#RobynTough - Robyn's Page
Something apparently wasn't feeling right with my sister, Robyn, for a few months. Hard to describe, but she just felt "off". Her concerned friends finally convinced her to go to the E.R. on May 16, 2017. A scan revealed that she had two large tumors on her left frontal lobe, causing her brain to swell, along with evidence of a stroke that had occurred three days earlier in another area of her brain. In addition, many blood clots were found in her lungs.
A filter was placed around her heart (through her jugular vein) to catch blood clots (which is still in place). She had brain surgery on May 18 to attempt to remove the tumors. Her surgeon was able to remove almost all of the tumors without causing any brain damage. However, on May 19, we received the news we feared: Robyn was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a very aggressive, incurable, terminal form of brain cancer. The only "treatments" available for her is brief chemotherapy and radiation, but this is only to add some more months to her life.
This has obviously come as a shock to Robyn and to our family. Our grandfather died of this exact same type of brain tumor in 1990. We lost him only three and a half weeks after diagnosis. Robyn is determined to live her life to the fullest for as long as she can – she will do whatever she can to fight this terrible form of cancer. Her goal is to be able to drive again, and go back to work in some capacity at Gundersen Health System, where she has been a Medical Assistant for nearly 20 years. She realizes, though, that this goal may never come to pass – but she has hope.
For now, Robyn is unable to work and provide for herself and three children like she has usually been able to. Her expenses have increased with the many medical procedures she's been through, and with the new medications that she now has to take. She has had many family and friends offer love, help, and support, and for that, she is so grateful.
It took me a bit of work, but I convinced Robyn to let me start this gofundme page. It was also strongly suggested that we do this by many of Robyn's family, friends, and co-workers. If you know Robyn, you know that she is a private person and is not keen on accepting help from others. But, in my observations over the years, she has always put herself last her whole life, and has always done her best to take care of anyone else who had needs. Now, it is her turn to receive. She "doesn't necessarily like it," but is beginning to realize that many people are wanting to help in some way. She does truly appreciate the love and generosity already shown by so many people. If you are able, please help my sister. Thank you. #RobynTough
-Rod Luther, Robyn's brother
