Ruthe Shafer is Dan’s sister, Robin’s sister-in-law

Thursday, August 20, 2009



Robin’s second chemotherapy was the occasion that brought Steve and me to Sacramento from the O.C. Everything went smoothly for Robin this morning until the IV poking began—ouch! After five pokes and three nurses, eureka! They found a vein and started her treatment.



Robin was a champ! She made friends with everyone in the room—and shared her joy in the Lord with each one. Her prayer shawl and her promise blanket kept her cozy. In less than two hours Robin’s treatment was complete—no nausea or discomfort.



What a blessing it was for me to sit with my sister and friend today. It is impossible to be around her without being encouraged. I will cherish this visit always.



“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him”...and Robin does! (Romans 8:23)

Today Robin and Dan decided to take a day trip. It is the weekend before Robin’s second Chemo treatment scheduled on Thursday Aug 20th. What a great time to go to Lake Tahoe for the day.


We started out seeing our oldest granddaughter Kathryn at the Hagen Oaks Golf Pro Shop where she works and than on to Loomis for brunch at the Hi Hand Nursery. Wow! What a place to visit. After brunch, it was up the hill to Lake Tahoe where the weather was a perfect 73 degrees with spectacular views – Priceless! Finally, we ate dinner on the lake at Richardson Camp and than home to Sacramento 91-degree weather.


Last Thursday we met with our new Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Shahabbi – he replaced Dr. Miller who left for Johns Hopkins to head up their breast cancer research.


Dr. Shahabbi told Robin that her blood count was a bit off because of the interaction of the infusion chemo treatment for the ovarian cancer and the Gleevec treatment for the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. He is not alarmed, as he had anticipated this in advance and it is not of great concern. However, Robin’s second chemo treatment might have to be rescheduled if her blood counts have not come up by Thursday, her day of treatment. Robin will go for her treatment this Thursday and they will do blood work to see if they will do the chemo – if not, they will send her home and schedule her chemo for a later date.

I had a wonderful week-end .. first celebrated a dear friend’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday and then on Sunday went to church, which is always wonderful worshipping the Lord and saying hi to so many friends. We then went to Marc and Lisa’s home to celebrate Marc’s 43rd birthday. Monday met up with Mom and Mackie around noon and made our way to Wig Galleria to try on some wigs. It was great fun and with the help from Mom and Mackie, we quickly picked out 3 wigs. I am now waiting for the referral from the American Cancer Society and will probably go back next week and make my final choice. We met up with a close friend Carol for lunch at the Elephant Bar some shopping at the Sunrise Mall (looking for some comfortable walking shoes) and then on to Marshall’s. We then had dinner at Fresh Choice and then went over to Carol’s house for a quick visit... They’ve recently moved back to Fair Oaks from Tennessee. They also had a surprise for me. When Carol and my sister had been out a few weeks ago to do some gardening, after they were gone, I soon realized that 2 of my “old” ice cream chairs were missing. And I thought to myself that they were put away or on the side of the house. But to my surprise, Carol had taken them home and she and her husband had totally repaired the chairs with new wooden backs and seats and re-upholstered them in black and white polka dot. They are absolutely adorable and bring a smile to my face each time I look outdoors and see them on my patio. God is so good!



Since I do have energy, I went in to the office for a few hours yesterday and today. I will not go in the rest of the week but will again next week for a few hours. It was so good seeing everyone. “Promise, I am resting in between.”



Had an appointment today with a Nutritionist and tonight will be attending the “Look Good Feel Better” class put on by the American Cancer Society. They discuss how to deal with losing your hair, wigs, scarf’s, make-up and more.



Love to everyone and thank you for your continued prayers. Christina will be taking me for my treatment next Thursday August 20th..

Today, August 9th, we celebrated Marc's 43rd birthday. Robin, Dan, grams, and a few friends came over to swim and BBQ at our house. We all had a great time. Robin of course was in great spirits, she even made Marc's favorite pasta salad and had driven all over town to find someone that would make this certain chocolate cake that he loves. She is getting around quite nicely with her cane, which is a great improvement from the walker she was using before. She had her swim suit on and was sitting with her feet in the pool watching the kids swim for a long time. I had even come in from outside at one point and she was doing some dishes (which everyone knows is a big no-no in my house, that's my job, haha). All in all we had a great day with Robin, and I know she had a great day too!!!!

Lisa Byerley

Here's a picture of Robin and Lisa's oldest son from a few years back:



Sorry Nic ~ I know it's not the best pic in the world, I'm sure we'll get better ones for your senior portraits :)

For those of you that haven't met her, this is Robin's dear friend Nancy. Nancy has been collaborating meals for Robin and has been a huge help.



Here's a note from Nancy:
I spoke to Robin today and she is resting quietly at home. She is feeling some fatigue, but is thankful that she has not experienced any nausea since her first round of Chemo. It has been my great pleasure, as her friend, to set up meals for her and Dan, however, at this time Robin has requested that the meals be on hold. If in the future there is a need, we can start bring meals again. She is so very grateful for all of you who have prepared meals, sent cards, phoned and offered to help in so many ways. You have blessed her immensely.

So sorry, it's taken a few days for the update, please forgive as I was out of town :)


I talked to Nanny (Robin) a day after chemo and she sounded FABULOUS!!!! She said everything went smoothly and she was wrapped in love the whole time with Sue's blanket on her lap and her prayer shawl on her shoulders. She said they were 9 0r 11 (can't remember the exact number) others there as well and they all chatted the whole time, swapping stories and tips. She was completely comfortable and at the time I talked with her she was experiencing no side effects. Here's an update Dan sent me:


Chemo Babe!

Robin went for her first Chemo treatment this past Thursday with Dan going along for the ride.

Her experience was pleasant and remarkably uneventful. The Chemo treatment center is a spacious comfortable setting with many windows letting in the outside light. The three staff nurses are cheerful and upbeat, constantly interacting with the patients. There is coffee, tea and other drinks with plenty of snacks. Dan discovered the Oreos and he was a happy camper.





We arrived at the Chemo Center at 1:30 in the afternoon. Robin reclined in a comfortable lounge chair and the nurse wrapped her right arm in a heating pad in preparation for the infusion IV. The Chemo drugs are administered with anti-nausea drugs, which all but eliminate any kind of adverse reaction during the treatment. Robin and Dan were both surprised at how quickly the time passed. At 4:00 PM, the treatment was complete and we were free to leave.



We picked up Robin’s Mom on our way home. She will be staying with us for several days, making sure Robin is not alone, in the event she has some reaction to the Chemo Therapy.



Overall, Robin’s first Chemo treatment appears to have been a positive experience, she will now have three-weeks to prepare for her next treatment scheduled for September 20.



Please continue to pray for Robin. She is undergoing two cancer treatments simultaneously, and the doctors have said that this might be “tricky.”



We continue to be thankful for all our friends, how you have rallied around us, and for all of your prayers!



Praise the Lord...we know we are in the “palm” of His hand!