"Day 12"

With anticipation, I approach Rick's hospital room this morning. I glance through the thick glass, before entering the anteroom to wash up and put on a pair gloves and a mask. I watch Rick. He is standing at the window. His back is to me, looking out. As I notice him there, I am overcome by many unexpected emotions. I pause a few precious moments before entering.

The last few days have been pretty tough on him. His blood counts have continued to drop, as expected. Today his WBC is .500; his Red Blood Cells and his platelets are hanging on. He is being medicated as needed for his nausea and he actually has an appetite. However, COH "low bacteria" meals are not what he has in mind. No outside food either. So, for now, his main meals come from a yellow Gatorade-looking bag fed through IV.

Dr.Nade (and other doctors) continue to monitor Rick's numbers and progress. They are pleased so far as nothing out of the ordinary has needed to be addressed. Such an answer to prayer!

Rick, however, is struggling from lots of anxiety. Not the typical anxiety. This is produced as one of the side effects of chemo, and possibly other drugs he is being given. In some patients, especially those who are "outdoors people" really battle hard with this kind of mental/physical anxiety. When it hits, the nausea quickly follows. It's really hard to juggle, in Rick's case, with proper med combinations. It's been a little trial and error. He saw the Clinical Psychiatrist today for assessment. This was very helpful in getting him in the right direction towards relief. Thank God!

As of yesterday, he is now confined to his room. Until his WBC comes back up, hallway strolls and 6th floor lobby field trips are off limits. Praise God, this shouldn't be long...he will begin Neuprogen injections tomorrow through the next 7-10 days. This will boost his WBC and immune system.

We can't thank you enough for your prayers, your phone messages, texts and cards, your blood and platelet donations and your love. All of these, your heart, your words, your time, carry Rick and our family through each day.....12 days and counting. As we continually reflect on the victories God has given us thus far, may you see that our victories are yours too. We are humbly honored and blessed to have so many standing with us. Let us rejoice!

We would be so grateful if you would please continue to pray for Rick~
Pray for discernment for Dr. Nade, the entire medical team and proper medications to be administered according to Rick's personal needs.
Please pray that each new day brings new mercies and great miracles in Rick's complete healing and recovery-- ALL TO THE PRAISES OF JESUS!
Please pray for Christ to protect Rick- mind, body and spirit.

It was a very tender time visiting with Rick today. He look fantastic! It will be an even sweeter time when he is back home.
We continue to consider it all joy, when we face trials of many kinds, and we are confident that the testing of our faith is producing in us perseverance. As we continue to grow more dependent on God the Father, in our Lord Jesus Christ and more in love with each other, we see our endurance bearing its perfect result.

Grace & peace to you~Dana