The Birthday Boy Keeps Marching

Saturday, April 4, 2009 -- From Bobbie Hixson


I believe Gordon’s 5th chemo has had less side effects than 3 & 4. He slept late, but has been in the yard walking around, and now he has gone to Greenlife, the organic grocery store on Manufacturer’s Rd. near the Market St. Bridge. He has been eating dried beans and legumes. They are very good for cancer patients. Meats create acid which is not good for the pancreas or cancer. We have been doing mostly fish and chicken. I’m so hungry for spaghetti or lasagna. I guess by this time, his system is adapting somewhat.

When we went for the chemo infusion Friday, Gordon was fasting; so they did some extra testing that his internist ordered. Of course, we don’t know the results as yet. We had to be there at 9:30 am. We had never been at that time, and every recliner was full, except for one. And most of the people being treated were young or middle age. There were only 3 older people including Gordon. It certainly gives you a whole new perspective on life. It makes you glad and sad at the same time. You’re so relieved that you’re not one of the ones being treated, and so sad to see the ones who are being treated. Most of the women had on a scarf or hat. I suppose they have lost their hair. And they were getting 2 bags of the infusion rather than 1. Gordon’s labs are okay. Everything is holding so far. Nothing had gone down. His attitude is holding positive, and I’m the encourager. Sometimes I get so tired both emotionally and physically, but I try not to let him know.

The surprise 80th birthday party was a real hit, and was he ever surprised! He got teary, and I went over and hugged him, and that seemed to give him the support he needed. Some of his techs that he worked with 30 years ago were there, as well as the staff at the Women’s Diagnostic Center. They usually do something on a much smaller scale for everyone’s birthday; so they were afraid he would be suspicious. But he wasn’t. He has too much else on his mind. The Radiologist he worked with at East Ridge Hospital and his wife came and brought lots of good hot, finger food. I would say it was a smashing success. And the MRI tech that he trained at East Ridge came. Some of them wrote the dearest and sweetest notes in their cards. They really love him and appreciate all the kindness and help he has shown them. He was very moved to say the least. His niece, Ann, and her husband, Winston were there, as well as Karen (our daughter) and Adrian, who worked for him 18 years and has known him since she was in high school. Our daughter-in-law had a bad fracture of her ankle on Sunday, and was having surgery on Monday; so she and Gary (our son), couldn’t come. Others had to work and couldn’t be there. It was a great party, and memories he will treasure now and forever.

Lori, his nurse for the chemo treatments, said his immunity should be very low right now; so they want him to stay away from people. He had no business going to Greenlife, but once he makes up his mind…there’s no talking him out of it. (like most men)!


Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter Sunday….celebrate Jesus….He lives!!!
I thank, love, and appreciate each one who is praying for Gordon and me.

Bobbie Hixson