Dripping Springs Texaco Star
As some of you already know, I recently learned that I have bladder cancer, an illness that demands immediate attention and one that will change my work schedule for a bit. And, of course, illness always comes when you are in the middle of some successful art project, teaching program, or when you are tutoring a new, bright light in the creative use of Photoshop. Such is the stuff and way of life.
Cancer is a scary word and disease, but I intend to stay on the right side of the green grass for some time to come, and I currently have a positive prognosis for the long term. This is not an end of the road situation, but a bend in the road, and I will have to endure some significant surgery. The recovery period could be 90-120 days. I intend to return to work, and according to my physicians, I’ll probably be in the studio in 30-60 days after surgery and able to return to the classroom in February.
Many of you have called and asked if there is something, you can do to help. Well there is!
Prayer is welcomed, if you are so inclined. If not, your good wishes and thoughts are much appreciated. For those of you pursuing Fine Art Photography, keep shooting, creating, printing and share your work with me by uploading jpegs or tiffs of your projects. Nothing would do more for my spirits than to see each of you making progress and achieving success with your art. For those of you who work in other fields please keep me informed about your world as well. And, for the many friends who are deeply engaged in Mojave National Preserve Art Programs and desert preservation projects, please keep me in the loop about your success, trials and challenges.
For me, downtime is not dead time; I’ll keep the blog and website active (please subscribe to updates on the blog if you have not already), improve lesson plans, catch up on projects, and read that stack of photo magazines that seems to be growing like July corn in my office. I’m also trying to turn my medical experience into a thematic project as well (who knows; conceptual images made while under anesthesia may have a market).
While I’m out, Michelle Bracey will take the shop reins. You can reach her at 714.521.5229 (studio) or at 562.902.0200 (cell). Her e-mail is michelle@bobkillen.com
Take care and see you on the blog soon. . .
Glad to hear that you are keeping your spirits up and intact. Good wishes were always headed out from me to and for you, they shall now be multiplied. I’m heading to the midwest to shoot some material for the Eve a Fecund Goddess project next week, and I’ll keep your wisdom, and your health, in mind.
What a cool project and you are th guy for this. Keep your number one fan informed on this and send over a few test shots.
Sorry to hear about your “bend in the road”. I’ll certainly keep you in my prayers and good thoughts.
-bcf-
Bob, you are SO in my thoughts and prayers and I can’t wait to see you back on the reservation! Sending lots of healing energy your way! Robbie
The news is sad but your outlook is inspired! Those turns in the road sometimes enchant and other times shock us…Your outlook perfectly prepares you for the journey ahead. Semper Fi Bob
-pat, mike, tanis-
WTF? Hey if it’s any wrangler that can wrangle himself out of this mess, it’s you, you old Buckaroo. But just in case you need any spotting, I’m sending you a boatload of good wishes and an offer of assistance for your re-bound. Take care Captain…and have a speeeedy recovery.
Hi Bob! We are just reading the news about your health. You most definitely will be kept in our prayers!!! You are just awesome and I have the picture of the out-house hanging up loud and proud in my home. I always think of you when I am looking at! If there is anything we can do for you please let us know! Mary Gay and Patrick!
Bob, I am making all kinds of mistakes without your close supervision and advice. Get well soon before I make a real mess of things! (wink! wink!)
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. I am looking forward to you getting back to your invincible self. Let us know if we can help in any way. Hugs, Terry
I’m with Detlef. Get better quick. If you need someone to yell at, give me a call.
Uncle Bob,
You are in my thoughts in prayers…I also have many people praying for you!
I love you!
Jennifer
Hi Bob
Sorry to hear about your situation. Your outlook seems to be right where it should be. We have a family friend who had bladder cancer 3 years ago with a similar outlook on life as yours and he is doing very well and very active.
Best of luck and are thoughts will be with you.
Marc Plouffe
I hope you are doing well. I have thought about you many many times over the last few months. Sorry I have been so long in contacting you. I think I have forgotten all I learned this summer… let me know the minute you are teaching again! I will be there!