Category Archives: Cancer update

Inside Bob’s head

December 11, 2019Bob, Cancer updatesusanmanzke

Almost exactly one year ago, Bob’s cancer reappeared. We were able to get it to back down with cancer medicine, but now it has reared up again.

There are issues throughout my husband’s body, but the first thing to address is one particular tumor in his brain. Quite soon this one will be removed in an operation and the others will be zapped with radiation. Eventually, medicines will be used to attack the cancer spots in his body.

Today we got to see a view of the inside of Bob’s brain and the issues he/we are facing.

The tumor affecting Bob’s speech will be taken out soon. Hopefully Friday morning. Bob will stay in the hospital until Monday and then come home again.

We are so lucky our children are so supportive. Too bad snowy weather can make their travels to be with us difficult.

We all have a positive outlook and more often than not you’ll find us laughing. Being positive, having great support, wonderful doctors and a good sense of humor will get us through these tough days.

Spots disappear

June 10, 2019Bob, Cancer updatesusanmanzke

When we at the oncologist for Bob’s checkup, the doctor brought up a digital display of Bob’s scans.

There were the newest ones on the left and the ones from six months ago on the right.

While comparing the images, the doctor showed that the three small brain tumors Bob had in December were gone and no new ones had popped up. I had tears of joy.

So much to celebrate! Hooray!

Can’t keep a good man down

June 7, 2019Bob, Cancer update, Farmingsusanmanzke

After we came back from Bob’s oncology appointment yesterday, we were both full of energy. The good news really picked up our spirits.

When Bob is full of energy, he needs to work. It was his idea to go down to a farm ditch and dig. The drain tile was a bit blocked again and not draining a field properly.

Off we went with the cart and tile shovel.

It was a bit awkward as Bob had to stand part way in the ditch to get a good view of the end of the tile–I offered to help, but Bob said I didn’t do it right.

Bob dug some mud out and watched the water run out of the field tile.

Bob may be retired and fighting cancer, but he will work all his life. Work makes him happy.

Good news

June 6, 2019Bob, Cancer updatesusanmanzke

This is just a short blog.

We were at Green Bay Oncology today. Bob had scans June 4. Today we got the test results–I was a nervous wreck.

This morning we had good news. Rebecca and Rachel joined us for this appointment. Together we learned that all the cancer spots in Bob have shrunk.

We are celebrating.

Bob with Dr ‘G’ looking at digital photos of the inside of Bob–Photo by Rachel.

I plan on writing more in my next column, but I wanted to quickly share this good news today.

They played hookey today

May 16, 2019Cancer update, crafts, Familysusanmanzke

Today our daughter Rachel drove up from Sun Prairie to go with us to Bob’s monthly oncology appointment. Along with Rachel came her youngest, five-year-old Wyatt. Both had put aside work and school to be with us.

Bob’s appointment went well. The results of his blood test were all positive. The doctors (one we knew for years who we met in the hallway) thought Bob looked great. Their positive comments made us smile.

Yes, Wyatt came into the appointment, too. He said he wants his grandpa to get better.

Besides the short appointment, we had fun spending the day with Rachel and Wyatt. Here are some photos Rachel took today.