Thursday, June 30, 2011

It's Thursday evening. Rob and Amber are still in Las Vegas. MD Anderson in Houston is trying to schedule an appointment to see Robi but the doctor that he needs to see is out of town until next week. We hoped they would get in this week but it'll still be a few more days. It's kind of a waiting game. Time is limited, but time is what it takes to get in. It's a little scary to sit and wait, with no treatment.
But to make time pass more quickly, Robi's sister and her family have been here (in town from Arizona) all week to help. They have been preparing meals, reading books and researching online. It has been alot of help to both Robi and Amber.
On Monday morning Amber was able to speak with a pain management nurse at Huntsman Cancer Center. They came up with a safe way to increase his pain medication to prevent any more pain attacks like he had on Sunday. Unfortunately, the dosage couldn't be increased until Monday night so he suffered for a few days. ... Suffered is an understatement. He couldn't even make it to his doctor appointment on Monday morning because of the severity of the pain. Not sure how to describe a pain that is so much more than anything I have ever felt, or probably ever will feel, in my life. He is fighting, whether by his choice or not, he is fighting.
Tuesday was a much better day. Wednesday and today have been about the same. The Review Journal contacted us today and are going to print Robi's story in the July 12 issue. He was also asked to be on a radio news station for an interview on Monday, July 4th to share his story and his cause. If it works around his doctor appointments, he'll do it. I'll be sure to give you all of the information so you can listen.
The bake sale is Saturday. We are hoping to raise enough money that we will have enough for them to get started on treatment as soon as they find the right doctor. MD Anderson is looking very promising. The Hope For Cancer Clinic in Mexico looks promising as well. No decisions have been made but I will definitely make a post when a treatment has been agreed upon and started.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Raffle!

We have an incredible raffle set up for the bake sale this Saturday. We are selling raffle tickets for $10 each. You can buy them online now. Here's how:
*Review the 6 different raffles, decide which raffles you would like to be entered into. If your ticket is drawn, you win everything in that particular raffle.
*Click on the Donation link and donate $10 for each ticket that you would like to buy.
*Leave a comment on this post telling me: your full name, how many tickets you purchased, and which raffles you'd like me to put your tickets in. (please don't forget to tell me this info)
*Thank you and GOOD LUCK!

Raffle #1
Full set of braces from Dr. Zachary Truman
Glitter Toes by Carli Lewis
2 Haircuts by Carli Lewis
1 Night Stay at the Mandalay Bay
Nothing Bundt Cake Gift Certificate


Raffle #2
Jeanna Hayes Photography Session
Haircut at Belle Cheveux by Veronica
$50.00 Gift Card to Vintage Rose Wraps
Eyelash Extensions by Savannah at Lash Candy
Gift Certificate to Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Private Baseball Lessons (kids) from Shawn West

Raffle #3
$200 Gift Certificate to Bell Photography
Haircut by Jenna Roades at Whoop dee doos
Full Body Massage by Kelcee
$50.00 Gift Certificate to KiKi Creates
Gift Certificate to Hawaiian Shaved Ice
$50.00 Gift Certificate to Orange Blossom
Custom Notecards from ShePaperie

Raffle#4
Sarah Gregory Photography Session
FX You Salon-Haircut, Facial by Kristy & Jellish Pedicure
Nothing Bundt Cake Gift Certificate
Gift Certificate to Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Raffle #5
Standard Garage Door & Install by Matthew at Western Door and Gate
2 Haircuts by Carli Lewis
Glitter Toes by Carli Lewis
Full Body Massage by Kelcee
$100.00 Gift Certificate for Window Washing by Don's Window Washing


Raffle #6
Dental Cleaning, Exam, XRays & Whitening by Dr. Amy Gearin
$100 Gift Card to Target
$25 Gift Certificate to Just Be
Sparkle Power Loot
Gift Certificate to Nothing Bundt Cake
$200 Gift Certificate to Stitched at The Cosmopolitan 
Gift Certificate to Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Channel 8 News Story

Please click HERE to visit the Las Vegas Channel 8 News Story that was posted about Rob.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

This picture was taken a few weeks ago. Its Robi's arm. The tumors are breaking though the skin and those are sores that you see. Looking at this gives us an idea of what pain he must be feeling. I can't imagine what is feels like on the inside if this is what the outside looks like. Over the past few weeks its managed to get even worse. He really needs our help to get through this. He can't do it alone. Thank you so much for all you have done so far. Your comments and messages have been priceless.

Monday, June 27, 2011

This Saturday there is going to be an awesome bake sale fundraiser for Robi. There will be a raffle including the following items (click on the link to see the website of those who donated)-
$200 gift certificate BELL Photography.
1 Photosession Sarah Greggory
3 sets of greeting cards by ShePaperie
$50 gift certificate to Kiki Creates
$25 gift certificate to Just Be
$25 gift certificate to Vintage Rose Wraps
Nothing Bundt Cake Gift Certificate
1 Photosession with Jeanna Hayes Studios. Includes disc with full resolution images.
Full set of braces Dr. Zachary Truman
Full set of eyelash extensions by Savannah Seastrand
2 Full body massages by Kelcee Williams
ABC Poster, Flag Garland, and Tooth Fairy Pillow from Sparkle Power
$100 gift certificate to Don's Window Washing
Facial from FX You Salon and Spa
Haircut from FX You Salon and Spa
Jellish Pedicure from FX You Salon and Spa
Haircut from Veronica at Belle Cheveux Salon
Haircut from Jenna at Whoop-de-doos Salon
FREE Exam, XRay, Cleaning and Whitening Dental Service from Dr. Amy Gearin
$50 Gift Certificate for Orange Blossom shop

To buy raffle tickets in advance, Please text 702-327-2697.
See you there!
Please keep Robi in your prayers today. He is suffering and in ALOT of pain yesterday and today. I think the busy week really exhausted him.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Bake Sale Fundraiser




If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the bake sale please contact Jodie Melton at 
j0dielynn@yahoo.com

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sometimes the size and strength of a body mean less than the kind of heart it carries inside. All the muscle in the world mean nothing compared to a brave heart.

Friday, June 24, 2011

To Mexico and back

I don't know if any of you have noticed but we added a ticker on this blog to see how many people are checking it out. There's been over 1300 in a 24 hour period! I'm a little intimated to post with all of you readers. But we all want to support our friends so I'll do my best to keep you updated on how they're doing.
Its been an eventful week for Robi and Amber. They drove to Los Angeles on Tuesday, San Diego on Wednesday, Mexico on Thursday, back to Los Angeles and home today. It makes me tired just to type that! They were able to meet with 4 different doctors and every day they are one step closer to finding the help they need. This blog and the Facebook links have just started this week (Tuesday I believe) so Rob and Amber have been on the road while receiving all of your love and support through emails, comments, donations, and etc. It's amazing to see how quickly everyone has responded and jumped on board to help Rob win this battle. It's been so inspiring to me as I watch everyone connect through love and service for this sweet family.
So what did they find out this week? Well, I will share what I know. The Mexican Clinics were really great. They felt comfortable there and the doctors were very compassionate. The patients at the clinics were very happy with their decision to be there. It's hopeful and a great option. Doctors aren't positive how to cure his cancer because it seems that no one has seen anything like this, BUT it doesn't mean they can't. Just because it's rare doesn't mean it's incurable.
At home, Amber juices all kinds of organic vegetables for him to eat. She's got so many carrots, brussels sprouts, asparagus, and stuff that I don't even know what it is in her juicer that he doesn't have time to get hungry. Her fridge looks like the produce section of the grocery store. You know he's having some interesting smoothies when wheat grass shots are a yummy treat. Last weekend they came out to the ranch for a little relaxation. I asked Rob if he wanted a sandwich from our cooler for dinner. He said "No thanks, Amber's going to go pick me some grass to eat in a minute". At least he's making jokes about it, right..?? :). Amber is taking such good care of him and it's really sweet to watch her. They love each other and they are great parents.
It's been a long week with ups and downs so they are happy to be home (well hopefully they are home by now. When I last talked to them they were stuck in LA traffic, but on their way). They've missed their girls and were anxious to see them. This week has given them options, finally! They have 1 more clinic to visit before making their decision on what route to take. They are excited to get started on a treatment but also relying on their faith to direct on the best path. MD Anderson is a fantastic clinic that they need to visit before making that final decision. So that was their week. Traveling around the world in search of some answers. At times, Robi's pain was so bad that he couldn't get out of the hotel bed and they had to miss appointments. But other times his pain let up and he kept on moving forward. Let's keep cheering him on and together we will win!! Follow the advice of Camille Roskelley and "Give your families an extra hug today, I know I will mine."

Avon Fundraiser

Becky Prusse and her family is hosting an Avon Fundraiser to help raise money for the Grimshaw Family - all proceeds will go to them! You can help by passing out information on the Grimshaw Family Avon Fundraiser to all of your personal friends and family (the more people who know, the more money can be raised!)

The fundraiser is easy...
Order Avon products. Stock up now on everything your family uses, gifts, etc. Its easy to order.
1. Call or email Becky your order (702)413-9168 or AvonByBecky@cox.net
2. Go to www.youravon.com/rjaneprusse and place your order directly with Avon. Use FREE shipping code FSC14

After you've ordered, please email her your information so she can update you on how much money we've raised for the Grimshaw family! Orders are due by July 7, 2011. Thanks for helping this wonderful family.

Becky Prusse - 702.413.9168 or cell 925.354.1494
AvonByBecky @cox.net, www.youravon.com/rjaneprusse

Zumba Fundraiser today



Thank you!!
Everyone was so generous at Zumba today.
We raised $1460.00!
Thank you!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bake Sale

There will be a great bake sale on July 2!! Donations have come in from around the city along with many delicious bakers and their talents. I will post the invite tomorrow but just wanted to give you a head's up... thanks!

Ride or Run for Robi Fundraiser



Click on the image
to view and zoom in!

Call Cason with
any questions
702-234-5948!

No entry fee, all donations are accepted. No pre-registration necessary.
See you there.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Video

Rob and Amber are in California tonight. They drove down yesterday morning to meet with a doctor at UCLA and continued the drive to the Mexico border tonight. They will go in to Mexico tomorrow and meet with 2 clinics. Friday they will meet with a doctor at Cedar Sinai and then come home, back to their girls and Papa. Next week they will meet with the doctors at MD Anderson. They are traveling to meet with doctors and find one who will care enough to help.
Yesterday was a very discouraging day for them. The doctor was very short with Rob and Amber and gave no options. Rob is in excruciating pain, but the doctor didn't offer any suggestions. This is just another reason why he needs to meet with experimental programs and natural therapies asap.
I spoke with Amber last night after a very difficult day. She was very positive, as always. She knows there will be many hard days. She was thankful for her blessings. The response on facebook and this blog really made all the difference in the world to them. After being very discouraged, they saw all the comments and the donations being made. You were their saving grace yesterday. You lifted their spirits and gave them strength.
Lets keep spreading the word and getting more donations so when they find the right doctor they will be able to start immediately.
Thank you!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fundraisers...

There are a few fundraisers currently being planned. Cason is working on a bike ride and 5K run. It will take place on July 9, 2011 at 7 am. It will be sponsored by Discount Dumpsters and donors include Merrill Lynch and USSSA. Lindsay and family are planning a day where everyone can visit their ranch and swim, fish, swing off tower into pond, etc. More details to come but just a heads up... Don't forget this Friday's Zumba fundraiser that is posted below.

Rob's Story... in a nutshell

Rob Grimshaw has a unique story to tell. For now, I will share it from my perspective but I hope in the future he will allow me to share his story at a more personal level. Rob married his highschool sweetheart, Amber Turner, and together they have two beautiful girls. Joslyn, 8 and Savannah, 2. Shortly after Savannah's birth, Rob began feeling pain in his left hand. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel. Following 2 surgeries for carpel tunnel the pain continued and was getting worse daily. After researching many options and doctors, Rob traveled to St. Louis to see nerve specialist (we thought carpal tunnel surgery had severed his nerve).
The nerve specialist found a tumor in his arm just under his elbow. It was the size of an egg. Doctors removed the tumor and Rob was told it was benign. 1 week later St Louis called. It was high grade MPNST (Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor). He was told to get on a plane the following day so they could take a large part of the surrounding area in case it had spread. He did. Leaving behind his family and new baby, he left feeling worried and had many questions. They did a CAT scan to see if it had spread to his lungs and the scan showed only two nodules. The doctors advised him that it was nothing to worry about.
Rob then continued to follow the advice of his doctors and underwent brachyradiation therapy in St. Louis and came home to Las Vegas. In Vegas, he went through 1 month of external beam radiation. (We have since learned that this treatment caused the cancer to grow and spread more rapidly than ever)
By the end of the year, the family celebrated being cancer free. But soon after the new year, his arm was back into pain. Rob was told to have a CAT scan once a year but because of his pain, he insisted they scan him again. He went back to St. Louis in early March 2011 for an MRI cause the Las Vegas doctor kept telling him it was scar tissue from radiation.
The MRI found sarcoma cancer was back in his arm and was breaking through his muscle. He was advised to amputate his left arm. Rob and Amber wanted a second opinion. By this point, every doctor was advising different procedures and each had a different prognosis. Together they went to Utah and on March 28, 2011 (worst day of their lives) Rob had a cat scan on his chest that showed tumors in both lungs. Now considered stage 4. (incidentally Rob found his mother passed on this same day 2 years earlier) so this really is a bad day for their family. Rob started chemotherapy in Salt Lake City, a 6 hour drive. They would come home for two weeks, then drive back to Utah for 1 week of chemo. He did 3 rounds of chemo. During the 3rd round pain was so intense that he had to have a nerve block to numb his arm.
Doctors did another biopsy sticking a long needle in his arm 20 times to see if maybe he had an infection. No infection was found, but they did change the pathology report to a diagnosis of epitheliod sarcoma. Doctors said chemo has not been found to help with this type if cancer.
Through all of this, Rob has continued to coach his daughters soccer team, hold his calling in church, and inspired his 14 year old niece to get baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was able to baptize and confirm her though the tumors in his arms were ripping through his muscles and bone. He cried all during church from the pain of his arm. Somedays he can't get out of bed because the pain. Somedays it's dificult to breath deeply. Somedays are filled with tears and worry but other days are filled with hope and faith. Amber stays home with him... cooking and keeping up with his meds. She searches the internet and calls people trying to connect in order to find a cure. There are experimental and alternative treatments available but insurance will not cover them. Because the US has only seen 8 cases of this type in the past 15 years, there isn't alot of "approved" therapy available. The need for research isn't high because very few people suffer from this. Together we can support Rob and his family. Financially, emotionally, and physically they will feel our help and love. Thank you.

ZUMBA Fundraiser

There will be a zumba fundraiser for Rob this Friday, June 24, 2011
  • Kara Brinkerhoff will be instructing.
  • 9:30 am.
  • Hollywood and Stewart LDS chapel
  • Asking $10 per person but all donations will be accepted.
  • There will be babysitting available for $3 per child (also going directly to Rob and Amber).
***All zumba participants must be 8 years old or older***
Rob has been diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma Cancer. There have only been 8 cases in the United States in the last 15 years! This cancer is, obviously, extremely rare and very aggressive. Cason has been able to get Rob an appointment with the MD Anderson Sarcoma Cancer specialist, Dr. Pollock. He is recognized as one of the top cancer doctors in the WORLD and he is also the "world" president for CLL. The appointment will be next week. This is great news!! However, Rob's insurance will not cover his treatment and care. Please help us as we pull together and raise money so Rob can continue getting the help he needs!