The Baldwin Family

UPDATE: (May 2020)

“We are so thankful for the Blackout Melanoma organization, they have continued to support and care for our family throughout our entire cancer journey. Their support has made it possible for us to be able to travel out of state, to MD Anderson in Texas for my husbands cancer treatment. We are so grateful for the support we’ve received and the relationships we’ve made with everyone at Blackout Melanoma.” – Kaitlin Baldwin (Rob’s Wife)

Rob receives treatment at MD Anderson in Houston Texas. As of now he has active tumors in his skull bone and in both lungs. His current treatment of taking Mekinist and Tafinlar seems to be keeping things stable, but unfortunately the drugs have done a lot of damage to his heart. Robs doctors have lowered the dose of his medications and changed when they are to be taken to try and help give his heart time to rest. As of now Rob has echocardiograms to check his heart every month and scans every 6 weeks. If his heart function continues to drop, they will be taking him off his current treatment and we will begin the search to see if there are any other options available.

It’s hard to put into words how much of a blessing Blackout Melanoma has been for us. They have continued to support us emotionally and financially throughout our entire cancer journey. The group of people that make up Blackout Melanoma have became like family to us. They are truly the kindest, most caring people and they are there anytime we need them. We are so grateful for everything they continue to do for us.

This journey is not an easy one, but with God, Blackout Melanoma and our amazing families supporting us, it’s possible.

We say thank you often to the people that make up the Blackout Melanoma, but if your reading this and you’ve donated to this organization we want you to know that your changing lives. This organization has been a God send to our family and to so many other families.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.”

During the first week of February, Rob Baldwin (32), noticed a small lump under his armpit. At first, he thought he had pulled a muscle because of the soreness. A week later, his wife Kaitlin gave birth to their first child Zachary. The next couple of weeks were hectic; between Zack having to go back to the hospital for jaundice, and getting the house ready for their new baby. Rob’s lump slowly progressed to the point of needing to get it checked out. The initial exam showed the lump was likely just an infection. After further tests and a biopsy of the site, it was determined that surgery was needed to remove the mass. Rob had surgery on March 31^st, 2014, to remove the 9cm mass. The surgery revealed that the mass, and some surrounding lymph nodes, contained melanoma.

Rob, Kaitlin, their family and friends were shocked when they got the news that Rob had melanoma. They immediately started searching for hospitals that specialized in melanoma treatment; everyone kept recommending MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. Rob and Kaitlin packed their bags with their 7 week old baby Zachary, and headed south on April 6^th, 2014. A few weeks later, Rob had his second surgery. This surgery was to remove all lymph nodes on his right side. Including the one located under his pectoral muscle that lit up on his PET scan originally. On May 19^th, Rob had his post-op appointment with his surgical oncologist Doctor Gershenwald. The surgery went well. However Doctor Gershenwald found more spots of melanoma than they expected. Rob and Kaitlin then met with Rob’s medical oncologist Doctor Amaria. Doctor Amaria told Rob that his current diagnoses is stage 3C melanoma. She went over statistics with Rob and Kaitlin; they sat in the doctor’s office understanding that the rates of survival for Stage 3C melanoma patients were not the best. Rather than focus on the unfavorable numbers, Rob & Kaitlin focused on their future, their child, and their faith.

Right after the Thanksgiving holiday, Rob had scans and tests ran. At this time, they found the cancer had spread to his brain, meaning he would need to undergo full brain radiation. The full brain radiation would consist of 10 treatments over a two week period. As of December 17^th, Kaitlin reported that Rob was 60% done with this treatment. Aside from being tired and dealing with headaches, she said he is doing amazingly well and is in great spirits! Kaitlin and Rob just celebrated their 2^nd wedding anniversary, and are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with family and friends!