March 17th! Happy Birthday Rob!

It is said that St. Patrick’s amazing determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of God’s instrument for winning most of Ireland for Christ. St. Patrick is described as humble and courageous. So it is on this beautiful St. Patrick’s Day that we not only celebrate the life of St. Patrick and his passion to share his faith, but we also celebrate Rob’s Birthday and the life God has given him. Today is a celebration of LIFE!!!

Both Rob and St. Patrick have shown that they are courageous and humble. Like St. Patrick, Rob has suffered, but never gave up and never turned away from his faith. It is true that through life’s challenges, we grow stronger and our faith deepens. We are so blessed to have been given so many wonderful opportunities through all of this! As I told Rob, I don’t know where God will lead us, but it is certain that no matter where we go, He is already there…waiting for us.

Thank you for your continued prayers. Rob’s last radiation treatment is Thursday. We see Dr. Braden (the Oncologist) on Monday and will have a better understanding of the next steps in this process.

Please keep Rob in your prayers and please join me in wishing him the very best Birthday EVER!!! Rob, I love you...today, tomorrow and forever! You are amazing!!

Love,

Suz

“Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me” (from “The Breastplate of St. Patrick”).

March is here! We are so glad that Rob is feeling better. You are in our thoughts and prayers each day. Much love and lots of hugs.... Sara, Tom, and The Sharpies

8 Treatements To Go!!

First, I would like to thank all of you that donated blood in Rob's honor yesterday! We had a great turn-out and it not only showed Rob support it benefited a great cause of helping those in need of blood. Amazing what we can do when we all come together! So, thank you for taking the time and donating your blood!!

Rob is doing amazingly well!!! It is so wonderful to see the "old" Rob return. He and the boys casted a few lines in the pond yesterday and he spent a lot of time outside with us enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend. He has been back to work for one week now, and although he is tired he seems to be handling things well and fitting right back in.

Rob has about 8 treatments of radiation left and he is doing very well with the treatments. It is incredible to me to see his strength and his determination. He has treatment every morning (M-F) at 7:30 and returns home for a quick breakfast of eggs, toast and coffee and then back out the door to work. He has had some heartburn from the radiation and feels tired, but so far...no other adverse effects. Praise God!

Rob had another CT scan last week and the results indicated the tumor continues to shrink in size, which is wonderful news! The Dr. did run the results through tomotherapy radiation again, however will continue with the current treatment plan. The current plan indicates the best results with the least exposure to the healthy tissue and organs. We are on the right track!!

This long journey is finally feeling like it is under control and our lives are returning to some form of normal... and just in time for the Spring to arrive! We have big plans for lots of family time together - the boys are ready to go camping and maybe a trip to the sandy shores of Michigan at some point.

Please continue your prayers for Rob. God is listening and answering them!

Love and Blessings to all of you,

Susie

"Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever." Psalm 118: 1

Back in the Saddle

Rob returned to work today, and is looking forward to a few green beers in just 15 days for his birthday. He's back!!!!!!!!!!

Blood Drive - March 8, 2009

Friends and Family -

I wanted to let all of you know that there will be a blood drive, dedicated to Rob, this Sunday, March 8th at Our Lady of the Greenwood from 8:30am - 1:30pm. The blood drive will be held in Rob's honor and his fight against cancer, but also to raise awareness for all of those suffering from various forms of cancers. Please prayerfully consider donating this Sunday. Please spread the word...all are welcome and encouraged to donate.

Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also schedule an appointment by visiting www.donorpoint.org

Thank you to Frank Wormann for organizing this!!

Love and Blessings to all of you!

Susie