9.18.10
It's Saturday night. Rick (and I) are still here at the hospital. It'sbeen another long, busy day. Blood test cultures are still NEGATIVE, CT Scan NEGATIVE. Rick was accessed by neurologist due to headaches and dermatologist for his skin rash. At the end of the day, adjustments have been made to his meds which should relieve headaches and he is being closely monitored for any reoccurring symptoms that may pop up. The dermatologist confirmed Rick does not have shingles, although the rash is now in it's healing stage. His white cell count is still too high as of tonight- this they are watching to go done too.
*We continue to pray for total relief of headaches for Rick, that if there is ANY infection at all, that the doctors & nurses would begiven divine wisdom and discernment in discovering and treating Rick.
*We also ask God for His constant peace, trust in knowing He is in control, grace and mercy. (It is so comforting to rest in this placeof unknowing, yet, knowing it's all going to be OK. Rick is trulydoing good. Thank you for praying peace! Keep 'em coming!!)
*May God's will be for Rick to be healthy and prepared for Tuesday's bone marrow biopsy.
A deep heart-felt thanks to Jeanne & our daughters and to those of you who so graciously gathered to pray at our home today for Rick and our family while we were here at St. Joes. We are humbly grateful. Thanks to all of you for your constant support, love & prayers.
We certainly feel it!
Life & peace,
Dana
Sunday, September 19, 2010
"PRAYING AGAINST INFECTION"
9.17.10
Hello everyone~
Yesterday Rick & I went to ER for a fever he developed of 101.4 in the late morning. Praise God!, at the time we were processing paperwork, his fever broke. To make a veeerrrrryy long day and story short, theER doctor ordered lots of blood tests and cultures to check for infection. Rick was admitted last night to the oncology floor, receiving antibiotic drip as a precaution. Now awaiting culture results and a visit from Dr. Mahmood to hopefully determine "why fever?" Rick feels fine; has felt fine since his fever broke yesterday about 1pm. I love my husband so much and his patient surrender to all that has and continues to go on. This comes to mind: "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Jm. 4:6. Yesterday was draining, however we continued to keep each other laughing and joking. Yes, he was bummed, who wants to "sleep-over" at St. Joes? But, the Lord quickly answered our call and grace provided grace.
We would be so grateful if you would pray for NO INFECTION. Pray for continued peace and grace & all healing! Thank you so much for following us on this very unpredictable journey. Life is so worth living no matter where He puts us. Nevertheless, I can laugh at the days to come, because our GOD is Sovereign, Good, and The Lover of our Souls! AMEN!
Peace to all,
Dana
Hello everyone~
Yesterday Rick & I went to ER for a fever he developed of 101.4 in the late morning. Praise God!, at the time we were processing paperwork, his fever broke. To make a veeerrrrryy long day and story short, theER doctor ordered lots of blood tests and cultures to check for infection. Rick was admitted last night to the oncology floor, receiving antibiotic drip as a precaution. Now awaiting culture results and a visit from Dr. Mahmood to hopefully determine "why fever?" Rick feels fine; has felt fine since his fever broke yesterday about 1pm. I love my husband so much and his patient surrender to all that has and continues to go on. This comes to mind: "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Jm. 4:6. Yesterday was draining, however we continued to keep each other laughing and joking. Yes, he was bummed, who wants to "sleep-over" at St. Joes? But, the Lord quickly answered our call and grace provided grace.
We would be so grateful if you would pray for NO INFECTION. Pray for continued peace and grace & all healing! Thank you so much for following us on this very unpredictable journey. Life is so worth living no matter where He puts us. Nevertheless, I can laugh at the days to come, because our GOD is Sovereign, Good, and The Lover of our Souls! AMEN!
Peace to all,
Dana
"NO SHINGLES!"
9.14.10
Thank God! No shingles!
Today Rick's skin rash appears to be clearing up! His visit to the oncologist yesterday verified that he does not have shingles. The doctor doubled the dosage of Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, which seems to be working; however, side effects of dizziness and nausea are hitting him pretty hard. He is to see a dermatologist too. Skin rash, chemo and a compromised immune system tend to go hand in hand.
Rick's white cell count read good, (a little high: Neulasta shot, pain in hips) but, his platelet count and hemoglobin level are low. He is ordered to go back for another blood draw tomorrow (Wednesday) to check CBC levels again. Watching as to whether a blood and/or platelet transfusion is necessary. Bone marrow biopsy next Tuesday.
We countinue to thank the Lord for what He allows. As Rick and I talk about these things we quickly realize how gracious and merciful God is in this season of our life. It is hard at times, no doubt, but God continues in His lovingkindness, to provide sufficiency for Rick's needs, for each of our needs, both great and small, to endure and to persevere. His peace is a wide, cozy blanket that keeps our family content and the hope of Christ is our surrender.
Thank you for continuing in faith along side us, praying for Rick's healing, strength, and our peace. We know God carries us through your petitions.
Please write to us as we would be honored to pray for you too, for itis in God that all good gifts are given and all needs are met.
"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Look at thebirds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather intobarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth muchmore than they?" Ps. 147:3, Matt. 6:26.
Peace & life, in Christ~
Dana
Thank God! No shingles!
Today Rick's skin rash appears to be clearing up! His visit to the oncologist yesterday verified that he does not have shingles. The doctor doubled the dosage of Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, which seems to be working; however, side effects of dizziness and nausea are hitting him pretty hard. He is to see a dermatologist too. Skin rash, chemo and a compromised immune system tend to go hand in hand.
Rick's white cell count read good, (a little high: Neulasta shot, pain in hips) but, his platelet count and hemoglobin level are low. He is ordered to go back for another blood draw tomorrow (Wednesday) to check CBC levels again. Watching as to whether a blood and/or platelet transfusion is necessary. Bone marrow biopsy next Tuesday.
We countinue to thank the Lord for what He allows. As Rick and I talk about these things we quickly realize how gracious and merciful God is in this season of our life. It is hard at times, no doubt, but God continues in His lovingkindness, to provide sufficiency for Rick's needs, for each of our needs, both great and small, to endure and to persevere. His peace is a wide, cozy blanket that keeps our family content and the hope of Christ is our surrender.
Thank you for continuing in faith along side us, praying for Rick's healing, strength, and our peace. We know God carries us through your petitions.
Please write to us as we would be honored to pray for you too, for itis in God that all good gifts are given and all needs are met.
"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Look at thebirds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather intobarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth muchmore than they?" Ps. 147:3, Matt. 6:26.
Peace & life, in Christ~
Dana
"PLATELETS DOUBLED"
9.15.10
Platelets doubled and white blood cells off the chart!
Rick's blood draw today was an answer to prayer! His red counts are up and platelets have recovered, however, his WBC has once again done the crazy "Six Million Dollar Man" thing... his number was so high, unable to register, which explains the return of the relentless pain in his hips and shoulders. But, GOD is good! No transfusion. Also, Rick's CBC shows OUTSTANDING results with healthy cells vs. cancer cells!! His rash continues to improve day by day. Hallelujah!
Thank you so much for your prayers and your emails. We are deeply encouraged and grateful!
Taking one day at a time. God bless.
With Love,
Dana & Rick
Platelets doubled and white blood cells off the chart!
Rick's blood draw today was an answer to prayer! His red counts are up and platelets have recovered, however, his WBC has once again done the crazy "Six Million Dollar Man" thing... his number was so high, unable to register, which explains the return of the relentless pain in his hips and shoulders. But, GOD is good! No transfusion. Also, Rick's CBC shows OUTSTANDING results with healthy cells vs. cancer cells!! His rash continues to improve day by day. Hallelujah!
Thank you so much for your prayers and your emails. We are deeply encouraged and grateful!
Taking one day at a time. God bless.
With Love,
Dana & Rick
"Energy, Appetite & Rash"
9.13.10
Hello All,
A brief update: Rick is doing great! Energy up, appetite good. However, he is headed to the doctor today for a rash that hasprogressively gotten worse. It appeared about a month ago, very minor-Dr. M put Rick on medication. Since his last treatment of Methotrexate the rash has bloomed, covering his thighs and torso. It may be shingles, although he has no pain. Chemo, along with a low immune system tends to trigger skin rashes. We are praying for godly wisdom and proper treatment for this annoying rash, that Dr. Tran who is seeing Rick today, will manage Rick's care concisely and effectively. We are also praying that Rick's CBC is healthy today.
Thanks to all of you for you prayers, love and support!
God's peace and hope is with us.
Dana
Hello All,
A brief update: Rick is doing great! Energy up, appetite good. However, he is headed to the doctor today for a rash that hasprogressively gotten worse. It appeared about a month ago, very minor-Dr. M put Rick on medication. Since his last treatment of Methotrexate the rash has bloomed, covering his thighs and torso. It may be shingles, although he has no pain. Chemo, along with a low immune system tends to trigger skin rashes. We are praying for godly wisdom and proper treatment for this annoying rash, that Dr. Tran who is seeing Rick today, will manage Rick's care concisely and effectively. We are also praying that Rick's CBC is healthy today.
Thanks to all of you for you prayers, love and support!
God's peace and hope is with us.
Dana
Sunday, September 5, 2010
"HE INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK"
Rick's 4th Round now complete. As I write this update on a cool, relaxing Sunday evening with Rick lying on the couch next to me, he has been home now for more than a day! I couldn't believe it when he called me at 10AM Saturday and said with total excitement, "You can come pick me up, they're letting me go....all my counts are good and my Methotrexate levels are perfect!!!" WHAT? It was like my birthday! Or maybe Rick's?!..God gave us an unexpected gift! One less day at the hospital!!! (Do you have any idea what this means?) Needless to say, the girls and I were so excited! Kyra and I met Rick and got him checked out. On our way home we stopped for Togo's where Rick had a sandwich and chips. (Again, do you have any idea what this means??- for him to even want to eat at this point is just amazing!) We got home where he followed up with a special heart-felt greeting from Lola and then a long nap; Important. Dinner, a rootbeer float; Vital.
He slept pretty decent last night. Today has been a bit more of a struggle to [want] to eat, but he's trying. Taking lots of naps. Rick sees Dr. Mahmood on Tuesday.
As I write "Thank You so Much" for your prayers and loving support, in my heart it does no justice to their impact and power that has moved mightly to strengthen Rick (and our family)this past week. God has shown Himself ever so mercifully in Rick's treatment and the grace He has provided is awesome. The LORD, Jesus Christ, in His faithfulness, compassion and love surely met Rick more than half way, fighting on his behalf. Thank You Savior! We love You LORD, because You tell us to cry out to You when we are weary & weak and You increase our power and strength. Amen. (Isaiah 40:29).
We look forward to September 21st, when Rick will have a Bone Marrow Biospy to determine whether he will need further chemo or not. We are praying hard that God has removed it all-
Please pray with us in asking God for His perfect will over Rick in this.
Thank you again for your lovingkindness, the supportive ways that show you care. We can't express enough how it causes each of us to strive with courage, hope and peace.
We love you.
Life & Peace in Christ~
Dana for Rick, Skyler & Kyra
He slept pretty decent last night. Today has been a bit more of a struggle to [want] to eat, but he's trying. Taking lots of naps. Rick sees Dr. Mahmood on Tuesday.
As I write "Thank You so Much" for your prayers and loving support, in my heart it does no justice to their impact and power that has moved mightly to strengthen Rick (and our family)this past week. God has shown Himself ever so mercifully in Rick's treatment and the grace He has provided is awesome. The LORD, Jesus Christ, in His faithfulness, compassion and love surely met Rick more than half way, fighting on his behalf. Thank You Savior! We love You LORD, because You tell us to cry out to You when we are weary & weak and You increase our power and strength. Amen. (Isaiah 40:29).
We look forward to September 21st, when Rick will have a Bone Marrow Biospy to determine whether he will need further chemo or not. We are praying hard that God has removed it all-
Please pray with us in asking God for His perfect will over Rick in this.
Thank you again for your lovingkindness, the supportive ways that show you care. We can't express enough how it causes each of us to strive with courage, hope and peace.
We love you.
Life & Peace in Christ~
Dana for Rick, Skyler & Kyra
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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