[CVRC] How's Bob doing?

[Dick Flanagan]

The latest information from Bob Evans.

73, Dick

---- Begin forwarded message ----
From: "Bob Evans" <Bob at bobandmerrilyevans.org>
Subject: How's Bob doing?
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:42:00 -0800

Dear friends,

I know that it has been a while since you sent e-mail to me. I've been
pretty ill and answering (or even reading) e-mail was a bit more than I
could cope with. I'll tell you briefly what went on during the latter part
of December and early January, and how things stand now.

I had surgery December 20th to remove a tumor and replace a section of the
inferior vena cava with an artificial Goretex vein. In addition, they had to
replace a bit of the portal vein from the left kidney. While getting to the
area where they had to work they damaged a portion of my duodenum, which had
to be repaired. Unfortunately, I had an allergic reaction to a blood thinner
(Heparin) that was supposed to prevent clots from building up in the area of
the artificial vein. The result was exactly the opposite of what was
expected - I clotted badly. The result of the clotting was a second surgery
to remove the clot (much like using a Roto-rooter in the vein) and
installing a 'clot filter' between the artificial vein and the heart/lungs
to prevent heart attack/strokes.

I was not aware of any of the problems - I did not regain consciousness
after the first operation. In fact I was not conscious for 4-5 days after
the initial surgery. When I did come to, after Christmas, I had no memory of
the 7 days that preceded. I still don't. I was being feed intravenously (due
to damage to the duodenum), and was not allowed to have anything by mouth -
including water. The hospital stay was long, tedious and painful. During the
hospital stay I had to start dialysis as my left (and only kidney) had gone
into acute failure as a result of the surgeries.

The dialysis is continuing, 3 times per week for 3 hours each session. My
kidney _may_ be slowly recovering. I am still very weak, very tired, not
eating or sleeping well. I am able to walk only short distances before being
pretty well wiped out. However, I am slowly getting better. I hope to get
back to 'normal' in 2-3 months time.

In the meantime, I have to undergo an ultrasound to verify that there are no
more clots forming in the artificial vein, and if that is clear, to have the
clot filter removed. This is considered 'minor surgery'.

Finally, I have to undergo another imaging study to resolve the lesions in
my liver, which the oncologists believe to be more tumors. If so, I'll have
to undergo further treatment as soon as I'm strong enough.

I'm working hard to beat this kidney cancer - wish me luck!

I really appreciate the e-mail, cards and phone calls that everyone has
sent. They really do make the days a bit easier to bear. Please stay in
contact!

Cheers,
Bob Evans

-------------------------------------------------
Bob Evans                  e-mail: n6yma at arrl.net
2158 Harrison Street       home:   408-423-8704
Santa Clara, CA  95050     cell:   775-450-4543

---- End forwarded message ----
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc at arrl.org