Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. Here is Bobby's Cancer Story:
Bobby’s cancer journey began January 29, 2018 with a visit in Wahpeton ND with Dr. Nyarandi/Halvorson. The visit was prompted by sudden symptoms of lack of interest and word retrieval to make sentences. This was not normal for Bobby – the guy with the gift of gab and lots of interests. A series of MRIs revealed an aggressive cancerous brain tumor – Grade IV glioblastoma multiforme in the left frontal lobe. Dr. Adam Jackson, Sanford neurosurgeon, removed 90% of the tumor on Feb 9, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Bobby is in good physical shape and his recovery has been remarkable for his age (82). Skilled occupational, physical, and speech therapists have worked with him the last weeks to make him strong and confident. Although it is exhausting, he remains positive and cooperative (most days!). He especially likes the game aspect of therapy such as card games, putting contests, basketball, etc. His putting accurancy is 80 %! He walks well and continues his sense of humor!
Monday, March 5, 2018, Drs. Blanchard and Tinguely at Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, met with us to discuss the pathology report from Mayo. The tumor had a methylated marker which was good and given a possible lifespan of 1 year with therapy. Options were laid out and Bobby has decided to go forward with this treatment option to control the 10% of tumor remaining as best possible: oral chemotherapy (Temador) for 5 days followed by 3 weeks off. He will be fatigued and possibly nauseous for the 2nd and 3rd week off and prone to infection for the 1st week (Nadir period). This cycle may continue for 6 months. The 1st cycle will be the least potent. All cycles following will have increased dosages of Temador. Blood work and lab work will be continuous to monitor progress. The need for radiation may be considered after the 6 months of oral chemotherapy has been completed.
Bobby and Carol, together 60 years, have now taken up residence at #235, Touchmark at Harwood Groves, Fargo, ND 58014. This is where they will remain during treatment and therapy sessions. The apartment is furnished and quiet and comes with lots of amenities. Bring your swimsuit and swim with them, put puzzles together, listen to piano music, play games, and dine on site with them (food options are great! It’s been a hit!). They can attend the Catholic services on Tuesdays and transportation to wherever they need to go. If you are planning a visit, please call first as chemotherapy is predicted to make him very fatigued. Carol will help decide his visitor schedule to allow adequate rest and healing.
His family thanks you for your concern, support, visits, and prayers during this journey <
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Robert (Bobby) Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Robert (Bobby)'s for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
