Treatment Complete - 02/12/06

 
FINALLY!!! Robin's cancer treatments are officially done!

Robin visited her original oncologist, Dr. McClure, last week. Robin had blood-work done, and it all looked good. Dr. McClure discussed the post-treatment plan with us. Basically, Robin will have blood-work done once a quarter (looking for cancer markers - indicators of cancer that show up in the blood - like the PSA test for prostate cancer). Once a year, she will get CT-Scans and bone scans done (looking for unexpected growths). Unless she has some unexplained pain or feels a lump, this is the routine for the next few years.

Robin's burns have improved significantly. There is new skin covering all but two small places. One is about three inches long and half an inch wide, and the other is slightly smaller. She stopped taking the pain killers about two weeks ago, and she has not experienced any noticeable nausea since then. She has felt well enough to work full time. We are both very happy about the rapid rebound from the radiation therapy.

Robin's eyes seem to be improving slowly. She can now read with her right eye, although it takes time because she still has floaters that get in the way. The left eye, which bled a third time about two weeks after the right one bled, is still very muddy, and she cannot see well at all with it. But it is getting better. She could see well enough last night that she played the piano after Mass!!! It was something she knows well, but SHE DID PLAY PIANO!!!

Other interesting news: A week ago, I received a call from Boeing with a job offer! I don't have a start date yet, but I should be working soon after Human Resources gets results from my drug test, background check, and health exam. The timing (so soon after Robin's improvement) is truly amazing. I was laid off just before Robin's surgeries started. I was available to be there to nurse her through the complications of the surgeries, then through the rest of her chemo and radiation therapies, and then, out of the blue, I get a job offer. It gives me cold chills when I think about it. It certainly wasn't my plan, but I truly believe it was Somebody's plan. As I was growing up, when times were tough, my Mother always said, "Trust in God-things will work out." We should all listen to our Mothers!!!

Please continue to pray for us. We will continue to pray for all of you and for all afflicted with cancer.

Love,
        Larry, Robin, and John

p.s. - HEADS-UP: Robin has decided that on March 1st, she will start living without a wig. Prepare yourselves for a shocker!!!! ---LWB