Rob’s Story

Site created on May 5, 2023

 We are starting a Caring Bridge to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. 

When we returned from Florida Rob was feeling quite fatigued.  Routine lab work found low blood counts. He was admitted to St Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN  on April 14. A bone marrow biopsy was done on April 17 and the following day he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia ( AML). He started induction chemotherapy on April 25. He received 5 doses of IV Decitabine and is receiving oral Venetoclax. In addition he is getting intrathecal ( into the spine) chemo twice a week with two different chemos- methotrexate and cytarabine. 
He is very weak and tired but has a positive attitude that he will fight this.
The doctors here have been in very close contact with the University of Minnesota Bone Marrow Transplant team and they are helping to direct his care.
I apologize if this is the first you have heard about this. The past three weeks have been overwhelming for our family. The kids have been here and have been a huge help to us. 
Many have asked what they can do. Prayers are appreciated.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Susan Prusak

Last evening Rob started having low blood pressures which they treated initially with IV fluids and blood. During the night, he was transferred to ICU for pressors. He was on four pressors to try to maintain his blood pressure as he was in septic shock. This was an unfortunate complication from an infection he could not fight with a very weakened immune system from the chemotherapy. Rob had always told us he did not want to be on a ventilator and we wanted to respect his wishes. He passed away at 5:32 this evening with many family and close friends by his side. We are all in shock. It hasn’t even been 3 weeks since he was diagnosed. He was very loved and will be missed tremendously.

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