Robin on Christmas Eve being a Trooper but in pain from the cancer.
This past Christmas Eve we had our usual family gathering at our parents house but Robin was suffering from what we thought was a migraine headache. Not thinking too much of it we told her to take a quick nap in a dark room and come out for dinner and presents.
As usual, Robin was a Trooper and even though she still wasn't feeling that good, she came from the bedroom to have dinner and open presents with the family. Around 4am her headache became so severe that Robin went to Wills Eye Hospital where she was immediately admitted for tests.
Unfortunately she was met by the doctor who said "I am so sorry but I have some bad news. You have several lesions on your brain which we are almost certain are cancerous."
Robin didn't flinch at all and looked the Doctor straight in the eyes and said "There is no sorry... I just want to know what do we do about it. What's the next step?!"
As usual, Robin was a Trooper and even though she still wasn't feeling that good, she came from the bedroom to have dinner and open presents with the family. Around 4am her headache became so severe that Robin went to Wills Eye Hospital where she was immediately admitted for tests.
Unfortunately she was met by the doctor who said "I am so sorry but I have some bad news. You have several lesions on your brain which we are almost certain are cancerous."
Robin didn't flinch at all and looked the Doctor straight in the eyes and said "There is no sorry... I just want to know what do we do about it. What's the next step?!"
Robin in the Hospital on December 28th trying to eat some pasta and trying to light of the situation
The Doc smiled and said "Great response. Let's get this going and kick some ass!"
Robin was then whisked away for more tests and the medical team started formulating a plan. She ended up spending about 5 days in the hospital in order to have a biopsy of her brain.
As background, Robin was diagnosed with melanoma about 4 years ago but they found it extremely early and were able to treat it with a simple surgery. She had been getting regular checkups every 6 months to ensure it didn't return. Unfortunately it looks like the smallest of cells escaped and traveled to her brain and now has expanded to approximately 30 lesions or tumors.
Robin was then whisked away for more tests and the medical team started formulating a plan. She ended up spending about 5 days in the hospital in order to have a biopsy of her brain.
As background, Robin was diagnosed with melanoma about 4 years ago but they found it extremely early and were able to treat it with a simple surgery. She had been getting regular checkups every 6 months to ensure it didn't return. Unfortunately it looks like the smallest of cells escaped and traveled to her brain and now has expanded to approximately 30 lesions or tumors.
Robin on January 15th after 10 radiation treatments. Her hair is starting to go but her sense of humor is still there!
Robin is currently going through 15 whole brain radiation treatments and medication. The plan after radiation is complete is to begin double dose immunotherapy. Her oncologist told us that if Robin would have been diagnosed in 2010 her chances would have been around 5 percent but since 2011 there have been amazing breakthroughs and immunotherapy is a game changer. It apparently supercharges your body's immune system and lets it go Rocky on cancer cells. This improves Robin's chances to around 60 percent and getting better every year according to the statistics coming back from other patients.
We are excited and encouraged by the prognosis but this cancer is only part of the obstacle Robin and her husband Joe need to overcome.
We are excited and encouraged by the prognosis but this cancer is only part of the obstacle Robin and her husband Joe need to overcome.
Robin with her husband Joe and son Joey during Halloween 2019
See... the other part of this story is that Robin has been homeschooling their son Joey who has Autism. Joey is 8 years old and a great kid. However, as any parent with an autistic child understands he requires a lot more supervision and caring than most kids his age. With Robin's current cancer battle, she is unable to provide Joe the homeschooling and constant care he requires.
Anyone who knows Robin is not surprised that she has handled all of this like Wonder Woman. She needed a hero and has become one! While she is the one fighting, she has served as a rock for her family and her strength and optimism have helped to keep us positive.
While many of her friends and family are doing everything we can to help Robin, this fight is understandably taking a physical and financial toll on her and Joe.
There is nothing more humbling than asking for help but we are asking everyone to get in Robin's corner and support her in what is literally the fight of her life. Anything you can do is extremely appreciated.
Thank you!
Anyone who knows Robin is not surprised that she has handled all of this like Wonder Woman. She needed a hero and has become one! While she is the one fighting, she has served as a rock for her family and her strength and optimism have helped to keep us positive.
While many of her friends and family are doing everything we can to help Robin, this fight is understandably taking a physical and financial toll on her and Joe.
There is nothing more humbling than asking for help but we are asking everyone to get in Robin's corner and support her in what is literally the fight of her life. Anything you can do is extremely appreciated.
Thank you!