Rick is in remission! Bone marrow biopsy results are in! No more Mantle Cell! It's gone!! Hallelujah! Our GOD is so good!!! No words can describe the overwhelming joy of my heart to know, not only this most amazing news of my husband's healing, but what is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. How gracious and compassionate are His ways. O how He loves us. Thank You Jesus!
Our visit to City of Hope was hopeful, yet after blood draws and long discussions with Dr. Nademanee, Rick's Hematologist, who will oversee transplant, etc., and the case coordinator, Kia, we were left still waiting. As of this evening, the bone marrow biopsy lab report had still not been available. However, Dr. Nade held nothing back and optimistically proceeded with preparing us for, in fine detail, "next-steps" concerning ALL that is required for Rick and his twin brother, Mike, (stem cell donor) to prepare for the days and weeks to come. This was very exciting, and a little maddening, for me anyway. No biopsy result, no validation, and transplant plans just didn't make sense to me. ("Why are you gettin' my hopes up doc?...") For the first time since Rick's GP called back in February regarding his "high" white blood count, I hadn't felt this anxious. Rick was peaceful, suggesting that God wants us to relax and enjoy some peace. ("WHAT?! RELAX? How can I? I'm holding my breath??")
We arrived home after a long day. My heart would not rest. My anticipation turned into anxiety and my silent prayers quickly turned into sobbing pleas to the Lord. In my lap I read, "Hear my prayer, O LORD; Let my cry for help come to You. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress, turn Your ear to me; When I call answer me quickly." Ps. 102:1-2.
Rick took my hands. He praised God for His goodness, for His grace; he begged Him for comfort and healing and prayed for peace. Overwhelmed, my heart and my eyes wept.
I read on- "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, The LORD is compassionate and gracious." Ps. 103:1-4,8a. Yes. God is with us.
A few moments later Rick returned. Dr. Mahmood had left a message on his cell regarding the Bone Marrow Biopsy...he was very delighted by the results; No Mantle Cell in the Bone Marrow, all tests show negative to cancer....
As Rick played the message for me, I found myself with my face in my hands, now balling!!! "THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU GOD!" I threw my arms around Rick and kissed him and then....they lived happily ever after!
Kinda....
Kia, our case worker will follow up as she has already begun paperwork, so the ball is rolling! "Tentatively", pre-transplant treatment for Rick is to start October 18.
Many new things to begin to pray for as we go through the process.
First, we thank God for His love and faithfulness, for His Precious Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for you! Thank you for standing by us, praying with us and believing God for miracles! We thank God for Dr. Mahmood, his staff, St. Joseph's Oncology, Dr. Nade & City of Hope. We thank God for our loving parents, our sisters and brothers, precious nieces & nephews and family alike; our caring neighbors & friends; our beautiful, enduring daughters and our beloved church home, CCEA. We thank God for every prayer petitioned on Rick's (our family's)behalf; we thank God for how this has strengthened us and continues to show us How much He loves us; we are overwhelmingly humbled, forever changed--by His Grace. We love you all.
*We ask that as you pray for Rick, please pray for Mike as they both prepare.
*We ask God for His strength. Peace. To keep our eyes on Him.
*We pray for smooth transitions with all insurance transactions for Rick & Mike.
*We pray that all appointments are set according to God's perfect timing.
*We pray that Rick & Mike stay healthy and free from all colds, flu, infections- that God would prepare their bodies for all examinations, tests & transplant procedures.
BLESS GOD!
Dana
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
"GOD'S WILL BE DONE"
Hi Everyone,
Yet again, thank you for all your prayers, visits, calls, emails, and those of you who donated to and participated in The Leukemia Lymphoma Society's LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK for those battling blood cancers. With your efforts & contributions, TeamRICK raised over $7,400! CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks be to God. I am so touched by all the support, that sometimes it seems so unreal that I am the one who is being supported and lifted up.
After my trying week last week, I had my bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday. The Lord was so faithful and gave me as little pain as probable. We now have scheduled an appointment with Dr. Nademanee at City of Hope who will be doing the Stem Cell Transplant. Dr. Mahmood tells us that she will be making all the decisions from here. This appointment will be to review the bone marrow slides with Dr. Nademanee and get her assessment of how the chemo treatment has gone in fighting the Mantle Cell. In our discussion with Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Nademanee, we can expect one of two things to happen:
1. She will review the biopsy slides, and (even if) cancer free, she may decide that I need additional round of chemo (both A and B) and then do the Stem Cell Transplant.
OR
2. She will review the biopsy slides, which will reveal that I am cancer free and decide to move forward with the Stem Cell Transplant (My prayer is obviously for this option).
My family and I are praying for complete healing and that we can just proceed with the transplant; however, if that’s not God’s will and I need 2 more sessions of chemo then that’s what I will have to do. The Lord has given me fortitude and obedience with either. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want any more chemo but it’s not always about what I think I need. I know part of this battle is about being a light to others during difficult times and I pray for His strength and peace. I can’t believe I have already undergone 4 hard core chemo sessions and I feel blessed to feel the way I do. At times, as I tell Dana, I look in the mirror and I see my bald head and partial eyebrows and it becomes real to me again; on the other hand, when I am in the hospital, I see so much pain and suffering from others undergoing treatment and fear in their family's eyes that I realize how blessed I am.
When I was getting sober, my counselor told me often, "....you have two options, 'life sucks' and 'life really sucks'...". Back then, I really could get my arms around that philosophy. Now, however, since I have been walking with the Lord, He has shown me what a gift life really is and bitterness is a choice. We have trials and they bring us closer to Him and give us greater compassion and love for others. This is what I am learning through this process and the fire is melting away the judgmental and angry pieces of my heart. So, I am thankful to be where I am at today, living in today.
Please keep us in your prayers and know that we covet each and every one of them. I may be the soldier in this but I am nothing without my weapons and Armor. Know that all of your prayers provide that for me. I pray that you will be touched by the Lord’s indescribable peace and joy.
Thank you again.
Rick
A special "thank you" to CarolAnn Monahan for so thoughtfully heading up TeamRICK & to Dave & Corrina Foxx @ SPECIAL T's for generously donating team shirts to the LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK. God bless you!
Yet again, thank you for all your prayers, visits, calls, emails, and those of you who donated to and participated in The Leukemia Lymphoma Society's LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK for those battling blood cancers. With your efforts & contributions, TeamRICK raised over $7,400! CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks be to God. I am so touched by all the support, that sometimes it seems so unreal that I am the one who is being supported and lifted up.
After my trying week last week, I had my bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday. The Lord was so faithful and gave me as little pain as probable. We now have scheduled an appointment with Dr. Nademanee at City of Hope who will be doing the Stem Cell Transplant. Dr. Mahmood tells us that she will be making all the decisions from here. This appointment will be to review the bone marrow slides with Dr. Nademanee and get her assessment of how the chemo treatment has gone in fighting the Mantle Cell. In our discussion with Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Nademanee, we can expect one of two things to happen:
1. She will review the biopsy slides, and (even if) cancer free, she may decide that I need additional round of chemo (both A and B) and then do the Stem Cell Transplant.
OR
2. She will review the biopsy slides, which will reveal that I am cancer free and decide to move forward with the Stem Cell Transplant (My prayer is obviously for this option).
My family and I are praying for complete healing and that we can just proceed with the transplant; however, if that’s not God’s will and I need 2 more sessions of chemo then that’s what I will have to do. The Lord has given me fortitude and obedience with either. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want any more chemo but it’s not always about what I think I need. I know part of this battle is about being a light to others during difficult times and I pray for His strength and peace. I can’t believe I have already undergone 4 hard core chemo sessions and I feel blessed to feel the way I do. At times, as I tell Dana, I look in the mirror and I see my bald head and partial eyebrows and it becomes real to me again; on the other hand, when I am in the hospital, I see so much pain and suffering from others undergoing treatment and fear in their family's eyes that I realize how blessed I am.
When I was getting sober, my counselor told me often, "....you have two options, 'life sucks' and 'life really sucks'...". Back then, I really could get my arms around that philosophy. Now, however, since I have been walking with the Lord, He has shown me what a gift life really is and bitterness is a choice. We have trials and they bring us closer to Him and give us greater compassion and love for others. This is what I am learning through this process and the fire is melting away the judgmental and angry pieces of my heart. So, I am thankful to be where I am at today, living in today.
Please keep us in your prayers and know that we covet each and every one of them. I may be the soldier in this but I am nothing without my weapons and Armor. Know that all of your prayers provide that for me. I pray that you will be touched by the Lord’s indescribable peace and joy.
Thank you again.
Rick
A special "thank you" to CarolAnn Monahan for so thoughtfully heading up TeamRICK & to Dave & Corrina Foxx @ SPECIAL T's for generously donating team shirts to the LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK. God bless you!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
"His mercies are new every morning..."
Hello dear family & friends,
Rick was released from the hospital today at 12:15pm! Praise God! The Acyclovir was the evil culprit. Once his dosage was discontinued his headaches came to a halt and his vitals have all returned to perfect. WOW! What a crazy last few days...but, today is a new day and Rick is happily redeeming hours of restful sleep in his own bed.
Thank you for your continued prayers and love! We don't know how we'd get through this without God's generous love and grace. We love you.
Dana
Rick was released from the hospital today at 12:15pm! Praise God! The Acyclovir was the evil culprit. Once his dosage was discontinued his headaches came to a halt and his vitals have all returned to perfect. WOW! What a crazy last few days...but, today is a new day and Rick is happily redeeming hours of restful sleep in his own bed.
Thank you for your continued prayers and love! We don't know how we'd get through this without God's generous love and grace. We love you.
Dana
"Waiting on the LORD"
9.18.10
It's Saturday night. Rick (and I) are still here at the hospital. It'sbeen another long, busy day. Blood test cultures are still NEGATIVE, CT Scan NEGATIVE. Rick was accessed by neurologist due to headaches and dermatologist for his skin rash. At the end of the day, adjustments have been made to his meds which should relieve headaches and he is being closely monitored for any reoccurring symptoms that may pop up. The dermatologist confirmed Rick does not have shingles, although the rash is now in it's healing stage. His white cell count is still too high as of tonight- this they are watching to go done too.
*We continue to pray for total relief of headaches for Rick, that if there is ANY infection at all, that the doctors & nurses would begiven divine wisdom and discernment in discovering and treating Rick.
*We also ask God for His constant peace, trust in knowing He is in control, grace and mercy. (It is so comforting to rest in this placeof unknowing, yet, knowing it's all going to be OK. Rick is trulydoing good. Thank you for praying peace! Keep 'em coming!!)
*May God's will be for Rick to be healthy and prepared for Tuesday's bone marrow biopsy.
A deep heart-felt thanks to Jeanne & our daughters and to those of you who so graciously gathered to pray at our home today for Rick and our family while we were here at St. Joes. We are humbly grateful. Thanks to all of you for your constant support, love & prayers.
We certainly feel it!
Life & peace,
Dana
It's Saturday night. Rick (and I) are still here at the hospital. It'sbeen another long, busy day. Blood test cultures are still NEGATIVE, CT Scan NEGATIVE. Rick was accessed by neurologist due to headaches and dermatologist for his skin rash. At the end of the day, adjustments have been made to his meds which should relieve headaches and he is being closely monitored for any reoccurring symptoms that may pop up. The dermatologist confirmed Rick does not have shingles, although the rash is now in it's healing stage. His white cell count is still too high as of tonight- this they are watching to go done too.
*We continue to pray for total relief of headaches for Rick, that if there is ANY infection at all, that the doctors & nurses would begiven divine wisdom and discernment in discovering and treating Rick.
*We also ask God for His constant peace, trust in knowing He is in control, grace and mercy. (It is so comforting to rest in this placeof unknowing, yet, knowing it's all going to be OK. Rick is trulydoing good. Thank you for praying peace! Keep 'em coming!!)
*May God's will be for Rick to be healthy and prepared for Tuesday's bone marrow biopsy.
A deep heart-felt thanks to Jeanne & our daughters and to those of you who so graciously gathered to pray at our home today for Rick and our family while we were here at St. Joes. We are humbly grateful. Thanks to all of you for your constant support, love & prayers.
We certainly feel it!
Life & peace,
Dana
"PRAYING AGAINST INFECTION"
9.17.10
Hello everyone~
Yesterday Rick & I went to ER for a fever he developed of 101.4 in the late morning. Praise God!, at the time we were processing paperwork, his fever broke. To make a veeerrrrryy long day and story short, theER doctor ordered lots of blood tests and cultures to check for infection. Rick was admitted last night to the oncology floor, receiving antibiotic drip as a precaution. Now awaiting culture results and a visit from Dr. Mahmood to hopefully determine "why fever?" Rick feels fine; has felt fine since his fever broke yesterday about 1pm. I love my husband so much and his patient surrender to all that has and continues to go on. This comes to mind: "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Jm. 4:6. Yesterday was draining, however we continued to keep each other laughing and joking. Yes, he was bummed, who wants to "sleep-over" at St. Joes? But, the Lord quickly answered our call and grace provided grace.
We would be so grateful if you would pray for NO INFECTION. Pray for continued peace and grace & all healing! Thank you so much for following us on this very unpredictable journey. Life is so worth living no matter where He puts us. Nevertheless, I can laugh at the days to come, because our GOD is Sovereign, Good, and The Lover of our Souls! AMEN!
Peace to all,
Dana
Hello everyone~
Yesterday Rick & I went to ER for a fever he developed of 101.4 in the late morning. Praise God!, at the time we were processing paperwork, his fever broke. To make a veeerrrrryy long day and story short, theER doctor ordered lots of blood tests and cultures to check for infection. Rick was admitted last night to the oncology floor, receiving antibiotic drip as a precaution. Now awaiting culture results and a visit from Dr. Mahmood to hopefully determine "why fever?" Rick feels fine; has felt fine since his fever broke yesterday about 1pm. I love my husband so much and his patient surrender to all that has and continues to go on. This comes to mind: "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Jm. 4:6. Yesterday was draining, however we continued to keep each other laughing and joking. Yes, he was bummed, who wants to "sleep-over" at St. Joes? But, the Lord quickly answered our call and grace provided grace.
We would be so grateful if you would pray for NO INFECTION. Pray for continued peace and grace & all healing! Thank you so much for following us on this very unpredictable journey. Life is so worth living no matter where He puts us. Nevertheless, I can laugh at the days to come, because our GOD is Sovereign, Good, and The Lover of our Souls! AMEN!
Peace to all,
Dana
"NO SHINGLES!"
9.14.10
Thank God! No shingles!
Today Rick's skin rash appears to be clearing up! His visit to the oncologist yesterday verified that he does not have shingles. The doctor doubled the dosage of Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, which seems to be working; however, side effects of dizziness and nausea are hitting him pretty hard. He is to see a dermatologist too. Skin rash, chemo and a compromised immune system tend to go hand in hand.
Rick's white cell count read good, (a little high: Neulasta shot, pain in hips) but, his platelet count and hemoglobin level are low. He is ordered to go back for another blood draw tomorrow (Wednesday) to check CBC levels again. Watching as to whether a blood and/or platelet transfusion is necessary. Bone marrow biopsy next Tuesday.
We countinue to thank the Lord for what He allows. As Rick and I talk about these things we quickly realize how gracious and merciful God is in this season of our life. It is hard at times, no doubt, but God continues in His lovingkindness, to provide sufficiency for Rick's needs, for each of our needs, both great and small, to endure and to persevere. His peace is a wide, cozy blanket that keeps our family content and the hope of Christ is our surrender.
Thank you for continuing in faith along side us, praying for Rick's healing, strength, and our peace. We know God carries us through your petitions.
Please write to us as we would be honored to pray for you too, for itis in God that all good gifts are given and all needs are met.
"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Look at thebirds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather intobarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth muchmore than they?" Ps. 147:3, Matt. 6:26.
Peace & life, in Christ~
Dana
Thank God! No shingles!
Today Rick's skin rash appears to be clearing up! His visit to the oncologist yesterday verified that he does not have shingles. The doctor doubled the dosage of Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, which seems to be working; however, side effects of dizziness and nausea are hitting him pretty hard. He is to see a dermatologist too. Skin rash, chemo and a compromised immune system tend to go hand in hand.
Rick's white cell count read good, (a little high: Neulasta shot, pain in hips) but, his platelet count and hemoglobin level are low. He is ordered to go back for another blood draw tomorrow (Wednesday) to check CBC levels again. Watching as to whether a blood and/or platelet transfusion is necessary. Bone marrow biopsy next Tuesday.
We countinue to thank the Lord for what He allows. As Rick and I talk about these things we quickly realize how gracious and merciful God is in this season of our life. It is hard at times, no doubt, but God continues in His lovingkindness, to provide sufficiency for Rick's needs, for each of our needs, both great and small, to endure and to persevere. His peace is a wide, cozy blanket that keeps our family content and the hope of Christ is our surrender.
Thank you for continuing in faith along side us, praying for Rick's healing, strength, and our peace. We know God carries us through your petitions.
Please write to us as we would be honored to pray for you too, for itis in God that all good gifts are given and all needs are met.
"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Look at thebirds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather intobarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth muchmore than they?" Ps. 147:3, Matt. 6:26.
Peace & life, in Christ~
Dana
"PLATELETS DOUBLED"
9.15.10
Platelets doubled and white blood cells off the chart!
Rick's blood draw today was an answer to prayer! His red counts are up and platelets have recovered, however, his WBC has once again done the crazy "Six Million Dollar Man" thing... his number was so high, unable to register, which explains the return of the relentless pain in his hips and shoulders. But, GOD is good! No transfusion. Also, Rick's CBC shows OUTSTANDING results with healthy cells vs. cancer cells!! His rash continues to improve day by day. Hallelujah!
Thank you so much for your prayers and your emails. We are deeply encouraged and grateful!
Taking one day at a time. God bless.
With Love,
Dana & Rick
Platelets doubled and white blood cells off the chart!
Rick's blood draw today was an answer to prayer! His red counts are up and platelets have recovered, however, his WBC has once again done the crazy "Six Million Dollar Man" thing... his number was so high, unable to register, which explains the return of the relentless pain in his hips and shoulders. But, GOD is good! No transfusion. Also, Rick's CBC shows OUTSTANDING results with healthy cells vs. cancer cells!! His rash continues to improve day by day. Hallelujah!
Thank you so much for your prayers and your emails. We are deeply encouraged and grateful!
Taking one day at a time. God bless.
With Love,
Dana & Rick
"Energy, Appetite & Rash"
9.13.10
Hello All,
A brief update: Rick is doing great! Energy up, appetite good. However, he is headed to the doctor today for a rash that hasprogressively gotten worse. It appeared about a month ago, very minor-Dr. M put Rick on medication. Since his last treatment of Methotrexate the rash has bloomed, covering his thighs and torso. It may be shingles, although he has no pain. Chemo, along with a low immune system tends to trigger skin rashes. We are praying for godly wisdom and proper treatment for this annoying rash, that Dr. Tran who is seeing Rick today, will manage Rick's care concisely and effectively. We are also praying that Rick's CBC is healthy today.
Thanks to all of you for you prayers, love and support!
God's peace and hope is with us.
Dana
Hello All,
A brief update: Rick is doing great! Energy up, appetite good. However, he is headed to the doctor today for a rash that hasprogressively gotten worse. It appeared about a month ago, very minor-Dr. M put Rick on medication. Since his last treatment of Methotrexate the rash has bloomed, covering his thighs and torso. It may be shingles, although he has no pain. Chemo, along with a low immune system tends to trigger skin rashes. We are praying for godly wisdom and proper treatment for this annoying rash, that Dr. Tran who is seeing Rick today, will manage Rick's care concisely and effectively. We are also praying that Rick's CBC is healthy today.
Thanks to all of you for you prayers, love and support!
God's peace and hope is with us.
Dana
Sunday, September 5, 2010
"HE INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK"
Rick's 4th Round now complete. As I write this update on a cool, relaxing Sunday evening with Rick lying on the couch next to me, he has been home now for more than a day! I couldn't believe it when he called me at 10AM Saturday and said with total excitement, "You can come pick me up, they're letting me go....all my counts are good and my Methotrexate levels are perfect!!!" WHAT? It was like my birthday! Or maybe Rick's?!..God gave us an unexpected gift! One less day at the hospital!!! (Do you have any idea what this means?) Needless to say, the girls and I were so excited! Kyra and I met Rick and got him checked out. On our way home we stopped for Togo's where Rick had a sandwich and chips. (Again, do you have any idea what this means??- for him to even want to eat at this point is just amazing!) We got home where he followed up with a special heart-felt greeting from Lola and then a long nap; Important. Dinner, a rootbeer float; Vital.
He slept pretty decent last night. Today has been a bit more of a struggle to [want] to eat, but he's trying. Taking lots of naps. Rick sees Dr. Mahmood on Tuesday.
As I write "Thank You so Much" for your prayers and loving support, in my heart it does no justice to their impact and power that has moved mightly to strengthen Rick (and our family)this past week. God has shown Himself ever so mercifully in Rick's treatment and the grace He has provided is awesome. The LORD, Jesus Christ, in His faithfulness, compassion and love surely met Rick more than half way, fighting on his behalf. Thank You Savior! We love You LORD, because You tell us to cry out to You when we are weary & weak and You increase our power and strength. Amen. (Isaiah 40:29).
We look forward to September 21st, when Rick will have a Bone Marrow Biospy to determine whether he will need further chemo or not. We are praying hard that God has removed it all-
Please pray with us in asking God for His perfect will over Rick in this.
Thank you again for your lovingkindness, the supportive ways that show you care. We can't express enough how it causes each of us to strive with courage, hope and peace.
We love you.
Life & Peace in Christ~
Dana for Rick, Skyler & Kyra
He slept pretty decent last night. Today has been a bit more of a struggle to [want] to eat, but he's trying. Taking lots of naps. Rick sees Dr. Mahmood on Tuesday.
As I write "Thank You so Much" for your prayers and loving support, in my heart it does no justice to their impact and power that has moved mightly to strengthen Rick (and our family)this past week. God has shown Himself ever so mercifully in Rick's treatment and the grace He has provided is awesome. The LORD, Jesus Christ, in His faithfulness, compassion and love surely met Rick more than half way, fighting on his behalf. Thank You Savior! We love You LORD, because You tell us to cry out to You when we are weary & weak and You increase our power and strength. Amen. (Isaiah 40:29).
We look forward to September 21st, when Rick will have a Bone Marrow Biospy to determine whether he will need further chemo or not. We are praying hard that God has removed it all-
Please pray with us in asking God for His perfect will over Rick in this.
Thank you again for your lovingkindness, the supportive ways that show you care. We can't express enough how it causes each of us to strive with courage, hope and peace.
We love you.
Life & Peace in Christ~
Dana for Rick, Skyler & Kyra
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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