Happy 2011 everyone!
We hope your Christmas and New Year's celebrations were very special. As you can imagine, ours was a month of rest, peace and divine blessing. Being together, with no expectation other than a heart of gratitude and praise was a tremendous gift! Thank you so much for your holiday greetings, emails and prayers. The Lord continues to meet us where we are, both as a family and individually.
And so we are here...2011, and January has already shown favorable for Rick thus far! His last follow-up appointment was fantastic!! Blood work revealed all levels right on target! We are so grateful that since his release following the transplant he has not needed any transfusions. Both blood and platelet levels are great! His medication list is shrinking...and he was given a 1 month out follow-up for next visit! He is about half way through his 100-day follow-up stage and lookin' good! The best news for Rick was to hear he was fit to get back to work, church and the gym!! He returned to the office full-time this past Monday, Jan. 3rd. He "feels so blessed to be back at work. KMJ has been incredibly supportive and continue to be amazing people to
work for and along side." His energy level is honestly better than I expected. Rick gets to the gym a few times a week now, and so far, manages his strength throughout the day at work. Plus, he still has some left when he gets home after a full day, to give to the girls and me, (and Lola!).
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your constant prayers! They have been answered, and in miraculous ways! Yes, God hears! Yes, He is faithful and good! The testimony of His grace and favor upon Rick and our family is extremely humbling.
As I reflect back over the last 10 months, I am in awe...
Of God's gracious love,
His wonder and power,
And His beauty.
To begin to think that in less than a year we discovered, battled and claimed victory over stage 4 cancer blows my mind!
What the heck "just" happened? I can't explain just how this journey has enriched our lives, on many levels. We thank our Lord for every single one of you who have endured with us in love, labored with us in prayer, and rejoiced with us in victory!
All Glory to God!
We continue to pray for you, our beloved friends and family. We know full well that God is in complete control of all. We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him. Even hardships and trials. Especially hardships and trials! We pray that your love and trust in God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, will be manifested and increase all the more in this new year as ours was in the last. As we look to the future and what it might bring, we know continuous prayer and believing on the Lord for all things is and will always be our biggest defense and our only hope! We would love to hear from you, to share in your victories and stand with you in your cares. Please write as we would be blessed to keep in touch.
Can't wait to see what the Lord does this year!!
Hallelujah!
New year, new life & peace, in Christ-
Rick, Dana, Skyler and Kyra
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
"SO BLESSED TO BE HOME"
Hi everyone,
Thank you again for all your prayers, cards, texts and encouragement. I checked into the hospital on Nov 5 and underwent 7 days of hard chemotherapy. On the 8th day, they actually took the harvested stem cells from Mike and transfused them into me. I am still in awe that The Lord made my brother a perfect match 42 years ago knowing I would need him for this. People struggle for so long trying to find a match and I was given an amazing gift. Mike harvested for 6 hours as they were looking for 5 million cells; ( he produced 20 million). The doctors were shocked at how much Mike was able to produce. The day the stem cell transplant was done is referred to as Day 0. For two weeks I recovered from chemo while my counts re-established. I will be monitored for the next 12 months closely with blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, etc. We are told that is the time frame we need to go back to make sure the stem cells are producing properly in my bone marrow.
I also want to share with you the struggles I experienced in the hospital that the Lord carried me through. As I go back and think of it now, I am just so grateful, as I do not know how I would have been able to persevere without Him. I really started to get stir crazy in the room as I was not allowed to leave or walk as my counts were too low for several days. It’s unbelievable how your mind works against you when you know you are helpless. I started to have significant anxiety attacks, claustrophobia, sweats..I hadn’t anticipated any of these, obviously. I just kept praying, "Lord, please carry me through this.." It was like an ongoing prayer to Him as I really felt powerless. It’s ironic when everything is taken from you and have significant health issues you realize you only have The Lord to look to and He is so faithful. He carried me one step at a time to let me know that I was not alone. I honestly do not and cannot comprehend going through something like this without having Jesus in my life. Some days in the hospital are still a blur and I do not remember much other than being there.
Here is a divine moment in the hospital for me. It had to be. I believe it was Saturday morning about 1am and I was going to the restroom. As I was washing my hands I looked at my arm and proceeded to watch my PICC line just fall out. There was no blood, it fell out clean. The nurses and doctors were shocked as this, given the PICC line is attached to a main artery in my arm and this is how I receive all my chemo, transfusions, etc. This was also concerning as we had to get someone in first thing in the morning so I could have one input into my arm again to administer everything. First thing, a lady shows up to my room and she is a PICC line nurse. She tells me she wasn’t going to come in; however, she felt compelled to as if the Lord told her to. She was a believer and a true blessing. We spoke about the Lord the whole time she worked away and when all was done we knew who orchestrated it all. We were just smiling and giving the Lord thanks.
Anyways, I was released yesterday and I am home. I am thrilled! Before I went into the hospital, we talked about me being away for 30 days. We wondered if it would be the Lord's will for me to be home by Thanksgiving. This would be a week early. It seemed as though we might be asking alot, but still we asked. We have a big God who does big things! He answered our prayer!! I was released a week early, the day after Thanksgiving. Thank you, Jesus!
I hope the Lord blesses your day and give you His peace that only He can give. Thank you so much for walking along side me in this trial. I cannot begin to thank you enough.
Blessed to be His soldier.
In Christ.
Love,
Rick
Thank you again for all your prayers, cards, texts and encouragement. I checked into the hospital on Nov 5 and underwent 7 days of hard chemotherapy. On the 8th day, they actually took the harvested stem cells from Mike and transfused them into me. I am still in awe that The Lord made my brother a perfect match 42 years ago knowing I would need him for this. People struggle for so long trying to find a match and I was given an amazing gift. Mike harvested for 6 hours as they were looking for 5 million cells; ( he produced 20 million). The doctors were shocked at how much Mike was able to produce. The day the stem cell transplant was done is referred to as Day 0. For two weeks I recovered from chemo while my counts re-established. I will be monitored for the next 12 months closely with blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, etc. We are told that is the time frame we need to go back to make sure the stem cells are producing properly in my bone marrow.
I also want to share with you the struggles I experienced in the hospital that the Lord carried me through. As I go back and think of it now, I am just so grateful, as I do not know how I would have been able to persevere without Him. I really started to get stir crazy in the room as I was not allowed to leave or walk as my counts were too low for several days. It’s unbelievable how your mind works against you when you know you are helpless. I started to have significant anxiety attacks, claustrophobia, sweats..I hadn’t anticipated any of these, obviously. I just kept praying, "Lord, please carry me through this.." It was like an ongoing prayer to Him as I really felt powerless. It’s ironic when everything is taken from you and have significant health issues you realize you only have The Lord to look to and He is so faithful. He carried me one step at a time to let me know that I was not alone. I honestly do not and cannot comprehend going through something like this without having Jesus in my life. Some days in the hospital are still a blur and I do not remember much other than being there.
Here is a divine moment in the hospital for me. It had to be. I believe it was Saturday morning about 1am and I was going to the restroom. As I was washing my hands I looked at my arm and proceeded to watch my PICC line just fall out. There was no blood, it fell out clean. The nurses and doctors were shocked as this, given the PICC line is attached to a main artery in my arm and this is how I receive all my chemo, transfusions, etc. This was also concerning as we had to get someone in first thing in the morning so I could have one input into my arm again to administer everything. First thing, a lady shows up to my room and she is a PICC line nurse. She tells me she wasn’t going to come in; however, she felt compelled to as if the Lord told her to. She was a believer and a true blessing. We spoke about the Lord the whole time she worked away and when all was done we knew who orchestrated it all. We were just smiling and giving the Lord thanks.
Anyways, I was released yesterday and I am home. I am thrilled! Before I went into the hospital, we talked about me being away for 30 days. We wondered if it would be the Lord's will for me to be home by Thanksgiving. This would be a week early. It seemed as though we might be asking alot, but still we asked. We have a big God who does big things! He answered our prayer!! I was released a week early, the day after Thanksgiving. Thank you, Jesus!
I hope the Lord blesses your day and give you His peace that only He can give. Thank you so much for walking along side me in this trial. I cannot begin to thank you enough.
Blessed to be His soldier.
In Christ.
Love,
Rick
Love holds all good things.
11.23.10
We know we are being held in the palm of His hand. We are reminded, daily, that He cares for us. The LORD, in His lofty, most heavenly throne room, is not too far away. He reaches His arm down, and with
His compassion and mercy, carries us when we can not walk.
Everyday gets a little better. Rick, in his struggles and challenges continues to press on! God is most gracious. His numbers continue to grow, making the doctors not only pleased, but surprised. No fevers
since Friday, and the rash has dissipated. He is eating food again--this is a great thing. This makes everyone happy! Soon he will be able to get off the liquid meat & potatoes... Rick is staying true, as a good soldier does, in spite of the stones in the road.
Saturday morn about 2 am Rick's double lumen PICC line literally fell out of his arm! What a crazy trip! No explanation. He was told the "PICC line" nurses don't work weekends. This through us into a panic.
He was given IV to continue fluids and antibiotics, but, what about transfusions, blood draws, etc?!?! This was unacceptable! Phone calls were made to try to bring someone in. We weren't going to wait till
Monday! The warriors prayed hard! Ginny, God's servant/picc line nurse, shows up to do business within an hour or so! Thank You, Lord!! She immediately went to work. Sterilized room, ultrasound machine and the Spirit of God completed the job! Rick's joy filled face makes eye contact through the thick paned glass, "She's a believer! We've been talking about the Lord! " Her eyes were of light shining through polished specs. Her smile was aglow behind surgical mask. Yes, God answered our cry for help, and he sent us His love! She opened the door with excitement and joy. We hugged as family and rejoiced in the victory. As we prayed together and praised God for his work in her life, tears of gladness filled her eyes. "Why did this happen, Ginny? What did you find?" With no practical explanation, she replied, "It happened...to meet all of you! "
What Devine appointments God has for us all...be watchful, be amazed, He is our Immanuel, "God with us"; He is near.
So, Rick, back in business, exhausted, yet content, took rest.
Each day has been a mountain climb, mentally and physically. However, the Lord's mercies really are new every morning. His white cells are increasing, building good immune for his recovery. Praying for
continued restoration, strength to be patient, to wait and be still. The Lord is good to the four of us in our yearning, homesick hearts; His peace and His love fill the empty corners of our hearts and our
home.
As Rick continues to grow stronger in his recovery, our hope is he is now through some of the deepest valleys. Thank you, thank you, for prayers, for love. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
HAPPIEST THANKGIVING!!!!
With grateful hearts abounding,
Dana, Rick, Skyler & Kyra
11.23.10
We know we are being held in the palm of His hand. We are reminded, daily, that He cares for us. The LORD, in His lofty, most heavenly throne room, is not too far away. He reaches His arm down, and with
His compassion and mercy, carries us when we can not walk.
Everyday gets a little better. Rick, in his struggles and challenges continues to press on! God is most gracious. His numbers continue to grow, making the doctors not only pleased, but surprised. No fevers
since Friday, and the rash has dissipated. He is eating food again--this is a great thing. This makes everyone happy! Soon he will be able to get off the liquid meat & potatoes... Rick is staying true, as a good soldier does, in spite of the stones in the road.
Saturday morn about 2 am Rick's double lumen PICC line literally fell out of his arm! What a crazy trip! No explanation. He was told the "PICC line" nurses don't work weekends. This through us into a panic.
He was given IV to continue fluids and antibiotics, but, what about transfusions, blood draws, etc?!?! This was unacceptable! Phone calls were made to try to bring someone in. We weren't going to wait till
Monday! The warriors prayed hard! Ginny, God's servant/picc line nurse, shows up to do business within an hour or so! Thank You, Lord!! She immediately went to work. Sterilized room, ultrasound machine and the Spirit of God completed the job! Rick's joy filled face makes eye contact through the thick paned glass, "She's a believer! We've been talking about the Lord! " Her eyes were of light shining through polished specs. Her smile was aglow behind surgical mask. Yes, God answered our cry for help, and he sent us His love! She opened the door with excitement and joy. We hugged as family and rejoiced in the victory. As we prayed together and praised God for his work in her life, tears of gladness filled her eyes. "Why did this happen, Ginny? What did you find?" With no practical explanation, she replied, "It happened...to meet all of you! "
What Devine appointments God has for us all...be watchful, be amazed, He is our Immanuel, "God with us"; He is near.
So, Rick, back in business, exhausted, yet content, took rest.
Each day has been a mountain climb, mentally and physically. However, the Lord's mercies really are new every morning. His white cells are increasing, building good immune for his recovery. Praying for
continued restoration, strength to be patient, to wait and be still. The Lord is good to the four of us in our yearning, homesick hearts; His peace and His love fill the empty corners of our hearts and our
home.
As Rick continues to grow stronger in his recovery, our hope is he is now through some of the deepest valleys. Thank you, thank you, for prayers, for love. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
HAPPIEST THANKGIVING!!!!
With grateful hearts abounding,
Dana, Rick, Skyler & Kyra
Friday, November 19, 2010
"HARD TIMES"
Wednesday night Rick has begun a fever; still, as of this morning it is managed w Tylenol. He isn't able to sleep well due to continuous diarrhea for 3 days. He has developed a rash covering his upper body. These things reveal *Engraftment syndrome. Very common with transplants, although very hard on Rick. He is trying to find rest and stay comfortable. However, this seems to be physically impossible most of the time. Dr. Nade started him on steroids and antibiotics to control Engraftment syndrome. Drs/nurses are very positive and reassure that this stage will pass. Neuprogen shots continue daily so his white cells are beginning to come back up, sssslowlyyy. He was given whole blood and platelet transfusions yesterday. These will help also.
We continue to pray and trust that the Lord is with us, and especially Rick as he goes through this hard part. I was given a special word from the Lord:
Deepest gratitude and humility for your unceasing prayers and outpouring of love! Glory to God!
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
*Engraftment syndrome is a febrile syndrome that occurs in the early neutrophil [white blood cells] recovery phase following stem cell transplantation. It is characterized by noninfectious fever andvarious clinical findings, such as skin rash, diarrhea, pulmonary infiltrates, weight gain and neurological manifestations.
We continue to pray and trust that the Lord is with us, and especially Rick as he goes through this hard part. I was given a special word from the Lord:
"But now, this is what the LORD says- He who has created you, He who has formed you: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.When comfort is temporary and fear tries desperately to enter, it is only by God's promises we find solace. By the power of His unfathomable love and strength we endure.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through
the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you
will not be burned. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because
I love you" Is. 43:1-2,4.
Deepest gratitude and humility for your unceasing prayers and outpouring of love! Glory to God!
Life & peace in Christ,
Dana
*Engraftment syndrome is a febrile syndrome that occurs in the early neutrophil [white blood cells] recovery phase following stem cell transplantation. It is characterized by noninfectious fever andvarious clinical findings, such as skin rash, diarrhea, pulmonary infiltrates, weight gain and neurological manifestations.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
"Day 12"
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
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
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
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