I am back -- with an update.

[playahata1]

As some of you may know, on 1/21 I was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer (squamous-cell) that has subsquently spread to my abdomen. That is why you have not heard from me in some time.

Anyway, here I am. I have gone through two rounds of chemotherapy, and am feeling pretty good despite being tired all the time. My spirits are up, and my doctor(s) have been very positive about the outcome. Yes, I was scared when I first got the diagnosis, but I made up my mind early on that I was going to choose life, that I was going to keep the faith and do whatever I need to do to get better. I am 36 years old and plan to make it 37 and beyond. I have too much I want and need to do with my life to stop here. My family and my true friends and my higher power have been there for me from jump, so that has been a blessing.

On 3/11 I go to the oncologist for a follow-up, so we will know where we go from here. I KNOW AND BELIEVE THAT I WILL BEAT THIS THING. Thanks to those of you who have sent their prayers and good vibes. Peace.

Robin

[Ilsa]

1. Big hugs to you, Robin...

I hope you can pull some energy from us! Thanks for the update.
(((((((Extra hugs))))))))

[LuLu550]

2. Robin!

I'm sorry it spread. Hang in there. Know many many people will keep you in their thoughts and prayers (whatever diety they pray to!)You WILL beat this!

((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))

:pals:

:hug:

:grouphug:

[Mass_Liberal]

3. you will do it

keep the faith, man. Best of luck, vibes, and whatever reassurance I can give you.

[dmr]

4. Welcome back, playahata1

Thank goodness you are doing well, and with high spirits. I'm hoping your upcoming appointment will bring you the best news.

My prayer is for you to be able to fulfill your dreams in the best of health for many, many years to come.

Peace to you too.

:hi: :)

[Zomby Woof]

5. Robin!

Sure have missed you, and am glad you are letting us know how it goes. Wish I could do more than just woof it away, or give you thermoses of ZombyCoffee, but just know my thoughts are with you. :loveya:

[playahata1]

11. Thanks, Z.

I have had very little coffee -- and that very little was VERY BAD coffee at that -- in the last month and a half. (You know all about hospital fare...) If I can keep it down, serve me up some of your BEST.:)

[UrbScotty]

6. Yes! Great!

Lots of ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) and best wishes to you!

[Tripper11]

7. You have a great attitude playhata1.....

not sure if you know, but I went through leukemia 2 years ago and have since had a stem cell transplant. I literally cruised through all the treatments. Had a few fevers here and there, some things that normally happen when fighting a disease like this, but overall, seemed to be destined to live through it.

Your attitude is exactly what you need. Just try and remember when there is a set back it is only a set back, it can be beaten back time and time again. Modern medicine, and cancer treatment has come light years in the past 10 years and only continues to improve.

Keep working hard, stay as positiive as you can, and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. For example...my main insurance covered almost all of my treatment, but, there were also hundreds of dollars of incidentals that they didn't cover. We found out through a social worker that we could apply for DSHS medical assistance that would be a secondary insurance and they paid for anything that my insurance company didn't pay for.

Also, I hope you have a family memeber or friend who can advocate for you..a good advocate goes a long way. Your job....fight and destroy your cancer.

I hope this helps...stay strong!

[blondeatlast]

8. Hoping and praying for you. Keep us informed, we care! nt

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

9. :hugs:

You'll get through this, because you have a great attitude about it! :hug:

[Susang]

10. I'm so glad you're back

You will beat this , I know it. It sounds like you've got fantastic doctors along with wonderful family and friends to help you through it. There's too much left for you to leave now.

Keep posting, I know this can't all be fun and games, so if you ever need to spew, you can always spew it here. We will try to help in anyway we can. :loveya:

[buddhamama]

12. You can beat this, Robin

and we'll be with you every step of the way lending love and support.
Good vibes and lots of ((((HUGS))))

Peace!

[Bertha Venation]

13. You'll beat it!

:hug: You have my best thoughts & prayers. Thanks for the update -- please post an update after your appt on the eleventh. :bounce:

[Cooley Hurd]

14. Jeebus, that's some scary shit, Robin...

But, the best thing you can do for yourself is remain upbeat and positive (as you seem to be doing quite well! :hi:). That alone will help dramatically in kicking this cancer's ass.

Like Bartcop says, tell your cancer to "suck it!"

Sending good vibes your way right now! :hug:

[CatWoman]

15. Much love and positive vibes to you Robin

:loveya:

:hug:

:loveya:

:hug:

[playahata1]

21. Midori -- long time, no see.

How's it going?

[Bat Boy]

16. Keep on comin' in here....

We'll fight wit ya!

That's the nice thing about DU. Damn supportive bunch. Use it as much as you can.

[Lizz612]

17. Lots of Good Vibes to you

We know you'll beat this too!
:hug:

[XanaDUer]

18. I was thinking of you the other day!

So sorry about the bad news, but I am glad there is hope.

Sending you good thoughts!

[Mrs. Venation]

19. A Positive Outlook

can defeat many things, Robin. I send you hope, love and strength. Also, :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[JCMach1]

20. Awesome news!!!

:)

[latebloomer]

22. Sending healing energy your way

And do what my friend does-- every time she starts to worry she replaces it with the mantra-- "I Am Healing!"

[GreenPartyVoter]

23. Glad you are doing well. *hugs*

[soleft]

24. Thank you for the update and many many good vibes in return

:thumbsup:

[shanti]

25. you go, robin!

we DU'ers are behind you all the way! stay positive, sister!

[ewagner]

26. Robin:

I admire your attitude and from this end lots of :hug: s

all the best!!!!!

[GOPisEvil]

27. I'm confident, too! You're going to beat this!

:-)

[Lydia Leftcoast]

28. Best wishes, Playahata

If anyone can beat this, you can!

:hug:

[CO Liberal]

29. Here's to One Of My Favorite PhDs!!!!!

((( Robin )))

We're all pulling for you. The world needs special people like you.

Wayne
(CO Liberal)

[Cleita]

30. Cheers.

:hug:

[mvd]

31. Yes, you will beat it

Here's a :hug:.

[tishaLA]

32. Good luck, Robin

I have had my own medical issues and I know how hard it is. All my thoughts are with you.