Last Saturday 7.16.16 I volunteered with my co-workers at the Dash for Donations, an event held to raise money for organ, eye, and tissue donation. 3000 people, ran, jogged, and walked to raise money for this cause. It struck me as I was handing out water to participants how many people in this world are touched by someone afflicted with a debilitating condition. And, more importantly, how so many of them “live” with it! I don’t mean “get by”, I mean “LIVE!” As in living with joy, living with peace of mind, living, feeling and embracing the wonder, challenge, and joy of life.
Life’s challenges come in every possible shape, size, and severity and humans are uniquely able to lift eachother up physically and emotionally. As friends and family, we dedicate a portion of our time to help, encourage, and even nurse each other through pain and injury. So, regardless of the advancements we make over time to solve or ease our trials and tribulations, we will forever face new or different obstacles. Facing challenges needs to be celebrated, recognized as a characteristic of living and held up as the terrain of our humanity; the foothold for our climb. So when it shows up, let’s get after it, find the joy in the effort, start the ascent and always, always focus on the beauty that lies at the summit.
Here’s the update on my climb. My most recent scans returned positive for cancer. More specifically a tumor in my pelvic region appeared on the scan and was confirmed to be cancerous through some additional testing. This is a recurrence of my colon cancer and it will require some treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I think we should call the treatment protocol, Larry Curly and Moe! The three stooges 🙂
Surgery will be on August 1st at the James and my surgeon will be Mark Arnold. The current plan is to remove the tumor, and a significant portion of the mesentery (a fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen.) along with resecting the colon.
Based on my recovery from surgery, the start of radiation and chemotherapy should begin 4 to 5 weeks following surgery so approximately the first or second week of September.
Let’s get after it!
bobleboeuf 
CRUSHit! We are all in with you.
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I know you are and draw strength from it every day.
Bob
Know our thoughts and prayers are with you….you’ve gone through so much you and heather and kids but remain so positive.
Your posts are so great to read–updating us but also so inspirational. Will think of you on August 1st…
Love Lenore (and all of the “Laws”)
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Go get it, Bob. Having faced this before, you’ve got the wisdom, and you know you’ve the power to crush it. I’ve been in awe of your grit since kindergarten. Let us know every step of the way.
Lee shimer
Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
I always admire anyone that will take on a challenge and fight it through I know with your determination you will win again May GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
Attack!!!!!!!!!! You are in my constant prayers, Bob. You define courage.
Keep the faith and CRUSHINGIT! You are in our prayers!
Keep fighting the good fight Bob! You and the family are always in my prayers!!
You can CRUSH this…….You are in our prayers
Bob,
I am so sorry to hear you need to go through another round of treatment . I wish you the best and if I can ever do anything for you please let me know. I hope to see you soon and best of luck!
Sent from my iPhone
Cam, great to have your support. I know you are there for me and it means a great deal to my attitude and strength.. We will be back out on the GC soon chasing the little white ball. Just a brief temporary detour.
You are a fighter! May our prayers bless and protect you through the might of Christ’s holy Cross. Barb and Pete
Bob, we are behind you all the way. God, love, your and your family’s amazing strength, courage, and perspective, not to mention the Three Stooges, will help you overcome. You will absolutely #crushit.
Keep up the positive thinking- it works! Please know we care and hope for a speedy recovery!
No doubt you will #crushagain Bob. Too Strong.
Bob we are all praying for you and know you will continue your fight!!! Push forward Brother!!