"Preparing for Big Things"

Rick checked in Friday, Nov. 5th, as planned, at City of Hope. It was a beautiful day. Skyler took off work and Kyra, school. The 4 of us spent a very special day together as Rick got adjusted to his new temporary home. We were very happy to find out that his transplant date has been moved to this FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12th! Mike started his Neuprogen shots today which will continue for 4 days. (These cause his white cells to mass produce.) Mike is scheduled to have his stem cells harvested Thurs. Nov. 11th.



Rick began chemo Friday night. He did fairly well through Saturday night. God was so good in protecting him with preventative drugs and lots of grace! Today, Sunday, he is very tired and suffering some nausea- obviously to be expected. However, we continue to pray hard that the LORD would continue to stand firm and fight for Rick against all side effects! We are also praying that God prepare Rick's body to receive Mike's stem cells on Friday, that He would graciously bless Rick and show Himself mightily through Rick by manifesting the stem cells quickly and efficiently into bone marrow and rapidly recover Rick's blood counts to healthy levels.



We believe God for all things, all peace, all grace, all hope and love; we know He can do anything--today, we are asking He will these things! BIG THINGS!

We trust the GOD of all creation, who created the heavens and the earth, who spoke the whole world into existence in just a breath. Nothing is too hard for Him.



I pray that you would be encouraged to open up your heart to God, to pray for your need. Please know, Rick and I pray for you constantly. May God bless your heart and your soul.



As we look forward to what tomorrow brings, we rest in today knowing that our lives, whether difficult or carefree, remain in the palm of His hand- for we are in Christ and Christ is in us.


Thank you all for your continued prayers, your love and sweet support. Every bit keeps our family going! Thanks to everyone who has generously donated whole blood and plan to donate platelets! Your gifts are amazing to us! We love you!



May you know the greatest love of all....JESUS CHRIST.



life & peace,

Dana

Rick says, "hi" from COH