March 30th

We are home from our trip to Disney and we are all exhausted from the fun. This is not a complaint - just an indication of our thankfulness for the ability to 'go' and 'do'. We were able to find a balance of activity and rest in the hectic chaos that is included in any "Disney" vacation. It was time spent together without the daily chores associated with 'home' (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.) It was time spent enjoying the excitement that the boys found in all of the attractions at the parks. It was for us a celebration of life.

Robert will begin another round of chemo this week and will have another MRI on (Wed.) April 8th. We will meet with the oncologist on that day. Thanks to everyone who sends us messages of support. Thanks to everyone who sends us good wishes and prayers. Our spirits are uplifted by the positive energy that surrounds us.

March 16th

We are all excited and looking forward to our trip to Disney. The packing moves slowly and yet I know that it will get done and we will have clothes to wear while we are there. Planning a trip to Disney is like planning to go to another country. There are so many options and tips for successfully maneuvering through the parks - that it is like learning about the cultural differences of another place. We have researched information in bits and pieces as it is often difficult to focus on all of the details at one time. We hope to learn as we go. We are looking forward to the warm weather and spending time together without thinking about the daily stresses of work, home, or medical circumstances. This week will be busy and I am confident will pass quickly. The boys are excited and each have thoughts about the adventure they are about to travel. The memories are the most important aspect of the trip and we will most certainly do as much or as little as possible to truly focus on the moments that we are experiencing together.

March 11th

Robert completed his 'first' round of chemo on Sunday. He did well and tolerated the treatment well. He was fatigued and moving in "slow motion". We are thankful for the response to his return to chemo and are trying to focus on the everyday events that are not directly related to diagnosis and treatments.
I keep thinking about Robert's strength and his ability to face the realities of life in a way that most of us can not easily imagine. He is strong emotionally and physically. He is caring and understanding and able to stay focused on the events of the moment. We are strong as a family and nothing can change that. Our love will remain strong and guide us through all of our collective experiences. Thank you to everyone who thinks of us and wishes us well.

March 5th

Robert began the chemo last night and felt well. He went to work this morning and it was as if nothing had changed - except things have changed. We know that Robert is back on the chemo and yet we must wait until the next MRI to know more about the future results and/or treatments if necessary. There are moments that it is hard to think in the positive and there are moments that it is hard to be negative. Today I have been uplifted by the conversations, emails, and stories shared by family and friends. Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement.

March 3rd

I have thought about how to share our news and I will try to do it in a positive way, because it is the bad news - good news report. I start with the bad news because it is what we heard first and will have to focus on initially. The bad news is that Robert's MRI scan has changed. There are two spots that were not there before. They are small and they are not sure what they are - tumor vs. irritation from previous treatments. The oncologist is concerned because the scans have been clear for several months and the shape of the spots looks suspicious. Robert will go back on the chemo tomorrow and will possible stay on for a year. It is the same chemo drug that he had taken before and he will follow the five day on - twenty-three day off schedule. We are taking an aggressive approach with this treament realizing that we do not have an offical diagnosis, but feel that this is the best option.
Here is the good news:
They found the spots early and there is always the possibility that they are not tumor. Robert is not symptomatic from the threat of a brain tumor. He feels well and is strong in every way. He tolerated and responded well to treatment before. The location of the spots is still in the frontal lobe and there is a surgical option if necessary. Radiation may still be an option if absolutely necessary. We are working an oncologist, surgeon, and other medical professional that we trust and respect in a hospital that is amazing. There are also clinical trails that might possibly be available for patients with reoccurring tumors.
Most importantly - we are surrounded by family and friends who allow us to reach out to them and support us - always.
As Robert describes it- We have hit a bump in the road and we will fight. I'm along for the rough part of the ride and cling to the realization that while our medical story has changed, not everything has changed. No matter what happens medically - our love for each other has not changed and we will fight together.

March 1st

Tomorrow we will go to Hopkins for Robert's MRI, blood work, and oncology appointment. Please think good thoughts as we hope for the best report possible. Thanks!