Victory is defined as a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war; a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, or difficulty. 1 John 5:4-5 says, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
We are so grateful and blessed to share glad news of Rick's most recent visit with Dr. Mahmood.
As you may know, for a week (since last Wed. and progressive) Rick has suffered much pain in his shoulders and back. He also began feeling totally exhausted, which turned out to be a direct relation to extremely high white blood cell count- 92,000! This was craziness to us and seemed to be to the nurses as well- we left the office with some concern and anticipating a call back from the nurse who told us she would reach Dr. M. and fill him in. OK, good.. "you call your doctor, and I'll call mine." Speed text: "Prayer Warriors". Within minutes of our prayers going up, we received a call from the nurse. A confident Dr. M assured the nurse "he was not concerned"..Thank You GOD! Yes, you bet this took the edge off our mental strain (temporarily) but, sadly, Rick continued to endure increasing bone and muscle pain throughout last weekend that personally stirred me into a deep concern of questions and heartbreak. Watching Rick suffer made me beg God harder to heal him, to comfort him. I began searching the internet about high WBC, etc... BIG MISTAKE!! Can you say "consumed"? (Note to self: easiest way to get crushed by a tidal wave- dive into a dark unknown ocean in search of a decoy.)
By Sunday I had exhausted my anxiety and returned to peace- "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Rick too, was graciously blessed with pain med to alleviate the relentless knaw in his back. On Tuesday morning we met with Dr. M. WBC still real high! 84,000...
However, the lymphocytes (cancer cells now just 5.5% from 76%) have dropped considerably! Doc had concluded that when Rick received the Neulasta shot to boost production of healthy new white cells in bone marrow, they did just that....they just never stopped....they kept going. Back/shoulder pain=growing pains?..kinda. His immune system now at peek level he was taken off all antibiotics and addt'l HBP med. VICTORY!
We rejoice in victory that GOD is working even when we might not always feel Him near us.
He promises never to leave us nor forsake us, that He goes before us and protects us with His mighty right hand. There are times when He does lead us to cliffs of dangerous rapids, only to reveal to us a majestic view of vast beauty, and peaceful awe.
Thank you friends, thank you family, brothers & sisters in CHRIST, for your constant in our lives through this journey. Most of all, thank You, Jesus.
We rejoice in advance for all that GOD will continue to do.
Please keep Rick in prayer for his upcoming inpatient chemo starting Tues. July 6th. Our hearts are eternally grateful.
Life & peace~
Dana
Lord of all creation, He looks down from His throne upon me,
In my distress over sorrowful distracts, burdensome borrows, and afflicted unrest.
My flesh cries for worldly clarity, a beggar's regurgitated, temporary resolve,
But, You, O GOD, are no human partaker in such offerings, I faintly seek to atone.
Have I briefly excused my precious Lord, the Sovereign Christ, that liveth in me?;
His eyes a steady current of compassion,
His out stretched arms a shield of strength abound,
His heart a torrent of manifest love-
Streaming,
Pouring,
Flooding...
I am, in this moment, made still;
I am, by His grace,
Undone.
-dL
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
DON'T WASTE YOUR CANCER
Pastor John Piper, a survivor of prostate cancer, exhorts us to keep our Christian perspective in dealing with cancer, in this post from his website 'Desiring God'. With the estimates hovering over 1.4 million new cancer diagnoses in the US alone (2009), odds are that you, or someone you know will have to deal with this disease. Being that it is God’s will for us right now, we shall heed Piper’s advice and be inspired by “Don’t Waste Your Cancer”. If it ever be His will for you, we pray you too, will be greatly encouraged by this, and comforted too. CHRIST IS THE CURE.
1. You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God.
It will not do to say that God only uses our cancer but does not design it. What God permits, he permits for a reason. And that reason is his design. If God foresees molecular developments becoming cancer, he can stop it or not. If he does not, he has a purpose. Since he is infinitely wise, it is right to call this purpose a design. Satan is real and causes many pleasures and pains. But he is not ultimate. So when he strikes Job with boils (Job 2:7), Job attributes it ultimately to God (2:10) and the inspired writer agrees: “They . . . comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him” (Job 42:11). If you don’t believe your cancer is designed for you by God, you will waste it.
2. You will waste your cancer if you believe it is a curse and not a gift.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). “There is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel” (Numbers 23:23). “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
3. You will waste your cancer if you seek comfort from your odds rather than from God.
The design of God in your cancer is not to train you in the rationalistic, human calculation of odds. The world gets comfort from their odds. Not Christians. Some count their chariots (percentages of survival) and some count their horses (side effects of treatment), but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7). God’s design is clear from 2 Corinthians 1:9, “We felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” The aim of God in your cancer (among a thousand other good things) is to knock props out from under our hearts so that we rely utterly on him.
4. You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.
We will all die, if Jesus postpones his return. Not to think about what it will be like to leave this life and meet God is folly. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “It is better to go to the house of mourning [a funeral] than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” How can you lay it to heart if you won’t think about it? Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Numbering your days means thinking about how few there are and that they will end. How will you get a heart of wisdom if you refuse to think about this? What a waste, if we do not think about death.
5. You will waste your cancer if you think that “beating” cancer means staying alive rather than cherishing Christ.
Satan’s and God’s designs in your cancer are not the same. Satan designs to destroy your love for Christ. God designs to deepen your love for Christ. Cancer does not win if you die. It wins if you fail to cherish Christ. God’s design is to wean you off the breast of the world and feast you on the sufficiency of Christ. It is meant to help you say and feel, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” And to know that therefore, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 3:8; 1:21).
6. You will waste your cancer if you spend too much time reading about cancer and not enough time reading about God.
It is not wrong to know about cancer. Ignorance is not a virtue. But the lure to know more and more and the lack of zeal to know God more and more is symptomatic of unbelief. Cancer is meant to waken us to the reality of God. It is meant to put feeling and force behind the command, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3). It is meant to waken us to the truth of Daniel 11:32, “The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” It is meant to make unshakable, indestructible oak trees out of us: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:2). What a waste of cancer if we read day and night about cancer and not about God.
7. You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.
When Epaphroditus brought the gifts to Paul sent by the Philippian church he became ill and almost died. Paul tells the Philippians, “He has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill” (Philippians 2:26-27). What an amazing response! It does not say they were distressed that he was ill, but that he was distressed because they heard he was ill. That is the kind of heart God is aiming to create with cancer: a deeply affectionate, caring heart for people. Don’t waste your cancer by retreating into yourself.
8. You will waste your cancer if you grieve as those who have no hope.
Paul used this phrase in relation to those whose loved ones had died: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). There is a grief at death. Even for the believer who dies, there is temporary loss—loss of body, and loss of loved ones here, and loss of earthly ministry. But the grief is different—it is permeated with hope. “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Don’t waste your cancer grieving as those who don’t have this hope.
9. You will waste your cancer if you treat sin as casually as before.
Are your besetting sins as attractive as they were before you had cancer? If so you are wasting your cancer. Cancer is designed to destroy the appetite for sin. Pride, greed, lust, hatred, unforgiveness, impatience, laziness, procrastination—all these are the adversaries that cancer is meant to attack. Don’t just think of battling against cancer. Also think of battling with cancer. All these things are worse enemies than cancer. Don’t waste the power of cancer to crush these foes. Let the presence of eternity make the sins of time look as futile as they really are. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25).
10. You will waste your cancer if you fail to use it as a means of witness to the truth and glory of Christ.
Christians are never anywhere by divine accident. There are reasons for why we wind up where we do. Consider what Jesus said about painful, unplanned circumstances: “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:12 -13). So it is with cancer. This will be an opportunity to bear witness. Christ is infinitely worthy. Here is a golden opportunity to show that he is worth more than life. Don’t waste it.
Remember you are not left alone. You will have the help you need. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
-Pastor John
1. You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God.
It will not do to say that God only uses our cancer but does not design it. What God permits, he permits for a reason. And that reason is his design. If God foresees molecular developments becoming cancer, he can stop it or not. If he does not, he has a purpose. Since he is infinitely wise, it is right to call this purpose a design. Satan is real and causes many pleasures and pains. But he is not ultimate. So when he strikes Job with boils (Job 2:7), Job attributes it ultimately to God (2:10) and the inspired writer agrees: “They . . . comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him” (Job 42:11). If you don’t believe your cancer is designed for you by God, you will waste it.
2. You will waste your cancer if you believe it is a curse and not a gift.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). “There is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel” (Numbers 23:23). “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
3. You will waste your cancer if you seek comfort from your odds rather than from God.
The design of God in your cancer is not to train you in the rationalistic, human calculation of odds. The world gets comfort from their odds. Not Christians. Some count their chariots (percentages of survival) and some count their horses (side effects of treatment), but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7). God’s design is clear from 2 Corinthians 1:9, “We felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” The aim of God in your cancer (among a thousand other good things) is to knock props out from under our hearts so that we rely utterly on him.
4. You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.
We will all die, if Jesus postpones his return. Not to think about what it will be like to leave this life and meet God is folly. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “It is better to go to the house of mourning [a funeral] than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” How can you lay it to heart if you won’t think about it? Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Numbering your days means thinking about how few there are and that they will end. How will you get a heart of wisdom if you refuse to think about this? What a waste, if we do not think about death.
5. You will waste your cancer if you think that “beating” cancer means staying alive rather than cherishing Christ.
Satan’s and God’s designs in your cancer are not the same. Satan designs to destroy your love for Christ. God designs to deepen your love for Christ. Cancer does not win if you die. It wins if you fail to cherish Christ. God’s design is to wean you off the breast of the world and feast you on the sufficiency of Christ. It is meant to help you say and feel, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” And to know that therefore, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 3:8; 1:21).
6. You will waste your cancer if you spend too much time reading about cancer and not enough time reading about God.
It is not wrong to know about cancer. Ignorance is not a virtue. But the lure to know more and more and the lack of zeal to know God more and more is symptomatic of unbelief. Cancer is meant to waken us to the reality of God. It is meant to put feeling and force behind the command, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3). It is meant to waken us to the truth of Daniel 11:32, “The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” It is meant to make unshakable, indestructible oak trees out of us: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:2). What a waste of cancer if we read day and night about cancer and not about God.
7. You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.
When Epaphroditus brought the gifts to Paul sent by the Philippian church he became ill and almost died. Paul tells the Philippians, “He has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill” (Philippians 2:26-27). What an amazing response! It does not say they were distressed that he was ill, but that he was distressed because they heard he was ill. That is the kind of heart God is aiming to create with cancer: a deeply affectionate, caring heart for people. Don’t waste your cancer by retreating into yourself.
8. You will waste your cancer if you grieve as those who have no hope.
Paul used this phrase in relation to those whose loved ones had died: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). There is a grief at death. Even for the believer who dies, there is temporary loss—loss of body, and loss of loved ones here, and loss of earthly ministry. But the grief is different—it is permeated with hope. “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Don’t waste your cancer grieving as those who don’t have this hope.
9. You will waste your cancer if you treat sin as casually as before.
Are your besetting sins as attractive as they were before you had cancer? If so you are wasting your cancer. Cancer is designed to destroy the appetite for sin. Pride, greed, lust, hatred, unforgiveness, impatience, laziness, procrastination—all these are the adversaries that cancer is meant to attack. Don’t just think of battling against cancer. Also think of battling with cancer. All these things are worse enemies than cancer. Don’t waste the power of cancer to crush these foes. Let the presence of eternity make the sins of time look as futile as they really are. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25).
10. You will waste your cancer if you fail to use it as a means of witness to the truth and glory of Christ.
Christians are never anywhere by divine accident. There are reasons for why we wind up where we do. Consider what Jesus said about painful, unplanned circumstances: “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:12 -13). So it is with cancer. This will be an opportunity to bear witness. Christ is infinitely worthy. Here is a golden opportunity to show that he is worth more than life. Don’t waste it.
Remember you are not left alone. You will have the help you need. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
-Pastor John
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Renew me with Your Spirit"
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you some of the “experiences” I have been going through since my first completion of the 5-day in-patient stay. From what the doctors and nurses tell me, they have chosen a rather aggressive attack with the chemotherapy drugs. I believe I was very well prepared (with tons of prayer and abounding peace) and wonderful support at the hospital. Personally, it really went very well. The tougher part of the progression has been in the process at home, the follow-up visits, eating right, taking pills at the right time, etc. Although, this time around there is a world of distinction then my first go with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
I was given meds to help with the nausea and vomitting which is a big blessing. These pills did not exist 20 years ago and I am very grateful these are about the only pills I don't need to take right now. Yeah…I am very glad to be home with my family and see all their happy faces. There is nothing like family. I believe this is a lesson The Lord is allowing me to relearn.
I would like to share with you a few of my most prominent struggles that are consistent in which I could use your prayer assistance.
-Ever since they administered the Neulasta shot to help increase my WBC count (which is normal) my count went from 1200-92000..an enormous increase. The doctor is not troubled as this is part of the process. What I will share with you is, there is quite a bit of pain and discomfort I have been struggling with. I know it is temporary but I believe the last 4-5 days is just exhausting my mental, physical and spiritual strength.
-Additionally, the pain causes me quite a bit of insomnia. These are all common attributes of someone undergoing Chemo.
Please know that this is still a huge blessing considering all the other bad effects that could be happening to me. I know my Lord has been stepping in the gap for me to minimize so many issues. He is so loyal, yet, I complain about pain of 4-5 days Father, please forgive the weakness of my flesh and my mind and please renew me with Your Holy Spirit.
-I do suffer from what is known as "chemo brain"; a very nice way of saying 'horrible memory'. So, if we spoke, emailed or even texted and I forget, please excuse me in advance.
I am grateful to each and every one of you who have stepped out to show your love and support for our family. This only gives me great resolve to crush the cancer.
I am ready for round 2 starting July 6th.
May the Lord bless each and every one of you.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you some of the “experiences” I have been going through since my first completion of the 5-day in-patient stay. From what the doctors and nurses tell me, they have chosen a rather aggressive attack with the chemotherapy drugs. I believe I was very well prepared (with tons of prayer and abounding peace) and wonderful support at the hospital. Personally, it really went very well. The tougher part of the progression has been in the process at home, the follow-up visits, eating right, taking pills at the right time, etc. Although, this time around there is a world of distinction then my first go with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
I was given meds to help with the nausea and vomitting which is a big blessing. These pills did not exist 20 years ago and I am very grateful these are about the only pills I don't need to take right now. Yeah…I am very glad to be home with my family and see all their happy faces. There is nothing like family. I believe this is a lesson The Lord is allowing me to relearn.
I would like to share with you a few of my most prominent struggles that are consistent in which I could use your prayer assistance.
-Ever since they administered the Neulasta shot to help increase my WBC count (which is normal) my count went from 1200-92000..an enormous increase. The doctor is not troubled as this is part of the process. What I will share with you is, there is quite a bit of pain and discomfort I have been struggling with. I know it is temporary but I believe the last 4-5 days is just exhausting my mental, physical and spiritual strength.
-Additionally, the pain causes me quite a bit of insomnia. These are all common attributes of someone undergoing Chemo.
Please know that this is still a huge blessing considering all the other bad effects that could be happening to me. I know my Lord has been stepping in the gap for me to minimize so many issues. He is so loyal, yet, I complain about pain of 4-5 days Father, please forgive the weakness of my flesh and my mind and please renew me with Your Holy Spirit.
-I do suffer from what is known as "chemo brain"; a very nice way of saying 'horrible memory'. So, if we spoke, emailed or even texted and I forget, please excuse me in advance.
I am grateful to each and every one of you who have stepped out to show your love and support for our family. This only gives me great resolve to crush the cancer.
I am ready for round 2 starting July 6th.
May the Lord bless each and every one of you.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
THE FIRES OF SORROW
Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name " Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." John 12:27-28
My attitude as a saint to sorrow and difficulty is not to ask that they may be prevented, but to ask that I may preserve the self GOD created me to be through every fire of sorrow. Our LORD received Himself in the fire of sorrow, He was saved not from the hour, but out of the hour.
We say that there ought to be no sorrow, but there is sorrow, and we have to receive ourselves in its fires. If we try and evade sorrow, refuse to lay our account with it, we are foolish. Sorrow is one of the biggest facts in life; it is no use saying sorrow ought not to be. Sin and sorrow and suffering are, and it is not for us to saythat God has made a mistake in allowing them.
Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness, but it does not always make a man better. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. You cannot receive your self in success, you lose your head; you cannot receive your self in monotony, you grumble. The way to find yourself is in the fires of sorrow. Why it should be so is another matter, but that it is so is true in the Scriptures and in human experience.
You always know the man who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, you are certain you can go to him in trouble and find that he has ample leisure for you. If a man has not been through the fires of sorrow, he is apt to be contemptuous, he has no time for you. If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, GOD will make you nourishment for other people. -Oswald Chambers
My attitude as a saint to sorrow and difficulty is not to ask that they may be prevented, but to ask that I may preserve the self GOD created me to be through every fire of sorrow. Our LORD received Himself in the fire of sorrow, He was saved not from the hour, but out of the hour.
We say that there ought to be no sorrow, but there is sorrow, and we have to receive ourselves in its fires. If we try and evade sorrow, refuse to lay our account with it, we are foolish. Sorrow is one of the biggest facts in life; it is no use saying sorrow ought not to be. Sin and sorrow and suffering are, and it is not for us to saythat God has made a mistake in allowing them.
Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness, but it does not always make a man better. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. You cannot receive your self in success, you lose your head; you cannot receive your self in monotony, you grumble. The way to find yourself is in the fires of sorrow. Why it should be so is another matter, but that it is so is true in the Scriptures and in human experience.
You always know the man who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, you are certain you can go to him in trouble and find that he has ample leisure for you. If a man has not been through the fires of sorrow, he is apt to be contemptuous, he has no time for you. If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, GOD will make you nourishment for other people. -Oswald Chambers
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Balloon Cannot Rise Without Helium....
I think of what it must be like for Rick these days and I am so proud of how he embraces each one. This causes me to rise up on wings of eagles. It is so beautiful when GOD uses that of a tender and wearied man to strengthen and encourage love to do more. I find myself altered by this very hard thing, unable to go to or even visit for any length, a place of distress, but to rest in grace, for which I deserve not. Rick and I pray often for the LORD to continue to fill us with His peace. He is and has been faithful in His promise-"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS." Phil.4:6. You never know when something big and crazy is about to change your life in a major way for a time, maybe forever...but, it is comforting to know that GOD knows and if you're paying attention, He may even give you a sign. He did for us, with Rick and the cancer; He called on the phone to let me know---Well, actually, He had The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society call the house....asking for Rick Lange....no message, "..we'll call back.."......the morning of Rick's very first pre-diagnosis appointment back in March, however, Caller ID reveals all. You can imagine what was racing through my mind--we hadn't even been to Dr. Mahmmod's yet; so a little unsettled, I reached Rick at work and told him about the call. He assured me he had no idea. [They] continued to call for about 10 days straight asking for Rick, refusing to leave a message. Finally, the day came when [they] decided to ask for me..hmmm, OK, "..yes, this is she..?" .."What?..campaign for you?..uh, ya!" So, this is how GOD is. He knew. He gives us a little bit to chew on-- a little bit at a time. Some may call this coincidence; we say NO WAY! GOD has prepared us from Day One to accept and endure beyond what we could ever imagine and He continues to daily. His grace is more than sufficient! We continue to pray everyday to be under His mercy and grace.
Today is closing soon and we are grateful for answered prayers. NO MORE HICCUPS! YES!! Thank You, GOD!! And thank you, Kyra...thank you, Brady...thank you, Dad..thank you, Google.... thank you, IT'S OVER! Seriously! Those things were a nightmare! Poor Rick! But truthfully, he thanked the LORD for his hiccups yesterday. Of all the side effects and healing we are praying against and for, hiccups he can handle.
Today he is completely off all chemo drug and steroid, Dexamethasone--at least for this month. It was a more difficult day for him. His appetite has decreased some, he has developed heartburn (now taking Prevacid), pain in his shoulders and continued anxiety. He also seems to be suffering from lack of restful solid sleep. All of these which are side effects from the drugs or from coming off one or more of.
My hope is that you will join us in thanking GOD for all His goodness, the things known and unknown, in your life and in ours, for His love and His perfect plan in all things, and for His precious Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Lastly, and certainly not least, please join us in asking the LORD for His continued peace and strength, perseverance to endure, patience in suffering while we wait on Him.
Also, equally needed prayer for protection against any infection and noted side effects.
We ask that GOD prepare Rick physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally as we look toward Round 2 coming July 6th.
Boldly, we ask GOD for complete healing of the cancer in Rick's body.
Thank you again and again for your emails, cards, meals, calls, texts and many prayers. You have no idea what these simple, yet very special and generous gifts mean to Rick and to our family.
A Balloon can not rise without helium; thank you for being just that- TO HIM BE ALL THE GLORY!
Life & peace,
For He is worthy~
Dana
Today is closing soon and we are grateful for answered prayers. NO MORE HICCUPS! YES!! Thank You, GOD!! And thank you, Kyra...thank you, Brady...thank you, Dad..thank you, Google.... thank you, IT'S OVER! Seriously! Those things were a nightmare! Poor Rick! But truthfully, he thanked the LORD for his hiccups yesterday. Of all the side effects and healing we are praying against and for, hiccups he can handle.
Today he is completely off all chemo drug and steroid, Dexamethasone--at least for this month. It was a more difficult day for him. His appetite has decreased some, he has developed heartburn (now taking Prevacid), pain in his shoulders and continued anxiety. He also seems to be suffering from lack of restful solid sleep. All of these which are side effects from the drugs or from coming off one or more of.
My hope is that you will join us in thanking GOD for all His goodness, the things known and unknown, in your life and in ours, for His love and His perfect plan in all things, and for His precious Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Lastly, and certainly not least, please join us in asking the LORD for His continued peace and strength, perseverance to endure, patience in suffering while we wait on Him.
Also, equally needed prayer for protection against any infection and noted side effects.
We ask that GOD prepare Rick physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally as we look toward Round 2 coming July 6th.
Boldly, we ask GOD for complete healing of the cancer in Rick's body.
Thank you again and again for your emails, cards, meals, calls, texts and many prayers. You have no idea what these simple, yet very special and generous gifts mean to Rick and to our family.
A Balloon can not rise without helium; thank you for being just that- TO HIM BE ALL THE GLORY!
Life & peace,
For He is worthy~
Dana
Monday, June 21, 2010
"They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course." Joel 2:7
Hi Dana & Rick-
Danny and I ran in the "World Famous Mud Run" at Camp Pendleton in San Diego- it's this 10K obstacle course that our wonderful US Marines train on. We've done it before and it's a lot of "fun"?
Danny decided a couple weeks ago, he wanted to dedicate the run to you, Rick. He decided to pray "for you" while running and tackling all the BIG hill climbs, river crossings, mud pits and walls- 5,500 people ran that morning in San Diego- we decided we would take off and run to the head of the start line... excuse me, Danny decided that. ha- I was SO nervous realizing just how many people would be charging me when we took off. We prayed!!!! Right there... for protection. Danny is in MUCH better shape than I- he really pushed himself, especially during one difficult mud hill- up up up... he ran the entire race and ran it hard.... thinking of you, Rick- he came in 40th place out of 5,500 people! I did complete the race.... that's about it! haaaaa- blah..... the end of the 10K is this 30 foot mud pit that requires you to bear crawl.... face in mud- my knees are torn-up "ouch" I thought of you, Rick during that.. and I didn't stop =) just want to share that with you. We thought of you and the fight you're in- asking God to heal you- save you and continue to ease that anxiety, fill you with His amazing peace and give you strength to complete this fight you face- You guys must join us someday in the Mud Run-
always.....always in our prayers.
Danny and Heidi
Danny and I ran in the "World Famous Mud Run" at Camp Pendleton in San Diego- it's this 10K obstacle course that our wonderful US Marines train on. We've done it before and it's a lot of "fun"?
Danny decided a couple weeks ago, he wanted to dedicate the run to you, Rick. He decided to pray "for you" while running and tackling all the BIG hill climbs, river crossings, mud pits and walls- 5,500 people ran that morning in San Diego- we decided we would take off and run to the head of the start line... excuse me, Danny decided that. ha- I was SO nervous realizing just how many people would be charging me when we took off. We prayed!!!! Right there... for protection. Danny is in MUCH better shape than I- he really pushed himself, especially during one difficult mud hill- up up up... he ran the entire race and ran it hard.... thinking of you, Rick- he came in 40th place out of 5,500 people! I did complete the race.... that's about it! haaaaa- blah..... the end of the 10K is this 30 foot mud pit that requires you to bear crawl.... face in mud- my knees are torn-up "ouch" I thought of you, Rick during that.. and I didn't stop =) just want to share that with you. We thought of you and the fight you're in- asking God to heal you- save you and continue to ease that anxiety, fill you with His amazing peace and give you strength to complete this fight you face- You guys must join us someday in the Mud Run-
always.....always in our prayers.
Danny and Heidi
Saturday, June 19, 2010
FIGHTING EYES
Hello family & friends~
Thank you so much for praying for Rick. Yesterday we went to his appointment to get what the doc calls his "12th day" of 'Round 1' treatment- (a repeat drug of Day 4.) It was really cool, also another reason why Rick and I are so happy he is receiving his treatment through St. Jo's- specifically at the Cancer Center with Dr. Mahmood. We weren't sure what to expect when he was scheduled for his "out-patient" chemo appointment. Boy, were we pleasantly surprised. Just down the hall, away from the general patient rooms is a whole other world.."chemo world"..a calm and peaceful atmosphere with nice private rooms each with a flat screen, recliner, and Shoji rice paper sliding doors for privacy. A most precious volunteer named Joyce stopped by to greet Rick, asking if he was 'new'. They talked for a bit and she excused herself briefly to return with a beautiful cozy new fleece blanket for Rick to use and keep. Joyce wanted him to be blessed by another ministry she also volunteers for. I must say, this was my first time to a chemo spa and it wasn't too bad. I actually dozed off in the extra chair (no, not a recliner) while Rick was hooked up. With his pic line already intact, no stabbing or poking- it was easy street. He asked the nurse if he could do his in-patient treatments at the "spa", but no luck-closed nights and weekends.
Prayers are being heard and GOD is generous in His mercy. Rick's white blood cell count has dropped considerably, now @ 1,200, although this is to be expected. On our drive home from the 'spa' Rick decided he wanted a burrito...2 del beef burritos, a large Sprite and a 3 hour nap was his way to close the deal on Round 1. Mia was so kind to bring Rosine's for dinner so Rick woke up to more food. No wonder he's lost but a pound.
Cousin Tina and Victoria dropped by for a quick visit and brought a big smile to Rick's face; as well as dearly loved neighbors with home cooked meals throughout the week, grocery trips from our parents, along with your phone calls, emails and cards-- the LORD is so kindly sustaining us.
Rick and I sat together in the back yard last night praying and thanking GOD for His great love and peace. Though this time in our lives is not easy, especially for Rick, we are becoming more aware of GOD'S purpose in the most simple and yet most important things. Like, what really matters. For me He is giving me the peace to be still, to be quiet. To not have to have all the answers or even a response to every question or statement is truly very freeing. I used to think if I didn't have something to say I wouldn't be heard- the truth is, GOD hears me, He knows my heart and honestly not everything I think needs to be said. Anyway, I am finding this to be very helpful and relaxing.
Rick noticed yesterday as he washed his face that his eyes were different. He shared this with me as we talked in our backyard. He said, "My eyes look strange, they look harsh." I agreed his eyes had changed in the last day or so. He is tired. I said to him, "Your eyes look as though they are fighting." Yes!, that was it. You can see it in his eyes. My heart is sad for him to have to go through this but I know and trust GOD has allowed this for goodness, even greatness- and the LORD has already given us the blessed opportunity to share in portions of His plan. It is truly an honor to be a part of what our precious and holy GOD is doing through this horrible thing called cancer. It isn't so much about a person, or a diagnosis, or a family...It's about every single person who is touched in some way by love through the power of GOD and are compelled to call, to write, to cook, to reach out, to cry, to encourage, to do, to send, to inspire, to pray, to give, to email, to serve, to love.
Thank you for allowing GOD to use you in such a powerful way. To Him be the Glory! We are a very blessed family.
As of today, Saturday, Rick's big problem: Hiccups!! They have returned....how did they find him here?? He continues to try several home remedies, some working at times..
We are praying that the LORD will have mercy on him in this also. Rick's anxiety still tends to get a bit high, another side effect. Still we rejoice that these things are all he is up against currently.
Looking forward to what tomorrow brings and honestly and deeply grateful to be writing these words.
May the LORD our GOD shine upon you.
His mercies are new each and every day.
Life & peace,
With love, in CHRIST~
Dana
Thank you so much for praying for Rick. Yesterday we went to his appointment to get what the doc calls his "12th day" of 'Round 1' treatment- (a repeat drug of Day 4.) It was really cool, also another reason why Rick and I are so happy he is receiving his treatment through St. Jo's- specifically at the Cancer Center with Dr. Mahmood. We weren't sure what to expect when he was scheduled for his "out-patient" chemo appointment. Boy, were we pleasantly surprised. Just down the hall, away from the general patient rooms is a whole other world.."chemo world"..a calm and peaceful atmosphere with nice private rooms each with a flat screen, recliner, and Shoji rice paper sliding doors for privacy. A most precious volunteer named Joyce stopped by to greet Rick, asking if he was 'new'. They talked for a bit and she excused herself briefly to return with a beautiful cozy new fleece blanket for Rick to use and keep. Joyce wanted him to be blessed by another ministry she also volunteers for. I must say, this was my first time to a chemo spa and it wasn't too bad. I actually dozed off in the extra chair (no, not a recliner) while Rick was hooked up. With his pic line already intact, no stabbing or poking- it was easy street. He asked the nurse if he could do his in-patient treatments at the "spa", but no luck-closed nights and weekends.
Prayers are being heard and GOD is generous in His mercy. Rick's white blood cell count has dropped considerably, now @ 1,200, although this is to be expected. On our drive home from the 'spa' Rick decided he wanted a burrito...2 del beef burritos, a large Sprite and a 3 hour nap was his way to close the deal on Round 1. Mia was so kind to bring Rosine's for dinner so Rick woke up to more food. No wonder he's lost but a pound.
Cousin Tina and Victoria dropped by for a quick visit and brought a big smile to Rick's face; as well as dearly loved neighbors with home cooked meals throughout the week, grocery trips from our parents, along with your phone calls, emails and cards-- the LORD is so kindly sustaining us.
Rick and I sat together in the back yard last night praying and thanking GOD for His great love and peace. Though this time in our lives is not easy, especially for Rick, we are becoming more aware of GOD'S purpose in the most simple and yet most important things. Like, what really matters. For me He is giving me the peace to be still, to be quiet. To not have to have all the answers or even a response to every question or statement is truly very freeing. I used to think if I didn't have something to say I wouldn't be heard- the truth is, GOD hears me, He knows my heart and honestly not everything I think needs to be said. Anyway, I am finding this to be very helpful and relaxing.
Rick noticed yesterday as he washed his face that his eyes were different. He shared this with me as we talked in our backyard. He said, "My eyes look strange, they look harsh." I agreed his eyes had changed in the last day or so. He is tired. I said to him, "Your eyes look as though they are fighting." Yes!, that was it. You can see it in his eyes. My heart is sad for him to have to go through this but I know and trust GOD has allowed this for goodness, even greatness- and the LORD has already given us the blessed opportunity to share in portions of His plan. It is truly an honor to be a part of what our precious and holy GOD is doing through this horrible thing called cancer. It isn't so much about a person, or a diagnosis, or a family...It's about every single person who is touched in some way by love through the power of GOD and are compelled to call, to write, to cook, to reach out, to cry, to encourage, to do, to send, to inspire, to pray, to give, to email, to serve, to love.
Thank you for allowing GOD to use you in such a powerful way. To Him be the Glory! We are a very blessed family.
As of today, Saturday, Rick's big problem: Hiccups!! They have returned....how did they find him here?? He continues to try several home remedies, some working at times..
We are praying that the LORD will have mercy on him in this also. Rick's anxiety still tends to get a bit high, another side effect. Still we rejoice that these things are all he is up against currently.
Looking forward to what tomorrow brings and honestly and deeply grateful to be writing these words.
May the LORD our GOD shine upon you.
His mercies are new each and every day.
Life & peace,
With love, in CHRIST~
Dana
Friday, June 18, 2010
Gettin' HUGE today...
Good morning everyone,
I just wanted to again thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement, compassion and wonderful meals. Dana thought it would make sense to let you know about my therapy today. We have copied what will be given to me today along with some of the anticipated side effects. Thankfully, it is out patient. I am so grateful for that. The Lord has been exceedingly kindhearted and gracious to me as I have only really had one side effect so far; anxiety being the prevalent and most common. Oh, well. I’ll take that over some of the others.
Below you will read the chemo drip I am going in for this morning:
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of acute leukemia, neuroblastoma, thyroid cancer, and lymphoma. It functions as an alkylating agent, meaning it prevents the replication of tumor cells by damaging the DNA.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of vincristine use is hair loss.
Less common side effects include low blood counts, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, mouth sores, unusual bleeding and/or bruising, bone pain, and blood in the stool or urine
Dexamethasome- This I will be taking for 4 days orally
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. In oncology, it is given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumor treatment.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach.
Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania.
Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration.
Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair.
If you would please pray for me that the side effects be minimal and that my wonderful family would have peace only the Lord can shower on them.
My prayer is also for each and every one of you who has some sort of trial in your life- that you would truly seek the Lord’s grace and love by prayer. I cannot begin to describe it, but, once felt, you can never forget it. If there is something my family can pray for you for, that is really debilitating for you now, please let us know. I may be going through some hard core chemo, but, everyone has something in their life that only prayer can cure or mend.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
I just wanted to again thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement, compassion and wonderful meals. Dana thought it would make sense to let you know about my therapy today. We have copied what will be given to me today along with some of the anticipated side effects. Thankfully, it is out patient. I am so grateful for that. The Lord has been exceedingly kindhearted and gracious to me as I have only really had one side effect so far; anxiety being the prevalent and most common. Oh, well. I’ll take that over some of the others.
Below you will read the chemo drip I am going in for this morning:
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of acute leukemia, neuroblastoma, thyroid cancer, and lymphoma. It functions as an alkylating agent, meaning it prevents the replication of tumor cells by damaging the DNA.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of vincristine use is hair loss.
Less common side effects include low blood counts, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, mouth sores, unusual bleeding and/or bruising, bone pain, and blood in the stool or urine
Dexamethasome- This I will be taking for 4 days orally
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. In oncology, it is given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumor treatment.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach.
Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania.
Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration.
Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair.
If you would please pray for me that the side effects be minimal and that my wonderful family would have peace only the Lord can shower on them.
My prayer is also for each and every one of you who has some sort of trial in your life- that you would truly seek the Lord’s grace and love by prayer. I cannot begin to describe it, but, once felt, you can never forget it. If there is something my family can pray for you for, that is really debilitating for you now, please let us know. I may be going through some hard core chemo, but, everyone has something in their life that only prayer can cure or mend.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is required...."
I find myself wondering sometimes, is this a dark time in our lives? because GOD is shining so bright through the midst of what our natural minds register as great affliction. I must attest to my own personal reality, while being so close to the one I love so deeply, the one I cherish and look up to for so many reasons, I didn't think I would be afforded the opportunity to grow more in love and more proud of the man GOD had chosen for me.
To me, Rick is a star; and his light shines far brighter than it ever has. Yes, cancer is dark and it is ugly. But, the darkness of cancer is not what should define or determine how we see life. I think of Rick's constant attitude since the day we learned of his diagnosis. He said, "I am honored to be chosen." I also remember a Sunday morning church service months ago. Pastor Bob was preaching from the book of Acts and encouraging the church to the mission field. As Bob prayed with and for us, he asked for those who felt led to be "sent out" by GOD to come forward. He expressed the Jewish word, "Hineni" which means, I Am Here For You, O’ GOD. At the time, I had a strong desire to serve in Haiti. Immediately, I went forward, repeating, "Hineni, Hineni" in my heart. A couple of minutes later, I felt Rick behind me. I wondered to myself what he was doing standing at the alter, obviously very happy, but knowing Rick isn't a big "missions" guy... After the service I asked him why he went forward. He told me he was ready to go wherever GOD wanted to send him. Basically, "Here I am, send me." Since Rick's commitment, the LORD has certainly prepared him for the mission field. The field of suffering and sacrifice, humility and uncertainty- not in a far off foreign country or a dead city down the road, but, right here, right now, improv style. GOD'S thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9
Today we went to Rick's follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood. As I write this my heart is still cheering, "Thank You, LORD!!" Great visit. Rick's white blood cell count was @ 8,000 which is very good. (68% good, healthy cells/ 24% lymphocytes-cancer cells). This is so awesome! Rick's lymphocytes were 76% in April. Dr. M says his WBC will continue to drop even more over the next 4-5 days, this being normal, than it will start to go back up again. He is now on an additional 5 new Rx, some to prevent infection for next treatment which is scheduled for early July, 1 a chemo drug and 1 for anxiety. I have to think Rick impressed Dr. M today. With reports of little side effects, no weight loss, and health at a very good standard, Dr. M said Rick is doing "exceedingly well." You can only imagine how great this was to hear! Of course, Rick responded with, "It's all the prayer.." and I must agree. It is by GOD'S grace and His grace alone that Rick or I are even able to have the honor and opportunity to share what His great and merciful power is doing in our lives.
Rick has a full next few days ahead. We would be very grateful if you would continue praying for him, especially for these things:
Finally, I have to say how loving and good our GOD is for continuously sending wonderful family and friends to us with delicious meals, beautiful cards and emails of encouraging words- and most of all for every single prayer that is spoken on our behalf, I pray an extra measure is given back to you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May He, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people. Amen." (1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 NLT)
LIFE & PEACE,
WITH LOVE, IN CHRIST~
Dana
To me, Rick is a star; and his light shines far brighter than it ever has. Yes, cancer is dark and it is ugly. But, the darkness of cancer is not what should define or determine how we see life. I think of Rick's constant attitude since the day we learned of his diagnosis. He said, "I am honored to be chosen." I also remember a Sunday morning church service months ago. Pastor Bob was preaching from the book of Acts and encouraging the church to the mission field. As Bob prayed with and for us, he asked for those who felt led to be "sent out" by GOD to come forward. He expressed the Jewish word, "Hineni" which means, I Am Here For You, O’ GOD. At the time, I had a strong desire to serve in Haiti. Immediately, I went forward, repeating, "Hineni, Hineni" in my heart. A couple of minutes later, I felt Rick behind me. I wondered to myself what he was doing standing at the alter, obviously very happy, but knowing Rick isn't a big "missions" guy... After the service I asked him why he went forward. He told me he was ready to go wherever GOD wanted to send him. Basically, "Here I am, send me." Since Rick's commitment, the LORD has certainly prepared him for the mission field. The field of suffering and sacrifice, humility and uncertainty- not in a far off foreign country or a dead city down the road, but, right here, right now, improv style. GOD'S thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9
Today we went to Rick's follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood. As I write this my heart is still cheering, "Thank You, LORD!!" Great visit. Rick's white blood cell count was @ 8,000 which is very good. (68% good, healthy cells/ 24% lymphocytes-cancer cells). This is so awesome! Rick's lymphocytes were 76% in April. Dr. M says his WBC will continue to drop even more over the next 4-5 days, this being normal, than it will start to go back up again. He is now on an additional 5 new Rx, some to prevent infection for next treatment which is scheduled for early July, 1 a chemo drug and 1 for anxiety. I have to think Rick impressed Dr. M today. With reports of little side effects, no weight loss, and health at a very good standard, Dr. M said Rick is doing "exceedingly well." You can only imagine how great this was to hear! Of course, Rick responded with, "It's all the prayer.." and I must agree. It is by GOD'S grace and His grace alone that Rick or I are even able to have the honor and opportunity to share what His great and merciful power is doing in our lives.
Rick has a full next few days ahead. We would be very grateful if you would continue praying for him, especially for these things:
- Thursday he will be getting a full blood work up done. Please pray that all markers read favorable and healthy for Rick.
- Friday Rick will be going in to Dr. M's office to receive an hour-long 'out-patient' chemo treatment. Please pray that GOD would choose to protect him from all side-effects.
- The worst of his side-effects so far have been tremendous anxiety. Please pray that the LORD would remove this from Rick so that he would not have to take medication, that Rick would be given rest and comfort. OR peace in his suffering.
- Pray for continued peace, strength, courage, faith and trust in GOD, for our family.
Finally, I have to say how loving and good our GOD is for continuously sending wonderful family and friends to us with delicious meals, beautiful cards and emails of encouraging words- and most of all for every single prayer that is spoken on our behalf, I pray an extra measure is given back to you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May He, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people. Amen." (1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 NLT)
LIFE & PEACE,
WITH LOVE, IN CHRIST~
Dana
Sunday, June 13, 2010
HOME SWEET HOME
Thank you everyone for all your prayer and support. I just finished my first round of chemotherapy treatment. I am so happy to be home. The nursing staff at the hospital is wonderful and most (we were told 90 %) are believers and truly care about the patients. They are there for the right reason.
I thought I’d be going home no sooner than Monday; what a blessing it was to be discharged today! My white blood cell count is now on its way down- par for the course. On Tuesday, the morning I checked in, it was a high 37,000 (not good). Earlier today it was 12,400. It will continue to drop. This makes for a very low energy level. However, this is the plan with chemo.
I will be going into Dr. Mahmood’s office Tuesday for a shot of Neulasta to stimulate my white blood cells and help prevent infection. The next 21 days I am focusing on rest and recovery to go back and do it again. I am tired a lot, and now am starting to feel the effects more so, but I enjoy so much just being back at home with my family.
The Lord answered very kindly this week; God was gracious with my suffering. I can’t thank you enough for your continuous prayers. I am so thankful to God for His favor and protection over me and for the wonderful family, friends, prayer warriors, support team, and medical staff He has gifted me.
Would you please pray for me that God would continue to give me His strength, courage, peace, faith and healing all for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Thank you.
The Lord is present,
Rick
I thought I’d be going home no sooner than Monday; what a blessing it was to be discharged today! My white blood cell count is now on its way down- par for the course. On Tuesday, the morning I checked in, it was a high 37,000 (not good). Earlier today it was 12,400. It will continue to drop. This makes for a very low energy level. However, this is the plan with chemo.
I will be going into Dr. Mahmood’s office Tuesday for a shot of Neulasta to stimulate my white blood cells and help prevent infection. The next 21 days I am focusing on rest and recovery to go back and do it again. I am tired a lot, and now am starting to feel the effects more so, but I enjoy so much just being back at home with my family.
The Lord answered very kindly this week; God was gracious with my suffering. I can’t thank you enough for your continuous prayers. I am so thankful to God for His favor and protection over me and for the wonderful family, friends, prayer warriors, support team, and medical staff He has gifted me.
Would you please pray for me that God would continue to give me His strength, courage, peace, faith and healing all for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Thank you.
The Lord is present,
Rick
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
Half way through Day 4, which is technically Day 3 by the doctor's standard. (Tuesday was 'Day 0'; a day of prepping known as immuno-therapy) Rick is doing really great!--considering. Dr. Tran was in last night for Dr. Mahmood and told Rick that he has already gained the reputation of a very good patient. Rick loved hearing this, especially since he has been putting in the time. His "workouts" have not stopped and he has actually increased his walking today. I catch myself referring to Rick being at the hospital, by mistakenly calling it 'the hotel'..OK, they both start with -H-. but, honestly, the staff and care is that of a hotel, and in some ways even better. Rick has room service! He has the option of ordering whatever he would like to eat from a three page menu, when he is hungry. (And as much as he wants..) A nice perk for being on the cancer floor.
By God's grace, lots of prayer and anti-nausea meds, Rick is handling the chemo pretty well. He's actually gettin' HUGE during his stay at 'the hotel'. Weeks ago, Dr. Mahmood told Rick that he'd like to see him put on 10 lbs. before he starts treatment--due to loss of appetite, vomiting, etc. He wanted Rick to have some to lose. Well, as of today, my fighter is 13 lbs. heavier than Tuesday! Rick and I had to laugh...hey, nothing like a little steroid, a couple of double cheese burgers, a few milk shakes, some chocolate chip cookies, daily IV fluids, and water retention won't do. Today, the nurse does have him on Lasix to help relieve the water retention.
I asked Rick yesterday if he thought before starting this process, that he would feel the way he does now? He said he anticipated to feel much worse. This is so good to hear. And even better to see; although I remember a nurse telling me the patient has the hardest time once they leave the hospital..."What kinda 'hotel' is this?" Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?... (note: I am 1/2 joking in my mind.., and asking GOD to go easy on Rick.)
He looks GREAT too! He just doesn't look sick. I thank GOD for his generous mercy today.
We constantly meet incredible people at 'the hotel'. All the nurses are so compassionate and eager to help.
This is so wonderful. One of Rick's nurses, Pam, shared her faith in Jesus Christ with us. We had the opportunity to talk alot about the LORD and to pray with her. Another assistant, Yolanda, opened up to us about how she just recently came to a real relationship with GOD. Her testimony was so beautiful and it truly blessed Rick and I. We were also honored to pray with her. Our clinical social worker, Suzanne, is so wonderful and helpful, also a believer, just blessed our day yesterday too.
Rick and I agree that he is right where GOD wants him, in spite of what we may have thought. HIS comfort is priceless.
We continue to ask GOD, boldly, that He remove all cancer from Rick's body, that HE would choose to heal Rick completely. We pray for Rick's peace, strength and health through this fight. We pray for the LORD to command the doctors, nurses and medicine to do good by Rick.
On another note, some of you have asked how I and the girls are holding up. I thank you so much for your acknowledgement and concern. Your support and love, and especially your prayers, that I feel carrying me through GOD'S power, mean more than we can say. I can't put into words the peace I have, but I do know where it comes from.
I am eternally grateful for your faithfulness in believing, in hoping, in doing and in loving.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Life and peace~
Dana
By God's grace, lots of prayer and anti-nausea meds, Rick is handling the chemo pretty well. He's actually gettin' HUGE during his stay at 'the hotel'. Weeks ago, Dr. Mahmood told Rick that he'd like to see him put on 10 lbs. before he starts treatment--due to loss of appetite, vomiting, etc. He wanted Rick to have some to lose. Well, as of today, my fighter is 13 lbs. heavier than Tuesday! Rick and I had to laugh...hey, nothing like a little steroid, a couple of double cheese burgers, a few milk shakes, some chocolate chip cookies, daily IV fluids, and water retention won't do. Today, the nurse does have him on Lasix to help relieve the water retention.
I asked Rick yesterday if he thought before starting this process, that he would feel the way he does now? He said he anticipated to feel much worse. This is so good to hear. And even better to see; although I remember a nurse telling me the patient has the hardest time once they leave the hospital..."What kinda 'hotel' is this?" Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?... (note: I am 1/2 joking in my mind.., and asking GOD to go easy on Rick.)
He looks GREAT too! He just doesn't look sick. I thank GOD for his generous mercy today.
We constantly meet incredible people at 'the hotel'. All the nurses are so compassionate and eager to help.
This is so wonderful. One of Rick's nurses, Pam, shared her faith in Jesus Christ with us. We had the opportunity to talk alot about the LORD and to pray with her. Another assistant, Yolanda, opened up to us about how she just recently came to a real relationship with GOD. Her testimony was so beautiful and it truly blessed Rick and I. We were also honored to pray with her. Our clinical social worker, Suzanne, is so wonderful and helpful, also a believer, just blessed our day yesterday too.
Rick and I agree that he is right where GOD wants him, in spite of what we may have thought. HIS comfort is priceless.
We continue to ask GOD, boldly, that He remove all cancer from Rick's body, that HE would choose to heal Rick completely. We pray for Rick's peace, strength and health through this fight. We pray for the LORD to command the doctors, nurses and medicine to do good by Rick.
On another note, some of you have asked how I and the girls are holding up. I thank you so much for your acknowledgement and concern. Your support and love, and especially your prayers, that I feel carrying me through GOD'S power, mean more than we can say. I can't put into words the peace I have, but I do know where it comes from.
I am eternally grateful for your faithfulness in believing, in hoping, in doing and in loving.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Life and peace~
Dana
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, For in Yaweh, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, For in Yaweh, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
Ex. 33:14; Is.26:3-4
6.10.10
Good Morning...
Praises be to GOD for another day. Yesterday was a good day. Rick's body was strong in overcoming possible side effects of the most recently added cocktails. THANK YOU JESUS!
His two biggest obstacles so far are constant hiccups (nurse Josie showed us a great trick that cures those babies!) and feeling pretty tired from lack of sleep (and not being able to fall asleep)---Dr. Mahmood told us that the steriod will do this. So a little sleeping pill, alotta prayer and [some] quiet, Rick was able to get sleep last night. I was so happy to hear him snoring. Music to my ears! As I write this he is asleep again...lots of zzz's to catch up on. Yesterday, he ate well and walked 2- 3 miles around the wing.
These next three days are generally the hardest in terms of the type of chemo drugs Rick is receiving. His immune system will be compromised more so as his white blood cells will begin to drop. With this in mind we were advised by Dr. Mahmood that visits from family and friends should be very limited during treatment because of potential germs and bacteria, as well as Rick needing as much rest as he can get. Rick is extremely grateful for all your encouragement, love and support through your phone messages and emails and texts. During these next days, the best way to follow his progress is by checking his blog and email updates.
ENERGY CONSERVATION: Rick really needs to focus on saving his energy for this battle. Please know that your calls and texts do not go unnoticed and your prayers are the best and most generous gift!
We look forward to another peaceful day, asking GOD to do all things well in and through Rick and that by His grace He would heal Rick, all for Jesus' Name sake.
With much love & gratitude,
Dana
Praises be to GOD for another day. Yesterday was a good day. Rick's body was strong in overcoming possible side effects of the most recently added cocktails. THANK YOU JESUS!
His two biggest obstacles so far are constant hiccups (nurse Josie showed us a great trick that cures those babies!) and feeling pretty tired from lack of sleep (and not being able to fall asleep)---Dr. Mahmood told us that the steriod will do this. So a little sleeping pill, alotta prayer and [some] quiet, Rick was able to get sleep last night. I was so happy to hear him snoring. Music to my ears! As I write this he is asleep again...lots of zzz's to catch up on. Yesterday, he ate well and walked 2- 3 miles around the wing.
These next three days are generally the hardest in terms of the type of chemo drugs Rick is receiving. His immune system will be compromised more so as his white blood cells will begin to drop. With this in mind we were advised by Dr. Mahmood that visits from family and friends should be very limited during treatment because of potential germs and bacteria, as well as Rick needing as much rest as he can get. Rick is extremely grateful for all your encouragement, love and support through your phone messages and emails and texts. During these next days, the best way to follow his progress is by checking his blog and email updates.
ENERGY CONSERVATION: Rick really needs to focus on saving his energy for this battle. Please know that your calls and texts do not go unnoticed and your prayers are the best and most generous gift!
We look forward to another peaceful day, asking GOD to do all things well in and through Rick and that by His grace He would heal Rick, all for Jesus' Name sake.
With much love & gratitude,
Dana
Rick invites you to leave a comment, or if you prefer you can send him a note of encouragement via text.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rick's 1st Day
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!"
PSALM 103:2-5
The LORD has been so good to us! Yes, may we never forget the good things He does!
Authorizations, paperwork and details have fallen into place as we had asked for. Thank you so much for praying with us, as GOD is continually faithful and always on perfect time.
We checked into the hospital this morning and everything has gone quite well. The nurses and medical staff are so wonderful and kind to Rick and, of course, he continues to make friends with almost everyone he meets. This makes for such comfort and joy.
By 3:30p Rick was prepped and ready for the first therapy treatment via IV drip (pic line). We were warned that this particular chemo drug causes possible chills and shakes, fever, dizziness, headache, sweats, nausea, vomiting. Rick is suffering very little side effects so far. Praise GOD! Rick enjoyed a juicy double cheese burger and a strawberry shake for dinner while watching the 'game' (boo-hoo..). Rick was very blessed by visits with his girls, parents, my mom, and his Agape group from church this evening, as well as the numerous texts and phone messages we have received today. Your love, encouragement and prayers carry us, honestly!
Dr. Mahmmod was by a bit earlier and said things are going as planned. Good news.
Tonight, we pray that Rick is given a peaceful night sleep. We pray that GOD continues to protect him and heal him, providing all things that he needs, loving him personally and perfectly. I also pray for you, that Jesus bless you, the way He continues to bless us- with His love.
With love, peace & abundant gratitude~
Dana, Skyler & Kyra
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!"
PSALM 103:2-5
The LORD has been so good to us! Yes, may we never forget the good things He does!
Authorizations, paperwork and details have fallen into place as we had asked for. Thank you so much for praying with us, as GOD is continually faithful and always on perfect time.
We checked into the hospital this morning and everything has gone quite well. The nurses and medical staff are so wonderful and kind to Rick and, of course, he continues to make friends with almost everyone he meets. This makes for such comfort and joy.
By 3:30p Rick was prepped and ready for the first therapy treatment via IV drip (pic line). We were warned that this particular chemo drug causes possible chills and shakes, fever, dizziness, headache, sweats, nausea, vomiting. Rick is suffering very little side effects so far. Praise GOD! Rick enjoyed a juicy double cheese burger and a strawberry shake for dinner while watching the 'game' (boo-hoo..). Rick was very blessed by visits with his girls, parents, my mom, and his Agape group from church this evening, as well as the numerous texts and phone messages we have received today. Your love, encouragement and prayers carry us, honestly!
Dr. Mahmmod was by a bit earlier and said things are going as planned. Good news.
Tonight, we pray that Rick is given a peaceful night sleep. We pray that GOD continues to protect him and heal him, providing all things that he needs, loving him personally and perfectly. I also pray for you, that Jesus bless you, the way He continues to bless us- with His love.
With love, peace & abundant gratitude~
Dana, Skyler & Kyra
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Giver of All Good Gifts
I want to take a moment to thank everyone for your encouraging emails, telephone calls and especially, your prayers. As I sit here on the eve just before I start my intensive treatment therapy, I am honestly feeling very relaxed and blessed. I had an incredible birthday which began last Thursday and continued through Sunday. I had a great time Thursday night celebrating with several of my young brothers and sisters from the Young Adult Ministry, followed by delicious dinners and K1 Speed Racing with Dana, the girls, my twin brother, Mike, his family and my mom & dad.
I was also gifted an amazing prayer time with about 35 people who gathered at our house to pray for my healing, my family and my treatment ahead, led by my brother in the Lord, Todd. What a tremendous blessing. I could not ask for anything more. I am in His hands.
As I continue to see the Lord bringing people back and into my life, I feel like I have been given a great gift. I know this may seem hard to understand. I will try to explain- the Lord has given me so many people in my life and to see how they are reaching out to me, showing their love, compassion, and support is incomprehensible at times. I ask, "Why me Lord?" I am reminded, it's Him, not me. His love for us is beyond measure and understanding. Yet, even in my simple sinful life He allows me such happiness, peace and strength by working through others.
There is one verse that the Lord continues to give me through people and that is Philippians 4:13 - " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
I have tremendous hope and faith in this trial because I have the God who is bigger than any problem I have and no problem is too small, as He loves to hear from me.
I honestly don't know how people live through times of trial without God.
Thank You Lord, for saving me...
"let's get ready to rumble"James 1:2-8 --until next time,
Godsoldier
I was also gifted an amazing prayer time with about 35 people who gathered at our house to pray for my healing, my family and my treatment ahead, led by my brother in the Lord, Todd. What a tremendous blessing. I could not ask for anything more. I am in His hands.
As I continue to see the Lord bringing people back and into my life, I feel like I have been given a great gift. I know this may seem hard to understand. I will try to explain- the Lord has given me so many people in my life and to see how they are reaching out to me, showing their love, compassion, and support is incomprehensible at times. I ask, "Why me Lord?" I am reminded, it's Him, not me. His love for us is beyond measure and understanding. Yet, even in my simple sinful life He allows me such happiness, peace and strength by working through others.
There is one verse that the Lord continues to give me through people and that is Philippians 4:13 - " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
I have tremendous hope and faith in this trial because I have the God who is bigger than any problem I have and no problem is too small, as He loves to hear from me.
I honestly don't know how people live through times of trial without God.
Thank You Lord, for saving me...
"let's get ready to rumble"James 1:2-8 --until next time,
Godsoldier
Friday, June 4, 2010
Trials are not enemies of faith but opportunities to prove GOD'S faithfulness. - - Author Unknown
'Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your Name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.'
2 Chronicles 20:9
We are overwhelmed by love. If, for any purpose GOD allows such a suffering, it is in revealing His beautiful face to us. Daily we see Jesus in and through so many words, hugs and hearts. We truly are a blessed family.
As we look toward Tuesday (C-Day), our hearts desire is to have you join us in asking GOD for His Sovereign will in each day. Please pray hard for Rick as he enters into treatment June 8. In-patient HYPER-CVAD chemo is pretty brutal. Rick will be on chemo IV for 4 days, with a 3 day minimum recuperation to watch for reaction, infection, etc.
- Please pray that the treatment will do its neccessary job: kill the cancer cells.
- Please pray that Rick's body, heart and mind are completely protected from enemy attacks (chemo drugs).
- Please pray that Rick will have minimal side-affects from this treatment and during his recovery process.
- Please pray for supernatural discernment, wisdom, insight and compassion for the oncologist, medical team, and staff.
- Please pray for the peace of Christ that passes all human understanding.
- Please pray for continued health, strength and energy for Rick to endure this fight.
- Please pray for the SPIRIT of GOD to cover our family and extended family with His comfort & grace.
- Please pray that GOD would heal Rick completely!
Please pray that JESUS CHRIST will be glorified in and through us, all things, big or small, according to GOD'S perfect timing and will for our lives.
We Bless GOD and thank Him for your prayers, your presence in our lives & we thank you from the deep parts of our hearts.
Dana & Rick
Skyler & Kyra
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
who is this guy?
I have truly been blessed by the Lord to be part of such a remarkable and loving family. I cannot envision my life without them. It seems during times of trial you see how much you should normally be grateful for, concerning what you have been given.
This is my second bout with cancer. My first was at 21 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of which has been in remission for 21 years. Thank You GOD. Now, I am facing a tougher trial of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I have no anxiety as I know The Lord has a purpose and a plan for me in this. I pray for strength and submission to do his will. I recognize I will discover a great deal from this battle and I am sure it is far greater than my pea brain can grasp.
BTW, The reason for the name Godsoldier has to do with one of my tattoos. After I came to know the Lord 6 years ago, I wanted to express my joy. My wife, Dana, drew up a cool dagger and we decided on the nickname, Godsoldier, and put it into the tattoo. It happens to also be my license plate on my 1964 Ford Falcon.
The life of a Christian believer is not easy at times, as we are subject to ridicule and rebuke. However, we grow through difficult experiences in this life where our only hope is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
I was an alcoholic, now sober for 7 years, cancer survivor (Hodgkin’s at 21), Bi-polar (diagnosed in rehab) and now fighting MCL. My situation is like that of a soldier. Show up and do your job. No questions asked and be of service. In this case, I am humbled that I will get an opportunity to glorify the Lord in who HE is and what he will be doing in my life.
Please pray for my family to be comforted by the Lord and to be blanketed by his peace during this process.
Godsoldier,
Rick
This is my second bout with cancer. My first was at 21 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of which has been in remission for 21 years. Thank You GOD. Now, I am facing a tougher trial of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I have no anxiety as I know The Lord has a purpose and a plan for me in this. I pray for strength and submission to do his will. I recognize I will discover a great deal from this battle and I am sure it is far greater than my pea brain can grasp.
BTW, The reason for the name Godsoldier has to do with one of my tattoos. After I came to know the Lord 6 years ago, I wanted to express my joy. My wife, Dana, drew up a cool dagger and we decided on the nickname, Godsoldier, and put it into the tattoo. It happens to also be my license plate on my 1964 Ford Falcon.
The life of a Christian believer is not easy at times, as we are subject to ridicule and rebuke. However, we grow through difficult experiences in this life where our only hope is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
I was an alcoholic, now sober for 7 years, cancer survivor (Hodgkin’s at 21), Bi-polar (diagnosed in rehab) and now fighting MCL. My situation is like that of a soldier. Show up and do your job. No questions asked and be of service. In this case, I am humbled that I will get an opportunity to glorify the Lord in who HE is and what he will be doing in my life.
Please pray for my family to be comforted by the Lord and to be blanketed by his peace during this process.
Godsoldier,
Rick
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