Hello family & friends~
Thank you so much for praying for Rick. Yesterday we went to his appointment to get what the doc calls his "12th day" of 'Round 1' treatment- (a repeat drug of Day 4.) It was really cool, also another reason why Rick and I are so happy he is receiving his treatment through St. Jo's- specifically at the Cancer Center with Dr. Mahmood. We weren't sure what to expect when he was scheduled for his "out-patient" chemo appointment. Boy, were we pleasantly surprised. Just down the hall, away from the general patient rooms is a whole other world.."chemo world"..a calm and peaceful atmosphere with nice private rooms each with a flat screen, recliner, and Shoji rice paper sliding doors for privacy. A most precious volunteer named Joyce stopped by to greet Rick, asking if he was 'new'. They talked for a bit and she excused herself briefly to return with a beautiful cozy new fleece blanket for Rick to use and keep. Joyce wanted him to be blessed by another ministry she also volunteers for. I must say, this was my first time to a chemo spa and it wasn't too bad. I actually dozed off in the extra chair (no, not a recliner) while Rick was hooked up. With his pic line already intact, no stabbing or poking- it was easy street. He asked the nurse if he could do his in-patient treatments at the "spa", but no luck-closed nights and weekends.
Prayers are being heard and GOD is generous in His mercy. Rick's white blood cell count has dropped considerably, now @ 1,200, although this is to be expected. On our drive home from the 'spa' Rick decided he wanted a burrito...2 del beef burritos, a large Sprite and a 3 hour nap was his way to close the deal on Round 1. Mia was so kind to bring Rosine's for dinner so Rick woke up to more food. No wonder he's lost but a pound.
Cousin Tina and Victoria dropped by for a quick visit and brought a big smile to Rick's face; as well as dearly loved neighbors with home cooked meals throughout the week, grocery trips from our parents, along with your phone calls, emails and cards-- the LORD is so kindly sustaining us.
Rick and I sat together in the back yard last night praying and thanking GOD for His great love and peace. Though this time in our lives is not easy, especially for Rick, we are becoming more aware of GOD'S purpose in the most simple and yet most important things. Like, what really matters. For me He is giving me the peace to be still, to be quiet. To not have to have all the answers or even a response to every question or statement is truly very freeing. I used to think if I didn't have something to say I wouldn't be heard- the truth is, GOD hears me, He knows my heart and honestly not everything I think needs to be said. Anyway, I am finding this to be very helpful and relaxing.
Rick noticed yesterday as he washed his face that his eyes were different. He shared this with me as we talked in our backyard. He said, "My eyes look strange, they look harsh." I agreed his eyes had changed in the last day or so. He is tired. I said to him, "Your eyes look as though they are fighting." Yes!, that was it. You can see it in his eyes. My heart is sad for him to have to go through this but I know and trust GOD has allowed this for goodness, even greatness- and the LORD has already given us the blessed opportunity to share in portions of His plan. It is truly an honor to be a part of what our precious and holy GOD is doing through this horrible thing called cancer. It isn't so much about a person, or a diagnosis, or a family...It's about every single person who is touched in some way by love through the power of GOD and are compelled to call, to write, to cook, to reach out, to cry, to encourage, to do, to send, to inspire, to pray, to give, to email, to serve, to love.
Thank you for allowing GOD to use you in such a powerful way. To Him be the Glory! We are a very blessed family.
As of today, Saturday, Rick's big problem: Hiccups!! They have returned....how did they find him here?? He continues to try several home remedies, some working at times..
We are praying that the LORD will have mercy on him in this also. Rick's anxiety still tends to get a bit high, another side effect. Still we rejoice that these things are all he is up against currently.
Looking forward to what tomorrow brings and honestly and deeply grateful to be writing these words.
May the LORD our GOD shine upon you.
His mercies are new each and every day.
Life & peace,
With love, in CHRIST~
Dana
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Gettin' HUGE today...
Good morning everyone,
I just wanted to again thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement, compassion and wonderful meals. Dana thought it would make sense to let you know about my therapy today. We have copied what will be given to me today along with some of the anticipated side effects. Thankfully, it is out patient. I am so grateful for that. The Lord has been exceedingly kindhearted and gracious to me as I have only really had one side effect so far; anxiety being the prevalent and most common. Oh, well. I’ll take that over some of the others.
Below you will read the chemo drip I am going in for this morning:
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of acute leukemia, neuroblastoma, thyroid cancer, and lymphoma. It functions as an alkylating agent, meaning it prevents the replication of tumor cells by damaging the DNA.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of vincristine use is hair loss.
Less common side effects include low blood counts, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, mouth sores, unusual bleeding and/or bruising, bone pain, and blood in the stool or urine
Dexamethasome- This I will be taking for 4 days orally
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. In oncology, it is given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumor treatment.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach.
Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania.
Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration.
Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair.
If you would please pray for me that the side effects be minimal and that my wonderful family would have peace only the Lord can shower on them.
My prayer is also for each and every one of you who has some sort of trial in your life- that you would truly seek the Lord’s grace and love by prayer. I cannot begin to describe it, but, once felt, you can never forget it. If there is something my family can pray for you for, that is really debilitating for you now, please let us know. I may be going through some hard core chemo, but, everyone has something in their life that only prayer can cure or mend.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
I just wanted to again thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement, compassion and wonderful meals. Dana thought it would make sense to let you know about my therapy today. We have copied what will be given to me today along with some of the anticipated side effects. Thankfully, it is out patient. I am so grateful for that. The Lord has been exceedingly kindhearted and gracious to me as I have only really had one side effect so far; anxiety being the prevalent and most common. Oh, well. I’ll take that over some of the others.
Below you will read the chemo drip I am going in for this morning:
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of acute leukemia, neuroblastoma, thyroid cancer, and lymphoma. It functions as an alkylating agent, meaning it prevents the replication of tumor cells by damaging the DNA.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of vincristine use is hair loss.
Less common side effects include low blood counts, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, mouth sores, unusual bleeding and/or bruising, bone pain, and blood in the stool or urine
Dexamethasome- This I will be taking for 4 days orally
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. In oncology, it is given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumor treatment.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach.
Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania.
Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration.
Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair.
If you would please pray for me that the side effects be minimal and that my wonderful family would have peace only the Lord can shower on them.
My prayer is also for each and every one of you who has some sort of trial in your life- that you would truly seek the Lord’s grace and love by prayer. I cannot begin to describe it, but, once felt, you can never forget it. If there is something my family can pray for you for, that is really debilitating for you now, please let us know. I may be going through some hard core chemo, but, everyone has something in their life that only prayer can cure or mend.
In His Strength,
Godsoldier
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is required...."
I find myself wondering sometimes, is this a dark time in our lives? because GOD is shining so bright through the midst of what our natural minds register as great affliction. I must attest to my own personal reality, while being so close to the one I love so deeply, the one I cherish and look up to for so many reasons, I didn't think I would be afforded the opportunity to grow more in love and more proud of the man GOD had chosen for me.
To me, Rick is a star; and his light shines far brighter than it ever has. Yes, cancer is dark and it is ugly. But, the darkness of cancer is not what should define or determine how we see life. I think of Rick's constant attitude since the day we learned of his diagnosis. He said, "I am honored to be chosen." I also remember a Sunday morning church service months ago. Pastor Bob was preaching from the book of Acts and encouraging the church to the mission field. As Bob prayed with and for us, he asked for those who felt led to be "sent out" by GOD to come forward. He expressed the Jewish word, "Hineni" which means, I Am Here For You, O’ GOD. At the time, I had a strong desire to serve in Haiti. Immediately, I went forward, repeating, "Hineni, Hineni" in my heart. A couple of minutes later, I felt Rick behind me. I wondered to myself what he was doing standing at the alter, obviously very happy, but knowing Rick isn't a big "missions" guy... After the service I asked him why he went forward. He told me he was ready to go wherever GOD wanted to send him. Basically, "Here I am, send me." Since Rick's commitment, the LORD has certainly prepared him for the mission field. The field of suffering and sacrifice, humility and uncertainty- not in a far off foreign country or a dead city down the road, but, right here, right now, improv style. GOD'S thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9
Today we went to Rick's follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood. As I write this my heart is still cheering, "Thank You, LORD!!" Great visit. Rick's white blood cell count was @ 8,000 which is very good. (68% good, healthy cells/ 24% lymphocytes-cancer cells). This is so awesome! Rick's lymphocytes were 76% in April. Dr. M says his WBC will continue to drop even more over the next 4-5 days, this being normal, than it will start to go back up again. He is now on an additional 5 new Rx, some to prevent infection for next treatment which is scheduled for early July, 1 a chemo drug and 1 for anxiety. I have to think Rick impressed Dr. M today. With reports of little side effects, no weight loss, and health at a very good standard, Dr. M said Rick is doing "exceedingly well." You can only imagine how great this was to hear! Of course, Rick responded with, "It's all the prayer.." and I must agree. It is by GOD'S grace and His grace alone that Rick or I are even able to have the honor and opportunity to share what His great and merciful power is doing in our lives.
Rick has a full next few days ahead. We would be very grateful if you would continue praying for him, especially for these things:
Finally, I have to say how loving and good our GOD is for continuously sending wonderful family and friends to us with delicious meals, beautiful cards and emails of encouraging words- and most of all for every single prayer that is spoken on our behalf, I pray an extra measure is given back to you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May He, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people. Amen." (1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 NLT)
LIFE & PEACE,
WITH LOVE, IN CHRIST~
Dana
To me, Rick is a star; and his light shines far brighter than it ever has. Yes, cancer is dark and it is ugly. But, the darkness of cancer is not what should define or determine how we see life. I think of Rick's constant attitude since the day we learned of his diagnosis. He said, "I am honored to be chosen." I also remember a Sunday morning church service months ago. Pastor Bob was preaching from the book of Acts and encouraging the church to the mission field. As Bob prayed with and for us, he asked for those who felt led to be "sent out" by GOD to come forward. He expressed the Jewish word, "Hineni" which means, I Am Here For You, O’ GOD. At the time, I had a strong desire to serve in Haiti. Immediately, I went forward, repeating, "Hineni, Hineni" in my heart. A couple of minutes later, I felt Rick behind me. I wondered to myself what he was doing standing at the alter, obviously very happy, but knowing Rick isn't a big "missions" guy... After the service I asked him why he went forward. He told me he was ready to go wherever GOD wanted to send him. Basically, "Here I am, send me." Since Rick's commitment, the LORD has certainly prepared him for the mission field. The field of suffering and sacrifice, humility and uncertainty- not in a far off foreign country or a dead city down the road, but, right here, right now, improv style. GOD'S thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9
Today we went to Rick's follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood. As I write this my heart is still cheering, "Thank You, LORD!!" Great visit. Rick's white blood cell count was @ 8,000 which is very good. (68% good, healthy cells/ 24% lymphocytes-cancer cells). This is so awesome! Rick's lymphocytes were 76% in April. Dr. M says his WBC will continue to drop even more over the next 4-5 days, this being normal, than it will start to go back up again. He is now on an additional 5 new Rx, some to prevent infection for next treatment which is scheduled for early July, 1 a chemo drug and 1 for anxiety. I have to think Rick impressed Dr. M today. With reports of little side effects, no weight loss, and health at a very good standard, Dr. M said Rick is doing "exceedingly well." You can only imagine how great this was to hear! Of course, Rick responded with, "It's all the prayer.." and I must agree. It is by GOD'S grace and His grace alone that Rick or I are even able to have the honor and opportunity to share what His great and merciful power is doing in our lives.
Rick has a full next few days ahead. We would be very grateful if you would continue praying for him, especially for these things:
- Thursday he will be getting a full blood work up done. Please pray that all markers read favorable and healthy for Rick.
- Friday Rick will be going in to Dr. M's office to receive an hour-long 'out-patient' chemo treatment. Please pray that GOD would choose to protect him from all side-effects.
- The worst of his side-effects so far have been tremendous anxiety. Please pray that the LORD would remove this from Rick so that he would not have to take medication, that Rick would be given rest and comfort. OR peace in his suffering.
- Pray for continued peace, strength, courage, faith and trust in GOD, for our family.
Finally, I have to say how loving and good our GOD is for continuously sending wonderful family and friends to us with delicious meals, beautiful cards and emails of encouraging words- and most of all for every single prayer that is spoken on our behalf, I pray an extra measure is given back to you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May He, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people. Amen." (1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 NLT)
LIFE & PEACE,
WITH LOVE, IN CHRIST~
Dana
Sunday, June 13, 2010
HOME SWEET HOME
Thank you everyone for all your prayer and support. I just finished my first round of chemotherapy treatment. I am so happy to be home. The nursing staff at the hospital is wonderful and most (we were told 90 %) are believers and truly care about the patients. They are there for the right reason.
I thought I’d be going home no sooner than Monday; what a blessing it was to be discharged today! My white blood cell count is now on its way down- par for the course. On Tuesday, the morning I checked in, it was a high 37,000 (not good). Earlier today it was 12,400. It will continue to drop. This makes for a very low energy level. However, this is the plan with chemo.
I will be going into Dr. Mahmood’s office Tuesday for a shot of Neulasta to stimulate my white blood cells and help prevent infection. The next 21 days I am focusing on rest and recovery to go back and do it again. I am tired a lot, and now am starting to feel the effects more so, but I enjoy so much just being back at home with my family.
The Lord answered very kindly this week; God was gracious with my suffering. I can’t thank you enough for your continuous prayers. I am so thankful to God for His favor and protection over me and for the wonderful family, friends, prayer warriors, support team, and medical staff He has gifted me.
Would you please pray for me that God would continue to give me His strength, courage, peace, faith and healing all for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Thank you.
The Lord is present,
Rick
I thought I’d be going home no sooner than Monday; what a blessing it was to be discharged today! My white blood cell count is now on its way down- par for the course. On Tuesday, the morning I checked in, it was a high 37,000 (not good). Earlier today it was 12,400. It will continue to drop. This makes for a very low energy level. However, this is the plan with chemo.
I will be going into Dr. Mahmood’s office Tuesday for a shot of Neulasta to stimulate my white blood cells and help prevent infection. The next 21 days I am focusing on rest and recovery to go back and do it again. I am tired a lot, and now am starting to feel the effects more so, but I enjoy so much just being back at home with my family.
The Lord answered very kindly this week; God was gracious with my suffering. I can’t thank you enough for your continuous prayers. I am so thankful to God for His favor and protection over me and for the wonderful family, friends, prayer warriors, support team, and medical staff He has gifted me.
Would you please pray for me that God would continue to give me His strength, courage, peace, faith and healing all for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Thank you.
The Lord is present,
Rick
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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