Rob's Status

[Brian Moore]

Rob's condition makes it difficult and exhausting for him to communicate and he has asked me to provide an update.

As some of you may recall Rob initially thought he had suffered a minor stroke. Further developments resulted in an updated diagnosis. Rob has Myasthenia Gravis. In extreme cases this condition can be life threatening. In Rob's case his doctors have informed him that his illness has progressed to a "possible" life threatening stage.

Tomorrow Rob will undergo a tracheotomy. This will alleviate the need for a tube down his throat and will facilitate a speedier delivery of necessary drugs.

For anyone who wishes to send a card Rob is hospitalized at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh. Ward 118. (No flowers allowed.)

Under the circumstances Rob is in remarkably good spirits, posting occasional updates on Facebook, which tire him tremendously (hence his request that I update the lads and lassies at RPF), and even getting to cheer on Scotland in their game against Hungary yesterday.

I'm sure you all will join me in sending Rob good vibes. He needs it right now.

 

[Beth Carter]

good luck rob! hoping for a quick and easy recovery and you're back home soon. you're too cantankerous to let some illness keep you down. hope to see you back on rpf as soon as you feel up to it.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

Thank you Brian for bringing us updated information about Rob. You don't know how long I was waiting for it.

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks for the update, Brian. And all the very best to you Rob, if you are reading this.

 

[Tony Warren]

Rob's condition makes it difficult and exhausting for him to communicate and he has asked me to provide an update.

As some of you may recall Rob initially thought he had suffered a minor stroke. Further developments resulted in an updated diagnosis. Rob has Myasthenia Gravis. In extreme cases this condition can be life threatening. In Rob's case his doctors have informed him that his illness has progressed to a "possible" life threatening stage.

Tomorrow Rob will undergo a tracheotomy. This will alleviate the need for a tube down his throat and will facilitate a speedier delivery of necessary drugs.

For anyone who wishes to send a card Rob is hospitalized at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh. Ward 118. (No flowers allowed.)

Under the circumstances Rob is in remarkably good spirits, posting occasional updates on Facebook, which tire him tremendously (hence his request that I update the lads and lassies at RPF), and even getting to cheer on Scotland in their game against Hungary yesterday.

I'm sure you all will join me in sending Rob good vibes. He needs it right now.

Though I am very new to this group, I offer my sincerest good wishes. Tony.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Rob's condition makes it difficult and exhausting for him to communicate and he has asked me to provide an update.

Thanks, Brian, thanks all.

Latest photo from my solitary confinement on an Apollo Starship!

 

[Ralph Turner]

All fingers 'n' toes crossed, mate. I wish you all the luck in the world with getting through this.

 

[Chris Bennett]

We're all rooting for you Rob.
Best wishes.
Chris

 

[Gianluca Drago]

May this bad period pass quickly, Rob, and may you soon return to a less troubled life.

 

[Stevenson Gawen]

All the very very very best Rob! Fingers, toes and roots all crossed.

 

[Gary R. Smith]

Just got back from a few days off the grid and another day of no internet since my "provider" is upgrading my service (which seems to require eliminating all service for a day or two). Hang in there Rob!

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

Rob's condition makes it difficult and exhausting for him to communicate and he has asked me to provide an update.

As some of you may recall Rob initially thought he had suffered a minor stroke. Further developments resulted in an updated diagnosis. Rob has Myasthenia Gravis. In extreme cases this condition can be life threatening. In Rob's case his doctors have informed him that his illness has progressed to a "possible" life threatening stage.

Tomorrow Rob will undergo a tracheotomy. This will alleviate the need for a tube down his throat and will facilitate a speedier delivery of necessary drugs.

For anyone who wishes to send a card Rob is hospitalized at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh. Ward 118. (No flowers allowed.)

Under the circumstances Rob is in remarkably good spirits, posting occasional updates on Facebook, which tire him tremendously (hence his request that I update the lads and lassies at RPF), and even getting to cheer on Scotland in their game against Hungary yesterday.

I'm sure you all will join me in sending Rob good vibes. He needs it right now.

It is so sad to see that his condition is not any better. I wish with all my heart that he shall recover from this illness, so we can again joke about and appreciate his pictures and funny remarks, sharing laughter as before. Please give my regards Brian, next time around. May all go well.

 

[Brian Moore]

It is so sad to see that his condition is not any better. I wish with all my heart that he shall recover from this illness, so we can again joke about and appreciate his pictures and funny remarks, sharing laughter as before. Please give my regards Brian, next time around. May all go well.

Thanks Ivar. I think Rob is looking in occasionally.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

No I'm not!

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

Take care my friend, all the best to you.Speedy recovery.

 

[Brian Moore]

No I'm not!

As crabbit as ever. I take this as a good sign.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

The Fightback Begins! For weeks the doctors have been manoeuvring me into a position where I can be given the main drug to combat myasthenia gravis: rituximab. It could be loosely referred to as the cancer-equivalent of chemotherapy, but milder, less invasive. Well, I had my first of two four-hour infusions yesterday, the second to come in two weeks’ time. So far, so good. The dangers are that it is an immuno-suppresent, opening me up to other attacks, but they could administer other drugs to combat those. They say most people feel the benefits within one to six weeks. Meanwhile the Physio department is building up my strength, and I had my first taste of custard! Food of the Gods! Or so it seemed. Just half a teaspoon, but I managed to swallow it. I’m on the road home, but it might take a couple of months. After that I will receive Out-Patient treatment for as long as I need it.

Thanks for all your support, friends.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

It is so comforting to hear from you, Rob! I hope that the therapy you have started will lead you to a better everyday life as quickly as possible. We miss your photos and your ironic, empathetic or biting comments.
I am with you.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

It is sad to see you like this Rob, but there is hope in this too, that you again shall be yourself, free from these obstacles that prevent you from being a happy you. I wish you the very best.