But I Was in Such a Good Mood This Morning: Facing Cancer and Other Harsh Realities in My Life

In 1989, just six months after marrying his young bride, Rob Henslin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He and his wife were thrust into the world of cancer, and they watched their hopes and dreams shatter in an instant. At twenty-six years of age, Rob was told by doctors at the City of Hope National Medical Center that his prognosis was ＂poor.＂ But after nearly a year and a half of intensive chemotherapy, brain radiation, bone marrow biopsies and countless other procedures, he emerged on the other side of his disease, in remission and thankful for the blessing of each new day. Rob was given a second chance at life. He began to entertain thoughts that perhaps he was out of the woods, that the cancer monkey asleep on his back might not ever awaken from his long slumber. But the monkey did wake up. After nearly twenty years in remission, Rob’s Leukemia returned. On October 20, 2008 he learned the grim news and was told he would need a bone marrow transplant to have any chance of long-term survival. Following several months of chemotherapy and a series of spinal taps, Rob received his bone marrow transplant on February 10, 2009 at Stanford University Hospital. After 48 days in isolation he was discharged to begin a long road to recovery. Rob faced numerous setbacks and complications in that journey, but after two and half years, he is thankful to be alive, and to have the opportunity to return to some semblance of a normal life. But Rob will never be the same. He spent the better part of his professional career working in the graphic arts, publishing, and marketing communications fields. His work has garnered numerous industry awards, including Silver Six Awards of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators, a Citation of Excellence from the American Advertising Federation, and Joey awards from the San Jose Film and Video Commission. He still has a passion for his craft, but after his cancer odyssey, finds himself drawn to pay it forward-to do everything he can to help other cancer patients and those in need of a bone marrow transplant. Rob volunteers his time to assist the Be The Match National Marrow Registry (www.marrow.org) registering potential donors at drive events and speaking on behalf of the organization as well. For more information, visit www.post-traumaticpress.com.