Bob Jackson

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. Obviously we have set up this site because we have news to share that has certainly caught us off guard. Over the last month I have been undergoing tests (MRI, CT Scans, Biopsies and blood work) to try and explain some leg and back pain and most recently abdominal discomfort that started in the spring and despite PT, chiropractic care and visits to a spine doctor just wasn’t going away. As we sit here today, I have been diagnosed with a rare cancer called Retroperitoneal Myxoid Liposarcoma (what a mouthful). It’s basically a large tumor that sits between my kidney and pelvic area mostly towards my back. It must be addressed and at this point the final treatment plan is still being worked out. 


So here is what we know so far. The tumor is impacting my Kidney area and upper colon. It must be removed along with the kidney as well. Most likely the upper colon will need a resection but will be determined in surgery. The biopsies confirmed the initial diagnosis from the ct scans. UNC is currently doing an expanded review of pathology to determine if I do surgery first or if radiation therapy is required before (this is the current thinking).


I will certainly update in the journal the decisions as they get made. I’ve learned already that a cancer diagnosis requires patience. One test leads to another and getting to treatment takes time. Next week we expect I will see a Radiation Oncologist and have a Renal Test to measure my kidney functions. If radiation is required we hope to start the following week. If surgery is first, it should be in the next 2-4 weeks. Post the surgery, whether before or after radiation, they will determine if anything else is required.


So that’s the news. Thanks to a conversation with one of my cousins, my new thought process is “1 for 30”. I need to dedicate and prepare my self for this year to live another 30 in good health. The surgical oncologist and his team are incredible and believe very much this is a winnable situation. Some lifestyle changes may need to be made and I will need to be on a lifetime schedule of scans and possibly endocrinologist support, but a small price to pay for a full life.
 
So I want to close with a requests. We have such a wonderful family who have been through a lot this year with the passing of my mom and Peggy’s dad. We want to try and control the impact, where possible, this has on our kids and grandkids. Our requests is very simple. If you see Peggy and I and we are with the family, we want to minimize how much we  are talking about this. On the other hand, I want and embrace getting the messages of support, the offers of prayers and even the texts and phone calls. Just in the last week I’ve come to value the uplifting nature of conversation and messages of support. Just help us control the family impact.


I will beat this. Your support and help will be critical to help me make this happen.


Love to you all,


Bob and Peggy