Please Keep Robert In Your Thoughts

[rivermom]

As some of you know it's been quite sometime since I've chatted on here. This year seems to have brought on many challenges. One of the most challenges in my life ever just a few weeks ago.

Robert was diagnosed with cancer in July. He had surgery August 1st and in September will be beginning radiation and chemo.

Life at times slaps you in the face and breaks your heart. Our world together has crashed upon us and we are trying so hard to soak this all in and deal with what is ahead of us.

Please if you don't mind me asking, keep Robert in your thoughts and prayers.

[Janet]

Sheryl, you've never been out of my prayers....that is why I continued to PM you now and again. I have you both in my prayers now.

I am sending you a PM.

[Shada]

Many prayers being said for you and Robert...

We are all here for you.
Please keep us updated. We care.

You have been missed. {{HUGS}}

[Mandy]

There's my friend! :) Ive missed you honey, and so sorry ive been MIA for a few weeks, but we were in Germany, will tell you all about that ;)

You know you both are always in my thoughts, and prayers.

Love ya lots XxXx

[Forgivenmom5]

Sheryl we have really missed you!! I don't know if you know but I just finished cancer treatment in July. I had chemo first then surgery in April and then radiation. It is a long struggle and not and easy one but with love and support and faith it is possible. There are lots of ways to control side effects now. If you ever need to talk to someone who knows what you are going through just let me know. If you need to talk by phone I can give you the number also. Love and hugs.

[Janet]

Debbie...you are such a wonderful person. You make me want to strive to be as best I can.

[rivermom]

Sheryl we have really missed you!! I don't know if you know but I just finished cancer treatment in July. I had chemo first then surgery in April and then radiation. It is a long struggle and not and easy one but with love and support and faith it is possible. There are lots of ways to control side effects now. If you ever need to talk to someone who knows what you are going through just let me know. If you need to talk by phone I can give you the number also. Love and hugs.

Thank you! Actually yes, I did know that you finished your last treatment. I read Angie's post in her "positive thread" yesterday. My eyes teard up while I read that.

I probably do need to PM you soon. I've been reading sites about his cancer, treatments, all of what I can find. My head is not in a good place right now. I've got to find that seed of faith that gives me better thoughts, the strength, the empowerment to be there for Robert and support/care for him while we take this "cancer walk" together. This song remains in my head and it helps soooo much.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rC_tH6_AZQ



I realize the long struggles ahead - so much fear! I have not stopped shaking inside since his diagnosis was given in July. Both our heads are spinning with thoughts running off course.

I hope you are feeling well and strong.

[Janet]

Sheryl the song is beautiful. I know you have the strength to do what you need to do. It will come. I'm so happy Debbie has offered to help. Even though it 's been long distance...we've traveled the road to recovery with her and prayed very hard that she would be a survivor. I admire her strength so much..such a strong woman.

If you need me to research or help in any way...please let me know. It's so good to have you back for however long you can stay.

[Gina]

Sheryl I am so sorry to hear this about Robert. I will keep you both in my prayers and always remember that God is with you in this terrible time.. Trust in the lord and he will bring light into this darken tunnel.. Debbie has gone through a lot she is a source of inspiration like Janet mentioned.


Sheryl our prayers are with you always.. Be strong....

[Forgivenmom5]

Sheryl, there is one thing to keep in my when you are researching. Some of the sites can overwhelm you with statistics and make you feel there is no hope. That is one reason I waited so long to seek treatment. Just take one day at a time and remember each day is a little closer to feeling better and being healthy again. One thought that I believe God gave me to help me through is that HE DOES NOT DEAL WITH STATISTICS--HE DEALS IN MIRACLES.

These ladies and my children and co-workers gave me so much strength. Seek that strength wherever you can find it. I had not heard that song before but it is amazing. We are all here for you.

[DianaB]

Sheryl, it's so good to have you back on here. I'm so sorry to hear about Robert's health but I'm glad that you've turned to us so that we can be praying for both of you. I know that Debbie's name has already been brought up a few times but she has been such an inspiration to all of us on here with everything that she's gone through. Keep us posted about what's going on and I'll have my church praying for Robert as well. Tell Robert that I said hello and that I'll be praying.

[rivermom]

Thank you ladies very much.

I never know what our future holds nor it's outcome. What matters now is today with hopes for tomorrow. It's new to Robert and I to deal with "one day at a time". We've been practicing I guess you can say.

Thank you again.

P.S. I did not mean to duplicate my other thread. I need somebody w/ super powers to delete it.

Thank you. Special thoughts to each of you.

[Shada]

Sheryl, I feel so bad that you and Robert have to deal with this. I wish I had magic words to help you on this journey.

This will not be a easy battle to win. BUT it can be won!! Please keep a positive attitude. Robert needs your strength now. I am not saying not to show emotion, not to show him how scared you are... cry together.. get mad at what life has thrown you guys. Its not fair. But it happened.

Focus on his treatments. Focus on how when this is all over you two can continue on, to look back at this horrible time in your lifes,.. and be stronger for it.. to grow old together.. to have a future. Together.

My first post here I thought my world was crumbling. You responded to my post and gave me strong advice. You helped me. Looking back on that post, it is so insignificant to what you are going thru now.
I am here for you. Its my turn to give back what you gave me. You need to talk.. I'll talk. You need to cry.. I'll cry with you. You need support.. you have mine.

[Mandy]

Sheryl, I feel so bad that you and Robert have to deal with this. I wish I had magic words to help you on this journey.

This will not be a easy battle to win. BUT it can be won!! Please keep a positive attitude. Robert needs your strength now. I am not saying not to show emotion, not to show him how scared you are... cry together.. get mad at what life has thrown you guys. Its not fair. But it happened.

Focus on his treatments. Focus on how when this is all over you two can continue on, to look back at this horrible time in your lifes,.. and be stronger for it.. to grow old together.. to have a future. Together.

My first post here I thought my world was crumbling. You responded to my post and gave me strong advice. You helped me. Looking back on that post, it is so insignificant to what you are going thru now.
I am here for you. Its my turn to give back what you gave me. You need to talk.. I'll talk. You need to cry.. I'll cry with you. You need support.. you have mine.


Beautiful post :thumbup: Thanks Shada ;)

[rivermom]

I sit here w/ hands on keyboard not even knowing what to say. You ladies have given already such heartfelt words of encouragment, and care. I really do appreciate it.

My life has been very difficult at times - times when I just wanted to give up, throw in the towel. But I pushed forward knowing I can "fix it".

My struggles through Robert's cancer is I can't make it better for him, I can't "fix it". I know I want to be there for him every step of the way by his side. Supporting him, caring for him, and seeing him through each step.

I have to admit - the overwhelming feelings of this all has taken it's toll on me. Yesterday I pulled into the parking lot of my doctor's with screeching tires. Running in to their office I said if someone doesn't help me I'm going to have a nervous breakdown.

It seems easier when it's your ownself having life's troubles. But when you watch a loved one experience such fear, such pain, and suffering it was more than I physically and mentally could handle. I realized that with my own minds placement I was unable to care for him they way he needs me to. I felt as if I was failing and was only a burden to him. The doctor prescribed me some chill pills and I pray when they actually start kicking in.

I want to be positive - I want to push forward and see him through this - Through sickness and in health is one of my marriage promises that I wont let slack.

This morning when I woke up and watched the sunrise over coffee I made myself a promise that if it was ever I who came up with cancer I would let it ride it's course. I will not ever go through treatment as Robert is, nor will I try to fight it.

I have had a beautiful life whom has watched my kids grow. I have met a wonderful man whom I care for more than myself. His happiness is greater than myown.

Situations in life puts more into perspective, it makes the picture more clear.

Take each day - notice the small wonders around each of us - and not expect ever for it to continue.

[Janet]

Sheryl, we love you and we've missed you. I know I speak for the others when I say we'll be here for you. You're so right, I think it's so much harder to watch a loved one be frightened, hurt or sick and knowing it's out of our hands. That is really when the faith kicks in.

I would like to suggest you keep a journal Sheryl. For me, when I can write/type things out it's like I'm letting go of some of it, ya know? It helps to keep me from feeling so overwhelmed with my thoughts and fears. I've cried so many tears as I've written my feelings, thoughts and important instructions down, now for my mother. Letting the tears fall as I write also helps to lighten the load so to speak.

Can you tell us (in your own time) about Robert's cancer? How he and you found out, his symptoms? If it's too hard, please don't feel you have to. Whenever and whatever you want to share, we'll be here to help you through it.

[DianaB]

Sheryl, I'm not that far away if you need me or if you need someone to talk to just call. {{{{{{Sheryl}}}}}}

[Tink]

Sheryl, my prayers are with you both too.
As the other ladies have so nicely said, we're all willing and able to be here for you in whatever ways we can. You need prayer... you've got it. You need to vent, we'll listen. You need to cry, we'll hold you in our hearts and watch your back till you can see again.

[rivermom]

Over a year ago Robert went to our family doctor. He had a lump on the inside of his neck. The doctor said "oh it's probably just a gland, lets keep an eye on it".

Well as we all know, time flies and we forget. His lump never hurt, nor did he feel sick. We just sorta ignored it for that years time. Then one day we both noticed the lump seemed larger. He also at that time could feel it pushing on his throat while swallowing. So back to the doctor.

Our doctor immediately sent him to a e/n/t specialist and they ran a biopsy. It turned out cancer. He has throat/neck cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He's in a stage 4 as it has spread into multiple lymph nodes.

August 1st they operated on his neck. They removed one tonsil and 59 lymph nodes. The largest being about 3 inches long. They removed his jugular (sp) vein, and a salivary gland. They are unable to find the orgin of the cancer at this time.

Next friday he goes in for a PET scan then begins radiation/chemo.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. :(

[Emmsmom]

I will keep you and Robert in my thoughts and prayers.{{HUGS}}

[Janet]

Sheryl, I'll keep Robert in my prayers. I'll also keep you in my prayers too my friend, you'll be able to get through this, I'm here if you need me.

[Shada]

I think about you and Robert so often..

I was so glad to hear you went to your doctor for yourself. During this hard time, you have to take care of yourself!! This is without a doubt one of the hardest things you will ever have to endure. I pray the support of your family and friends will help you... please know you are so important to all of us here and we are all holding you close in our hearts..

My prayers and support are with you and Robert.

[DianaB]

That was a very extensive sugery and I can see why you're so very worried. Robert's in my prayers.

[rivermom]

Saying "thank you again" to you ladies doesn't even really seem to be enough. But please know I am so very grateful for all your heartfelt words.

I realize I have not responded to many of your other posts. As time goes on and my life becomes "somewhat" normal again I will try to catch up with the rest of you and see all that's going on in your lives. Meanwhile, please be certain that you realize I am thinking of you.

I have to say the "chill" pills are working - life is somewhat in a fog but atleast I can cope and haven't cried for two days now. The calmer affects from the medication has also allowed me to be back riding Bay daily and that's been a huge release. I can also think more clear about the upcoming treatments Robert will be going through and feel I can be more positive and helpful in caring for him.

Again - please know you all too are in my thoughts.

[Janet]

I had no doubt the strength would come Sheryl. I'm glad you're able to ride again and feel like life is a bit normal again. Keeping yourself healthy will no doubt help you...help Robert.

[Mandy]

If thats what it takes to keep you focussed, then so be it girl.
Glad you are finding time to do things for yourself, and enjoying the good moments that come your way! HUGS!!

[Forgivenmom5]

Sheryl there were many days I had my doubts about making it through all this. It is only natural to be afraid. Just realize there is so much help for you and Robert. The greatest is God's love and strength. We are all here for you both. When you begin treatments please don't just accept the side effects. Talk with the doctors. There are so many things that will help him get through. We love you!!!

[Janet]

I think everyone is wanting to help and be here for you Sheryl, but I don't think anyone, unless they've been through it, can give you any better advice than Debbie...she's our survivor and we are so thankful!

[judy]

Sheryl,

I am so sorry you and Robert have to go through this. My prayers and thougnts are with you always. We're always here for you.

With tons of love and I wish I could do more,

Judy

[Shada]

Sheryl, please check in and let us know how you are doing.

We all care about you and Robert.

Thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

[HUGS]