"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