It started on warmer than normal day. Sitting on the porch, drinking our morning coffee. Enjoying the sun shining through the windows. In the midst of conversation, nonchalantly, Rob tells me about and shows me a lump on his neck. Definitely visible.. something isn’t right. I make an appointment for him to see the doctor the very next day. From the specialists, CT scan and then a biopsy. Then we had our answer. It is a malignant tumor, the size of a golf ball at the base of his tongue. Diagnosis.. Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Good news is that this type is very treatable. Unfortunately, we do not know if it has metastasized anywhere else in his body until he receives his PET scan at the end of the month. As of right now, there is no set plan of attack until we get the results from the scan. But tentatively, They are expecting at least 35 radiation treatments and then chemotherapy to follow. We have also been looking into alternative treatments such as holistic approach due to these conventional treatment options are extremely aggressive and have horrible side effects such as permanent major saliva gland damage, loss of teeth, extreme weight loss (which can’t afford to loose) hair, etc just to name a few. But we are still in its early stages of discovery.

To know Rockin Rob is to know his large heart and ability to brighten up a room with his smile. He is a hard working and caring soul that puts others in front of his own needs. He is a loving father of two, Anna and John and is a grandpa to two beautiful granddaughters, Rosie and Marah. He treasures every single second he gets with them.

Rob has also been a part of the local music scene since he was a teenager. Playing in countless number of bands ranging from classic rock to, believe it or not, some country. So if you’re from around here, guaranteed you’ve seen him pound out the beat at least once in your life. He doesn’t play for the money.. he could make more money working at Menards on the weekends. He does it for his friends, the music lovers.. to make people smile.

He is just starting on his long journey but there is also the financial burden that is going to be a tremendous challenge. As some will be covered by insurance but alternative holistic treatments are not. If we all join together, I believe we can help him with this struggle. He has enough to worry about so please help what ever you can!

Prayers and love are stronger than cancer

“All I can do at the end of the day is play on and keep the beat..” The beat will go on