We're Finally Here...

Hello Everyone!

We are so excited to say that the time is finally upon us....the home stretch...the wrap up...the finish line. Lately, Rick and I talk alot about the last 5-6 months; a half year- WOW! We both agree, it honesty hasn't felt that long. So, now we face 30 days of combined treatment, transplant, and recovery. This is truly unbelieveble! We often reflect on all that God has done in bringing us down this hard rode. From the umbrella of peace that covers our days to allowing Rick's body to comply and recover through every treatment quickly and successfully. So many answered prayer!! We continue to trust in His divine plan and are confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in Rick will complete it until the day of Christ's return. I am also deeply grateful to share in this journey with Rick, as many of you have mentioned..to watch the miracles and beauty revealed in affliction only deepens my love for Rick and my faith and hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ. (May our next "30 days"go as quickly as the last 6 months....)

Rick checks in this FRIDAY, NOV. 5th. For 7 days he will be treated with chemotherapy. We are told this treatment round is harder than he's received. We are praying diligently for GOD to show himself strong and stand in the gap for Rick. We are asking for NO SIDE EFFECTS! We know He is able, so we're praying He will do it!

After chemo Rick will recover for 3 days. He will receive Mike's stem cells on NOV. 16th. We are praying for a successful transplant! No complications or disease/illness/reactions. We also pray for Mike, as the harvesting of his stem cells will be done on Nov.15th & possibly the 16th, if needed.

Following transplant, Rick will be in recovery for about 3 weeks. His release date will be Dec. 7. We ask the Lord that He bless Rick with a swift and easy recovery. We pray that God commands Rick's body and his 'new' stem cells to produce all necessary for a new immune system, thriving health and a long and abundant life.

We pray for contined peace. God tells us this in Isaiah 26: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. LORD, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us." (v.6, 12)

We pray for you. May God bless you, keep you and fill you with His love and goodness. May you know His Son JesusChrist, who died for you, and now lives for you, in a deeper way today. "Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37:3-6)

Lastly, thanks to all who have so generously donated blood on Rick's behalf. For those who wish to donate platelets: We were told today that Rick will need platelets on Nov. 20. If you plan to donate, please keep in mind platelets can only be held for Rick for 5 days.

Thank you all so much for your generous love, prayers and giving. We are truly a blessed family. We are eternally grateful for you.

Life & peace in Christ,
Dana