Chemo Round 6

Today Simone and Bobbie were chanting, "Two more, only Two more".

It's been a long haul, but we are down to the last month of chemo therapy. Greg and Shauna and family are coming to visit for the Easter holiday and then Celeste is coming to visit a few days after that. Bobbie is hoping that the visits will help speed the time along.

Bobbie continues to be super tired and this new chemo seems to have lessened her appetite. She tries to eat what she can and has  lost about 10-12 pounds. It's important for her to keep her strength up and eat as often as possible. Fred is continually concerned that his sweetheart isn't eating enough. Simone and Fred try to get her whatever sounds good to her. Last week she liked plain McDonald's hamburgers and a few fries. Simone plans good meals and snacks to take to the marathon 5 hour chemo treatments. Chicken salad was a favorite for awhile. She has been a real trooper over the past 3 months and we're all extremely happy that we are down to the final 2 treatments.

Yesterday Bobbie had a routine appointment where they checked her blood prior to chemo, to make sure she is healthy and ready. Simone called today and said that Bobbie is going to have a blood transfusion tomorrow. Her hemoglobin is really low. She has been super tired and out of breath, so this explains her symptoms and should help her to feel better.

She starts chemo 3 on Friday and she's a bit nervous about it. The doctor said most people have an easier time with 3 than they do with 1 &2. The side effects and allergic reactions can be worse though. So, we are asking for renewed prayers on her behalf. I'll let you know how she's doing again early next week.

                                                                    February 5, 2016

Chemo, round 3

Things went well this past week. Bobbie has had a few problems with low blood pressure and had to go back and see the doctor. He took her off of one blood pressure medicine and told her to monitor her blood  pressure 3 times a day. If it goes back up to a certain number, she will add the blood pressure med back in. No blisters or headaches this time :)  I had a nice visit in Ohio, other than it was super cold!

Bobbie was in the mood for KFC pot pies that week, so we made several runs to the local KFC to keep her happy. The staff at the cancer center are super nice people and always joke and smile. Some of them even recognized Bobbie when we were out and about in the hospital. 

Her new wig came in while I was there. It looks great on her, but she prefers a cute hat or scarf most days. Simone said her mom always has cute matching scarves, hats and outfits. While we were at the wig store they asked Bobbie to take off her hat to try on her wig. She was reluctant, so a lady seated behind her jumped up and said, "Will this help"? She pulled off her "hair" and smiled really big. It was so sweet! She even had us all feel her new super soft, downy hair that was growing back in. It was as soft as cotton.

Chemo, round 2

Simone said that Bobbie did really well today. The good news is that so far, no HEADACHE! She said continue to pray, because it's working.

We talked to Bobbie on Greg's birthday, Jan 16, and she sounded good. She said she's tired and just doesn't feel "right" but was in good spirits in general. She said about every 3 hours she gets hungry and a small amount of food seems to fill her back up again. We're glad she has an appetite and so far hasn't been nauseous.

Chemo ~ Day One

Simone said everything went well today. Originally the doctor told Simone she would have to wait in the Lobby for Bobbie, but a nice nurse told her she could come along today and be Bobbie's  "Chemo-Sabe".

The only pain was slight. They inserted a needle into Bobbie's port. The port is under the skin, just below her collar bone. So far no nausea, but she's sleepy. As a side note, I think she looks really good in purple.

More pictures ~ Thanks to Cathy and Tim :)

Greg, Bobbie and Celeste 1966

Bobbie and her sisters

Bobbie and Lynda

Greg, Tim and Robbie (cousins)

PICTURES

Barbara Catherine Griffin

The Newlyweds



Fred and Greg, Surprise Birthday CRUISE!

Fine looking young man!

You can take the girl out of the south, but....

Mr. and Mrs. Garcia

A little about Bobbie.....

Barbara Catherine Griffin (Bobbie) was born on Saturday, Oct. 2, 1943 ~To Jim Henry Griffin and Edith McLeod Griffin. She was the 8th of 13 children. Bobbie was raised and attended school in Sumter, South Carolina.

Daddy, Jim Henry died of Lymphoma
Momma, Edith Mae died of a Brain Tumor

 

The Griffin Children:

Melvin Richard (Son) b. 1930  ~ Died of Liver Cancer
Pearl b.1933 ~
Mildred (Bill) b.1934~ had colon cancer, and kicked it's butt!
Ray b.1937~
Faye b.1937 ~died around 6 mo old, from illness.
Yvonne (Onie) b.1939 ~Died of Breast Cancer
Joseph Clyde (JC) b.1942 ~Died from Melanoma
Bobbie b.1943~ Breast Cancer diagnosis 2015
Benny b.1945 ~Died in childhood. Around 3 years old.
Jimmy b.1947 ~Died in an automobile accident, around 26 years old.
Lynda b.1948~
Deborah (Debbie) b.1950 ~Died of Small Cell carcinoma
Cathy b.1951~

After reading the above list, one thought comes to mind......... Cancer Sucks!


Bobbie met her sweetheart, Frederick Garcia, who was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. They were married June 12, 1962, in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple. She was the ripe old age of 18.

Fred and Bobbie have four wonderful children:

Gregory Mark b.1964
Celeste Ann b.1965
Simone Marie b.1970
Frederick Todd b.1974

Fred and Bobbie lived in Sumter for about 3 years and then were reassigned to Wright Patterson AFB. They raised their children in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Fred retired in 1971, from the Air Force and retired again in Dec 31, 1999, from the Civil Service an then  the couple moved to Hamilton, Ohio, where they reside today.

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The purpose of this blog, is to medically update family and friends. When Bobbie doesn't feel well, we will kindly ask you to let her rest and recuperate. When she's up to it, we'll let you know that she would like to hear from her family and friends. Simone will be busy taking Bobbie to all of her appointments and will take a few photos of this journey, for the blog. I'll post the updated information about once or twice a week. If you have questions, concerns or well wishes, please comment on the blog. Bobbie would love to read your comments.

Bobbie's cancer is stage 1.7  The cancer is called Non-aggressive carcinoma (ER PR triple negative)The doctor said Bobbie is very healthy and strong. Simone and Fred are going to do their best to keep her well fed and happy. The first round of chemotherapy will be this Friday. She will have 8 rounds of chemotherapy, about two weeks between each round. The first four will be chemo 1 & 2. The second four rounds will be chemo 3. Chemo 3 is more aggressive and will be given to her due to her family history. The doctor said that Bobbie's type of cancer responds very well to chemotherapy.

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If you see any errors, or have additional information, please let me know. Shauna.garcia1986@yahoo.com