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