;)
Bad news from the PET scan
Monday, March 28, 2016 at 5:59PM This is a hard entry to write, so I'm going to keep it pretty short.
Melissa and I met with my oncologist this afternoon to discuss the results of my PET scan. The PET scan shows increased metabolic activity in the body that is often caused by cancer.
As expected, the tumor in my stomach, and many lymph nodes in my abdominal cavity, and some beyond, showed extremely high levels of metabolic activity, indicative of cancer that has spread from the stomach tumor to the lymph nodes.
More concerningly is an area of heightened metabolic activity in my left sinus cavity. The doctor admitted that this could be caused by infection or a number of other processes, but it is possibly another malignant tumor.
My oncologist suggested that if the cancer has spread this far, that likely a surgical resection of the tumor and lymph nodes in my abdomen will not be possible. Chemotherapy may be used, but only as a means of slowing the cancer - no cure will be possible.
PLEASE join us in praying fervently that the spots in my sinus cavities are not cancer and that something can be done to treat the stomach and lymph cancer that exists in my abdomen.
Through a wonderful friend from grad school. I was able to get an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for tomorrow. I will likely be in Houston for 3-5 days for follow-up tests and to receive a concrete diagnosis and treatment plan. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, for peace for Melissa, and for healing from the One who Heals.
Reader Comments (52)
Dr. Yale,
Extremely disheartening to hear this news. Hopefully the MD Anderson appointment will be productive and you can beat this. Just like everyone else reading, I will be keeping you in my prayers.
Your Business Communications course at the University of Dallas taught me how to conduct myself in a professional setting and I use the skills learned everyday. You will always be one of my favorite professors.
Sincerely,
Kurt Doerries
Steak Dinner Recipient Fall 2013
We've never met- but I'm praying for you
Psalm 61:2 when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Hi Robert,
I saw your post through my friend Kirk's FB page, and felt compelled to comment.
My aunt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1990, and given a very grave diagnosis. She, like you, was fortunate to have connections that were able to get her into treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, where she began aggressive chemo and radiation, traveling from Wyoming during the process.
Today she is 74 years old, has been able to watch her 4 children enjoy married life, and has 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is 24 years cancer-free.
There is always, ALWAYS hope!
With prayers and love from Washington,
Kirsten Tastula
Rob,
My prayers are with you and your family. We will be praying for you in our rosary group and also our bible study group.
May the blessing of God be upon you and your family, and may your doctors be blest to find a cure.
Michael Leshner
Praying that God touch you with His healing hand, provide comfort and peace to you and your family and give your doctors wisdom. Praying daily.
Rob, our paths crossed only briefly in grad school (you were on your way out as I was arriving), but I came across this post in my newsfeed and I wanted to let you know that I am praying and will continue to hold you and your wife in the Light.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that Rob and Melissa for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
I am joining with all those here who so obviously love and support you and their church families in prayer for you and your family. (I have known Dr. Morry Groves, neurological oncologist at MD Anderson, since we sat across from each other in the third grade -- you will be in very good hands and get an expert diagnosis of the spots in your sinus cavities). I will also add you to the prayer list at our church.
Maggie and I are praying for you and your family!
Rob, Have known you since you were born. No matter the outcome you are going through a deep valley - grateful for a living hope beyond the valley. Grieving with hope for you and with you and your beloved family. Praying for healing. With love, Bill Petite
You will beat it. Yes you will. Have faith and I will pray hard.
You are, indeed, being lifted up in prayer by so many. May our Lord give you peace, comfort, strength, courage, wisdom, and healing. Jesus said, "I am with you always....."
Rob,
Prayers for you and your family provide daily petition for your quick and complete recovery. You have the support of my prayer groups and my meditation partners that the hands of GOD guide the medical professionals in. their care for you.
Richard P.
May the Lord give you and your family the strength needed during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Rob, I am lifting you up in prayer, knowing that our God is capable of miracles. Much love to you and your family.
Mother Angelica please heal this man and his family. Watch over them and please protect them.
Richard spoke with me tonight about your illness. Instantly, the Portuguese words va com Deus came from my lips and through my heart. I pray for you and your family.
Healing prayers to you.
Rob, I was so sorry to hear this devastating news. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. Be strong. God Bless You.
Rob,
Prayers from Tennessee.
DVW
Dear Rob and Melissa, we have enlisted the prayers of Grace Baptist on your behalf and trust the Great Physician to answer a coordinate to his grace and mercy. He is good! And he is ever with us in the storms of life. Matthew 14:27
Sending prayers your way for the best outcome possible!
Your Cedarville family is praying for you, Rob!
Rob and Melissa we are sorry to have heard this news but, we all know that whatever we are dealt with God is there to guide us down the right path. Love and prayers sent from Minnesota 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Have they looked at the Gerson Therapy program? Also, refer to it as bad cells rather than the "C" word our body reacts to what our mind thinks and is told. Completely give up sugar and soy as these both feed bad cells. Adding more fresh or lightly cooked vegetables, bone or vegetable broths rather than simple carbs and fried foods will also give the body a rest from digesting food and also allow it to concentrate on healing.
Blessings and best of luck.
Prayers continued,
Winnette