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.