Vicki and Rob live in Chico with their three beautiful children. Rob recently began experiencing some unusual symptoms that lead to a shocking discovery. Vicki shared with us on October 28th, "Hi loved ones.... as most of you know Rob has been facing quite a complex diagnosis, and if you know my husband, that's the only way he would have it (Lol!! love you hon) Long story short, he had a plethora of symptoms (numbness from the waist down and bladder issues). We tried to google his illness but we couldn't find anything when we typed in "walking like a T-rex". His gait was strained as well as his bladder (now you guys get the IPA lot t-shirt picture I posted). During a 4 day hospital stay we got a scary and direct diagnosis that was possibly ALS or it's cousin disease PLS. PLS would be better than ALS but both are terrible diseases and we were told to pray that they find something else. Wednesday we took our 3rd trip to UCDavis and were given a little bit of hope that it may not be PLS but could be neuromyelitis optica. We were relieved (until I googled it then it didn't sound so terrific). We just got home from our 2nd trip this week to Davis, with fantastic news! PLS and ALS are out of the running!!! Right now the diagnosis is transverse myelitis. He needs a steroid infusion, and hopefully that can help him begin to heal. It is possible that an autoimmune disease started all of this. Still waiting to see if we get answers from all the blood tests (Rob has been giving blood like he's feeding a hungry vampire). We won't know if he will have any permanent damage or if this will be an isolated attack but we are certainly hopeful for the best outcome. The Drs explained to Rob that somehow his body started attacking the healthy cells in his spinal cord. I told him that's how competitive he is. He will kick his own ass . Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on, and to update those of you who already knew bits and pieces. Lots of love to all! Life is precious❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Rob began infusions the second week of November. On November 11 Vicki shared, "So here's an update on Rob. The infusions haven't been as successful so far as we were hoping. After his 1st infusion on Monday, he began feeling very weak. Tuesday morning he could not stand without losing his balance. We saw the dr and contacted UCDavis and they both agree he should continue his 5 day course of steroids. By Wednesday, he was feeling even worse. He described a lot of tightness in his abdominal area, almost making it hard to get a good breath bc he felt as though a 100lbs were sitting on his chest. He is able to walk with an assistance of a walker but he gets exhausted just walking across a room. Yesterday we saw his dr because he was concerned his white blood cell count continued to rise. (Some elevation is expected with a steroid treatment but his had risen even higher). If his white cell count was any higher Rob needed to be admitted back into the hospital because they were concerned that there was a possible infection running wild in his body. Fortunately, at 10:00 last night the Dr called to let us know his levels were lower. Not by a lot, but they had went from an 18 to a 15 (normal is 5-10). Today Rob goes in for his final steroid treatment and then we wait and see how his body reacts. We are so hopeful that this will kill whatever is happening in his spinal cord. If you could please send him good thoughts, positive vibes, or keep him in your prayers he could really use the support right now. Lots of love to all❤️❤️❤️❤️" Last night Vicki shared with us, "Hi friends and family, just trying to keep our loved ones in the loop... Rob and I have arrived at the UCDavis hospital. He completed 5 days of the steroid treatment on Friday, but it seemed to make things worse instead of better. After speaking to the Drs today, they felt it was best to get him admitted into the hospital so they can further access his symptoms. I will do my best to keep everyone updated as we find out new information. We extremely appreciate everyone who has been assisting us during this journey. Please keep the prayers, good vibes and positive thoughts coming, we can't thank you enough❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️" As Rob began to deteriorate quickly, he has not been able to work (although he planned on it) because his symptoms have become so severe. Rob had recently started a new job and because of this can only utilize about one month of disabilty before he will no longer be employed or have their medical insurance. Vicki owns her own hair salon, but is currently caring for Rob and their three children. Not going to work=no income. With so many things unknown about Rob's health and their financial situation, their friends and family are asking for donations in their name to help with the extensive medical costs that are coming. They haven't even seen their first bill, and we are all very worried. Anything you can donate will benefit, and if you cannot donate a monetary amount, any prayers or positive thougths are gladly welcomed. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and will keep everyone updated as more information comes to light. Please please feel free to share this post to others.