Monday: Bewildered

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Bob's having difficulty retrieving the words he wants to use: it's called expressive aphasia.  He's frustrated and confused, the doctors are baffled, and it's difficult to observe without being able to help.

Special testing continues in an effort to gain an explanation, and to clarify the nature and extent of any damage incurred by the brain hemmorhage, though results will take time.  One more thing for which we need to summon patience.  Bob is still fighting hard--and that's something he can tell us.

We're collecting a few photos to put into an album.  If you would like to send one that would be meaningful to Bob, we'll be happy to include it.

Sunday

Since his original brain hemorrhage episode three weeks ago, Bob's doctors have had ongoing concerns about his cognitive responses.  A series of tests administered today show he is having difficulty, but as both the cause and the prognosis remain uncertain, the neuro tests,  CT scans and MRIs will continue.

From Maggie:

To our many dear friends, thank you all for the cards, comments on Bob's Blog, good wishes and support.  After a week with improvements, this weekend Bob slipped back some.  We are having additional testing tonight, tomorrow and as long as it takes to try and figure out why his condition keeps going up and down.

We will update when we can, but it may not be on a daily basis.  The doctors (and there are many) are trying to figure out why he responds well and then reverses.  He never was an easy guy to understand.  We will update as we can.  Hugs to all.  Maggie, Bob, Meganne and Eryn.

Saturday: Lazy day

Bob didn't rest well last night---slept most of the day.

Friday evening: Small victories

The doctors are encouraged by the improvement in Bob's appearance: he looks much better today. This afternoon he said, "I have had a wonderfully relaxing day today!" He listened to a live jazz band, had 2 naps, lunched to the Eagles (on iPod), practiced a little chair dancing and watched some football before dinner.

These are small victories and pleasures for which we are grateful, as Bob remains under constant observation and care by an attentive, expert team. All day, doctors with diverse specialties observe, question, and confer with each other and the family regarding his treatment: white blood cells and platelets are measured daily, nutrition and lungs are monitored, medication is changed and evaluated for side effects, CT scans are ongoing, nurses and therapists come and go.

Bob continues to struggle with several cognitive issues, receives three kinds of daily therapy, and puts forth a huge amount of effort for his weak and fragile body-----all this and more still make up the bulk of the day for Bob, Maggie, and Meganne in that small hospital room. The ups and downs can be exhausting for everyone, but still: a good day is a good day, and this was one.

Thank you for the continued support and encouragement.  Maggie and Meganne are going to try to find a way to display all the wonderful cards they have received.  Every one is a heart-warming gift that makes the long days easier.

Friday morning: Spirits up

From Meganne this Morning:

Today we had a cooking class instructed by Bob. Breakfast in our "test kitchen" included a smoothie, oatmeal, yogurt and banana. Chef Bob thought that they would taste good together. Perhaps accompanied by a dry riesling as the smoothie was "fruit forward".

Docs haven't been by yet today. But Bob wants to go to the garden and then perhaps a tour of... the library...??? He's a little confused. --M.

A few minutes later:

When the team came into Bob's room today, he was sitting in a chair with the IV pole next to him, the table in front of him, and my mom and I sitting in chairs in front of that. The attending (most senior doctor) said, "Bob, it looks like you are holding court." To which he responded, "Well, my three fiefdoms are different today but the king feels fine."

Thursday: Entering Warrior Mode

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time  -Tolstoy

We are in a period of wait and see.  Bob was up early today: he ate breakfast, watched the news, & was able to enjoy a few minutes in the hospital garden. Hours later, he's tired and confused, not feeling well, not fully present, difficulty talking.  Sleeping now.  He still has pnemonia and a low platelet count, both serious concerns, and the doctors are monitoring his status in several areas as we approach the end of this chemo cycle. Maggie says the amount of medication he takes each day is daunting.

We are pleased and relieved with the doctors report from yesterday, cognizant that Bob's progress is relative, and that we can't even say that he is on the road to recovery yet.  Thank you all for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.  He is fighting hard, gathering his strength for the long wait.

Wednesday Eve: Patience

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Today was a long day of waiting.  The doctors came in this afternoon to give their report: Considering his condition upon entry at Stanford, Bob has made good progress these past two weeks--actually, as good as they could have expected.   His last dose of the heavy chemo bombardment cycle will be tomorrow, and then we must wait a long couple of weeks and see what's what. 

He now has a fire truck photo from his beloved Huntington Lake Volunteer Fire Department.  Thank you, Lisa.  I don't have that photo, but I do have another of the firehouse, so I'm posting that to get you in the spirit.  Our brother Peter has been traveling extensively on business lately, currently in Paris, and he wants us to know he is wearing the HLVFD  T-shirt in solidarity.

We all let out a big sigh of relief today.  Even so, there is a difficult road ahead. Bob is weak, has had trouble swallowing, and has lost a great deal of weight, so that is being addressed.  He actually was able to eat a little real food today---a big step.

So: strength and nourishment and love: that's the plan.