Almost one month since my esophageal resection surgery, and the rate of recovery is slow but steady. My insides are still sore, but not bad. I can walk (still less than a mile), visit (a few hours a day), and talk (you’d think I was all better… but afterwards I’m drained). Lisa and I have had an eclectic stream of visitors ranging from current dear friends, to very important persons who were incredibly significant in our lives. Some that we haven’t spoken to in years or even decades. And each one feels like a gift from the universe.
Learning to eat again is the longest road on this journey, and it’s different for everyone. It can take a few months or a year. The big milestone will be when I no longer have to eat through a J-tube. That seriously sucks, but is totally necessary. And you do get used to it.
Luckily for me, it’s looking like I could be on the good side of that range. My surgeon says I’m on track for feeding tube removal in late July.
We started with just sips of water. Then clear liquids like chicken broth. Now I’m eating baby food. Think puréed chicken and peas, mashed potatoes with lots of butter and gravy, and vanilla ice cream. The goal is to get as many calories in as possible, not lose weight, and gradually lessen the tube feedings. And with my new innards, I can only eat a handful, six times a day.
Meanwhile I’ve begun missing the podcast, and my weekend radio show at The Pike in Worcester, which is a good sign. I’m gaining more energy. It’s time to set a date to return.
It means the world to me that we have a great comedic improv group, that adheres to a standard I wish there was more of in media. We can be edgy, but kind and respectful. We can disagree, but playfully. Never divisive, always seeking common ground. We can even cuss once in awhile, but never in anger. No topic is off limits, and empathy is our secret weapon.
So on June 16, 2022 we’re back. From Las Vegas, Seattle, Detroit, and Boston.
As always, we’re all grateful for your time and friendship. If you listen, you are part of our family. Your ideas and comments are always welcome and appreciated.
Bob
Great return podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Welcome back!
Welcome back 😊 and great show. Such a great surprise this morning to see this on my Spotify notifications.
Be well sending good Vibes your way
Oh my gosh I’m so excited! I hope you’re not rushing it and you’re following your wife’s directions
That’s wonderful I can’t wait to hear you guys again !!!!
I’m very impressed with your progress, sounds like you are being a great patient, probably since Lisa is right there to make sure you are 😉 You are on the road to where you want to be….hope it goes quicker that expected. Prayers for continued recovery.
You were and are a great inspiration, I stayed strong and so should you. One c survivor to another.
Just sending good Vibes your way.
Glad you are doing well.
Great news! Been anxiously awaiting words from you!
I’ll be all ears!
Thank you, god bless you on your journey.
Great news Bob! I am so happy to hear you are doing well! Keep up your always positive attitude and you will succeed as you always have. Looking forward to the 16th.
Great news! Sending good vibes to you, your family and caregivers.
Dear Bob, I have enjoyed your broadcasts starting at KISW 99.9 and KZOK 102.5FM Seattle. Will never forget the joy of commuting from work and hearing your Boys, Spike and Downtown Joe. Had the joy of playing cowbell with Butternut at a fundraiser performed at Shorecrest High School. The one my wife and I graduated from in 1971. Twisted Tunes. Ah!! Before you were Doctor Demento and Weird Al. Treasure your songs and play them whenever on a road trip. You have always been a Pump Up for people. Bless you Bob and your family. Wild Jim and his Wife Buns
THank YOU for continually posting. You show us in this one how grateful we should be for the things we take for granted…like eating whenever whatever, swallowing, breathing. You are successfully creating a new norm for yourself which has to be challenging but I’m sure you see it as a blessing….as do we that you will be back soon. My friend who is a healer says love, prayer and laughter is the magic potion to healing. Continued prayers your way for you and your family, caretakers, and friends.
Excited to rejoin you all on June 16. Continued prayers and good wishes in your recovery!
This is really hard for me Bob. I heard your first words ever spoken on KISW back in what? 1989? I first heard of you when you made national news camping on a blllboard in Baltimore. That didn’t go as planned for you, way more than you were expecting! lol But you kept your word, and stayed up there! I followed you from station to station in Seattle, and you WERE my mornings. My wife got tired of me saying “oh, I heard this on the Bob Rivers show!”… I was beyond sad when you left Seattle, knowing I’d never hear Bob, Spike and Joe ever again. I once wrote a letter to your show, giving 11 reasons not to have children, and you read it on the air. You said it was well written, but you didn’t agree. Spike certainly didn’t agree, but Joe said he would have pretty much agreed with everything I wrote before he had Emily. Then that all changed, and now he’s got a wonderful daughter. Amazing, actually. I just wanted to chime in, and thank you for the endless hours of entertainment that you have given me, be it just the fun banter of the morning shows, to the twisted tunes, and the wonderful syrup we received about 3 weeks ago! I’m pretty sure you’re not gonna be able to make syrup in Vegas! LOL Maybe I should hang on to the uncracked second bottle we have! May be a collectors item! (not bloody likely, damn good syrup!) LOL You take care of yourself, my good friend. You got a lot of years in front of you. And Lisa needs someone to boss around. Love you Bob. I do.
Not to worry about the syrup. Canada has reserves by the barrels in the millions.
While I am so very happy to look forward to June 16th, I am happier still that you are doing better and better each day! I love your attitude and hope and pray that your recovery continues as good as it has. Thank you and God Bless you!
Thanks for the current progress info, think of you often with my best wishes and support.
My prayers are with you and your family 💗
Wow, Bob! Amazing to hear you are on the road to recovery! My husband and I can’t wait to hear your podcast again. We appreciate you and your gift of relatable conversation with humor.
Wonderful news! I was listening to the Pike this earlier today and happy to hear both your voices. Continue healing!!
Take care of yourself and don’t push it! We will wait for you!!!!
Great to hear that recovery is going well Bob. Looking forward to the next podcast.
Glad to hear things continue to go well. Goals aside, we’ll all be listening regardless the date, so don’t push yourself beyond what you can take!
Bob, thanks for the update and we appreciate the details of what you are experiencing on your road to recovery. We are your family and have your back! You’ll get there and we’re really looking forward to that resumes podcast with the gang! Hang in there!
Doug H
Bob, so glad that you’re recovery is really moving along. Glad to know you’ll be back “on the air”.
This is so great to hear on so many levels!! Look forward to June 16th!!
We think the world of you & are very appreciative to receive your updates, thank you, keep it up, & continued well wishes to you of healing, additional comfort & improvement!
That is great news, Bob! And the fact that you’re talking about the podcast is even better! A continued speedy recovery and all the best from Mount Vernon, WA.
Glad you’re continuing to improve! I’ve enjoyed listening to the multiple iterations of your show/s since your KISW days. As you say, “Be well!”
Wishing you a steady recovery. You, the Guys, and The Show were an integral part of my life. Sending good vibes your way.
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Fantastic news! So glad you are on the mend, can’t wait to listen to your next podcast!
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Bob
Thrilled for you and Lisa.
Someone needs to keep an eye on Andrew.
Maggie
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And here’s how you can do that!
You have such a wonderful outlook Bob! I’m sure that’s been key to you doing well along with the love of your family. Thanks for keeping your extended family up to date with your progress. Sending you lots of good thoughts!
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Fantastic news, Bob!!
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I’m so happy your recovery is going so well and look forward to return to the “airwaves”. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Prayers and blessings for you and your entire family.
Proofreading not my strong suit. 😜
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Great to see your blog. Continue to improve. Looking forward to next podcast.
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I’ve been listening to you for most of my life, from Kisw to your pod casts. I wish you a speedy recovery.
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Great to hear of daily improvement,take your time ,every day is a gift !
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Every word you’ve written, best news ever. Can’t wait to hear your voice. Be ‘weller’ and ‘weller’!!
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