With anticipation, I approach Rick's hospital room this morning. I glance through the thick glass, before entering the anteroom to wash up and put on a pair gloves and a mask. I watch Rick. He is standing at the window. His back is to me, looking out. As I notice him there, I am overcome by many unexpected emotions. I pause a few precious moments before entering.
The last few days have been pretty tough on him. His blood counts have continued to drop, as expected. Today his WBC is .500; his Red Blood Cells and his platelets are hanging on. He is being medicated as needed for his nausea and he actually has an appetite. However, COH "low bacteria" meals are not what he has in mind. No outside food either. So, for now, his main meals come from a yellow Gatorade-looking bag fed through IV.
Dr.Nade (and other doctors) continue to monitor Rick's numbers and progress. They are pleased so far as nothing out of the ordinary has needed to be addressed. Such an answer to prayer!
Rick, however, is struggling from lots of anxiety. Not the typical anxiety. This is produced as one of the side effects of chemo, and possibly other drugs he is being given. In some patients, especially those who are "outdoors people" really battle hard with this kind of mental/physical anxiety. When it hits, the nausea quickly follows. It's really hard to juggle, in Rick's case, with proper med combinations. It's been a little trial and error. He saw the Clinical Psychiatrist today for assessment. This was very helpful in getting him in the right direction towards relief. Thank God!
As of yesterday, he is now confined to his room. Until his WBC comes back up, hallway strolls and 6th floor lobby field trips are off limits. Praise God, this shouldn't be long...he will begin Neuprogen injections tomorrow through the next 7-10 days. This will boost his WBC and immune system.
We can't thank you enough for your prayers, your phone messages, texts and cards, your blood and platelet donations and your love. All of these, your heart, your words, your time, carry Rick and our family through each day.....12 days and counting. As we continually reflect on the victories God has given us thus far, may you see that our victories are yours too. We are humbly honored and blessed to have so many standing with us. Let us rejoice!
We would be so grateful if you would please continue to pray for Rick~
Pray for discernment for Dr. Nade, the entire medical team and proper medications to be administered according to Rick's personal needs.
Please pray that each new day brings new mercies and great miracles in Rick's complete healing and recovery-- ALL TO THE PRAISES OF JESUS!
Please pray for Christ to protect Rick- mind, body and spirit.
It was a very tender time visiting with Rick today. He look fantastic! It will be an even sweeter time when he is back home.
We continue to consider it all joy, when we face trials of many kinds, and we are confident that the testing of our faith is producing in us perseverance. As we continue to grow more dependent on God the Father, in our Lord Jesus Christ and more in love with each other, we see our endurance bearing its perfect result.
Grace & peace to you~Dana
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
"Behold, I AM Making All Things New."
Dear Family & Friends,
It has been an amazing last 8 days. Rick's 7 days of chemo went pretty well! He finished his last dose on Thursday. Thank you for your prayers! (We're told it's the next few days to come that will hit him hard.) Friday morning came-Transplant Day!! Rick and I were so blessed to watch the sun rise together through his window from the 6th floor. It made me think of how God makes everything new. What a perfect day to be able to witness the miracle of new cells, and a new life on this new day. So we rejoice!
The few days prior to Transplant, Rick's nausea increased. Thank God for the medication provided around the clock. He is still fighting this, but doing what he can to endure. Thursday, Mike was scheduled for a 6 hour transfusion, with hope to have enough cells for Rick in one sitting. (A lonngg sitting.) Sometimes donors are called back the following day to give more if, by chance, there aren't enough harvested. God had this covered too! Mike had harvested 21 million stem cells in his 6 hour sitting. (The average is anywhere from 3-10million.) He is doing great and so happy to be such a special part of all this for his brother.
Friday morning before the cells were ready for Rick to receive, he was picked up from his room for a trip to the gym. His physical therapists, Dice and Cecelia, are just great! Rick had a good time working out before the Transplant. As they joked and "counted" it was so encouraging for me to see Rick up and active, and truly feeling alive. It also struck me as very special to notice an autographed collage from Lance Armstrong hanging in the rehab gym. An inspiration that we all at some point may need to start over, but, where there is faith and hope there is courage and perseverance.
The Transplant of Mike's cells was finally ready. It was so special, just before Nurse Jo was about to hang the bag, she grabbed Rick and my hands and prayed, thanking God for this amazing blessing. It was beautiful. Within 1 1/2 hours, the IV had given Rick the stem cells he needed.
Today, Rick is doing pretty good. Nausea is his biggest battle, however. The doctor is also watching closely for reactions, side effects, and symptoms of Graft vs. Host Diseases, due to the Transplant.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and love. They mean everything to us. Please pray for Rick, that God would continue to bless him with amazing grace and mercy, peace and strength, protect him and show favor upon him with a miraculous recovery.
~All glory and praise to Jesus!
What an amazing week this has been!
With deep gratitude & love,
Dana
It has been an amazing last 8 days. Rick's 7 days of chemo went pretty well! He finished his last dose on Thursday. Thank you for your prayers! (We're told it's the next few days to come that will hit him hard.) Friday morning came-Transplant Day!! Rick and I were so blessed to watch the sun rise together through his window from the 6th floor. It made me think of how God makes everything new. What a perfect day to be able to witness the miracle of new cells, and a new life on this new day. So we rejoice!
The few days prior to Transplant, Rick's nausea increased. Thank God for the medication provided around the clock. He is still fighting this, but doing what he can to endure. Thursday, Mike was scheduled for a 6 hour transfusion, with hope to have enough cells for Rick in one sitting. (A lonngg sitting.) Sometimes donors are called back the following day to give more if, by chance, there aren't enough harvested. God had this covered too! Mike had harvested 21 million stem cells in his 6 hour sitting. (The average is anywhere from 3-10million.) He is doing great and so happy to be such a special part of all this for his brother.
Friday morning before the cells were ready for Rick to receive, he was picked up from his room for a trip to the gym. His physical therapists, Dice and Cecelia, are just great! Rick had a good time working out before the Transplant. As they joked and "counted" it was so encouraging for me to see Rick up and active, and truly feeling alive. It also struck me as very special to notice an autographed collage from Lance Armstrong hanging in the rehab gym. An inspiration that we all at some point may need to start over, but, where there is faith and hope there is courage and perseverance.
The Transplant of Mike's cells was finally ready. It was so special, just before Nurse Jo was about to hang the bag, she grabbed Rick and my hands and prayed, thanking God for this amazing blessing. It was beautiful. Within 1 1/2 hours, the IV had given Rick the stem cells he needed.
Today, Rick is doing pretty good. Nausea is his biggest battle, however. The doctor is also watching closely for reactions, side effects, and symptoms of Graft vs. Host Diseases, due to the Transplant.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and love. They mean everything to us. Please pray for Rick, that God would continue to bless him with amazing grace and mercy, peace and strength, protect him and show favor upon him with a miraculous recovery.
~All glory and praise to Jesus!
What an amazing week this has been!
With deep gratitude & love,
Dana
Sunday, November 7, 2010
"Preparing for Big Things"
Rick checked in Friday, Nov. 5th, as planned, at City of Hope. It was a beautiful day. Skyler took off work and Kyra, school. The 4 of us spent a very special day together as Rick got adjusted to his new temporary home. We were very happy to find out that his transplant date has been moved to this FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12th! Mike started his Neuprogen shots today which will continue for 4 days. (These cause his white cells to mass produce.) Mike is scheduled to have his stem cells harvested Thurs. Nov. 11th.
Rick began chemo Friday night. He did fairly well through Saturday night. God was so good in protecting him with preventative drugs and lots of grace! Today, Sunday, he is very tired and suffering some nausea- obviously to be expected. However, we continue to pray hard that the LORD would continue to stand firm and fight for Rick against all side effects! We are also praying that God prepare Rick's body to receive Mike's stem cells on Friday, that He would graciously bless Rick and show Himself mightily through Rick by manifesting the stem cells quickly and efficiently into bone marrow and rapidly recover Rick's blood counts to healthy levels.
We believe God for all things, all peace, all grace, all hope and love; we know He can do anything--today, we are asking He will these things! BIG THINGS!
We trust the GOD of all creation, who created the heavens and the earth, who spoke the whole world into existence in just a breath. Nothing is too hard for Him.
I pray that you would be encouraged to open up your heart to God, to pray for your need. Please know, Rick and I pray for you constantly. May God bless your heart and your soul.
As we look forward to what tomorrow brings, we rest in today knowing that our lives, whether difficult or carefree, remain in the palm of His hand- for we are in Christ and Christ is in us.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, your love and sweet support. Every bit keeps our family going! Thanks to everyone who has generously donated whole blood and plan to donate platelets! Your gifts are amazing to us! We love you!
May you know the greatest love of all....JESUS CHRIST.
life & peace,
Dana
Rick says, "hi" from COH
Rick began chemo Friday night. He did fairly well through Saturday night. God was so good in protecting him with preventative drugs and lots of grace! Today, Sunday, he is very tired and suffering some nausea- obviously to be expected. However, we continue to pray hard that the LORD would continue to stand firm and fight for Rick against all side effects! We are also praying that God prepare Rick's body to receive Mike's stem cells on Friday, that He would graciously bless Rick and show Himself mightily through Rick by manifesting the stem cells quickly and efficiently into bone marrow and rapidly recover Rick's blood counts to healthy levels.
We believe God for all things, all peace, all grace, all hope and love; we know He can do anything--today, we are asking He will these things! BIG THINGS!
We trust the GOD of all creation, who created the heavens and the earth, who spoke the whole world into existence in just a breath. Nothing is too hard for Him.
I pray that you would be encouraged to open up your heart to God, to pray for your need. Please know, Rick and I pray for you constantly. May God bless your heart and your soul.
As we look forward to what tomorrow brings, we rest in today knowing that our lives, whether difficult or carefree, remain in the palm of His hand- for we are in Christ and Christ is in us.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, your love and sweet support. Every bit keeps our family going! Thanks to everyone who has generously donated whole blood and plan to donate platelets! Your gifts are amazing to us! We love you!
May you know the greatest love of all....JESUS CHRIST.
life & peace,
Dana
Rick says, "hi" from COH
Monday, November 1, 2010
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
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
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gratitude is the foundation of all peace & joy.
10.19.10
We wait with anticipation as things progress. All Rick's tests are finally complete. Waiting for results of a few to be received. Once in hand at COH, they will be submitted for insurance authorization for Mike to begin his tests. Because things has taken up to this point, there is a good chance Rick will have to re-do the Bone Marrow Biopsy. We are now looking at November 1st for Rick's hospital admit date; which means he may be at COH for Thanksgiving. This thought is a bummer, but we continue to be so grateful for God's perfect timing, treatment and healing. Rick and I confidently leave it all in His sovereign hands.
Seek My Presence. I will reward you with courage and joy to conquer all troubles, says the LORD.
"... so that I may loudly sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell about all your miracles." Ps. 26:7
We love getting your emails and greetings. It's as if God's eye and hand are upon us moment by moment. May the presence of His love touch you and bless you as you rejoice in all the good things He gives.
Peace & joy to you, in Christ~
Dana
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess. 5:18
10.19.10
We wait with anticipation as things progress. All Rick's tests are finally complete. Waiting for results of a few to be received. Once in hand at COH, they will be submitted for insurance authorization for Mike to begin his tests. Because things has taken up to this point, there is a good chance Rick will have to re-do the Bone Marrow Biopsy. We are now looking at November 1st for Rick's hospital admit date; which means he may be at COH for Thanksgiving. This thought is a bummer, but we continue to be so grateful for God's perfect timing, treatment and healing. Rick and I confidently leave it all in His sovereign hands.
Seek My Presence. I will reward you with courage and joy to conquer all troubles, says the LORD.
- We pray that Rick's body stay in remission.
- We pray for continued strength, peace and total healing.
- We pray that our hearts be prepared for the month that Rick will be away from home.
- And, we pray for a sweet gift- that God would allow my husband to be home and well, for Thanksgiving. What a precious miracle & gift this would be.
"... so that I may loudly sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell about all your miracles." Ps. 26:7
We love getting your emails and greetings. It's as if God's eye and hand are upon us moment by moment. May the presence of His love touch you and bless you as you rejoice in all the good things He gives.
Peace & joy to you, in Christ~
Dana
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess. 5:18
10.14.10
Hi everyone,
I am so grateful and thankful for each one of you. I know that the prayers you have said on behalf of my family and myself have us at thestage we are at. We have met with Dr Nademanee at City of Hope and she is ready to go forward with the stem cell transplant. Over the last few weeks, we have been trying to get authorizations for the teststhat they require as well as showing up and doing them. I will have finished my last of 7 tomorrow and then Mike (my brother) will go and do his tests. I feel very blessed to be lifted up by so many wonderful people as I get ready for the last part of this journey. I will be atCity of Hope for 30 days (5 days of Chemo, stem cell transplant, 2weeks recuperation). They tell me basically it will be like me getting a new immune system that will consist of Mike's stem cells.
I think 42 years ago when Mike and I were born the Lord knew exactly that I would need him for this purpose. I am in awe of this factconstantly. My family is amazing. They are supportive, strong and seeking the Lord's guidance in all aspects as we take each day as it comes. There have been so many people who have come out of the"woodwork" to offer help to me from the past it is amazingly humbling. I will know more details when I report hopefully soon.
In the interim, thank you and God bless you.
A brother in Christ,
Rick L.
Hi everyone,
I am so grateful and thankful for each one of you. I know that the prayers you have said on behalf of my family and myself have us at thestage we are at. We have met with Dr Nademanee at City of Hope and she is ready to go forward with the stem cell transplant. Over the last few weeks, we have been trying to get authorizations for the teststhat they require as well as showing up and doing them. I will have finished my last of 7 tomorrow and then Mike (my brother) will go and do his tests. I feel very blessed to be lifted up by so many wonderful people as I get ready for the last part of this journey. I will be atCity of Hope for 30 days (5 days of Chemo, stem cell transplant, 2weeks recuperation). They tell me basically it will be like me getting a new immune system that will consist of Mike's stem cells.
I think 42 years ago when Mike and I were born the Lord knew exactly that I would need him for this purpose. I am in awe of this factconstantly. My family is amazing. They are supportive, strong and seeking the Lord's guidance in all aspects as we take each day as it comes. There have been so many people who have come out of the"woodwork" to offer help to me from the past it is amazingly humbling. I will know more details when I report hopefully soon.
In the interim, thank you and God bless you.
A brother in Christ,
Rick L.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
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