A New year --- 01-09-2011

It has been two months since our last update. That, in and of itself, is good news! Robin has been free of any major complications and has not been in the hospital for two months! However, I have clearly been remiss in my responsibility (as many of you good folks have so kindly pointed-out), so I offer this to start the New Year.

In general, Robin is doing pretty well. Her current treatment through M.D.Anderson is a daily dose of Femara (letrozole tablets), which has few side effects; unlike many other treatments Robin has endured. Once a month, Robin receives an infusion of Zometa to strengthen her bones and slow their destruction by cancer. Since receiving a Foley catheter, Robin has not suffered any UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), and I don't have to get her up to go to the bathroom every two hours. I'd forgotten what it was like to sleep through the night. The down side is that Robin gets less exercise, and seems weaker than last year. She has also been experiencing new and more intense pain at times; especially in her left hip. Overall, though, the last two months have been pretty good.

At Thanksgiving this year, we celebrated Robin's sixth year as a Cancer Survivor! This is quite an accomplishment considering that Robin had two different types of breast cancer, and one of them (Inflammatory Breast Cancer), is very aggressive and has a low survival rate. Although we didn't celebrate with cake and ice cream, we did use the occasion to thank God for the gift of life and for the love and support that sustains us (especially, Robin) through the tough times. Robin's mother, Johnnie, was able to come over from North Carolina to celebrate with us, and our son, John was here, too. Their presence gave Robin a great boost in her spirit, not to mention taking a load off of me for a little while. Since our boys were young, we have celebrated Thanksgiving with our good friends, the Couvillions. This year was no exception. Since Robin is mostly bedridden, they brought everything to our house. We had lots to eat and plenty of leftovers. It was a truly joyful celebration.

Robin's Mom went back home after Thanksgiving, but she returned a few weeks later to celebrate Christmas with us. Since Robin's father passed away in September, it was important to both Robin and her Mom to spend the holidays together, as a family. I think they had lots of time to reconnect and get to know each other on a new level. John was home for the entire holiday period, too. I was amazed by how much he has matured since the summer. He was so helpful with everything, and maintained such a good attitude throughout all the ups and downs. It was an amazing boost to Robin's spirit to have her mother and her son with her at this special time of the year. And it was quite a lift for me to see Robin that way.

Somewhere in this timeframe, Linda Robison and her good friend, Ruth, came to pray with Robin. They all got to talking, and Robin told them that she wanted to be able to do something with her hands that did not require sight. Robin was thinking she could learn to crochet or knit, but Linda and Ruth put their heads together and came back with material from which Robin could make blankets and scarves by tying knots. Robin loved it! She made most of the Christmas presents she gave this year, and even tied a couple of blankets for Linda. What a blessing Linda and Ruth were for Robin this year!

On Christmas, John and I attended Midnight Mass together. The next morning, we opened our presents while sipping our traditional Christmas morning Irish Coffee. I got Robin an electronic piano (with help from Vanessa) in the hopes she might try playing by ear, since her vision is so bad. She got me an Android ePad and a "Sarah Palin: WTF?!" calendar. John gave me a book about Bill Clinton's two terms in the White House. (Anybody want to borrow it?). Later, we had Christmas dinner with Alexis and Nick Couvillion, and Marie Robinette. It was great to see Robin having a good time with friends and family.

The next day, our friend from Grad School, Terry Lay, and his wife, Robin, came to visit for a few hours as they were passing through the area. Terry has been responsible for some really wacky gifts that Robin has received by mail over the last couple of years; gifts that made you think and laugh, both. Like the huge box of "ShitBeGone" toilet paper (expressing Terry's wish for Robin's cancer), six varieties of mustard, and two DVDs ("Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," and "Steamboy"). We all had a great time, even though it was too short.

Johnnie, Robin's Mom, returned home on December 30th. We had a quiet New Years day. At midnight, it was just four of us: Raquel Vargas, Robin, John, and Larry. We toasted in the New Year with hopes and prayers for another good year.

Once more, we thank God for each of YOU and the support Robin receives each day. Whether you send cards, call her on the phone, visit with her, bring food, or pray for her; every action you do helps to keep her "connected." Each action lets her know that she is loved, and that you care about her. Please don't stop! It is the reason that she continues to fight on.

Finally, we want you to know that we pray for all of you each day, and we thank God for the gift you have been to us. Please continue to keep Robin in your thoughts and prayers. Robin could not continue the fight without the love and support she feels from you.

Love and Blessings to you,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John