Bob Gillis

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.
Bob began this journey with a visit to the family Doctor.  Bob and I were out to dinner when he experienced what we both assumed was acid reflux.  He visited the doctor who thought Bob should have an endoscopy.  It was Thanksgiving week and the Dr felt he could wait until after the holiday but called his friend to see if he could take him sooner. By the time Bob returned to our house his cell phone was ringing.  Our Dr told him to go to the hospital emergency room  The Gastroenterologist performed a barium swallow and at that point knew there was a mass on his esophagus. It was also determined it was stage 3
Bob was transferred to Thomas Jefferson Hospital inI Philadelphia where a stent was placed in the esophagus which enabled him to swallow. The following week he began radiation therapy and two different kinds of chemo, to aggressively treat the tumors.  A Pet scan was also given and it was determined he also had Kidney cancer.  That  treatment was not high on the priority list so it was postponed.  
The next three months consisted of doctors appointments and other side effects from the treatments During that time we watched as the cancer ravaged his body. He fought believing that God wanted him here a while longer.  He was blessed with lots of visitors from places like Chicago,North Carolina, and New York.  People spent time with him, encouraging him, praying with him.  Others helped in very practical ways,like driving him to his treatments, or taking him out for coffee.
 He received much love and encouragement from his children and his Grandchildren who love their pop pop and make him laugh each day.  
 As Bob's cancer journey continued there were many ups and downs. Two weeks ago he was unable to swallow So it was
Another trip to Jefferson where it was determined the stent had migrated.  They repositioned the stent.  We met with his oncologist where we learned that the cancer had returned and a pet scan was ordered.
the PET scan revealed that not only had the cancer returned,  but it was now In the lymph system, liver, and lower stomach.  
On Monday Bob was given the choice of doing nothing or trying another treatment that may prolong  his life for a short time. The treatment meant horrific side effects.
Bob has chosen to "do nothing" and trust God for his remaining time here on earth.
He was given pain medication and will receive care from Hospice.   
We are asking You who have been on many journeys with Bob and who love him so much,You who have been part of churches he's served, Friends, neighbors, extended family, and those who know him through others, to share with him your Thoughts, Memories, and maybe even a Funny Story or two.  We all know Bob loves to Laugh.
We want to caution you.  This is a place of receiving and giving information about him and for comfort and encouragement to his family..  Any solicitation for money that you may see on Caring Bridge is not coming to our family nor is it supported by us.
Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.

Pat Gillis and Family






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