;)
Status update, hospice care starting today
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 8:31AM Just a quick update for those who are following our story and praying for us.
The cancer seems to be spreading rapidly, as I am losing control of my limbs and muscles at a fairly rapid pace. The tumors pressing on my spinal cord have completely paralyzed my legs. While I can still feel people touching them, I have to exert a lot of effort to even move my toes.
I can feel a slow loss of control coming to my upper body as well as my fingers and hands are losing dexterity.
Today we will officially begin hospice care, as it has become clear that I will not be physically able to complete any of the palliative radiation therapies or the immunotherapy.
This will provide us with in-home doctors and nurses, as well as medical equipment to provide palliative care for me to make my time with my family most enjoyable.
Daddy and his two precious children
Thank you so much for those of you who have kindly reached out in tangible and intangible ways to support our family. We are so very grateful.
I am most grateful for the coming promise of Easter, and a risen Savior who triumphed over death so that we all may have eternal life.
Many thanks to all of you who have been a part of my wonderful life. I have known more love and happiness in my (shorter) life than many will know in a full one.
Reader Comments (37)
Dr. Yale, I am a UD alum and never had you as a professor unfortunately but only heard the best things about your classes and teaching style. God gave you a beautiful gift and you have touched so many. You are in my heart this Holy Week and I am praying for you and your family always. God Bless You!
Rob -
Old friend. There are no words. Thank you for sharing your story honestly and being a picture of hope and faith as you do so. May our Lord comfort and care for you in a special way. We only crossed paths for a year in forensics at CU but I am grateful to have known you and learned from you. Autumn (West) Hanline
Rob,
I don't know you but I know your sister in law in Clayton, NC.. Your posts are amazing and although I have not read all of them, I have read enough to know that you have a strong faith and you know whose you are.... I heard or read in a book this year that when you are a Christian, when you take your last breathe on earth your next breathe will be in heaven. That was so reassuring to me to know that I will never be alone and neither will you. I am humbled by your strength and courage. I pray that whatever time you have left on this earth whether it be days or God willing years, will be days lived out so your children and wife will know that they too are loved and will never be alone...
God be with you.
G-d bless you, Rob!
Me (class of 2020), my mom Betty-Ann Svendsen (class of 1986), and my dad Steve DiMarco (class of 1985) have been praying for you and your family throughout Lent. The love you have for your family and others is truly inspiring! God bless you and your family, we will keep the prayers flowing!
Rob, I have been challenged, watching you live this trial while exemplifying joy and faith!! What a great lesson for us. Your alma mater is proud of you and all you've done in the name of Christ. While I didn't know you all that well, and we've been in touch very little since you graduated from Cedarville, I have been praying for you & your family and will continue. God is GOOD!! He is risen!!
Rob and Melissa,
many prayers for you. May your body, marriage, children and LOVE rest in hope.
We love you!!!
Doug, Ruthie, Gabriel, Luke, Emily and Maximilian Shepherd
Rob and family,
Just a note to say to all of you how much I admire the humility and graciousness and courage and faith of your fight. I've known Rob since high school. He is the kind of person who is who he is no matter where he is or who he is with. That is a rarity in high school, and a precious trait I've always admired. How can any of us put words to what we feel for your plight, for the hope we have in Christ for your eternal family reunion? Oh, grave, where is thy victory? Yours is the victory over death, as sure as the day is long. My prayers are constantly with you and your sweet family now and for the many lonely times to come--you're not alone, and we'll be with you in faith and prayer always, and in any other ways you can speak your need. Bless you for sharing yourselves during such a difficult and personal time; we're all better for it and I thank you. God be with you, brother.
Laura
We are always thinking about you and praying for you, Dr. Yale! Thank you for your friendship to Pat. He loved your class and he loved talking with you and coming to you for advice. You have been a big influence on our family.
Love and prayers,
Mary Clare
Dear Rob,
How well I remember your weeks and months of encouragements to this "older woman" who was returning to grad school to earn my PhD. We sat together in COM 601, and I don't know that I ever told you what a gift from the Lord you were to me as you more than once urged me on. Many in my family are praying for you, Melissa, your children and others who love you so very dearly. Death is the last enemy, and though we all will face it, we know that in Christ we have victory over death because we share in Christ's resurrection. Your blog posts have been well done and will be useful to others who face similar journeys. Thank for your openness, candid sharing of your struggles, and continuing account of these months. May the Lord give great comfort and grace. I look forward to seeing you in eternity, dear brother in Christ!
Rob. You are my hero Brother. I still believe God for total healing for you but more importantly that His Will be done. Thank you for giving us all an example of what a man does for his family even when he isn't physically 100% mich love brotha.
I have no adequate words, other than we are praying for you and your family.