Thank you so much for visiting Dad's Caring Bridge page. We waited far too long to start this page, and we apologize. So many of you have noticed Dad’s absence from Mass and other events and have been wondering what has been going on with him. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of change for our family and we have only had time to talk to a few of you. We want to thank you for your prayers over the last six weeks, even though you might not have known what it is that Bob is struggling with.
Dad has had a spinal issue, ankylosing spondylitis, for the last 30 years, so he is very familiar with pain and has lived with it a long time. Around January of this year, the pain changed and his current medications were no longer effective. His activity level decreased and he spent more time resting to find comfortable positions.
On February 27, Dad fell at home and broke three ribs, and the prescribed pain medication for that injury changed his arthritis pain regimen and made him quite miserable. At this point he was in extreme pain, no energy, had lost 30 pounds, and was just not well. He finally made it in to his rheumatologist (of all people) who ordered complete blood tests and discovered that his liver was not performing well. A CT scan later that week showed a large stone in his pancreas, so he was referred to a gastroenterologist.
The referral took longer than we expected and Dad’s condition, especially his jaundice, was getting worse so we made a trip to the ER to get him evaluated. They scheduled him for a procedure to open the bile duct on Wednesday, April 13. Unfortunately, they could not get the scope past the mass at the head of the pancreas, so they admitted him to the hospital to try a different approach. Over the next five days, Dad had the backup bile drained from his liver, and a stent implanted to allow proper drainage. He received an official cancer diagnosis on Good Friday, spent Easter in the hospital recovering and waiting for further tests, and was released on Monday.
We found that Dad has Bile Duct Cancer located within the pancreas, and is not a candidate for surgery. His recommended treatment is a six week course of radiation and chemotherapy, which he started on May 9. After a couple of rough few days, Dad adjusted to the rhythm of morning treatments and afternoon recoveries. At this point, he has had half of his treatments, his nausea is under control, and (finally!) so is his pain. His biggest struggle is maintaining his weight, which is made difficult by no appetite and all food tasting sour, and the severe fatigue which comes with his treatment.
Through all of this, he has stayed pretty close to home. He has made it to Sunday Mass a couple times, and was able to make it to his grandson Wesley’s wedding in Marshalltown on May 21st. We appreciate all the prayers and cards you all have sent, and ask that you remember Mom during this time as well. I’m sure that most of you know that she had a stroke two years ago this May, and has been working hard at her own recovery. Dad’s situation has pushed her into a caretaker role, and she needs your prayers as well.
Below is a link to Dad's obituary and directions to the funeral home and church. We will also be having a luncheon at St.Augustin once we return from Glendale cemetery.
Thank you all for your support, prayers and kind words during this time. Our family appreciates all that you have done, and the love you had for Bob.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Bob Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Bob's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
