You have probably noticed, that we have not made an update entry since Robin began her radiation therapy. The reason we did not communicate was at the beginning, her sessions were uneventful and of little consequence.



The prescribed treatment was for twenty-eight sessions, five days a week. Each day, Robin would report in with a scan card, go back to the waiting room and wait for her call. Once she was in the radiation room, the process was approximately 10 minutes. It was painless and very efficient. So, for the first few weeks, Robin thought her treatment was a breeze…than – week three hit, and the reality of the cumulative effect of the treatments began to set in.



These last three weeks have been extremely challenging for Robin. Nausea, lower GI issues, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue began to take its toll. Our Robin was so courageous and she endured and completed all of her treatments.



One week ago today, Robin had her last treatment. The radiology staff played a graduation march and presented her with a Diploma. Thankfully the treatment was over.



Robin and Dan met with her Dr. Lee who informed them that Robin will need a good six weeks to recover from the radiation. As of today, Robin is finally getting her appetite back and is spending a brief time sitting in her living room – the first time in over three weeks of being in bed.



We are thankful all of the cancer treatments are over. Today Robin is symptom free and we are trusting that she will remain so.



Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls, cards/letters and your love….we appreciate you so much!

I am so excited to report that I am leukemia free. After a recent bone marrow biopsy, Dr. Shihabi left a message that he was pleased to tell me that my bone marrow biopsy came back completely normal. WOW!!! So all the abnormal chromosomes, what they call the Philadelphia chromosomes, are all gone and looking at the biopsy there is no evidence of leukemia any more. Praise the Lord!!!



Isn’t that fantastic news…. Should we be surprised? We serve a Living God!!



Dr. Shihabi did say that even though I am leukemia free, it would be necessary to continue taking Gleevec. That is what is keeping the disease in check. Who cares, I am responding.



It is interesting to note that when Dan and I were discussing that the discovery of my leukemia lead to the discovery of my ovarian cancer. Could it be that God orchestrated this whole process so that I would be diagnosed so that the ovarian tumor was discovered before it was too late for treatment? We believe God orchestrated it all. As Dan would say, “that is our story and we are sticking to it.”



So as of today, I am leukemia and ovarian cancer free and we thank the Lord for this good report.



This past Wednesday I started my first radiation therapy. I am scheduled for 6 weeks of radiation therapy 5 days a week. This therapy is a preventative measures and is focused on the pelvic area. The process has been so much easier than I thought. However, I do miss the Valet Parking at the Sutter Cancer Center that was cool and so impressive. But, Mercy General has been so kind to give me a parking pass to park directly in front of the Hospital. So I would say, in total, I am in and out within 20 minutes. I swipe the card under the scanner (check myself in), make my way to the dressing room, they call me in, I get on the table and radiation is finished within 20 seconds (4 levels 5 seconds each).



Dr. Lee my Radiologist Oncologist has informed me that there will be side effects from this treatment to include fatigue and other inconveniences as therapy progresses. However, all my Dr’s have been so impressed on how well my chemotherapy went with very little side effects and they are thinking I should be able to get through this next step with flying colors. So, l do covet your continued prayers ... they are working and I thank the Lord for you...



I will continue to work 15-20 hours a week depending on how I feel and I must say, I have the most amazing “boss lady” Jill and Owner, Gary for being fantastic people. They are allowing me flexibility in my schedule.



Blessing to all and I will update you again soon. Love to everyone, Robin

Robin had an MRI of the pelvic area this Saturday, 12/26 and today, 12/28 we met with Dr. Lee – Radiologist Oncologist for a consultation. Dr. Lee informed us that the MRI showed no sign of a tumor – Great News!!!!



Dr. Lee did recommend that Robin undergo external radiation of the pelvic area because of the tumor invasion of the cervix and vagina. She informed us that Dr. Liserowitz and she agree, that if the cancer reoccur’s it would first manifest itself in the vagina, and if so, it would be extremely difficult to treat. Radiation will be a pre-emptive approach to eliminating the cancer from returning to the vagina. The radiation treatments would only protect the pelvic area and not the abdominal area where the cancer could reoccur. However, if the cancer would reoccur in the abdomen, there is far better opportunity to treat the cancer with chemotherapy and gain a positive outcome i.e. extending her life.



Robin has decided to go forward with the radiation. The treatments will be for six weeks, once daily, Monday thru Friday and will probably commence in mid January and continue through the end of February.



All of Robin’s doctors are very pleased with Robin’s response to surgery and chemotherapy and we are confident that going forward with the radiation will continue to produce positive results.



Once again, thank you everyone for you encouragement and your prayers. We are so blessed with so many friends!

Robin and Dan went to Robin’s appointment with Dr. Liserowitz on Monday 12/14 for her Chemo follow-up. Dr. Liserowitz is pleased with the results of the Chemo treatments; however he is recommending that Robin undergo radiation and has referred Robin to Dr. Susan Lee, Radiologist/Oncologist.



Dr. Lee has scheduled a Pelvic MRI this Saturday 12/26 and a consultation on Monday 12/28. Ovarian cancer has a high incidence of recurrence and although Robin is cancer free, there is always the concern that the cancer may return, hence, better safe than sorry.



Robin has not made a final decision regarding the recommended radiation therapy. She will decide what to do after she meets with Dr. Lee.



In summary – We will give you all an update once Robin has all the information necessary to decide on her next course of therapy. Today is a good day. Robin’s cancer is in remission and we are thankful and we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with our children, grandchildren and great grandchild.



Merry Christmas to all!



Dan & Robin

Robin had her sixth and final chemotherapy treatment this past Friday. Prior to her treatment, which was attended by Nancy Isbill and Karen Scott (of the infamous Bible Chicks), Dan and Robin met with her Hematology/Oncology (cancer blood doctor) physician – Dr. Shihabi.



Dr. Shihabi informed Robin that she came through her chemotherapy with flying colors. Her cancer markers are normal and as of Friday, she is Ovarian Cancer free and her Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) remains under control. Dr. Shihabi said that 80% of all Ovarian Cancer patients respond positively to this treatment; however, he did add that it was unusual to see the almost immediate positive. response that Robin experienced after her first chemotherapy treatment. He went on to say that cancer “re-occurrence”, should there be one, will generally manifest itself in one to three years after this six rounds of chemotherapy. Robin and Dan believe that the Lord has healed her, and we believe there will not be a cancer “re-occurrence.”



In addition, Dr. Shihabi said he will perform another bone marrow biopsy in the future to determine where Robin is with the CML. Once again, Robin and Dan believe the Lord has healed her from the CML as well and we will look forward to the tests from that biopsy.



Robin has sailed through her six rounds of chemotherapy with remarkably very few side effects. Other than the loss of hair (she looks very foxy with her wig) and fatigue, she has experienced little discomfort. Thank you Lord for taking care of our Robin!!!!



Robin will meet with her Gynecologist/Oncologist in four weeks to discuss the potential of radiation treatment. We are praying that radiation will not be necessary; however we will listen to her physicians recommendations and then Robin will make her decision regarding any further treatment.



Thank you everyone for your constant prayers, your meals, cards, letters, phone calls & visits. What would we do without our friends?

Hello all you loyal blog followers!  Here's a note from Dan about the latest chemo ~ almost over!!!

Robin had her fifth chemo treatment this past Friday. She met with her Hematologist/Oncologist and he told her the cancer is responding to the treatments. This is good news and we are so thankful. Robin’s final chemo treatment will be Friday, November 13 - Whoopee!!! Robin is scheduled to meet with her gynecologist/oncologist-surgeon four weeks following her last chemo treatment to discuss his recommendation of radiation therapy – we will keep you posted….

Typically the first two days following her treatment, Robin is energetic and feels completely normal; however toward the end of the second day, fatigue sets in and she will spend the next two to three days in bed. The good news is that she does not experience any nausea, just fatigue. So, today, Robin is resting at home. If all goes as past treatments, she will be up and running toward the end of this week.

Robin believes that the Lord has healed her from both cancers. If you have time, read Psalm 116 – Robin has claimed this Psalm as a confirmation of her healing.


We love you all, your kindness, your cards and letters of encouragement, your fantastic meals (Dan loves them) and most of all your powerful prayers.

Robin alerted me yesterday that the blog hadn't been updated in a while. I knew I had updated earlier this month, but when I logged in I found the post in my "drafts" and not published. So sorry for those of you loyal blog followers that have been wondering about Robin. Dan also said he'd get a note together soon. Also, when I spoke with her she sounded GREAT. Dan was out of town for 5 days last week and she was out and about Christmas shopping. She's constantly thinking of others . . . LOVE HER!

Robin asked me to please convey to all of you how great she feels! She has been feeling great, chemo and all. Marc went with her to this past chemo appointment and here's some pictures he took along with a note from him.




Spending time at chemo with mom is something I look forward to. The hospital is amazing. They've got valet parking & gorgeous waterfalls out in front.
Mom amazes me, she knows all the nurses names & asks them all in passing how they are doing. They all look at her, smile & respond "its great to see you Robin". Sitting in the chemo room, mom makes sure to notice all the other patients & even has 1 other woman who she has seen frequently who she prays with. Mom smiles at everyone & Ive even seen her get up after she was done with her chemo & go pray with a few of the other ladies having treatment. Its amazing to see my mom with such a positive attitude & blessing others while she herself is going through this tough time.

O ya, I even look forward to the lunch she makes. Its usually a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, chips, fruit & a kiss! I love this time with my mom & wouldn't trade doing anything else.

Marc

Robin completed her third Chemotherapy session this past Thursday 9/10 and met with Dr. Shihabi, Hematologist/Oncologist. He informed her that she is responding to the Chemo for her Ovarian Cancer and the Gleevac for her Leukemia.


On Tuesday, 9/15, Robin met with Dr. Leiserowitz, Gynecologist/Oncologist – Surgeon for her mid-term Chemo treatment strategy. Dr. Leiserowitz had preformed the initial surgery and was unable to remove the tumor in the vaginal area. His strategy was to shrink the tumor with three chemo treatments and perform a second surgery to remove the tumor. When Robin met with Dr. Leiserowitz, he conducted an examination and reviewed her blood work and told her that the tumor had retracted from to vagina back to the cervix and had reduced significantly in size. He went on to say that the vaginal area where the tumor had invaded looked healthy and as a result a second surgery would not be necessary…Praise the Lord!!!!


Dr. Leiserowitz told Robin that he is amazed at how well she has responded to the Chemo and he could not have imagined such progress in this short period of time. He told her that this positive response has exceeded any expectation that he might have hoped for with the type of cancer.


His plan is for Robin to continue her three remaining Chemo treatments over the course of 9-weeks and then have Radiation treatment in the pelvic and vaginal areas for “mopping-up.”


Of course, we told the Dr. that we believe this positive news is a direct result of all of the prayers that are being offered up to the Lord on Robin’s behalf, locally and around the world.


Once again, we thank everyone for your prayers, cards and letters of encouragement, plus the delicious meals after each Chemo treatment. What would we be without those who love us?

I spent a bit of time with Robin yesterday, I should have planned for longer but I didn't want to be a burden to her with 4 children, if she was feeling at all not well. As it was, the kids were great and Robin and I had a short but sweet visit. She is doing fabulously. She is busily living life, going into work for short stints, visiting with family, etc. But she also listens to her body and rests when she needs to.

She modeled her short new hairdo and her 2 new wigs that just look amazing on her. I jokingly asked her on the phone the night before if she had gone blond and it turns out she had . . . almost:) one of them is dark with a ton of blond highlights in the front ~ she looks gorgeous in it!

She continues to amaze me, and I feel blessed to have such an amazing woman as part of my life.

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!

From Dan:

I am happy to say that this past week, Robin has made amazing progress. Her mom and sister kidnapped her on Monday and off to Carmel she went for two days, armed with plenty of Ibuprofen and Vicodin. Mackie and Gloria wanted to take Robin to the ocean for rest and relaxation before she starts her Chemotherapy.

There must have been something in the ocean air, because when she returned to Sacramento she has been a completely different person discarding her walker for a cane. On Friday, her sister-in-law Susie Hayes and Robin’s nieces Misty and Tootoos, and Robin’s great niece Haley, came out to the house for a visit. Robin said they laughed and laughed, made cucumber, tomato and spinach sandwiches. The highlight of the visit was when Misty insisted on cutting Robin’s hair.

Later that afternoon, Dan took Robin to her appointment with Dr. Miller, who is her treating hematologist and oncologist for the Leukemia and Ovarian cancers. He had good news for Robin. Her blood count is all the way down to 6,900 as she has responded positively to the Gleevec treatment and for the present, he cut her Gleevec prescription in half from 400 milligrams to 200 milligrams. He also scheduled her first infusion Ovarian Chemo to begin Thursday, July 30 with the second Chemo scheduled for August 20. Robin will meet with the Sutter Cancer Center Chemo nurse practitioner the first of the week to get the “gouge” on what to expect. Dan is taking the day off to be with Robin for her first Chemo session – 5 hrs in duration. Several of Robin’s friends have offered to accompany her for succeeding Chemo sessions.

The plan for now is to do three Chemo sessions and than Dr. Leiserowitz will run tests to determine if her tumor has shrunk to a size, where he is comfortable to do a second surgery to remove the tumor. Doctor has also mentioned that Radiation treatment is a possibility as well.

News Flash!!!

Today (Saturday), Robin drove (Dan rode along) to her nail appointment and than on to Terry and Nancy Isbill’s for lunch. After a splendid lunch with two of the finest people in the world, Dan drove Robin to Raley’s where Robin did her shopping. While waiting in the check out line, Dan suggested that Robin go to the car and turn on the air conditioner and rest while he completed checking out. When Dan left Raley’s and headed for the car, he heard a familiar whistle. It was Robin, who had discovered that their favorite restaurant had opened up another location in the shopping center. What a sight, Robin whistling and swinging her cane.

As an aside, Robin called her Boss at Zoom and is planning to visit her Zoom family next week before she starts the Chemo.

Obviously, we are all thrilled with Robin’s increased energy and enthusiasm; however, she has a long road ahead to climb and will need all of your prayers and encouragement as she enters this new phase of treatment.

Thank you once again, for all of the cards, flowers, gifts and meals....there is nothing like having friends...we are blessed.

She looked beautiful and was in great spirits. Continue to pray for her leg which was really bothering her today. She took us back in her room to show us all her gifts and cards. It made her tear up to realize how treasured and loved she is. She is saving all the precious cards and notes.

Robin is also so touched by everyone providing meals for her, and was saying what a burden that has lifted for her as she is just unable to be in the kitchen or even think about it. You are all such a blessing to her.

We talked a bit about all that she has a head to face with the chemo, etc. She is quite brave and is such an example to me. She also remains quite selfless and spent a lot of time asking what's going on in my life. She mentioned that when she receives cards the once that touch her the most are the ones with little notes about what's going on in the writers life. She just loves hearing from you all.

The treasures you've given her like the blanket with scriptures hand stitched by Sue and a prayer shawl that was prayed over every stitch in it, those are so dear to her. She can feel all the love and support coming from each of you.

She's just so positive and perky, and I like the rest of you love her dearly. Thank you all!!!

Robin is continuing to recuperate from her surgery and preparing for her first round of Chemo to be scheduled sometime during the last week of July. The good news is that Robin’s white cell blood count has come down from a high of 69,000 to 19,500 (11,000 being normal) since she has began taking Gleevec for her Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Unfortunately she is experiencing a mild reaction to the Gleevec in the form of a rash. This is one of the side effects and is treatable with Benadryl and other prescription medication. We are optimistic that this will be brought under control.

On another positive note, Robin is now staying at home. Dan is extremely happy and Gloria, Mackie, Paula and others will continue to drop in and offer assistance driving her to her weekly blood drawings and doctors appointments. Robin continues to use a walker and we are optimistic that the nerve damage in her left leg (as a result of the surgery) is temporary and will be restored over the next weeks and/or months.

Please continue to pray as we know we are in an uphill battle for healing; however, we are confident that the “battle” is the Lord’s. He is our hope regardless of our circumstances and we remain strong and confident in our faith in our Lord Jesus.

Here's the latest from Dan:

Robin was seen by Dr Leiserowitz this morning and he gave us his overview of what he termed “a successful abdominal surgery.” All tumors have been removed with the exception of the tumor in the upper third of the vagina. She also had her incision “staples” removed.

Dr. Leiserowitz’s strategy of treatment is as follows:

·
Continue Gleevec oral Chemo medication daily for the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - High rate of successful outcome

Start the first of six Infusion Chemo treatments (3-week cycles = 18 weeks) starting in the last week of July

Evaluate via CT Scan, etc. the tumor response after 3-weeks of Chemo – May consider surgery to remove the tumor or spot Radiation treatment<>

Robin continues to spend her days at Mom’s with Mackie, Paula and the others. Dan picks her up and takes her home for her evenings. She plans to spend her weekends at home with Dan

We are very excited to know that we are working with a top notch medical team and will continue to believe the Lord for complete healing.

She is scheduled to meet with Dr. Leiserowitz next Tuesday and well will update the blog with the latest information.