Half way through Day 4, which is technically Day 3 by the doctor's standard. (Tuesday was 'Day 0'; a day of prepping known as immuno-therapy) Rick is doing really great!--considering. Dr. Tran was in last night for Dr. Mahmood and told Rick that he has already gained the reputation of a very good patient. Rick loved hearing this, especially since he has been putting in the time. His "workouts" have not stopped and he has actually increased his walking today. I catch myself referring to Rick being at the hospital, by mistakenly calling it 'the hotel'..OK, they both start with -H-. but, honestly, the staff and care is that of a hotel, and in some ways even better. Rick has room service! He has the option of ordering whatever he would like to eat from a three page menu, when he is hungry. (And as much as he wants..) A nice perk for being on the cancer floor.
By God's grace, lots of prayer and anti-nausea meds, Rick is handling the chemo pretty well. He's actually gettin' HUGE during his stay at 'the hotel'. Weeks ago, Dr. Mahmood told Rick that he'd like to see him put on 10 lbs. before he starts treatment--due to loss of appetite, vomiting, etc. He wanted Rick to have some to lose. Well, as of today, my fighter is 13 lbs. heavier than Tuesday! Rick and I had to laugh...hey, nothing like a little steroid, a couple of double cheese burgers, a few milk shakes, some chocolate chip cookies, daily IV fluids, and water retention won't do. Today, the nurse does have him on Lasix to help relieve the water retention.
I asked Rick yesterday if he thought before starting this process, that he would feel the way he does now? He said he anticipated to feel much worse. This is so good to hear. And even better to see; although I remember a nurse telling me the patient has the hardest time once they leave the hospital..."What kinda 'hotel' is this?" Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?... (note: I am 1/2 joking in my mind.., and asking GOD to go easy on Rick.)
He looks GREAT too! He just doesn't look sick. I thank GOD for his generous mercy today.
We constantly meet incredible people at 'the hotel'. All the nurses are so compassionate and eager to help.
This is so wonderful. One of Rick's nurses, Pam, shared her faith in Jesus Christ with us. We had the opportunity to talk alot about the LORD and to pray with her. Another assistant, Yolanda, opened up to us about how she just recently came to a real relationship with GOD. Her testimony was so beautiful and it truly blessed Rick and I. We were also honored to pray with her. Our clinical social worker, Suzanne, is so wonderful and helpful, also a believer, just blessed our day yesterday too.
Rick and I agree that he is right where GOD wants him, in spite of what we may have thought. HIS comfort is priceless.
We continue to ask GOD, boldly, that He remove all cancer from Rick's body, that HE would choose to heal Rick completely. We pray for Rick's peace, strength and health through this fight. We pray for the LORD to command the doctors, nurses and medicine to do good by Rick.
On another note, some of you have asked how I and the girls are holding up. I thank you so much for your acknowledgement and concern. Your support and love, and especially your prayers, that I feel carrying me through GOD'S power, mean more than we can say. I can't put into words the peace I have, but I do know where it comes from.
I am eternally grateful for your faithfulness in believing, in hoping, in doing and in loving.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Life and peace~
Dana
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, For in Yaweh, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, For in Yaweh, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
Ex. 33:14; Is.26:3-4
6.10.10
Good Morning...
Praises be to GOD for another day. Yesterday was a good day. Rick's body was strong in overcoming possible side effects of the most recently added cocktails. THANK YOU JESUS!
His two biggest obstacles so far are constant hiccups (nurse Josie showed us a great trick that cures those babies!) and feeling pretty tired from lack of sleep (and not being able to fall asleep)---Dr. Mahmood told us that the steriod will do this. So a little sleeping pill, alotta prayer and [some] quiet, Rick was able to get sleep last night. I was so happy to hear him snoring. Music to my ears! As I write this he is asleep again...lots of zzz's to catch up on. Yesterday, he ate well and walked 2- 3 miles around the wing.
These next three days are generally the hardest in terms of the type of chemo drugs Rick is receiving. His immune system will be compromised more so as his white blood cells will begin to drop. With this in mind we were advised by Dr. Mahmood that visits from family and friends should be very limited during treatment because of potential germs and bacteria, as well as Rick needing as much rest as he can get. Rick is extremely grateful for all your encouragement, love and support through your phone messages and emails and texts. During these next days, the best way to follow his progress is by checking his blog and email updates.
ENERGY CONSERVATION: Rick really needs to focus on saving his energy for this battle. Please know that your calls and texts do not go unnoticed and your prayers are the best and most generous gift!
We look forward to another peaceful day, asking GOD to do all things well in and through Rick and that by His grace He would heal Rick, all for Jesus' Name sake.
With much love & gratitude,
Dana
Praises be to GOD for another day. Yesterday was a good day. Rick's body was strong in overcoming possible side effects of the most recently added cocktails. THANK YOU JESUS!
His two biggest obstacles so far are constant hiccups (nurse Josie showed us a great trick that cures those babies!) and feeling pretty tired from lack of sleep (and not being able to fall asleep)---Dr. Mahmood told us that the steriod will do this. So a little sleeping pill, alotta prayer and [some] quiet, Rick was able to get sleep last night. I was so happy to hear him snoring. Music to my ears! As I write this he is asleep again...lots of zzz's to catch up on. Yesterday, he ate well and walked 2- 3 miles around the wing.
These next three days are generally the hardest in terms of the type of chemo drugs Rick is receiving. His immune system will be compromised more so as his white blood cells will begin to drop. With this in mind we were advised by Dr. Mahmood that visits from family and friends should be very limited during treatment because of potential germs and bacteria, as well as Rick needing as much rest as he can get. Rick is extremely grateful for all your encouragement, love and support through your phone messages and emails and texts. During these next days, the best way to follow his progress is by checking his blog and email updates.
ENERGY CONSERVATION: Rick really needs to focus on saving his energy for this battle. Please know that your calls and texts do not go unnoticed and your prayers are the best and most generous gift!
We look forward to another peaceful day, asking GOD to do all things well in and through Rick and that by His grace He would heal Rick, all for Jesus' Name sake.
With much love & gratitude,
Dana
Rick invites you to leave a comment, or if you prefer you can send him a note of encouragement via text.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rick's 1st Day
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!"
PSALM 103:2-5
The LORD has been so good to us! Yes, may we never forget the good things He does!
Authorizations, paperwork and details have fallen into place as we had asked for. Thank you so much for praying with us, as GOD is continually faithful and always on perfect time.
We checked into the hospital this morning and everything has gone quite well. The nurses and medical staff are so wonderful and kind to Rick and, of course, he continues to make friends with almost everyone he meets. This makes for such comfort and joy.
By 3:30p Rick was prepped and ready for the first therapy treatment via IV drip (pic line). We were warned that this particular chemo drug causes possible chills and shakes, fever, dizziness, headache, sweats, nausea, vomiting. Rick is suffering very little side effects so far. Praise GOD! Rick enjoyed a juicy double cheese burger and a strawberry shake for dinner while watching the 'game' (boo-hoo..). Rick was very blessed by visits with his girls, parents, my mom, and his Agape group from church this evening, as well as the numerous texts and phone messages we have received today. Your love, encouragement and prayers carry us, honestly!
Dr. Mahmmod was by a bit earlier and said things are going as planned. Good news.
Tonight, we pray that Rick is given a peaceful night sleep. We pray that GOD continues to protect him and heal him, providing all things that he needs, loving him personally and perfectly. I also pray for you, that Jesus bless you, the way He continues to bless us- with His love.
With love, peace & abundant gratitude~
Dana, Skyler & Kyra
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!"
PSALM 103:2-5
The LORD has been so good to us! Yes, may we never forget the good things He does!
Authorizations, paperwork and details have fallen into place as we had asked for. Thank you so much for praying with us, as GOD is continually faithful and always on perfect time.
We checked into the hospital this morning and everything has gone quite well. The nurses and medical staff are so wonderful and kind to Rick and, of course, he continues to make friends with almost everyone he meets. This makes for such comfort and joy.
By 3:30p Rick was prepped and ready for the first therapy treatment via IV drip (pic line). We were warned that this particular chemo drug causes possible chills and shakes, fever, dizziness, headache, sweats, nausea, vomiting. Rick is suffering very little side effects so far. Praise GOD! Rick enjoyed a juicy double cheese burger and a strawberry shake for dinner while watching the 'game' (boo-hoo..). Rick was very blessed by visits with his girls, parents, my mom, and his Agape group from church this evening, as well as the numerous texts and phone messages we have received today. Your love, encouragement and prayers carry us, honestly!
Dr. Mahmmod was by a bit earlier and said things are going as planned. Good news.
Tonight, we pray that Rick is given a peaceful night sleep. We pray that GOD continues to protect him and heal him, providing all things that he needs, loving him personally and perfectly. I also pray for you, that Jesus bless you, the way He continues to bless us- with His love.
With love, peace & abundant gratitude~
Dana, Skyler & Kyra
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Giver of All Good Gifts
I want to take a moment to thank everyone for your encouraging emails, telephone calls and especially, your prayers. As I sit here on the eve just before I start my intensive treatment therapy, I am honestly feeling very relaxed and blessed. I had an incredible birthday which began last Thursday and continued through Sunday. I had a great time Thursday night celebrating with several of my young brothers and sisters from the Young Adult Ministry, followed by delicious dinners and K1 Speed Racing with Dana, the girls, my twin brother, Mike, his family and my mom & dad.
I was also gifted an amazing prayer time with about 35 people who gathered at our house to pray for my healing, my family and my treatment ahead, led by my brother in the Lord, Todd. What a tremendous blessing. I could not ask for anything more. I am in His hands.
As I continue to see the Lord bringing people back and into my life, I feel like I have been given a great gift. I know this may seem hard to understand. I will try to explain- the Lord has given me so many people in my life and to see how they are reaching out to me, showing their love, compassion, and support is incomprehensible at times. I ask, "Why me Lord?" I am reminded, it's Him, not me. His love for us is beyond measure and understanding. Yet, even in my simple sinful life He allows me such happiness, peace and strength by working through others.
There is one verse that the Lord continues to give me through people and that is Philippians 4:13 - " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
I have tremendous hope and faith in this trial because I have the God who is bigger than any problem I have and no problem is too small, as He loves to hear from me.
I honestly don't know how people live through times of trial without God.
Thank You Lord, for saving me...
"let's get ready to rumble"James 1:2-8 --until next time,
Godsoldier
I was also gifted an amazing prayer time with about 35 people who gathered at our house to pray for my healing, my family and my treatment ahead, led by my brother in the Lord, Todd. What a tremendous blessing. I could not ask for anything more. I am in His hands.
As I continue to see the Lord bringing people back and into my life, I feel like I have been given a great gift. I know this may seem hard to understand. I will try to explain- the Lord has given me so many people in my life and to see how they are reaching out to me, showing their love, compassion, and support is incomprehensible at times. I ask, "Why me Lord?" I am reminded, it's Him, not me. His love for us is beyond measure and understanding. Yet, even in my simple sinful life He allows me such happiness, peace and strength by working through others.
There is one verse that the Lord continues to give me through people and that is Philippians 4:13 - " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
I have tremendous hope and faith in this trial because I have the God who is bigger than any problem I have and no problem is too small, as He loves to hear from me.
I honestly don't know how people live through times of trial without God.
Thank You Lord, for saving me...
"let's get ready to rumble"James 1:2-8 --until next time,
Godsoldier
Friday, June 4, 2010
Trials are not enemies of faith but opportunities to prove GOD'S faithfulness. - - Author Unknown
'Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your Name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.'
2 Chronicles 20:9
We are overwhelmed by love. If, for any purpose GOD allows such a suffering, it is in revealing His beautiful face to us. Daily we see Jesus in and through so many words, hugs and hearts. We truly are a blessed family.
As we look toward Tuesday (C-Day), our hearts desire is to have you join us in asking GOD for His Sovereign will in each day. Please pray hard for Rick as he enters into treatment June 8. In-patient HYPER-CVAD chemo is pretty brutal. Rick will be on chemo IV for 4 days, with a 3 day minimum recuperation to watch for reaction, infection, etc.
- Please pray that the treatment will do its neccessary job: kill the cancer cells.
- Please pray that Rick's body, heart and mind are completely protected from enemy attacks (chemo drugs).
- Please pray that Rick will have minimal side-affects from this treatment and during his recovery process.
- Please pray for supernatural discernment, wisdom, insight and compassion for the oncologist, medical team, and staff.
- Please pray for the peace of Christ that passes all human understanding.
- Please pray for continued health, strength and energy for Rick to endure this fight.
- Please pray for the SPIRIT of GOD to cover our family and extended family with His comfort & grace.
- Please pray that GOD would heal Rick completely!
Please pray that JESUS CHRIST will be glorified in and through us, all things, big or small, according to GOD'S perfect timing and will for our lives.
We Bless GOD and thank Him for your prayers, your presence in our lives & we thank you from the deep parts of our hearts.
Dana & Rick
Skyler & Kyra
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
who is this guy?
I have truly been blessed by the Lord to be part of such a remarkable and loving family. I cannot envision my life without them. It seems during times of trial you see how much you should normally be grateful for, concerning what you have been given.
This is my second bout with cancer. My first was at 21 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of which has been in remission for 21 years. Thank You GOD. Now, I am facing a tougher trial of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I have no anxiety as I know The Lord has a purpose and a plan for me in this. I pray for strength and submission to do his will. I recognize I will discover a great deal from this battle and I am sure it is far greater than my pea brain can grasp.
BTW, The reason for the name Godsoldier has to do with one of my tattoos. After I came to know the Lord 6 years ago, I wanted to express my joy. My wife, Dana, drew up a cool dagger and we decided on the nickname, Godsoldier, and put it into the tattoo. It happens to also be my license plate on my 1964 Ford Falcon.
The life of a Christian believer is not easy at times, as we are subject to ridicule and rebuke. However, we grow through difficult experiences in this life where our only hope is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
I was an alcoholic, now sober for 7 years, cancer survivor (Hodgkin’s at 21), Bi-polar (diagnosed in rehab) and now fighting MCL. My situation is like that of a soldier. Show up and do your job. No questions asked and be of service. In this case, I am humbled that I will get an opportunity to glorify the Lord in who HE is and what he will be doing in my life.
Please pray for my family to be comforted by the Lord and to be blanketed by his peace during this process.
Godsoldier,
Rick
This is my second bout with cancer. My first was at 21 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of which has been in remission for 21 years. Thank You GOD. Now, I am facing a tougher trial of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I have no anxiety as I know The Lord has a purpose and a plan for me in this. I pray for strength and submission to do his will. I recognize I will discover a great deal from this battle and I am sure it is far greater than my pea brain can grasp.
BTW, The reason for the name Godsoldier has to do with one of my tattoos. After I came to know the Lord 6 years ago, I wanted to express my joy. My wife, Dana, drew up a cool dagger and we decided on the nickname, Godsoldier, and put it into the tattoo. It happens to also be my license plate on my 1964 Ford Falcon.
The life of a Christian believer is not easy at times, as we are subject to ridicule and rebuke. However, we grow through difficult experiences in this life where our only hope is in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
I was an alcoholic, now sober for 7 years, cancer survivor (Hodgkin’s at 21), Bi-polar (diagnosed in rehab) and now fighting MCL. My situation is like that of a soldier. Show up and do your job. No questions asked and be of service. In this case, I am humbled that I will get an opportunity to glorify the Lord in who HE is and what he will be doing in my life.
Please pray for my family to be comforted by the Lord and to be blanketed by his peace during this process.
Godsoldier,
Rick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
