"HAPPY NOVEMBER + A NEW ADVENTURE"

Hi Everyone!

It's been so long since we've shared about Rick's journey and I thought this time of year to be just perfect! November is a special month as we get ready to celebrate the beauty of Thanksgiving for the abundance of all that we have and we thank God for life as Rick also turns 3 next week! :)

Tuesday, November 12th is Rick's 3rd (transplant) birthday and sometimes it's hard to believe that 3 years has passed already since his brave battle with stage 4 MCL. We remain in amazement of God's mercy and grace through it all. Without a doubt your prayers, loving support, and encouragement saw us through and we continue to feel so loved each time you ask how he is doing. Rick is doing well, working hard, and enjoying life! Other than discomforts of Fibromyalgia and degenerative arthritis in his shoulders (side effects from cancer/treatment--something Rick says he'll take over the cancer any day), he is better than ever! Even as I write this, I can't help but become emotional realizing the reality of what we have been carried through and where we are today. Where Rick is today! It's a miracle! And we give God all the glory.

Another really cool thing is Rick is running in the LA Marathon in March along side me and our daughter, Skyler & her husband, Aaron with Team World Vision. This is huge! For one thing, Rick hates running. Hates it. And, years ago he was told by his oncologist before his second bout with cancer that although Rick was in remission, he'd "never be a marathon runner..." At the time, Rick had no problem accepting the thought he'd never run a marathon ... because ... who'd wanna do that?! Oh, how little did we know. Today something big has gotten ahold of Rick's heart and it won't let go. Check out his story here: Rick Lange - Why I am Running

I am so very proud of my husband, especially since this is not an easy journey for him...this running thing. He does not like it and neither do his shin splints, but like he says, "God saved my life twice--now its time to give back." As I train for the big day myself, I look to my beautiful husband for inspiration--the man who hates running, but loves his God and people. And for this I give thanks. 

Thank you dear friends and family, those we see often and those we don't, for being another huge reason for us to be thankful. It is with great joy and deep love we wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. 

In Christ,

Dana & Rick Lange

He Is Called Adonai

By Rick Lange

He is my Lord and my Savior
He is Faithful, tried and true
There is nothing in this world that He hasn’t done
For me and you.

His name is Jesus Christ
I desire to know Him more
Will you come with me?

His Word says He is present when there are two or more.

I’ve never seen His face but I surely know He exists;
If the stars and the skies aren’t enough,
Then the healing of my illness only amplifies His presence.

He is my Lord and my Savior
He is Faithful, tried and true
There is nothing in this world that He hasn’t done
For me and you.

He told me it was my time to serve,
I felt an awesome weight;
I kneeled down like a soldier, He spoke,
“I am here and it will be OK”.

He gave me the strength of Sampson and the peace of Stephen to go;
For I know my Lord is the Sovereign One,
Even the enemy tells me so.

He is my Lord and my Savior
He is Faithful, tried and true
There is nothing in this world that He hasn’t done
For me and you.

As I go from the battle of valleys to the amazing mountaintops
His love is without end,
It reaches out and beyond.

Will you come with me?
We truly need His love.

He is my Lord and my Savior
He is Faithful, tried and true
There is nothing in this world that he hasn’t done
 For me and you.

My heart craves Him now although once was stone,
I have had a glimpse of who He is and now I just want more.

Throw your hands up and reach for His embrace;
Do you understand what He has done for us by taking our place?

I know  I deserve hell's eternal blaze but,
I have been given His eternal grace.

He is my Lord and my Savior
He is Faithful, tried and true
There is nothing in this world that He hasn’t done
For me and for you.

Hi Everyone,

I continue to be amazed at God's grace and mercy in my life. As I was on the table last week getting ready to have a 3rd bone marrow biopsy, my thoughts were directly taken back to the days in the battlefield last year. It just became so incredibly real again. The Lord has given me life and has given it abundantly. I have been back at work since January 3 and able to work out for the last two months, be involved in a men's Agape group and just live and have a "normal" life. How awesome is that! However, normal life is anything but normal--it is so precious and it is only our dull perception that makes it normal. The Lord has really opened my eyes. He has changed my heart and filled it with His love and compassion. I am so grateful for each and every one of your invaluable prayers and the Lord's willingness to answer them.

I know I am here today because of your faithfulness to pray and His faithfulness to His name.

My test results for the biopsy just came back last night.

I have no lymphoma..PRAISE GOD!!

My next follow-up isn't for 3 months. Going forward, I will continually be tested every 6 months through scans and bone marrow biopsy and, of course, blood draws often.

So, what is His will for me now? Dana and I have been praying as to how to best serve Him given the last 12 months. Many have suggested, and with good reason, that Dana should write a book using her updates and our personal insight and experiences to share with all who might benefit by trusting in and putting all hope in the Lord. There really is no other way. To live.

Additionally, our family is praying to see if the Lord would have us be involved in ministry to help others. We humbly ask for prayer for God's will to be done.

Thank you so much for being there for us as I cannot imagine you not being part of our family. I pray the Lord will continue to bless you and hold you close.


In His strength,

Rick Lange
a "boot" in God's Army

(*the rock featured in the photo was blindly chosen for Dana in April of last year, just before my final diagnosis of Stage 4 MCL. God is faithful!)

"WAVY WAYS & LAZY DAYS"

Rick is going for his 1st haircut! (It's funny how one can get so excited over the simplest things...) I'm as excited about this as I was the first time he needed to use hair gel earlier this year. Oh, the precious milestones of new life. Oddly enough, the back and sides are growing faster then the top. And, to make things just a little interesting, the top is straight as always, but the back seems to be developing into a wavy flow of curl. (Can you picture it?) In Rick's constant threats to grow a mullet, a curly one at that, I look forward to his near future trip to the barber shop.

I was at a conference last weekend and happened to sit next to a woman at lunch who, consequently received a stem cell transplant a year ago February. It was a total God-thing to share our stories with each other. She revealed that her hair was stick straight before transplant. Looking at the beautiful thick curls that clung to her head surprised me. Possibly this is what he get to look forward to. Nevertheless, as Rick's hair continues to grow, I've yet to find one gray hair, unlike before. Pretty cool.

Enough about hair, although it has been quite a topic in our house.

In April, Rick made a reunion visit to Dr. Mahmood's office to "check-in" and get a "check-up" and blood work. We are so grateful that his levels are steadfast. He has been feeling pretty good overall. We are learning that the recovery process is definitely a process. The first few months after transplant seemed to be a breeze. His energy and endurance faired him well to get back to work, working out, church commitments and family time with ease. However, in just the last couple of months fatigue has moved in. Concerned at first (who wouldn't be) I began asking questions, praying harder and researching post-transplant side effects. How normal I found it to be, his tiredness and fatigue. Stable energy and immune system comes later. (Okay. Got it. Still praying hard though.) Rick was given orders to "take it easy", not to push himself. So this is where he's at- doing as much as he can the best that he can. I'm so proud of him. And so grateful to God for his continued remission.

In two weeks on May 19th Rick will be having a bone marrow biopsy at COH to test for any reoccurring. By God's great mercy this test will prove negative, so we continue to pray hard while we appreciate, more than ever, every single day.

I ask that you might join us in prayer that God will continually heal Rick, calling every cell in his body to perfect order, that the biopsy will be clean and his energy will continue to be restored.

Thank you once again, from a heart of complete gratitude, for your love, support, and prayers. We would really enjoy hearing from you and would love to pray for your needs too. Please write.

God's abounding grace and peace to you.

Humbly yours,
Dana


“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

"HOW DO WE THANK GOD ENOUGH?..."

How do we thank God enough?...

....by continuing always, in offering our hearts to Him, in thanksgiving.

As we drove the freeway stretch from City of Hope today, our hearts full of gratitude and joy, I asked myself, "How can I ever thank God enough?..." Rick's "100th day" follow-up (as they call it in transplant land) was today. The clouds crisp white interrupting shades of blue and gray. Sun sparce, piercing through. How vast, yet simple, the beauty of God.
This day.
Today.

What was planned to be a 9 to 5 job today finished with abundant gifts.

I remained in the radiology lounge, with book and pencil in hand, as Rick was led to the 2 hour process of radiation dye injection and scans. I receive a text 30 minutes later "Hey Nudz, (a long-time nickname we both share...long story), they just finished injecting the radiation." My thoughts dropped all train. Once again, this is real. Immediate petition. Mercy. Grace. Total healing. And thanksgiving. Within 2 hours, Scans complete. We headed to Dr. Nades office.

As we walked through the separated buildings of familiar territory, reminiscing of weeks in the Fall past, I realize miracle again.
Transplant date- November 12th. Release date- November 26. Typical in-patient recovery, a good 4 weeks, sometimes months, challenged the sovereignty of God.

Checking in, we are blessed to see the doctor three hours earlier than our scheduled appointment. The swiftness of the mornings prior events (blood work and scans) showed favorable, our time in Duarte cut in half. Who doesn't appreciate that?

Vitals taken. Check. All is good! Dr. Nade enters, her kind love smiles confidence.
Blood work results. Check. All is real good! Right on track. Scan results in. Check. Internal searching speak clear. All is great!
Breath prayers of gratitude fill the room. Our patient, fairing better than well, hearts rejoice! Dr. Nade appoints Rick's next visit 3
months out! A bone marrow biopsy to look forward to in May, we continue to pray. To thank.

Today, a gift, a reason to celebrate. Rick and I share lunch, a favorite place, and embrace all things. Togetherness. Remission. Soft, warm bread, tart, soaking up pools of olive oil and balsamic. Memories of abundant grace. Life. Today. Now.

It is with all gratitude and love, we give thanks to you for being a big reason to celebrate.

Grace and peace, in Christ,
Dana


With deepest love, we will remember always, our sweet grandmother, Alicia Rovello, 85, full of compassion and kindness, laughter and love, who went home to our Lord February 16, 2011.
Also, precious Brielle Murray, 13, and cherished friend, Suzanne Afram, both taken by cancer into the arms of our Savior.
We are forever touched by these beautiful lives lived abundantly and out loud for Jesus. May all comfort and peace cover grieving hearts.
Thank You God.


I see as I offer sacrifice of thanks, peace floods.
Gratitude always precedes peace.
May you be given God's peace today as your heart gives thanks to Him in all things.

"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME"

It's been nearly 12 months since we received the results of Ricks abnormal white blood cell count, 10 weeks since he left PICC line and IVs at City of Hope.

How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?

Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.

I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?

Grace abounds.

I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.

Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?

Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.

Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Stillness in the storm.

Today, life is calmer.

Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!

I take rest in the calm He provides today.

But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.

How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?

I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?

Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.

How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?

Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9

Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.


For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.

We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -

With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love,
Dana


PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

It's been nearly 12 months since we received the results of Ricks abnormal white blood cell count, 10 weeks since he left PICC line and IVs at City of Hope.

How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?

Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.

I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?

Grace abounds.

I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.

Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?

Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.

Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Stillness in the storm.

Today, life is calmer.

Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!

I take rest in the calm He provides today.

But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.

How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?

I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?

Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.

How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?

Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9

Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.


For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.

We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -

With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love,
Dana


PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.