The Night before Chemo
Mike and I have been so overwhelmed with gratitude for the wonderful people in our life. We have been showered with gifts, snacks, acts of kindness, phone calls, visits, texts, positive thoughts, prayers, and on and on. We could never repay everyone who has already showed us so much support.
So many people have asked how they can help. Some friends set up a Meal Train on a website, and we have already gotten some delicious meals! It has helped so much, and I am so incredibly appreciative. If you are interested, (but do not feel pressured to!) you can sign up at www.takethemameal.com the pw is hortonfam .
We might adjust the schedule as we get a better idea of what the chemo schedule looks like. There will be a cooler on our porch to drop of the meal. We are only doing that, as to minimize the germs that are brought into the house. We are already thinking that containing germs with the 3 kiddos will be tough. Mike's immune system will be very compromised and any infection he contracts could be incredibly dangerous for him.
So, tonight we are back in Rochester. The plan as of right now, is to get is first round of chemo this week, and then we will get treatment moved to KU Med in Kansas City. We will start the morning with lab work, meeting with the oncologist, and then meeting with an oncology nurse for chemo education.
I'm not going to lie, I am so scared. I don't know what to expect, and that's when I don't handle things so well. I like to feel in control of things... and, well, cancer kinda just takes all control you think you have, and throws it out the window. I have really been struggling with how I'm feeling about all of this. Everyone keeps telling me I'm strong, but I don't think of myself as strong. I feel numb. I feel like I'm so scared that I became numb to my feelings so that I can just go through the motions. I know Mike is scared too. He is scared about how he will feel. How sick will he be? How soon is he going to lose his hair? How soon will he be feeling better?
All we know right now is that we are going to fight with everything we have. We are only 6 years into this marriage, and I'm determined that he's going to be stuck with me for 50 more! I guess I better get some rest so we can get started with Chemo tomorrow. I hope a year from now we will be out sledding with the kids and our only worry will be if we have enough firewood and s'mores for the fireplace!
xoxo Robin

Comments (20)
Our prayers are with you guys.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Hang in there you have a lot of prayer warriors praying for you. Love you Joanie
Robin Cancer has disrupted so many lives! I pray for guidance and healing.
Prayers & positive, healing thoughts, Robin!
Robin and Mike, Thinking of you guys sending prayers. If Ronnie and I can do anything,please message me. Karen Bell
I am so sorry to hear this. I am glad you guys have each other for support and you didn't take no for an answer. Sending love and prayers to you and your kids!
Jane Ann Biffinger I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for a Mike, Robin and your family. May God watch over you in a special way and guide you through this journey.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Cancer has affected a lot of people in my life so I hope your out come will be like there's. Times like this will prove how strong you really are, but don't be afraid to let your emotions show also.
Praying for you many times a day, everyday! Stay strong and have faith. God will provide the rest! I'm so sorry your young family has to go through this struggle. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all! We love you!
Mike & Robin, I am just hearing the news about your battle. We will be praying for you and for a great outcome.
I just read all your updates. Made me cry. So scary. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have faith that everything will work out. Be strong and let me know if you need anything. Hugs and prayers..
Mike and Robin - we will continue praying for you guys. If we can do anything, please let us know. Chubby and Brooke Waggoner
Hi Mike and Robin.......I am so very sorry you all are going through this. Please don't hesitate to let us help you in some way. We will be praying for you, and keeping up with your Journal updates. We are all in your corner Mike. Hugs to all of you!!
Damn it Mike readin this just troubles the hell out of me.. We'll be prayin a little longer and harder now that I know. Yer gonna lick this I know, yessir you can bet yer boots on that pardner!
Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers!!
Robin and Mike, Audrey just told us about your issue!!! Now when you are down I give you permission to think about me peeing my pants!!! Go ahead and laugh lady, it is funny!! A grown woman peeing her pants, got to admit!!! On a serious note, I know you are scared as hell!! I would be. You are strong and so is the support system that you have around you. Use it, this is the time to use everything and everyone that you know. They will support you and get you through this. I will be praying to the big man above that Mike makes a speedy recovery and that it is quick. HE will give you the support that you need. HE is fabulous!! Mayo is phenomenal when you need medical attention. I remember when Mom was in there. She had the best care. Do not leave Mike alone and ask questions. You will not get anywhere unless you ask. If you doubt something, ask!!! I asked a nurse something one time on a dose that she was to give mom. I thought it had been discontinued, guess what, I was right. Not to say there are mistakes made all the time but everyone is human. Write down the notes so that you have something to come back to. Your mind is going to become tired and you will have to rely on the notes. Love you and your family!!!! monica
Robin and Mike, I am praying for you both.
Robin, I had not heard Mike was sick. I'm so sorry your family is having to go through this. My prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong Mike! Xoxo Jayme Weis
Oh, Mike, I am just hearing about this. You are so strong and I know you are going to kick cancer's a$$! I am with you and your family in this and sending prayers throughout your journey. Godspeed, my friend.
Robin, Praying & thinking of you & your family. I now work in Oncology & absolutely love it. These nurses & doctors are a very special breed. I have no doubt in my mind that your husband is in very capable hands to beat this lymphoma! xoxo-Kelsey