"ALL IS WELL @ THE LANGE HOUSE"

Hello Everyone,

All is going well here at the Lange house. Praise the Lord! Rick had a follow-up appointment with Dr. M on Wednesday. His CBC looks very good! Lymphocytes (cancer cells) way down, Neutrophils (healthy white cells) nice and high! His platelets have fully recovered to a back to normal range. Thank God! Rick's vitals are good and his WBC dropped to 73,000. He is feeling some discomfort in his knees and hips; nothing that Tylenol doesn't address. This is so amazing. He continues to eat well and get a walk or the elliptical in daily (the exercise has really helped the HBP). It also continues to encourage me to see Rick working and the times he gets out of the house are very good. These past 2 weeks have been a gift of reprieve compared to the usual isolation.

We received great news on Friday! CITY OF HOPE received authorization for Rick & Mike to have HLA twin blood type testing for stem cell transplant match. They will be going in today, Saturday for this. Thank you so much for praying for this authorization to happen.

*Please pray they are a perfect match for Rick's transplant, God willing.

So, we gear up mentally, physically, and spiritually for Tuesday, Rick's 2nd round, part A- repeat of 1st round, Hyper C-Vad, 5 days of treatment. We are praying the LORD will be gracious and allow Rick to be released quickly, as soon as Sunday. St. Joes moved the oncology floor to a temporary floor beginning July 15 for one year. This means no more private rooms....bye-bye "hotel". Having a roommate will be an adjustment, however, this is small in the big scheme of life. We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we look to this next week.

*Please pray for the LORD'S perfect peace, strength and obedience to persevere
*GOD'S protection against all depression, discouragement, and struggles
*The LORD to command entire oncology staff, Dr. Mahmood, administering of chemo & all drugs, etc.
*Protection against all infections, side effects
*Total healing over Rick's body
*Joy in all circumstances

One final note. We are enormously touched by the love and generosity of Rick's beloved blood donors. Although we are only partially aware of those of you who have given thus far in honor of Rick, below is a message I've attached from our friend, Russ, that gives a broader picture.

"Top of the morning to you kid! I hope this day will be a good one for you. I was thinking about you today and just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that the Stripling's have you in their prayers. I went down yesterday and donated some blood in your honor. I hope that it is good healthy blood and matches what you need. The nurses were amazed at how many people have come in to donate on your behalf. They said that you must be a very special person to have this many people who would take the time to donate for you. I let them know what an incredible person you are and that there are hundreds of people in your corner ready to help out in any way we could. They were very blown away. I hope this makes you feel good knowing how many people love you little Bro! Anyway, have a great day Bro and keep up the fight! Russ"

Thank you for loving and encouraging us so faithfully! Whether through meals, cards, phone calls, visits, hugs, emails, blood or prayers- each and every biggest to smallest thing makes all the difference.

As I reflect on my posting of today's update, I marvel at God's abundant grace. The words in the Bible, the hundreds of promises He makes, to provide, protect, restore, fulfill, to never leave us, but to always love us with an EVERLASTING love; I am so proud of my Father! He gives us everything we need.

Love,

Dana

"THE KEEPER OF PROMISES"

Dear friends & family,


The past week has been a walk in the park, a groaning in the desert and a glorious view from the mountain tops.

Rick received a WBC last Thursday of a monumental 124,000! CRAZY!! What's even more mind-blowing is the fact that he had no bone pain. This is grace! GOD'S grace! Rick shared with me that the LORD had spoken to him about the painkillers he was using off and on for pain. ("Stop taking them. You don't need them; they are not good for you.") Rick stopped taking his painkillers 4 days before he was told his count was through the roof! NO PAIN?! Huh? The LORD is the keeper of promises. Praise GOD!!

With a WBC of 100,000+ Rick was more than protected against germ and infection to go to Kyra's dance recital with the family and friends Thursday night without a mask. He was happy. We were just stoked he was there! It was awesome! Danny & Heidi came by Friday night bearing gift- GO NOTRE DAME! Awesome fellowship. On Saturday, Rick and I took a walk in the park with Lola while Skyler & Kyra were away in Palm Springs at a church Summer Retreat for the weekend--much needed for them. Saturday night we caught up with the other Lange fam and Rick's parents for dinner, lots of laughs, and Rick and I did a little shopping afterward. We were blessed to spend Sunday morning at church together--the first in a month and went out for lunch too. The girls arrived home around 1pm and we spent hours catching up. My mom came over, with meals in tote-YUM- for next days. Rick continued to feel well and Monday's schedule afforded the 4 of us to go to the movies and out to lunch. By far, these days have been the most normal for us in a long time! A GIFT! A cherished gift.

I hope you know how much it means to Rick, the girls and me that you continue to stay close as we travel this journey that has been set before us. Forgive me/us if I don't respond to every email or phone message. At times it seems I am living someone else's life; as though I'm watching from a distance. Fewer days it's as though I imagine myself holding on to whatever will anchor me in my cyclonic angst. However, most days I am filled with an incredible peace and joy that continues to grow deeper within not only with every blessing and miracle from God but, through each pain and difficulty too. God truly is my refuge and my strength--my ever present help in all times of need.

I know it certainly has been a battle for Rick thus far; not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Rick knows this season of great physical trial is truly GOD'S refining of his spirit. I can't even fathom his position but, I am so grateful for his relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His comfort compels us to rest in the unknowing, drawing us in when we drift away and commands our hearts to persevere. Press on.

As we journey through this cancer valley we are shown there are many peaks and mountain tops along the way. I pray you can see them too. Although the stretch of the alien desert has been hard to cross-- we cross, and we endure. All by the Lord's immeasurable grace. His gifts are overflowing at the top and even set before us below in the dry places. There are streams in the desert.

I live out this trial side by side, face to face, hearts entwined- Rick, Skyler, Kyra, Jesus and me, and we are constantly overwhelmed by the blessed gifts of knowing your love- your support. We are greatly humbled. Many of you have commented on the power of prayer as this has shown to be the most significant impact in Rick's positive results and unexplained miracles- our peace, our joy, our vulnerability to walk by faith and not be sight, without question, can not be manufactured. All glory to GOD! For this, we cannot thank you enough! Prayers move! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

"For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.
But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." Ps. 26:24; 102:17; Jm. 1:6

I am brought to tears often over the fact that so many have and continue to fervently pray for and support my precious husband and our family. Thank you for believing with us. Thank you for loving us. We love you so much too. Please keep the love coming! It is everything. LOVE.

Life & peace in Christ,
Dana

I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches.

If suffering alone taught,

all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers.

To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness,

and the willingness to remain vulnerable.

Goin' on a walk this morning..a lil stiffness but, feeling good. Thank you Lord.

WBC @ 124,000 - with NO PAIN! A MIRACLE! Praying all healthy cells!

"Thank You Everyone, Thank You God!"

I just came back from having my blood checked as there was a concern about my platelets being so low. The normal range is 150-450K and mine was 34k on Monday. I honestly went in today not knowing what to expect. My platelet count was 131K. Thank You Lord! Thank you for all those that prayed so diligently over the last few days for my numbers to go up. The Lord is so faithful! In addition, my white blood cell count was undetermined; I was told the machine couldn’t register or give the nurse a number. I said, "What does that mean?" She said that the number is probably too high. Now last time I had a Neulasta shot my WBC went from 1,200-94,000 which caused me an ton of pain due to the creation of cells in my bone marrow. Today, I have no pain as The Lord is relieving me of any effects. How awesome is that?!! The nurse couldn’t believe I wasn’t in "some" pain. They are sending my blood out to try and get a number of WBC. God Bless all of you and thank you so much for your prayers as I am living proof they are being answered. And as far as my blood pressure- this morning, it is back to normal.

Very, very blessed-
Rick

“I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens Me”
Philippians 4:13

"It is in our deepest suffering of torment and despair that we truly confess our grave need for the Savior. What explicit goodness of the Son to lead us, tenderly, without abandon, into the comforting arms of the Father. Behold, it is safe. It is pure. We are made new by the unequivocal person of Jesus Christ. By His blood we are saved daily. Thank You God."


-Dana Lange

"OUR DELIVERER"

Good morning dear friends & family~~

Thank you for your continued prayers, goodness, presence and encouragement! It is your love and care that affords us daily strength to persevere. God loves through people.

Although Rick is generally feeling pretty good lately, other than tired, his blood pressure continues to be on the high side. I have been encouraging him to walk now that it is cooler..since inactivity could be one of the causes. Thank you for praying. God is our great physician! He can correct this and command our body and cells to do whatever He wills. Praying for His favor upon Rick's entire body is greatly needed.

Tomorrow Rick has an appointment to get blood count checked again. His platelets are low. 150.0-450.0 is normal range. His was 34.0 on Monday. If it drops to 20.0 he will be given a platelet transfusion. Praying God will recover his blood levels and strength. Total healing from all cancer, all disease! GOD is Awesome! GOD is able! Please never cease in going to One saves; the One who created you and me, the whole world and Rick too! The One who Knows his every cell and organ and breaths the life into each of us daily. Thank You GOD! Thank You Jesus! He will fight for us!

With love and deep gratitude,

Dana


David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

He said:
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent men you save me.

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

"The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;

the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called to the LORD;

I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;

my cry came to his ears.
"The earth trembled and quaked,
the foundations of the heavens shook;

they trembled because he was angry.
Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.

He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.

He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.

He made darkness his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.

Out of the brightness of his presence
bolts of lightning blazed forth.

The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
He shot arrows and scattered the enemies ,
bolts of lightning and routed them.

The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at the rebuke of the LORD,
at the blast of breath from his nostrils.

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

"The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not done evil by turning from my God.

All his laws are before me;
I have not turned away from his decrees.
I have been blameless before him
and have kept myself from sin.

The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to my cleanness in his sight.

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.

"As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.

He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You give me your shield of victory;
you stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.

"I pursued my enemies and crushed them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

I crushed them completely, and they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.
You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
and I destroyed my foes.

They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did not answer.

I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth;
I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.

"You have delivered me from the attacks of my people;
you have preserved me as the head of nations.

People I did not know are subject to me,
and foreigners come cringing to me;
as soon as they hear me, they obey me.

They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.

"The LORD lives!
Praise be to my Rock!

Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!
He is the God who avenges me,
who puts the nations under me,
who sets me free from my enemies.

You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.

Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name.

He gives his king great victories;
He shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever."
- 2 Samuel 22

Praise Christ Jesus, all who are called David's descendants!

"Hard Things = Prayer"

Thank you so much for your constant encouragement and prayers daily. We are humbled by the outpouring of love and I am forever changed--daily! GOD is so good to allow really hard things in our lives. These are the times that truly continue to transform my mind and engrave deep truth into my heart. I pray that you are able to embrace, with GOD'S help, your hard things too.

Today, Rick has started to really feel the effects of the Neulasta shot. Shoulder pain, back pain and now..calf pain. We knew this would be coming and as the onset approached yesterday, I hooked Rick up to this really cool TeNS machine (Trans cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), so kindly brought to us by Le. It was fun to adjust it's settings on Rick, until I turned it up a little too high (...Le, I promise..I went really slow, just like you explained.) Man, that thing is sensitive- (referring to the TeNS.) No need to be concerned that I might be torturing our patient..we've got it down now. He is getting some relief from this quaint little, yet POWERFUL machine. Thank you Le! This time around we are also prepared with painkillers, which tend to take the edge off. Not sure how long these "growing pains" will last, however, we would be very blessed and encouraged if you would pray that Rick would be able to endure this time and the LORD would minimize the pain. "that He would grant Rick, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in his inner man,." Eph. 3:16

Secondly, we are asking for GOD'S favor upon our insurance company as Dr. Nademmanee, Rick's doctor at CITY OF HOPE, submits request for authorization for HLA A/B Blood Type testing for Rick's twin brother, Mike. This test is crucial in matching for Rick's stem cell transplant. Dr. Nade has been so great in communicating with us and submitted a request back in May, with no result. Please pray that our insurance (Blue Cross HMO) is responsive and agreeable in processing and authorizing this request for Mike and Rick's HLA blood type testing.

Always praying in the perfect will of our Sovereign GOD, thank you my dear loved ones.

Have a beautiful day.

Life & peace in waiting..
Dana

“The strong desire to magnify God is acceptable to Him and is an indication of spiritual health. It is certain, in the long run, to bring blessing to our own souls and I have frequently noticed that when we earnestly desire to do something special for the Lord, He generally does something for
us very much of the same kind.”

—Charles Spurgeon

How I am doing is so much more than me personally.

Good morning everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to take a moment and actually put into some words what I believe the Lord is putting on my heart to share with you. I am so blessed to have each and everyone one of you in my life. I continue to be amazed by The Lord’s work and hand in all of this. I was speaking last night with Dana and Kyra about some of my mental struggles the last few days and telling them I have been under some pretty harsh spiritual attack. I wanted to share with them as they are always here and are first to see all the changes happening in me.

The Lord has blessed me with unbelievable strength from the very beginning of the first blood test until this second round of Chemo. I believe it began Friday while I was still in the hospital that I started to feel resentful, irritated and just plain tired of being pricked, poked and prodded not mention the other things. I know this is a battle but I was still under the assumption my strength comes from The Lord and myself (really Lange, when it comes to me being a source of strength, yeah right). After Dana, Kyra and I prayed last night for relief from this mentality and attack, The Lord gave me revelation through the words and eyes of my wife and daughter.

Here is the bottom line: This battle is his and I cannot win it without him (The Lord). I must submit my will to be his and allow him to fight this for me. My inherent nature is that I am tough, I am a man and can do this..Well, it became very obvious that it cannot happen without Him. I share this with you all because I remember in the inception of everything sitting in church before I even knew I had MCL that I would find all the strength I needed in him so I could be as strong as I needed but I needed to be diligent in seeking him: furthermore, I needed to be very transparent with all that I will go through with anyone that wanted to know or ask. (there have only been a few times where I really felt and heard the Lord speak clearly and this was one of those times and his instruction).

Moreover, I am so grateful for my wife Dana. She has in essence given up everything to be my caretaker. She does everything for me without hesitation or question and with the selfless heart of a true servant of The Lord. In looking at her last night, I realized, everyone asks about how I am doing yet so much of my mental, physical and spiritual well being is wrapped up and reaffirmed in my wife. Dana is constantly praying for our family and others, being a source of strength for all of us, reading the bible, handling all the wonderful calls from concerned friends and family, updating the Blog, sterilizing the house, etc…..Why did it take me so long to see this?

It says in Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. I know I have been given favor from the Lord for Dana. Proverbs was written be King Solomon who was given the gift of knowledge by the Lord to be the smartest man of his time and that of any man who will ever live or walk the earth.

In the end, How am I doing? As good as my wife and family. I am so blessed. Trials give you such light on the gifts you have been given.

Please pray for Dana to continue to be a light and source of strength and encouragement to all.
Please pray for my whole family(the girls, Mom, Dad, my brother and his family, Amber) to be continually immersed in the Lords love and peace.

Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and are doing on my behalf. It all means so much that each and every day I am humbled once again.



A blessed man,

Rick Lange

I Can't Contain My Joy!

I can't contain my joy! Although my eyes are a bit sleepy and a nap sounds real good as the last two weeks must be catching up with me, but, nonetheless, I truly cannot contain my joy! My body may be tired but, my heart is flying!

Rick had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood this morning. As we waited for his turn, I felt the struggle upon Rick, the daily poking and prodding, shots and blood tests had begun to weigh heavy on him. Since his release last Sunday, injections of Neupogen and CBC tests have been the daily agenda. Today, he just wasn't so game for it all. This is hard at times, and harder at others.

I thank GOD for Julianne, a very special nurse we have made friends with. She takes care of Rick most visits and she truly is a breath of fresh air! From our very first visit, we have had the opportunity to get to know her through the humor Rick immediately brought to the table. Her compassion and realness gives us peace and encouragement. Julianne continues to play an upbeat role in our time spent at Dr. M's office. We are truly blessed by her care and her heart.

Loving nurses make a difference. So, it wasn't long before Rick was back to his same silly self, taking life as it comes.

Our time with Dr. Mahmood went very well! He is very pleased with how Rick is coming along with all things considered. Today his WBC was 3,500 as compared to 10,000 yesterday, so Dr. M thought best to give Rick 1 injection of Neulasta instead of Neupogen the rest of the week, which helps assist growth of white cells and really give 'em a boost. After considering the results from the last Neulasta shot (his WBC sky-rocketed to 92,000 along with severe back pain), we were in agreement this would be best than to continue relying on Neupogen every day. This made Rick very happy!--no more shots this week.
(We are praying for the LORD to do His healing work in Rick's blood and body as well as protect him from severe bone pain.)

With 2 months under our belt, it was so AWESOME to hear Dr. Mahmood's reply after explaining to us Rick's Complete Blood Count (CBC). "...Looking at these numbers, you would never think he is a Mantle Cell patient..." With elated joy and immediacy, I said to Dr. M, "Can I hug you?!" What delight in receiving the good news of hope! What joy in celebrating victory!

Before Rick & I were taken back, we prayed together in the waiting room. I prayed the words from Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God tells us to pray to Him about everything, all the time, with gratitude, and He promises to give us His peace that is bigger than we are able to comprehend, and this peace of His will protect our minds & hearts in Christ! Yes!

So we receive with overwhelming joy and thanksgiving, the gifts of His promise. GOD'S peace is unmatchable! As we continue seeking comfort and strength from our precious LORD, Jesus, we receive His grace and miracles daily. Not an hour goes by that we aren't reminded of His great true love.

Our deepest gratitude to you for following us in this journey; for walking with us, fighting with us and believing with us. No soldier wins a battle alone. Your love is great!

We greatly appreciate your prayers for continued peace in our trial and strength to endure whatever GOD has layed out for Rick and our family. May He in His perfect timing and sovereign power, heal Rick completely. We also pray for you. May His love be with you all the more.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:14-21

May GOD bless you for your love.

Life & peace in Jesus,

Dana


What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.

"Just Today"

Good day friends and family,

I sit here listening through the walls of our upstairs loft, Rick in our home office on a conference call... "The world doesn't stop just 'cuz Rick Lange's gettin' chemo...." were his lighthearted words a few days ago while answering work emails from his laptop while visiting the "hotel"- in a suite this time, no less..

GOD in His usual, yet, always surprisingly amazing ways, afforded Rick an early release yesterday morning (Sunday) after 4 days of hard chemo and a day of blood transfusions. Again, we praised GOD Friday night after receiving Dr. Mahmood's update on Rick's progress. His body is reacting better than good to the treatments and his cell counts continue to show favorable results! Not to mention, Rick's side effects have been fairly manageable. Gathering from Dr. M, this is no small accomplishment; with smiles on his face each time we see him lately.. (I think Rick cracks him up.) Nevertheless, I can only speak from my "cup half full" perspective as I watch my husband, a man of long-suffering and inner strength, appearing to be coasting through this wild ride. Not so, in reality; yes, without question, the LORD is holding him up and fighting this hard battle for Rick- displaying heavenly miracles and sweet victories- however, I am honored to share in the other times just as well, when Rick is left to endure suffering during this challenging time, an honor not taken casually. Full surrender to any worthy cause comes towering risks unknown.

As I consider what it must be like for Rick, I am undone by the power of surrender he displays daily. My heart is eagerly inspired by his strength and trust in our LORD and it gives me great peace to live in today. Although nausea and fatigue may plaque with a vengeance, and a dim attack of depression occasionally trickles in, Rick doesn't let up in battling back.
It's interesting, being strong, having strength to fight..when one has little strength... 'Nor by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. May we continue to give glory where glory is truly due!

I read a most encouraging and heartwarming quote from George MacDonald today. He wrote, "We walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as He can get us able to take it in." ...as fast as He can get us able... Isn't it the truth that we become able when we become disabled? What better place to be than disabled in our Savior's presence?

So here we are, today, beginning recovery from trip two. In spite of his side effects, which thankfully are managed with medication, Rick is thrilled to be home. Needless to say, we are more than thrilled to have him home too! His appetite is coming back and he looks really good. He's scheduled everyday this week for Neupogen injections to boost his white blood cells and help prevent infection.

• Please pray for Rick, that GOD would continue to show him mercy and heal him completely!
• Please pray that GOD would bless Rick with abounding peace, joy, strength, and faith.
• Please pray that we would continue to live in today all for GOD'S glory.

We thank you so much for your constant in our lives. Your emails, messages and visits, generosity with dinners and especially those of you who are blood donors. Your concern, compassion, reaching out and just being there means more than we can say. Lastly, we know we are continually supplied through thousands who are praying for Rick and our family. All of these, a true expression of love, priceless and cherished, we are eternally grateful.
May GOD bless you for Love with Love.


Life & peace in Christ,

Dana

God's "Patient" Patient

Good morning everyone,

Today is day 5 in the hospital of Round One- Part B. I am feeling good and I have only really had to battle nausea which seems to be the consistent on this dosage of medications. Dr. Mahmood said that my progress is far better than he had expected. He is extremely happy with my neutriphils (heathly white cells) that are being produced and the rapid decline in the cancer cells. Thank You God!
I thought I might be able to go home today, considering I feel pretty good & the Methotrexate levels (chemo drug) in my liver are right where they need to be; however, since my hemoglobin levels are a little lower then they'd like, they are going to give me a couple of blood transfusions today.
I will also start on Neupregen shots tomorrow to boost WBC production.

Thank you so much for those of you who have donated blood on my behalf. Some of it will be used today. The doctors believe from here on out that I will need more transfusions as it will become necessary given what the first two parts of my treatment have accomplished along with what the next two will need to do. If you are "O" positive, please pray if it is something you are able to donate on my behalf. Please contact Dana.

I know the Lord is with me as He continues to be merciful in how many side effects He is battling for me each day. I believe the Lord is trying to teach me to be patient and wait on Him. Romans 15:5 says, "now may God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus." I need to constantly be reminded that everything is in His timing and not my own. Mainly, I am battling my mind on this issue. The Lord is extremely faithful and loving in teaching me to submit to His will. I always start out that way; however, it sure seems that I want to change it.

I am so encouraged by all your emails, visits and prayers. They keep me energized and focused on the Lord and the goal at hand. My family is a tremendous blessing and sense of strength as they are always here and I see the love of Christ in their eyes and faces. Please pray that the enemy stays at bay as I know he is on attack. But, he is a defeated foe and I am constantly reminded of our Lord's work and victory.

I would also ask for prayer for my family to continue to be immersed in God's love and peace and that I would have the battle heart of David.

I pray the Lord blesses you too, and your families this weekend. Enjoy everything around you as I definitely miss just simply being outside. It's funny that when things are temporarily removed from you, it's in those times you really miss and learn to appreciate how amazing they are.

Thank you again for everything you are doing on our behalf as I cannot thank you enough. Nothing goes unnoticed.


In His strength,

Gdsoldr

"..yet, with respect to the promise of GOD, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,.." Romans 4:20

ENTERING ARMED

Dearest family & friends,

With less than 2 days until Rick will be starting what they call 'Part B' of the Hyper-CVAD Chemo treatment, we certainly have reflected just how gracious the LORD has been thus far. Still with praises on our lips for His mercy and strength we embrace the journey for the week ahead with brave-hearted endurance as we look forward to God's healing authority in and through the doctors, medical staff, medicine and THE divine supernatural power of His Spirit.

It was so awesome to be able to go to church as a family this special day of Independence. Starting out our morning in honor of Freedom, our Nation's founding principles of humility, prayer and repentance caused me to think about how this relates to all areas of our life. In my own prideful, narrow irresponsibility, it is all too often easy to forget about the ONE who abundantly (and patiently) gifts me Freedom every single day. Thank You LORD.
Rick was very blessed to be prayed over for healing and anointed with oil by Pastor Phil, Pastor Craig and Darla. We covet all your payers!!

This Tuesday Rick will be started on new chemo meds that work in conjunction with what he was given in June; this will make the treatment a complete round. (Part A+B. August and September will repeat June and July.)

If you would be so kind as to keep Rick in prayer as he enters into the next phase of his cancer treatment, we would be ever so grateful.

• First and foremost, complete healing for Rick from MCL, in the LORD'S perfect timing and perfect will.
• Continued peace, strength, courage and hope in all things.
• God's Protection over our daughters and our home.
• We have had many opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ through this trial so far; we would be honored to be given many more.
• Freedom from any and all side-effects caused from chemo meds. (see below)
• Smooth and healthy recovery time after treatment, once home.
• Grace and peace to be yours through Christ Jesus.

We look forward to keeping in touch with you all that God will be doing in these next days and weeks. We hope to hear from you too. As always, your notes, emails, phone calls, texts and especially prayers are our life lines.


Walking by faith, not by sight, in the unmistakable peace of the Savior,


Dana


The following side effects are most common for patients taking cytarabine:

1. Risk for infection, anemia &/or bleeding due to low blood counts.

White & red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Mouth sores.
4. Blood test abnormalities: Increase in blood level of uric acid.

Allopurinol may be given to decrease these levels.
5. Increases in liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued.

These side effects are less common side effects of patients receiving cytarabine:

1. Diarrhea
2. Loss of appetite
3. Skin rash, redness and itching
4. Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, generalized aches and pains).
5. Pain, redness and skin peeling of the palms of hands and soles of feet.
6. Temporary hair loss or thinning.
7. Eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light & blurred vision.

(Often steroid drops or ointment are used to prevent or relieve this condition).
8. Dizziness, headache, excessive sleepiness, confusion, loss of balance may occur in up to 10% of patients receiving high dose therapy.

The following side effects are most common for patients taking methotrexate:

1. Risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding due to low blood counts.
White & red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.
2. Mouth sores.
3. Nausea and vomiting.
4. Poor appetite

These side effects are less common side effects of patients receiving methotrexate:

1. Kidney toxicity
2. Skin rash, reddening of the skin.
3. Diarrhea
4. Hair loss
5. Eye irritation (conjunctivitis).

I waited patiently for the Lord.

He turned to me and heard my cry for help.

He pulled me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and clay.

He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure.

He placed a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see this and worship. They will trust the Lord.

Blessed is the person who places his confidence in the Lord

and does not rely on arrogant people or those who follow lies.

You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God.

You have made many wonderful plans for us.

No one compares to you!

I will tell others about your miracles,

which are more than I can count.

Psalm 40 1-5