#HelpRobinRecover



Hi my name is Scott Salem and the purpose of this campaign is to raise funds for my wife Robin, and mother of Matthew, to help her continuing battle against multiple cancers.



Backstory



In early 2013 Robin found a lump under her arm and after a few tests was diagnosed with two types of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A course of chemotherapy called R-CHOP was prescribed and treatment began. The treatment consisted of one 6-hour infusion every three weeks for a total of 18 weeks. Halfway through the chemo a routine scan was performed to determine the status of the Lymphoma. The scan showed that the Lymphoma was in remission, but it was also discovered that she had Colon cancer as well.



The Next Step



In the summer of 2013 it was determined that Robin required surgery to remove the tumor in her colon and had to pause the chemotherapy for the surgery. The surgeon had to remove her cecum, appendix, and 16 inches of her bowel and she came through it with flying colors. The doctors told us that the cancer was fully removed and to resume the chemotherapy, but in her weakened condition Robin developed an infection to the surgery site and had to undergo wound therapy. Finally, late in the year she was able to complete the Lymphoma treatment with relatively mild side effects such as weakness and hair loss.



Remission



In early 2014 we got great news, the follow-up tests showed the Lymphoma in remission and no signs of the colon cancer and Robin was put on a maintenance chemo drug called Rituxan to help keep the Lymphoma in remission. The oncologist determined that no other treatment for the colon cancer was required, the rest of the year went well as she got stronger and was able to be taken off all treatment.



Our Worst Nightmare



In the beginning of 2015 after routine follow-up tests it was found that the colon cancer had returned. Wow, hearing that news was like being hit by a Mack truck. Robin was determined to beat it so after another surgery to remove a few more inches of her colon, another course of chemo was recommended. This was named FULFOX which consisted of 12 infusions, one every other week, and each time she was sent home with a pump to continue medication for 48 hours longer. Unlike the previous chemo the side effects this time were brutal. Robin was hospitalized a few times and had to pause the treatment to regain some strength. Finally, near the end of 2015 she resumed the treatment.



The Battle Had Just Begun



Then out of nowhere she started losing her balance, kept falling, and her arms and legs got numb. The oncologist described it as temporary neuropathy caused by the chemotherapy. We were shocked because we had no idea that this was a possible side effect. Robin went on and finished her treatment but her temporary neuropathy turned out to be permanent. She has been mostly bed ridden for the past 2 years.



The Fight Continues



Robin is a fighter, and has vowed to keep going, at the end of last year the cancers remained in remission, then very recently it was discovered that her Lymphoma has returned, we are still deciding on the course of treatment because Robin will never give up.



Please Help Robin Recover



While our insurance covered most of the expenses we had to hire private nurse/aide to care for her while I was at work, which is not covered. We have drained our savings and have gone into considerable debt to cover the related expenses that are not covered. In addition to the private care that is required there are other non-covered expenses, such as certain medical equipment and modifying our home to make it handicapped friendly. The last 5 years have taken a toll both physically and mentally on the whole family. We ask you to please donate whatever you can, $1, $5, $10, any amount will help Robin continue her fight against this devastating disease. We will keep you updated on her condition and I know with your generosity she will be a cancer survivor. Thanks for your time.



Robin Salem

Scott Salem

Matthew Salem

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