Cancer is a journey no one likes to take, especially not twice! Fortunately we do not have to go it alone and I am creating this page for that reason.
My dad, and lifelong encourager Bob Cloutier, has started a second cancer journey. This time going up against T Cell Lymphoma.
In 2018 Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was caught early and it was deemed curable! Bob underwent a very successful prostate removal surgery followed by a regimen of radiation therapy. His body responded well and at his 6 month post radiation check up he was told that he is prostate cancer FREE! Praise God and thanks to wonderful healthcare.
Unfortunately this past fall Bob started to have some health issues that led him down a path of testing over the next couple months. This included multiple appointments, facilities, tests, scans and several biopsies that he handled with grace. And about a month ago he was finally given a diagnosis of T Cell Lymphoma, a blood cancer. T Cell Lymphoma falls under the category of a Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. The body's lymph system swells and sends the cancer throughout the body and can effect vital organs and basic body functioning. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, gastro issues, physical discomfort, night sweats, fevers and overall body fatigue. The medical professionals assure us that it IS a treatable cancer but it can also be aggressive. Bob is currently receiving treatment at St Vincent's Hospital in Worcester where he has been impressed by the caring and capable medical staff. He is also seeing doctors at Dana Farber this upcoming Tuesday 2/23 for a second opinion. Due to the nature of the cancer Bob has fast tracked his treatment which at this point consists of chemo therapy one day every 3 weeks for 6 rounds, 18 week duration. He had his first chemo infusion treatment this past Friday 2/19. There is a 60% chance that this cancer will be put into remission. Though the lymphoma grows quickly it also dies quickly with treatment. Unfortunately this is a tougher battle than the prostate cancer but luckily Bob is otherwise in very good health and can't wait to get his energy back and jump on his road bike for another 50 miler!
Bob remains very positive and takes much comfort in knowing that God is with him and in control. He is also very grateful for family, church and good friends, for their love and for their prayers. He knows he isn't taking this journey alone. We'd never let him...
At this point the only thing we'd ask for is prayers.
Prayers that Bob is on the best treatment plan and that treatment provide him immediate relief from some of the symptoms he is struggling with namely fevers, night sweats, swelling and fatigue.
Prayers for my mom Linda who is providing all of the care taking responsibilities my dad needs while the rest of us remain chomping at the bit to help but have to stay an arms length away during this COVID19 crazy time.
Pray that Bob stays healthy and that his COVID vaccine scheduled for this Monday 2/22 is effective and does not give him any side effects. Pray for my mom as well as she hopes to get the vaccine this week.
Pray for the health of our nation and that vaccine and responsible behavior continue to trend in the right direction so that Bob can safely spend quality time with his 6 adoring grandchildren. Third to prayer and chemo, grandkids are really the next best medicine.
I will be maintaining this CaringBridge site so that my dad can focus on his health and his pared down work responsibilities. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions and/or encouragements for Bob. I will post updates as they arise. On behalf of my family, my mom Linda, brother Dan, sister Lindsay, our loving spouses and 6 superfan grandchildren, thank you for caring and praying.
Stay well and blessings,
Becky Cloutier Corey
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobscancerjourney2
