat looking at each other, in a quiet place for a moment or two. I was trying to hold back my tears as I squeezed tighter on Rob's hand. I found myself lightly shaking my head, as if trying to make what I heard fall away. But it didn't.
The doctor spoke softly, in details we could understand, and apologized that he kept giving us bad news. He wants Rob to see a medical oncologist, and have adjuvant chemo, which just means 'after surgery.' Rob said he is just going to go in and talk with them - to find out the options - nothing more right now.
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| Rob the Warrior!!! |
As we walked to the car, I was holding him even tighter. The tears almost spilled over once inside, and as I tried to start driving away, Rob said, "Don't get us killed before chemo has a chance to kill me!" (If you know Rob well, you know his sick humor!) I thought of something bright and clever to go along with his acerbic wit, and we both laughed the tears away! ;)
Ahhh, now back to our new reality...
We are processing a lot right now. Taking lots of deep breaths. Deep-in-the-soul breaths. I have noticed that Rob is very quiet, he's weak and fatigued, and I know that I have to work hard to keep him from withdrawing to that dark place. And those of you who know me, know that I will. :)
So with that, we are going to settle into a night of enjoying this life, and taking it all one day at a time.
As always, thank you for your continuing prayers, the cards, the love, and support. It's YOU that keeps us strong!!!
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
Oh Cheri...I just don't know what to say to you, and there really are no words. I pray the chemo works, I pray you & Rob have the mental & physical strength to get thru this. Never have I seen 2 people that deserve the best life has to offer than you two. I pray all good things come to you both. Hold on to each other now, God will guide you. Your obvious love lights up this world.
ReplyDeleteI know of a DR Datoli here in Bradenton who specializes in prostate cancer. He started the seed treatment where radioactive seeds are planted in the prostate so it is a direct shot of radiation. I know it works wonders here, please look into it. I also think a hospital that specializes in cancer is better at treating it. There they can give him a PET scan which is better at showing were all cancer is learking.
ReplyDeleteYour obvious love lights up this world is a great way to put it, I know it lights up mine to even just hear about it. Love and prayers to both of you and also to your daughter and family
Keep up the Good Fight Rob!!! You WILL DO IT!!!
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