Today is the saddest day of our journey and I cannot seem to find the words to tell why. There seems no other way to say it. Robert died early this morning and our hearts are filled with grief and also with some sense of relief that he has now found peace. I know that he is peaceful and believe that we too will find peace again. For all those who loved Robert - there will forever be a place in our hearts that he lives in. He lived well, we had fun, and we are blessed to have had him in our lives for as long as we did.
I thank you again for your support that has helped to carry us through this journey. I thank you for your continued support as we strive to find our path through the next phase of this journey. There are so many supporters and it is impossible to reach out to individuals to express our gratitude. Please allow me to say a global thank you through this blog that Robert created to stay connected to you. We are blessed to have you.
Considering Robert's wishes and the large number of family, friends, and supporters it seems logistically challenging to accommodate so many for the funeral service. Therefore, we will have a private graveside service for immediate family members only. In the near future - we will hold a memorial service open to the extended number of friends. Until then - we feel your love and support and will hold it close in our hearts. With Love- Tammy
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My Condition - Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)
I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This condition has four different grades (I - IV). My tumor is a grade IV GBM. This is the most aggressive GBM tumor. I have included a little section of The Essential Guide to BRAIN TUMORS below to describe the condition more completely.
Astrocytoma
An astrocytoma develops from star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes) that support nerve cells. These tumors can be located anywhere in the brain, but the most common location is in the frontal lobe. Astrocytomas are the most common primary CNS tumor.
The physician, usually the neurosurgeon or neurooncologist, will discuss the type and location of an astrocytoma. The pathologist will assign it a grade. Astrocytomas are generally classified as low or high grade. Low-grade astrocytomas (grades I and II) are slow growing. High-grade astrocytomas (grades III and IV) grow more quickly. The main tumor type is listed for each grade. There are additional tumor types in each of these grades.
The WHO classification divides astrocytomas into four grades:
- Grade I Pilocytic Astrocytoma
- Grade II Low-Grade Astrocytoma
- Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma
- Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)
Characteristics
The characteristics of an astrocytoma vary depending on the tumor’s grade and location. Most people are functioning normally when diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma. Symptoms tend to be subtle and may take one to two years to diagnose. This is because the brain can often adapt to a slow-growing tumor for a period of time. Highgrade tumors may present with changes that are sudden and dramatic.
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Seizures or convulsions
- Difficulty thinking or speaking
- Behavioral or cognitive changes (related to thinking, reasoning, and memory)
- Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
- Loss of balance
- Vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
20 comments:
Tammy I am so sorry that your journey ended this way. I KNOW Robert is at peace. I will focus on prayers for you and your sons as they bare this this loss as well. You have always had amazing grace through this process and again you are my hero.
Julie Pierson
Our most sincere and deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
Elliot and Rachel Tobin
Tammy - I am so sad to hear the news. Even tho you know it's coming, nothing can prepare you for the actual event. Robert was so blessed to have you by his side thru this journey, and you were blessed by him being in your life.
Sending prayers for strength, comfort, and peace as you move on to the next phase.
- Elise
tammy- you don't know me well but we tried to raise some money for your foundation at the last school event. just wanted to say how very sorry i am to hear this sad news. you are in my prayers.
-paula d'alonzo
Tammy,
Thank you for bringing Robert into our lives. He was and will always be a Superhero to us and as are you. We love you and Robert and the boys.
Love,
Amy and Ed
Tammy, I do not know you personally but I know you through Kim who I teach with at RFE. I am so very sorry to hear that Robert is no longer with you. My family and I have been and will continue to pray for your strength and comfort as you walk through the next few days. I have not lost a spouse but have experienced the loss of loved ones, as recent as this past weekend. My heart aches for you and your boys. But I pray that the comfort that he is at peace and with Jesus will be with your hearts and minds.
Erinn Ragan
Tammy,
We just wanted you to know how much we were thinking about you and the boys and how sorry we are for the loss of your beloved Robert. There are really no words to say at times like these....but knowing how much others care will hopefully ease the pain.
Alice, John, Kelley & Shelby
Tammy,
I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Robert. You all were very blessed to have eachother! I am keeping you and the boys in my prayers. Love you!
Chrissy
Tammy - My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. Robert is in a better place where there is no physical pain...you were by his side to see him through this and he will be by your side spiritually for you and your boys.
Debbie Hartsell
Hold the memories of happier times cloesly, cherish the smallest moments. Tammy, I am sooooo sorry. I have followed your journey from afar through this blog and my cousin (amie). Your continued grace and selflessness inspires me to be a better mom, wife and friend. May you find comfort in your days, months....
You are on a new journey now, and you are not alone.
Tammy,
We are so sorry to hear the news about Robert. We are so impressed with your strength through this unimaginable period. Thank you for helping us to remember that every moment together with family is precious.
We wish you continued strength and peace as you and the boys heal.
All the best,
Eric, Caryn, Ava And Lila Marcus
Chicago, IL
Tammy,
I am so sorry. My thoughts continue to be with you and the boys. God bless you.
Tammy, I am so very sad to hear about Robert passing away. You and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Barnes.
*I worked with your Mom @ Comcast*
Dear Tammy,
You don't know me. I know your in laws Betty and Elliot. We grew up and went to school together. I have been following you and Robert's journey. I am so terrible sorry to read today about Robert's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Always thinking of you,
Irene Resnick
Tammy, Robert was a great person. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have him as a teammate in softball and a teammate at work. Words cannot describe the sadness I feel for you and your family.
Scott Stern
Tammy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Once again, I feel like the lights have dimmed...
Rose Napolitano
Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Kinberg Family.
Sherry and George engelken
Tammy - I was given an After Loss Creed by Hospice after my dad passed away and I wanted to share it with everyone. God Bless you and keep you in His care.
"Please Be Gentle"
Please be gentle with me for I am grieving.
The sea I swim in is a lonely one and the shore seems miles away.
Waves of despair numb my soul as I struggle through each day.
My heart is heavy with sorrow.
I want to shout and scream and repeatedly ask "why".
At times, my grief overwhelms me and I weep bitterly, so great is my loss.
Please don't turn away or tell me to move on with my life. I must embrace my pain before I can begin to heal.
Companion me through tears and sit with me in loving silence.
Honor where I am in my journey not where you think I should be.
Listen patiently to my story. I may need to tell it over and over again.
It's how I begin to grasp the enormity of my loss.
Nurture me through weeks and months ahead. Forgive me when I seem distant and inconsolable.
A flame still burns within my heart And shared memories may trigger both laughter and tears.
I need your support and understanding. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
I must find my own path. Please, will you walk beside me?
Tammy,
you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Robert's story, your family's story will live with in my heart forever, reminding me to cherish all the moments (good & not so good), to love with my whole heart, and how powerful the love of famiy and friends can be. i followed your story through kim, I am her co-worker @ RFE, and i didnt have the opportunity to know robert personally, but his story of hope & love have impacted me forever, as I am sure they have many others near and far. your family is an inspiration to all of us. we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tina & Greg Sample
Tammy, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and Robert and the boys today. As another anniversary draws near, know that none of you are forgotten.
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