Baby Steps

Just a quick update, trying to get my strength back. I can't stand up for a long time without sitting down and I can walk a little ways and then have to sit down. It is sure nice to have good friends. My buddy, Ken Symer, gave me a joke the other day and he probably doesn't even know he did, so I would like to tell it.

The owner of a small farm was being investigated for allegedly not paying his workers proper wages. "I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them," demanded the interviewing agent.

"Well," replied the farmer, "there's my farmhand, who has been with me for three years. I pay him $200 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $150 a week plus free room and board. Then there's the half-wit who works about 18 hours every day and does 90 percent of all the work around here. He makes about $10 a week and pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of borubon every Saturday night. He also sleeps with my wife occasionally."

"That's the guy I want to talk to, the half-wit," said the agent.

The farmer replied. "That would be me."

....

It is obvious that the farmer in this story must love his job. Like most of us out there I seem to be happiest working hard at what I love to do. It's hard doing nothing but baby steps first, getting my strength back, and beating this disease. I'll be back before you know it.

Love you all,

Rod

Day Four After Chemo

Being home is very nice even the 101 looked beautiful on the way home. The chemo has been kicking my butt the last few days and on top of that I have had pretty bad indigestion. I know that this is just something I have to go through. It is incredible how weak chemo makes your body. Normal activities take a lot of effort and frequent stops for rests are very necessary. All in all, every day is a bit better. I continue to get incredible support from my family and my friends. This blog thing is weird but every time I don't make an entry I get my butt chewed. So I will try to put a little something in every couple of days. It took alot of energy just to water a tree today. Again, I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers and support. I'll be back before you know it.

Rod

He's Home

You're all probably waiting to hear from Rod. Well rest assured he is at home, sleeping, eating well, and watching the tube. He did say that the chemo finally hit him. Janet, love your funny stories. Keep them coming. All the great positive comments I read to Rod are wonderful for him. They keep him going strong. Good night and as always the power of prayer does amazing things. Until next time...

Rod & Julie

Test Update

Just to update all of you. I spoke with Rod this morning and his bone marrow biopsy was negative. Yes Forbes family, mass prayer really works. I want to thank my good friend Sonja for getting me started with the blog. We've even heard from family and friends in other states. My, word sure travels fast. Thank you everyone for your concerns and prayers. Still not sure when he will come home. But I am hopeful it will be soon.

Julie

The Monkey

Rod wanted me to let you know, and you know who you are, that the monkey arrived safely. He will return it after he has had his laughs. Good night and please keep Dr. Huss, Dr. Dirt, Dad, Son, Friend... in your thoughts and prayers.

Julie

Winding Down Hospital Espisode One

Well finishing my chemo today. I've got to get a few lines pulled out tomorrow and a few other odds and ends. I should be leaving the hospital Thursday or Friday. My kidneys are almost back to normal and my left kidney is going to make it. I am very happy. I feel very blessed and again I can't express how much I appreciate all the support I have gotten from everyone. Truth be told I am a little uncomfortable with all this attention because I am just a worker bee. The blog entries will be more infrequent, like maybe weekly, just to let everyone know how things are going. I have to lay low at home because my white counts will be low but the oncologist is very hopeful and thinks the tumor will be gone in three treatments. Although the treatment will go on for about three months. I will be back before you know it.

Rod

Day Four of Chemo

Another good day. No pain, no sickness or weird feelings. Sometimes I think I'm in a medical study and I'm in the placebo group and I'm not really getting any medicine. Had some visitors today and lots of energy. Had some funny phone calls. A couple of friends of mine, one owns a car repair business and the other one owns a plumbing business, asked about a procedure I might have. When I explained that I may have to have a blood transfusion before I go home (in two separate phone calls) in each case, Ken (auto repair owner) said Why would they do that? I said why would they do what? He said why would they take all the blood out with chemo in it and put in new blood that doesn't have any chemo in it. I explained to him that they just add a little bit of red blood cells. Since he is always changing oil in a car all day long he thinks you should take all the old blood out. The conversation with John, the plumber, went the same way. Why would they flush out all of the blood with chemo in it? He flushes out everything in pipes. Also, I received a very strange gift today. A big heart shaped balloon was delivered to my room today and it said "Get Well Mom." I looked at the tag and recognized the name but I still wasn't sure this was for me since I am not a mom. Then I reached into the bag and pulled out about 8 or 10 giant snicker bars and I knew right away this was for me. Thank you Haggerty family. I remain upbeat. All my numbers are going in the right direction. I still have a long road to hoe but I'm definitely up to it. I'll be back before you know it.

Rod


I'm in a more positive frame of mind now. The first few days were very scary not knowing what was going to happen to my husband. When I talk to Rod now, it is as if nothing in wrong with him because he sounds the same and has such a wonderful outlook on everything. He has touched so many lives in more ways than one and you can really feel the care and love he gives to so many. Yesterday I thought I'd let the dogs out for a walk. So I walked them down the hill side. I was going to fill up the water tank anyway so I just let them run ahead of me. Well, they saw a squirrel and they trapped it behind this little tank we have with wires running out of the pipes. The dogs go crazy for the squirrel and they move this tank and Missy gets her leg wrapped in wires. I'm on the phone with Rod, What do I do? He said get a stick and smack the dogs to get away from the tank. So I hang up the phone smacking both Barbie and Missy, who are not reacting to my commands. Now I'm am getting frustrated so I grab both of them by the collars (they really, really what that squirrel) and force them away from the tank but I have to unwrap the wire from Missy's leg first. So Barbie gets away from me and goes after that stinkin' squirrel. I'm forever trying to get the both of them away from the tank. I finally, with all my might, walked the dogs up the hill holding their collars and put them away. I told Rod, No more freedom for these animals until you come home. Well I have to say, Missy and Barbie are very obedient today.

I appreciate everyone's concerns for Rod. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers and thoughts. We just battle this one day at a time.

Julie

Day Three

Another good day. Had lots of energy and didn't even take a nap today. Walked around a little bit today and watched the supercross on the Speed channel. Kidneys continue to improve, no bad symptoms from the chemo. The food is actually quite good and the company is great. I really miss all my co-workers at the hospital and my friends everyday. I got to see Madelyn for about an hour. Julie was a trooper and slept in the little hide-a-bed for two nights in a row getting very little sleep. She has held up very well so far, all things considered.

Rod

Second Day of Chemo

Well, I just finished my first day of chemo and have three more to go. The chemo runs for 24 hours continuously and the next course starts right away. I have to say all of the horror stories I've heard about chemo, at lease for me, it has been pretty easy. I haven't been sick or had any pain. The only thing is that I tire easily. I hope I feel the same at the end of this course as I did the first. I am through with all the poking, proding, stents and inanimant objects running along inside my body up the course of my arteries. I think I've had everything on the menu at interventional radiology. So now it is sit back and absorb the poison. About the time I get bored I take a nap. The Oncologist is very optimistic that the chemo will melt the tumor away, and he has a lot of experience with Lymphomas. I've had a lot of visitors, call from friends and family. All the love and good will really helps to tolerate everything. I can't wait to get back to work but I've got to be smart because I'll be very immuno-compromised. I remain optimistic and very grateful for all the blessings I have in my life. So I'll sign off because I have to go visit my duck.

Rod

Cancer Stage

Rod has Stage 2 cancer and it is contained in his abdomen. Please feel free to share this with others. His treatment so far is going smooth. God bless you all.

Julie

Day One of Chemo

Okay, enough from me. I am with Rod today and this what he is saying. I started chemo today and will take it steady for four days if my kidneys can handle the load. I am blown away by all the friends and their kind thoughts for me. I would also like to mention Dr. Bines, Dr. Jamison and Dr. Schlosser who have really come to my rescue to keep the practice going while I am laid up. Likewise to my office girls, Rosemary and Tammy, and all the nurses at the hospital. They have really worked hard at coordinating a minor disaster. So far the chemo has not bothered me at all and I'm chomping at the bit to get back at work but at the same time trying to catch up on my rest. I am blessed to have so many friends and family that have given me so much strength and the will to fight on. Ha, ha there is no way this freakin tumor will get the best of me.

Rod

Evening News

Hello everyone,

Thank you to those who left comments for Rod. He will enjoy reading them. Here is the most up-to-date information I have about Rod's condition. His tumor started as a low grade tumor and then jumped to a high grade near his spleen. Today's scan showed hot spots so his treatment plan will be more chemo more often for now. He did say that his kidneys and blood pressure are better again today. Tomorrow is a very big day for him. As always please keep Rod in your thoughts and prayers. I miss him and love him very much. Good night.

Julie

Morning update

Hello,

I spoke with Rod this morning and this is what he communicated to me. He is having the following tests completed this morning: Pet scan, cardiac echo and bone marrow. His kidneys have improved and his blood pressure is good today. The cancer however is an agressive type and his chemo treatments will be anywhere from two to five days starting tomorrow. He is tired today but his spirits seem good.

If anyone would like to comment and leave Rod a message you will need to create a google account first. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He is such a wonderful, kind and caring man.

Julie

A Little Bit of History

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm new at blogging, but I wanted to figure a way to communicate with everyone what Rod has been going through these past few weeks. It began almost three weeks ago with what we thought was the stomach flu. After his efforts of trying to figure out what was wrong, he ordered a complete blood count on his body. The results came back that he had kidney problems. (Remember, Rod is not writing this...I am and I am no medical doctor.) Other tests were performed and again, another diagnosis was made. This time it was more serious and he was told that he has Lymphoma. This occurred on Sunday, March 14th at Lompoc Hospital.

To bring you up to speed, Rod is now at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and is going through several tests. We are still waiting to receive results from tests already taken. The doctors say Rod will need chemotherapy, but first they have to get his kidneys functioning properly and bring his blood pressure down. Today's procedure was to include a stint implant in one of his kidneys, however, when the doctor probed around they were happy to see that both kidneys were open and not blocked. Therefore, the stint implant was not needed and Rod is a happy man today!

When more test results come in, I will try to update everyone as soon as possible. I'm tired and am going to bed. Please keep us in your prayers and for Rod to have a strong recovery.

Julie