Bob Bledsaw Health Update: UPDATE 02/01

Posts: 404 · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:17 pm

Bob was in the hospital for most of the holidays after a procedure; sounds like it was carotid endarterectomy, he didn't say specifically. The worse news, though, is that during the stay they found a mass growing on his right kidney. He's going to be going through a battery of tests in the next couple weeks, first to determine what kind of growth it is, then to determine if he is strong enough to have it removed.

Bob sounded his usual self, so I don't really know how serious it is. He gave permission to mention this, and even post on the forums, though he said he's not looking for any pity or handouts (I told him he has friends and fans who would want to wish him their best); it was "steely Bob" who said no damn handouts or anything like that. He was more interested, I think, in discussing the future of D&D, specifically wondering at the way monsters work in 4E and how that affects the character of campaigns...

The best thing we can all do is keep him in our thoughts and prayers. If anyone wants to send him a card, mail them to me and I will pass them on (no gifts please, just cards). Mail cards to:

Adventure Games Publishing
Attn: Invincible Overlord
PO Box 185
Iola, WI 54945

Posts: 3188 · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:14 pm

Definitely hope Bob has a clean bill of health after the tests are run, or barring that any procedures go smoothly.

My thoughts go out to him.

ShaneG.

Posts: 404 · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:08 pm

Unfortunately, the news is not good.

I spoke with Bob's brother and with his son today. He's back in the hospital. Tests so far are inconclusive, but what's worse, Bob broke his hip, and some other problems have cropped up, so he's going to be there for some time still.

Your thoughts and prayers for Bob would be most welcome.

Posts: 3188 · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:21 pm

jamesmishler wrote:

Your thoughts and prayers for Bob would be most welcome.

He has them. Sad

ShaneG.

Posts: 145 · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:33 pm

Get well soon Bob!! Sad

Posts: 55 · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 3:30 am

Damn, that's bad. Get well, Bob!

Posts: 495 · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:39 am

I hope for a full recovery, Bob.

Posts: 7612 · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:08 pm

yeah i agree - get well Bob!

its never nice to see anyone laid low, so get better soon

Al

Posts: 1193 · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:51 am

Hope he gets well soon!

Posts: 404 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:11 pm

Okay, it's out now.

Bob has terminal cancer.

I've known now for several weeks, but the family requested that I respect their privacy and not release the full details to the public as yet. Unfortunately, someone else has been calling everyone in the industry letting them know, and it's now leaking out to the public...

Bob does have cancer. The cancer from the mass they found on his kidney had apparently spread to his bone structure (or however that works). With radiation therapy to shrink the mass he will feel a little better, for a little while, but yes, he only has a few months to live on the outside. Three at best, if we are lucky.

Now that it has broken public, I'll give his son a call and see what kind of official statement they would like to make.

I'm sorry I didn't tell anyone earlier, but as I said, that was per the wishes of his sons, brothers, and sisters.

Posts: 4543 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:50 pm

jamesmishler wrote:

Okay, it's out now.

Bob has terminal cancer.

I've known now for several weeks, but the family requested that I respect their privacy and not release the full details to the public as yet. Unfortunately, someone else has been calling everyone in the industry letting them know, and it's now leaking out to the public...

Bob does have cancer. The cancer from the mass they found on his kidney had apparently spread to his bone structure (or however that works). With radiation therapy to shrink the mass he will feel a little better, for a little while, but yes, he only has a few months to live on the outside. Three at best, if we are lucky.

Now that it has broken public, I'll give his son a call and see what kind of official statement they would like to make.

I'm sorry I didn't tell anyone earlier, but as I said, that was per the wishes of his sons, brothers, and sisters.

That's really awful news for the new year. He's surrounded by people who love him, it appears, and has a dedicated following here on the Acaeum and elsewhere, as well as a great legacy. Not much more you can ask for except for more time...and you never know with that anyway. Good luck to Bob.

Mike B.

Posts: 7612 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:47 pm

devastating news indeed Crying or Very sad

my thoughts are with Bob and his family and i only hope the time left very kind to them all. it should be enjoyed to the utmost.

James. please tell him that we will now dedicate our GenCon adventure in Tegel Manor to him. I will ensure its an adventure that won't be forgotten in a long time. See? his legacy will live on.

Al

Posts: 93 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:13 pm

While I don't know Bob I have come to know a little bit about him through his works and from what other people have said about him. That "little bit" is a lot in Bob's case so I am sad to hear this news. When I first heard he was sick I was really hoping it wasn't going to be this. Sad

Bob ...there are people you don't even know who are thinking of you and cheering for you. Don't give up hope or be too glum.

Gregory

Posts: 3188 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:34 pm

Hearing about the amount of time expected that Bob has left, has hit hard. His work has and will always inspire me.

ShaneG.

Posts: 1346 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:39 pm

It was an honor to have met him, shook his hand, and spoke with him about game theory, design, and to have him sign my Wilderlands... I will not forget Bob, nor the amazement of Judges Guild.

Posts: 1200 · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:04 pm

Never having met Bob all I can do is extend my best wishes to him and his family.

His products and creativity provided my friends and me with many hours of enjoyment over the years.

His contributions to the RPG world have been substantial. Crying or Very sad