In the past few weeks, Abbot Robert had another CT Scan on his bones and a Brian Scan. The results are encouraging: there are no signs of cancer or blood clots in his lungs and no cancer has spread to his bones or brain.
There are side effects from the medication, primarily swelling of his extremities from the build-p of body fluid. At this point the dosage of the diuretic he has been taking to handle this has been increased and that is monitored weekly. Abbot Damian had accompanied Fr. Robert to his medical appointment during Holy Cross Abbey’s Visitation; before he had entered Spencer, Abbot Damian had been a pharmacist and has also been infirmarian at Spencer. All told, he was able to be supportive to Fr. Robert and ask his oncologist, Dr. Houk, some helpful questions.
There’s no guarantee the such progress will continue indefinitely, but we are grateful for the reprieve as we are grateful for your continued prayers and concern.