The Celebration Continues

Thank you so much to everyone for all of the prayers and encouragement to dad and our family. We are overwhelmed by all the love that is being shown to us. The last few days have been wild. We are all still processing that there really is a light at the end of this tunnel. We feel so blessed that dad has been healed. In the words of my sister, Hope "only God". We are grateful to his wonderful doctor and nurses, but we are most grateful to the Lord- the great healer. Thank you to all who are celebrating with us.

News Channel 2 wanted to get in on the celebrating, so they joined dad today on the golf course. See the full story here.

Celebrating Life

We are celebrating life as we walk this journey with my dad! Though Sophie spear-headed the coloring of Tato's head, the entire family joined in the fun! Patti-Grams even put the finishing touch - a red lipstick kiss - on Tato's forehead! Though we were a few days before the "official report," we were also celebrating Dad's good doctor's report on Friday. The "official" report came in yesterday, revealing "no signs of lymphoma!" Thanks be to God! We couldn't be more thrilled or more thankful! Though he must continue his treatment, we are hopeful that the Lord is using the doctors and medicine to bring about Dad's complete healing.

Our hearts are singing! We will not be silent! O Lord our God, we give you thanks forever! Psalm 10:12

Good News; No, Great News!

Last Friday I went in for my CT Scan prior to my third treatment, which took place on Monday, April 12. Dr. Murphy spent a few minutes with me looking at the scan and said he would see me on Monday and that I could expect a good report based on what he could see. Well, l left on Friday, trying to interpret what would a good report would be exactly.

Fast forward to Monday morning, April 12, the morning of my third chemo treatment. Patti and I went into the exam room where they access my port and then waited for the doctor to come in. Dr. Murphy came in holding two pieces of paper which I assumed was the report. He began by telling me that in the scan he had discovered I had a small kidney stone (which was news to me), some calcification in the aorta (also news to me), spinal canal stenosis (which was not news to me), and then the biggie, no evidence of lymphoma (which was the best news I have had in months). Well, Patti and I were somewhat stunned for a moment, to say the least! No evidence of lymphoma, after two treatments.

So I went into high gear with the next question, wondering if this meant I was finished with chemo. No, I have to finish the protocol (three more treatments to go). After treatment four and before treatment five, I will have another nuclear PET Scan. Dr. Murphy said that if no cancer appears at that time there would be a good chance that I will never have to deal with this again.

While I am grateful for a gifted and dedicated physician, I am even more grateful for the Great Physician. I believe that what is happening in my life today is the result of the grace of God and an army of prayer warriors around the world. We have been carried by your prayers, love, and support. I want to ask you to not stop praying at this point. All the news is good, but let’s keep praying until we cross the finish line. Please know that God’s mercy is renewing us every morning. To God by the glory!

Rick

Post Easter Report

Several weeks ago I was wondering if I would be able to speak on Easter Sunday 2010. I was looking at the different alternatives before me, unsure of where I would be at this point in the journey. As it turned out, yesterday was a great day for me. I spoke in the Saturday evening service, attended a community sunrise service early Sunday morning, spoke in our two morning worship services, and then attended an afternoon service with our friends at Strong Tower Bible Church. I had good energy throughout the day and slept well last night.

I even felt like playing a little golf this past Friday - didn’t finish the full eighteen but played most of it. I loved being outdoors and spending time with close friends Dave, Ken, and Scott. Now I am going to take a couple of days and go down to The Master’s for the Wednesday practice round and par three tournament.

So how am I feeling and what is going on with the lymphoma? As I mentioned, I am really feeling pretty good. I will have a scan on this Friday, April 9 and hopefully that will tell me something about the progress of the treatment. My next chemo treatment is scheduled for Monday, April 12. That will be the half way mark of the six treatments. Obviously we are all praying for a good report and continued strength.

I had a strong reaction to one of the drugs after the first treatment that continues with me even now. I broke out on my torso, arms, and legs with a terrible rash. I spend most days itching and try to fight the natural instinct to scratch. I take Benadryl at night and use a topical steroid, but it is still very annoying. So as you pray, you might add this to your prayer list. That’s about it for now; I will post again after I get the scan report on Friday.