We returned to UAMS last week. Rick had several test ran again to find out how the first round of chemo affected the cancer. The results were not what we had hoped for. The treatment didn’t affect the cancerous lesions however he didn’t allow new growth of cancer cells either. The doctors determined Rick needed to be on different protocol. Therefore last Thursday Rick had a 1 day of a high dose of chemo. Rick came in that day in the best of moods, had plans for the day felt like a new man. After the treatment he walked to the car, and about the time we got to the parking garage he became very sick. On Friday, we came to the clinic had his first stem cell transplant. He still felt very bad from the chemo but made it through the transplant. Since that day, he has slowing gone downhill. We expected this because his counts were dropping and have bottomed out. In the meantime he has fractured another vertebra, causing him incredible amount of pain. Each day it seemed he got weaker and more tired but we knew that would happen. However what we didn’t want to happen did. The chemo treatment burnt the inside of his stomach lining and has caused him to have an infection. The infection is causing him to be in a lot of pain. He hasn’t eaten or drank in 2.5 days. Before that he would sip on something but couldn’t drink more than a sip or two. Today, they admitted Rick back into the hospital to treat his stomach for this infection. He has to be on a strong antibiotic, fluids, potassium, and magnesium for 24 hours a day. He is still very weak, tired, and counts are still at 0. He has had to have blood transfusions, platelets and different meds every day. Just as we think we have it so bad, we come up to our room and I run into the man walking out of the room, wiping tears from his eyes. I introduce myself, start the small talk and bam he tells me his story. God reminds me WE are blessed and Rick even though fighting this horrible disease, will make it. This poor mans wife, it doesn’t look good for her, she is fighting for her life as he walks out of the room to cry for a minute not in front of her. God can heal her I believe it. No matter how bad I think we have it, there is someone that has it much worse. God has continued to bless us during this journey. We have wonderful friends that are praying for us each day that is carrying us through our daily struggles. We have friends that have come to see us and help with things down here in Little Rock. Toppy got to come see us this weekend. Shelbie Hessling married her best friend today and has had the most perfect wedding. Even though Rick, Toppy and I didn’t get to be there, family and friends sent us pictures and videos of the whole thing step by step. From getting ready to the first dance and then the daddy daughter dance. We love you Shelbie and Elliott. May God bless you with many years of happiness. Heavenly Father, thank you. Thank you for opening my eyes and ears to see what is around me. Thank you for continuing to bless us in many ways. Bless our family and friends. O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known His doings among peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 01:02:13 +0000
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