8.3.10
Hey everyone,
Rick checked in this morning for another stay @ St. Joes. We were so excited to find out he has a private room! Nice and spacious, with a bed for me to stay tonight! An answer to prayer! Our home away from home (kinda). The girls brought Togo's and love for lunch, and later Mia brought El Torrito for dinner; along with the Arayas who brought some delicious cookies. So much love! Yum! Not too shabby for Rick's first day back on the job.
Another awesome answer to prayer! The results are back!! After 42 years, the final answer is that Rick & Mike are 100% identical! Mikewill be Rick's stem cell donor. Thank you so much for praying for this to be! As I write this, I am so happy, and at the same time emotional at this extremely special thought. The Lord is so good to create us the way He does, for His divine purpose, to use us, in His timing, for things so much bigger than we ever imagine. His plans are always perfect. We love you Mike. We love you Jesus.
Peace & grace in Christ,
Dana
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
"ALL IS WELL @ THE LANGE HOUSE"
Hello Everyone,
All is going well here at the Lange house. Praise the Lord! Rick had a follow-up appointment with Dr. M on Wednesday. His CBC looks very good! Lymphocytes (cancer cells) way down, Neutrophils (healthy white cells) nice and high! His platelets have fully recovered to a back to normal range. Thank God! Rick's vitals are good and his WBC dropped to 73,000. He is feeling some discomfort in his knees and hips; nothing that Tylenol doesn't address. This is so amazing. He continues to eat well and get a walk or the elliptical in daily (the exercise has really helped the HBP). It also continues to encourage me to see Rick working and the times he gets out of the house are very good. These past 2 weeks have been a gift of reprieve compared to the usual isolation.
We received great news on Friday! CITY OF HOPE received authorization for Rick & Mike to have HLA twin blood type testing for stem cell transplant match. They will be going in today, Saturday for this. Thank you so much for praying for this authorization to happen.
*Please pray they are a perfect match for Rick's transplant, God willing.
So, we gear up mentally, physically, and spiritually for Tuesday, Rick's 2nd round, part A- repeat of 1st round, Hyper C-Vad, 5 days of treatment. We are praying the LORD will be gracious and allow Rick to be released quickly, as soon as Sunday. St. Joes moved the oncology floor to a temporary floor beginning July 15 for one year. This means no more private rooms....bye-bye "hotel". Having a roommate will be an adjustment, however, this is small in the big scheme of life. We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we look to this next week.
*Please pray for the LORD'S perfect peace, strength and obedience to persevere
*GOD'S protection against all depression, discouragement, and struggles
*The LORD to command entire oncology staff, Dr. Mahmood, administering of chemo & all drugs, etc.
*Protection against all infections, side effects
*Total healing over Rick's body
*Joy in all circumstances
One final note. We are enormously touched by the love and generosity of Rick's beloved blood donors. Although we are only partially aware of those of you who have given thus far in honor of Rick, below is a message I've attached from our friend, Russ, that gives a broader picture.
All is going well here at the Lange house. Praise the Lord! Rick had a follow-up appointment with Dr. M on Wednesday. His CBC looks very good! Lymphocytes (cancer cells) way down, Neutrophils (healthy white cells) nice and high! His platelets have fully recovered to a back to normal range. Thank God! Rick's vitals are good and his WBC dropped to 73,000. He is feeling some discomfort in his knees and hips; nothing that Tylenol doesn't address. This is so amazing. He continues to eat well and get a walk or the elliptical in daily (the exercise has really helped the HBP). It also continues to encourage me to see Rick working and the times he gets out of the house are very good. These past 2 weeks have been a gift of reprieve compared to the usual isolation.
We received great news on Friday! CITY OF HOPE received authorization for Rick & Mike to have HLA twin blood type testing for stem cell transplant match. They will be going in today, Saturday for this. Thank you so much for praying for this authorization to happen.
*Please pray they are a perfect match for Rick's transplant, God willing.
So, we gear up mentally, physically, and spiritually for Tuesday, Rick's 2nd round, part A- repeat of 1st round, Hyper C-Vad, 5 days of treatment. We are praying the LORD will be gracious and allow Rick to be released quickly, as soon as Sunday. St. Joes moved the oncology floor to a temporary floor beginning July 15 for one year. This means no more private rooms....bye-bye "hotel". Having a roommate will be an adjustment, however, this is small in the big scheme of life. We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we look to this next week.
*Please pray for the LORD'S perfect peace, strength and obedience to persevere
*GOD'S protection against all depression, discouragement, and struggles
*The LORD to command entire oncology staff, Dr. Mahmood, administering of chemo & all drugs, etc.
*Protection against all infections, side effects
*Total healing over Rick's body
*Joy in all circumstances
One final note. We are enormously touched by the love and generosity of Rick's beloved blood donors. Although we are only partially aware of those of you who have given thus far in honor of Rick, below is a message I've attached from our friend, Russ, that gives a broader picture.
"Top of the morning to you kid! I hope this day will be a good one for you. I was thinking about you today and just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that the Stripling's have you in their prayers. I went down yesterday and donated some blood in your honor. I hope that it is good healthy blood and matches what you need. The nurses were amazed at how many people have come in to donate on your behalf. They said that you must be a very special person to have this many people who would take the time to donate for you. I let them know what an incredible person you are and that there are hundreds of people in your corner ready to help out in any way we could. They were very blown away. I hope this makes you feel good knowing how many people love you little Bro! Anyway, have a great day Bro and keep up the fight! Russ"
Thank you for loving and encouraging us so faithfully! Whether through meals, cards, phone calls, visits, hugs, emails, blood or prayers- each and every biggest to smallest thing makes all the difference.
Thank you for loving and encouraging us so faithfully! Whether through meals, cards, phone calls, visits, hugs, emails, blood or prayers- each and every biggest to smallest thing makes all the difference.
As I reflect on my posting of today's update, I marvel at God's abundant grace. The words in the Bible, the hundreds of promises He makes, to provide, protect, restore, fulfill, to never leave us, but to always love us with an EVERLASTING love; I am so proud of my Father! He gives us everything we need.
Love,
Dana
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
"THE KEEPER OF PROMISES"
Dear friends & family,
The past week has been a walk in the park, a groaning in the desert and a glorious view from the mountain tops.
Rick received a WBC last Thursday of a monumental 124,000! CRAZY!! What's even more mind-blowing is the fact that he had no bone pain. This is grace! GOD'S grace! Rick shared with me that the LORD had spoken to him about the painkillers he was using off and on for pain. ("Stop taking them. You don't need them; they are not good for you.") Rick stopped taking his painkillers 4 days before he was told his count was through the roof! NO PAIN?! Huh? The LORD is the keeper of promises. Praise GOD!!
With a WBC of 100,000+ Rick was more than protected against germ and infection to go to Kyra's dance recital with the family and friends Thursday night without a mask. He was happy. We were just stoked he was there! It was awesome! Danny & Heidi came by Friday night bearing gift- GO NOTRE DAME! Awesome fellowship. On Saturday, Rick and I took a walk in the park with Lola while Skyler & Kyra were away in Palm Springs at a church Summer Retreat for the weekend--much needed for them. Saturday night we caught up with the other Lange fam and Rick's parents for dinner, lots of laughs, and Rick and I did a little shopping afterward. We were blessed to spend Sunday morning at church together--the first in a month and went out for lunch too. The girls arrived home around 1pm and we spent hours catching up. My mom came over, with meals in tote-YUM- for next days. Rick continued to feel well and Monday's schedule afforded the 4 of us to go to the movies and out to lunch. By far, these days have been the most normal for us in a long time! A GIFT! A cherished gift.
I hope you know how much it means to Rick, the girls and me that you continue to stay close as we travel this journey that has been set before us. Forgive me/us if I don't respond to every email or phone message. At times it seems I am living someone else's life; as though I'm watching from a distance. Fewer days it's as though I imagine myself holding on to whatever will anchor me in my cyclonic angst. However, most days I am filled with an incredible peace and joy that continues to grow deeper within not only with every blessing and miracle from God but, through each pain and difficulty too. God truly is my refuge and my strength--my ever present help in all times of need.
I know it certainly has been a battle for Rick thus far; not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Rick knows this season of great physical trial is truly GOD'S refining of his spirit. I can't even fathom his position but, I am so grateful for his relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His comfort compels us to rest in the unknowing, drawing us in when we drift away and commands our hearts to persevere. Press on.
As we journey through this cancer valley we are shown there are many peaks and mountain tops along the way. I pray you can see them too. Although the stretch of the alien desert has been hard to cross-- we cross, and we endure. All by the Lord's immeasurable grace. His gifts are overflowing at the top and even set before us below in the dry places. There are streams in the desert.
I live out this trial side by side, face to face, hearts entwined- Rick, Skyler, Kyra, Jesus and me, and we are constantly overwhelmed by the blessed gifts of knowing your love- your support. We are greatly humbled. Many of you have commented on the power of prayer as this has shown to be the most significant impact in Rick's positive results and unexplained miracles- our peace, our joy, our vulnerability to walk by faith and not be sight, without question, can not be manufactured. All glory to GOD! For this, we cannot thank you enough! Prayers move! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.
But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." Ps. 26:24; 102:17; Jm. 1:6
I am brought to tears often over the fact that so many have and continue to fervently pray for and support my precious husband and our family. Thank you for believing with us. Thank you for loving us. We love you so much too. Please keep the love coming! It is everything. LOVE.
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
The past week has been a walk in the park, a groaning in the desert and a glorious view from the mountain tops.
Rick received a WBC last Thursday of a monumental 124,000! CRAZY!! What's even more mind-blowing is the fact that he had no bone pain. This is grace! GOD'S grace! Rick shared with me that the LORD had spoken to him about the painkillers he was using off and on for pain. ("Stop taking them. You don't need them; they are not good for you.") Rick stopped taking his painkillers 4 days before he was told his count was through the roof! NO PAIN?! Huh? The LORD is the keeper of promises. Praise GOD!!
With a WBC of 100,000+ Rick was more than protected against germ and infection to go to Kyra's dance recital with the family and friends Thursday night without a mask. He was happy. We were just stoked he was there! It was awesome! Danny & Heidi came by Friday night bearing gift- GO NOTRE DAME! Awesome fellowship. On Saturday, Rick and I took a walk in the park with Lola while Skyler & Kyra were away in Palm Springs at a church Summer Retreat for the weekend--much needed for them. Saturday night we caught up with the other Lange fam and Rick's parents for dinner, lots of laughs, and Rick and I did a little shopping afterward. We were blessed to spend Sunday morning at church together--the first in a month and went out for lunch too. The girls arrived home around 1pm and we spent hours catching up. My mom came over, with meals in tote-YUM- for next days. Rick continued to feel well and Monday's schedule afforded the 4 of us to go to the movies and out to lunch. By far, these days have been the most normal for us in a long time! A GIFT! A cherished gift.
I hope you know how much it means to Rick, the girls and me that you continue to stay close as we travel this journey that has been set before us. Forgive me/us if I don't respond to every email or phone message. At times it seems I am living someone else's life; as though I'm watching from a distance. Fewer days it's as though I imagine myself holding on to whatever will anchor me in my cyclonic angst. However, most days I am filled with an incredible peace and joy that continues to grow deeper within not only with every blessing and miracle from God but, through each pain and difficulty too. God truly is my refuge and my strength--my ever present help in all times of need.
I know it certainly has been a battle for Rick thus far; not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Rick knows this season of great physical trial is truly GOD'S refining of his spirit. I can't even fathom his position but, I am so grateful for his relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His comfort compels us to rest in the unknowing, drawing us in when we drift away and commands our hearts to persevere. Press on.
As we journey through this cancer valley we are shown there are many peaks and mountain tops along the way. I pray you can see them too. Although the stretch of the alien desert has been hard to cross-- we cross, and we endure. All by the Lord's immeasurable grace. His gifts are overflowing at the top and even set before us below in the dry places. There are streams in the desert.
I live out this trial side by side, face to face, hearts entwined- Rick, Skyler, Kyra, Jesus and me, and we are constantly overwhelmed by the blessed gifts of knowing your love- your support. We are greatly humbled. Many of you have commented on the power of prayer as this has shown to be the most significant impact in Rick's positive results and unexplained miracles- our peace, our joy, our vulnerability to walk by faith and not be sight, without question, can not be manufactured. All glory to GOD! For this, we cannot thank you enough! Prayers move! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.
But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." Ps. 26:24; 102:17; Jm. 1:6
I am brought to tears often over the fact that so many have and continue to fervently pray for and support my precious husband and our family. Thank you for believing with us. Thank you for loving us. We love you so much too. Please keep the love coming! It is everything. LOVE.
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
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