Thank you so much for your constant encouragement and prayers daily. We are humbled by the outpouring of love and I am forever changed--daily! GOD is so good to allow really hard things in our lives. These are the times that truly continue to transform my mind and engrave deep truth into my heart. I pray that you are able to embrace, with GOD'S help, your hard things too.
Today, Rick has started to really feel the effects of the Neulasta shot. Shoulder pain, back pain and now..calf pain. We knew this would be coming and as the onset approached yesterday, I hooked Rick up to this really cool TeNS machine (Trans cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), so kindly brought to us by Le. It was fun to adjust it's settings on Rick, until I turned it up a little too high (...Le, I promise..I went really slow, just like you explained.) Man, that thing is sensitive- (referring to the TeNS.) No need to be concerned that I might be torturing our patient..we've got it down now. He is getting some relief from this quaint little, yet POWERFUL machine. Thank you Le! This time around we are also prepared with painkillers, which tend to take the edge off. Not sure how long these "growing pains" will last, however, we would be very blessed and encouraged if you would pray that Rick would be able to endure this time and the LORD would minimize the pain. "that He would grant Rick, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in his inner man,." Eph. 3:16
Secondly, we are asking for GOD'S favor upon our insurance company as Dr. Nademmanee, Rick's doctor at CITY OF HOPE, submits request for authorization for HLA A/B Blood Type testing for Rick's twin brother, Mike. This test is crucial in matching for Rick's stem cell transplant. Dr. Nade has been so great in communicating with us and submitted a request back in May, with no result. Please pray that our insurance (Blue Cross HMO) is responsive and agreeable in processing and authorizing this request for Mike and Rick's HLA blood type testing.
Always praying in the perfect will of our Sovereign GOD, thank you my dear loved ones.
Have a beautiful day.
Life & peace in waiting..
Dana
Friday, July 16, 2010
“The strong desire to magnify God is acceptable to Him and is an indication of spiritual health. It is certain, in the long run, to bring blessing to our own souls and I have frequently noticed that when we earnestly desire to do something special for the Lord, He generally does something for
us very much of the same kind.”
—Charles Spurgeon
Thursday, July 15, 2010
How I am doing is so much more than me personally.
Good morning everyone,
I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to take a moment and actually put into some words what I believe the Lord is putting on my heart to share with you. I am so blessed to have each and everyone one of you in my life. I continue to be amazed by The Lord’s work and hand in all of this. I was speaking last night with Dana and Kyra about some of my mental struggles the last few days and telling them I have been under some pretty harsh spiritual attack. I wanted to share with them as they are always here and are first to see all the changes happening in me.
The Lord has blessed me with unbelievable strength from the very beginning of the first blood test until this second round of Chemo. I believe it began Friday while I was still in the hospital that I started to feel resentful, irritated and just plain tired of being pricked, poked and prodded not mention the other things. I know this is a battle but I was still under the assumption my strength comes from The Lord and myself (really Lange, when it comes to me being a source of strength, yeah right). After Dana, Kyra and I prayed last night for relief from this mentality and attack, The Lord gave me revelation through the words and eyes of my wife and daughter.
Here is the bottom line: This battle is his and I cannot win it without him (The Lord). I must submit my will to be his and allow him to fight this for me. My inherent nature is that I am tough, I am a man and can do this..Well, it became very obvious that it cannot happen without Him. I share this with you all because I remember in the inception of everything sitting in church before I even knew I had MCL that I would find all the strength I needed in him so I could be as strong as I needed but I needed to be diligent in seeking him: furthermore, I needed to be very transparent with all that I will go through with anyone that wanted to know or ask. (there have only been a few times where I really felt and heard the Lord speak clearly and this was one of those times and his instruction).
Moreover, I am so grateful for my wife Dana. She has in essence given up everything to be my caretaker. She does everything for me without hesitation or question and with the selfless heart of a true servant of The Lord. In looking at her last night, I realized, everyone asks about how I am doing yet so much of my mental, physical and spiritual well being is wrapped up and reaffirmed in my wife. Dana is constantly praying for our family and others, being a source of strength for all of us, reading the bible, handling all the wonderful calls from concerned friends and family, updating the Blog, sterilizing the house, etc…..Why did it take me so long to see this?
It says in Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. I know I have been given favor from the Lord for Dana. Proverbs was written be King Solomon who was given the gift of knowledge by the Lord to be the smartest man of his time and that of any man who will ever live or walk the earth.
In the end, How am I doing? As good as my wife and family. I am so blessed. Trials give you such light on the gifts you have been given.
Please pray for Dana to continue to be a light and source of strength and encouragement to all.
Please pray for my whole family(the girls, Mom, Dad, my brother and his family, Amber) to be continually immersed in the Lords love and peace.
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and are doing on my behalf. It all means so much that each and every day I am humbled once again.
A blessed man,
Rick Lange
I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to take a moment and actually put into some words what I believe the Lord is putting on my heart to share with you. I am so blessed to have each and everyone one of you in my life. I continue to be amazed by The Lord’s work and hand in all of this. I was speaking last night with Dana and Kyra about some of my mental struggles the last few days and telling them I have been under some pretty harsh spiritual attack. I wanted to share with them as they are always here and are first to see all the changes happening in me.
The Lord has blessed me with unbelievable strength from the very beginning of the first blood test until this second round of Chemo. I believe it began Friday while I was still in the hospital that I started to feel resentful, irritated and just plain tired of being pricked, poked and prodded not mention the other things. I know this is a battle but I was still under the assumption my strength comes from The Lord and myself (really Lange, when it comes to me being a source of strength, yeah right). After Dana, Kyra and I prayed last night for relief from this mentality and attack, The Lord gave me revelation through the words and eyes of my wife and daughter.
Here is the bottom line: This battle is his and I cannot win it without him (The Lord). I must submit my will to be his and allow him to fight this for me. My inherent nature is that I am tough, I am a man and can do this..Well, it became very obvious that it cannot happen without Him. I share this with you all because I remember in the inception of everything sitting in church before I even knew I had MCL that I would find all the strength I needed in him so I could be as strong as I needed but I needed to be diligent in seeking him: furthermore, I needed to be very transparent with all that I will go through with anyone that wanted to know or ask. (there have only been a few times where I really felt and heard the Lord speak clearly and this was one of those times and his instruction).
Moreover, I am so grateful for my wife Dana. She has in essence given up everything to be my caretaker. She does everything for me without hesitation or question and with the selfless heart of a true servant of The Lord. In looking at her last night, I realized, everyone asks about how I am doing yet so much of my mental, physical and spiritual well being is wrapped up and reaffirmed in my wife. Dana is constantly praying for our family and others, being a source of strength for all of us, reading the bible, handling all the wonderful calls from concerned friends and family, updating the Blog, sterilizing the house, etc…..Why did it take me so long to see this?
It says in Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. I know I have been given favor from the Lord for Dana. Proverbs was written be King Solomon who was given the gift of knowledge by the Lord to be the smartest man of his time and that of any man who will ever live or walk the earth.
In the end, How am I doing? As good as my wife and family. I am so blessed. Trials give you such light on the gifts you have been given.
Please pray for Dana to continue to be a light and source of strength and encouragement to all.
Please pray for my whole family(the girls, Mom, Dad, my brother and his family, Amber) to be continually immersed in the Lords love and peace.
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and are doing on my behalf. It all means so much that each and every day I am humbled once again.
A blessed man,
Rick Lange
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I Can't Contain My Joy!
I can't contain my joy! Although my eyes are a bit sleepy and a nap sounds real good as the last two weeks must be catching up with me, but, nonetheless, I truly cannot contain my joy! My body may be tired but, my heart is flying!
Rick had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood this morning. As we waited for his turn, I felt the struggle upon Rick, the daily poking and prodding, shots and blood tests had begun to weigh heavy on him. Since his release last Sunday, injections of Neupogen and CBC tests have been the daily agenda. Today, he just wasn't so game for it all. This is hard at times, and harder at others.
Loving nurses make a difference. So, it wasn't long before Rick was back to his same silly self, taking life as it comes.
Our time with Dr. Mahmood went very well! He is very pleased with how Rick is coming along with all things considered. Today his WBC was 3,500 as compared to 10,000 yesterday, so Dr. M thought best to give Rick 1 injection of Neulasta instead of Neupogen the rest of the week, which helps assist growth of white cells and really give 'em a boost. After considering the results from the last Neulasta shot (his WBC sky-rocketed to 92,000 along with severe back pain), we were in agreement this would be best than to continue relying on Neupogen every day. This made Rick very happy!--no more shots this week.
(We are praying for the LORD to do His healing work in Rick's blood and body as well as protect him from severe bone pain.)
With 2 months under our belt, it was so AWESOME to hear Dr. Mahmood's reply after explaining to us Rick's Complete Blood Count (CBC). "...Looking at these numbers, you would never think he is a Mantle Cell patient..." With elated joy and immediacy, I said to Dr. M, "Can I hug you?!" What delight in receiving the good news of hope! What joy in celebrating victory!
Before Rick & I were taken back, we prayed together in the waiting room. I prayed the words from Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God tells us to pray to Him about everything, all the time, with gratitude, and He promises to give us His peace that is bigger than we are able to comprehend, and this peace of His will protect our minds & hearts in Christ! Yes!
So we receive with overwhelming joy and thanksgiving, the gifts of His promise. GOD'S peace is unmatchable! As we continue seeking comfort and strength from our precious LORD, Jesus, we receive His grace and miracles daily. Not an hour goes by that we aren't reminded of His great true love.
Our deepest gratitude to you for following us in this journey; for walking with us, fighting with us and believing with us. No soldier wins a battle alone. Your love is great!
We greatly appreciate your prayers for continued peace in our trial and strength to endure whatever GOD has layed out for Rick and our family. May He in His perfect timing and sovereign power, heal Rick completely. We also pray for you. May His love be with you all the more.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:14-21
May GOD bless you for your love.
Life & peace in Jesus,
Dana
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.
Rick had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Mahmood this morning. As we waited for his turn, I felt the struggle upon Rick, the daily poking and prodding, shots and blood tests had begun to weigh heavy on him. Since his release last Sunday, injections of Neupogen and CBC tests have been the daily agenda. Today, he just wasn't so game for it all. This is hard at times, and harder at others.
I thank GOD for Julianne, a very special nurse we have made friends with. She takes care of Rick most visits and she truly is a breath of fresh air! From our very first visit, we have had the opportunity to get to know her through the humor Rick immediately brought to the table. Her compassion and realness gives us peace and encouragement. Julianne continues to play an upbeat role in our time spent at Dr. M's office. We are truly blessed by her care and her heart.
Loving nurses make a difference. So, it wasn't long before Rick was back to his same silly self, taking life as it comes.
Our time with Dr. Mahmood went very well! He is very pleased with how Rick is coming along with all things considered. Today his WBC was 3,500 as compared to 10,000 yesterday, so Dr. M thought best to give Rick 1 injection of Neulasta instead of Neupogen the rest of the week, which helps assist growth of white cells and really give 'em a boost. After considering the results from the last Neulasta shot (his WBC sky-rocketed to 92,000 along with severe back pain), we were in agreement this would be best than to continue relying on Neupogen every day. This made Rick very happy!--no more shots this week.
(We are praying for the LORD to do His healing work in Rick's blood and body as well as protect him from severe bone pain.)
With 2 months under our belt, it was so AWESOME to hear Dr. Mahmood's reply after explaining to us Rick's Complete Blood Count (CBC). "...Looking at these numbers, you would never think he is a Mantle Cell patient..." With elated joy and immediacy, I said to Dr. M, "Can I hug you?!" What delight in receiving the good news of hope! What joy in celebrating victory!
Before Rick & I were taken back, we prayed together in the waiting room. I prayed the words from Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God tells us to pray to Him about everything, all the time, with gratitude, and He promises to give us His peace that is bigger than we are able to comprehend, and this peace of His will protect our minds & hearts in Christ! Yes!
So we receive with overwhelming joy and thanksgiving, the gifts of His promise. GOD'S peace is unmatchable! As we continue seeking comfort and strength from our precious LORD, Jesus, we receive His grace and miracles daily. Not an hour goes by that we aren't reminded of His great true love.
Our deepest gratitude to you for following us in this journey; for walking with us, fighting with us and believing with us. No soldier wins a battle alone. Your love is great!
We greatly appreciate your prayers for continued peace in our trial and strength to endure whatever GOD has layed out for Rick and our family. May He in His perfect timing and sovereign power, heal Rick completely. We also pray for you. May His love be with you all the more.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:14-21
May GOD bless you for your love.
Life & peace in Jesus,
Dana
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.
Monday, July 12, 2010
"Just Today"
Good day friends and family,
I sit here listening through the walls of our upstairs loft, Rick in our home office on a conference call... "The world doesn't stop just 'cuz Rick Lange's gettin' chemo...." were his lighthearted words a few days ago while answering work emails from his laptop while visiting the "hotel"- in a suite this time, no less..
GOD in His usual, yet, always surprisingly amazing ways, afforded Rick an early release yesterday morning (Sunday) after 4 days of hard chemo and a day of blood transfusions. Again, we praised GOD Friday night after receiving Dr. Mahmood's update on Rick's progress. His body is reacting better than good to the treatments and his cell counts continue to show favorable results! Not to mention, Rick's side effects have been fairly manageable. Gathering from Dr. M, this is no small accomplishment; with smiles on his face each time we see him lately.. (I think Rick cracks him up.) Nevertheless, I can only speak from my "cup half full" perspective as I watch my husband, a man of long-suffering and inner strength, appearing to be coasting through this wild ride. Not so, in reality; yes, without question, the LORD is holding him up and fighting this hard battle for Rick- displaying heavenly miracles and sweet victories- however, I am honored to share in the other times just as well, when Rick is left to endure suffering during this challenging time, an honor not taken casually. Full surrender to any worthy cause comes towering risks unknown.
As I consider what it must be like for Rick, I am undone by the power of surrender he displays daily. My heart is eagerly inspired by his strength and trust in our LORD and it gives me great peace to live in today. Although nausea and fatigue may plaque with a vengeance, and a dim attack of depression occasionally trickles in, Rick doesn't let up in battling back.
It's interesting, being strong, having strength to fight..when one has little strength... 'Nor by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. May we continue to give glory where glory is truly due!
I read a most encouraging and heartwarming quote from George MacDonald today. He wrote, "We walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as He can get us able to take it in." ...as fast as He can get us able... Isn't it the truth that we become able when we become disabled? What better place to be than disabled in our Savior's presence?
So here we are, today, beginning recovery from trip two. In spite of his side effects, which thankfully are managed with medication, Rick is thrilled to be home. Needless to say, we are more than thrilled to have him home too! His appetite is coming back and he looks really good. He's scheduled everyday this week for Neupogen injections to boost his white blood cells and help prevent infection.
We thank you so much for your constant in our lives. Your emails, messages and visits, generosity with dinners and especially those of you who are blood donors. Your concern, compassion, reaching out and just being there means more than we can say. Lastly, we know we are continually supplied through thousands who are praying for Rick and our family. All of these, a true expression of love, priceless and cherished, we are eternally grateful.
May GOD bless you for Love with Love.
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
I sit here listening through the walls of our upstairs loft, Rick in our home office on a conference call... "The world doesn't stop just 'cuz Rick Lange's gettin' chemo...." were his lighthearted words a few days ago while answering work emails from his laptop while visiting the "hotel"- in a suite this time, no less..
GOD in His usual, yet, always surprisingly amazing ways, afforded Rick an early release yesterday morning (Sunday) after 4 days of hard chemo and a day of blood transfusions. Again, we praised GOD Friday night after receiving Dr. Mahmood's update on Rick's progress. His body is reacting better than good to the treatments and his cell counts continue to show favorable results! Not to mention, Rick's side effects have been fairly manageable. Gathering from Dr. M, this is no small accomplishment; with smiles on his face each time we see him lately.. (I think Rick cracks him up.) Nevertheless, I can only speak from my "cup half full" perspective as I watch my husband, a man of long-suffering and inner strength, appearing to be coasting through this wild ride. Not so, in reality; yes, without question, the LORD is holding him up and fighting this hard battle for Rick- displaying heavenly miracles and sweet victories- however, I am honored to share in the other times just as well, when Rick is left to endure suffering during this challenging time, an honor not taken casually. Full surrender to any worthy cause comes towering risks unknown.
As I consider what it must be like for Rick, I am undone by the power of surrender he displays daily. My heart is eagerly inspired by his strength and trust in our LORD and it gives me great peace to live in today. Although nausea and fatigue may plaque with a vengeance, and a dim attack of depression occasionally trickles in, Rick doesn't let up in battling back.
It's interesting, being strong, having strength to fight..when one has little strength... 'Nor by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. May we continue to give glory where glory is truly due!
I read a most encouraging and heartwarming quote from George MacDonald today. He wrote, "We walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as He can get us able to take it in." ...as fast as He can get us able... Isn't it the truth that we become able when we become disabled? What better place to be than disabled in our Savior's presence?
So here we are, today, beginning recovery from trip two. In spite of his side effects, which thankfully are managed with medication, Rick is thrilled to be home. Needless to say, we are more than thrilled to have him home too! His appetite is coming back and he looks really good. He's scheduled everyday this week for Neupogen injections to boost his white blood cells and help prevent infection.
- Please pray for Rick, that GOD would continue to show him mercy and heal him completely!
- Please pray that GOD would bless Rick with abounding peace, joy, strength, and faith.
- Please pray that we would continue to live in today all for GOD'S glory.
We thank you so much for your constant in our lives. Your emails, messages and visits, generosity with dinners and especially those of you who are blood donors. Your concern, compassion, reaching out and just being there means more than we can say. Lastly, we know we are continually supplied through thousands who are praying for Rick and our family. All of these, a true expression of love, priceless and cherished, we are eternally grateful.
May GOD bless you for Love with Love.
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
Saturday, July 10, 2010
God's "Patient" Patient
Good morning everyone,
Today is day 5 in the hospital of Round One- Part B. I am feeling good and I have only really had to battle nausea which seems to be the consistent on this dosage of medications. Dr. Mahmood said that my progress is far better than he had expected. He is extremely happy with my neutriphils (heathly white cells) that are being produced and the rapid decline in the cancer cells. Thank You God!
I thought I might be able to go home today, considering I feel pretty good & the Methotrexate levels (chemo drug) in my liver are right where they need to be; however, since my hemoglobin levels are a little lower then they'd like, they are going to give me a couple of blood transfusions today.
I will also start on Neupregen shots tomorrow to boost WBC production.
Thank you so much for those of you who have donated blood on my behalf. Some of it will be used today. The doctors believe from here on out that I will need more transfusions as it will become necessary given what the first two parts of my treatment have accomplished along with what the next two will need to do. If you are "O" positive, please pray if it is something you are able to donate on my behalf. Please contact Dana.
I know the Lord is with me as He continues to be merciful in how many side effects He is battling for me each day. I believe the Lord is trying to teach me to be patient and wait on Him. Romans 15:5 says, "now may God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus." I need to constantly be reminded that everything is in His timing and not my own. Mainly, I am battling my mind on this issue. The Lord is extremely faithful and loving in teaching me to submit to His will. I always start out that way; however, it sure seems that I want to change it.
I am so encouraged by all your emails, visits and prayers. They keep me energized and focused on the Lord and the goal at hand. My family is a tremendous blessing and sense of strength as they are always here and I see the love of Christ in their eyes and faces. Please pray that the enemy stays at bay as I know he is on attack. But, he is a defeated foe and I am constantly reminded of our Lord's work and victory.
I would also ask for prayer for my family to continue to be immersed in God's love and peace and that I would have the battle heart of David.
I pray the Lord blesses you too, and your families this weekend. Enjoy everything around you as I definitely miss just simply being outside. It's funny that when things are temporarily removed from you, it's in those times you really miss and learn to appreciate how amazing they are.
Thank you again for everything you are doing on our behalf as I cannot thank you enough. Nothing goes unnoticed.
In His strength,
Gdsoldr
Today is day 5 in the hospital of Round One- Part B. I am feeling good and I have only really had to battle nausea which seems to be the consistent on this dosage of medications. Dr. Mahmood said that my progress is far better than he had expected. He is extremely happy with my neutriphils (heathly white cells) that are being produced and the rapid decline in the cancer cells. Thank You God!
I thought I might be able to go home today, considering I feel pretty good & the Methotrexate levels (chemo drug) in my liver are right where they need to be; however, since my hemoglobin levels are a little lower then they'd like, they are going to give me a couple of blood transfusions today.
I will also start on Neupregen shots tomorrow to boost WBC production.
Thank you so much for those of you who have donated blood on my behalf. Some of it will be used today. The doctors believe from here on out that I will need more transfusions as it will become necessary given what the first two parts of my treatment have accomplished along with what the next two will need to do. If you are "O" positive, please pray if it is something you are able to donate on my behalf. Please contact Dana.
I know the Lord is with me as He continues to be merciful in how many side effects He is battling for me each day. I believe the Lord is trying to teach me to be patient and wait on Him. Romans 15:5 says, "now may God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus." I need to constantly be reminded that everything is in His timing and not my own. Mainly, I am battling my mind on this issue. The Lord is extremely faithful and loving in teaching me to submit to His will. I always start out that way; however, it sure seems that I want to change it.
I am so encouraged by all your emails, visits and prayers. They keep me energized and focused on the Lord and the goal at hand. My family is a tremendous blessing and sense of strength as they are always here and I see the love of Christ in their eyes and faces. Please pray that the enemy stays at bay as I know he is on attack. But, he is a defeated foe and I am constantly reminded of our Lord's work and victory.
I would also ask for prayer for my family to continue to be immersed in God's love and peace and that I would have the battle heart of David.
I pray the Lord blesses you too, and your families this weekend. Enjoy everything around you as I definitely miss just simply being outside. It's funny that when things are temporarily removed from you, it's in those times you really miss and learn to appreciate how amazing they are.
Thank you again for everything you are doing on our behalf as I cannot thank you enough. Nothing goes unnoticed.
In His strength,
Gdsoldr
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