Dear Family and Friends;
Today's Day #21 for my little stem cells as they make themselves into new white cell, red cells, plateletts, and after our visit to the doctor today, the report's looking pretty good. Platelettes and white cells are now all within the completely normal range, and the red cells are not far behind.
They were a little concerned today, that my blood pressure was low (for me - 90's) and my pulse rate was elevated (like 115 bpm), and I complained about hot flashes. They concluded that I needed hydration, so they drizzled a quart of saline solution into me over the next 90 minutes while Amy had nothing to do but stare off into the distance (she'd forgotten to bring her book!).
And was it ever cold in that facility! Brrrrr! We think that the reason is that one of the nurses is about two weeks from delivery date and she's carrying a hot bisquit in the oven! All the other satff had sweaters to put on; they gave me a warmed blanket, but Ames just bore up onder it.
It's a waiting game now, for me (us), with some thumb twiddling, as I try to drink more each day, do more exercise, eat a little more (food still is not appepizing) and of course get plenty of rest. Not a very busy calendar, but any of those enterprises I've mentioned, sets me down panting; yet, the day seems to get away from me pretty easily.
We've gotten a wondrous number of cards and calls from very prayerful and encouraging folks. Thanks so much! It's truly a gift from God's host when you receive more first-class mail than junk! Makes me almost cry to think that people are not much into sending Christmas cards anymore because of the cost! (I'll leave that one in God's hands!)
Peace and joy to you all, in our Lord Jeus' name.
As ever in His Hope,
Dick
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Blog #21 8/22/10 Pressing on towards the mark
Dear Ones:
Pressing on towards the mark is scriptural and quite noble. But for me, now sprung from the hospital some five days, it isn't pressing very hard. I do well to get up, use the bathroom, walk around the house once or twice, maybe eat something and fall back in bed exhausted. It feels like a day's work.
But, bless Amy's heart, she noted that all my stem cells are juvenile, just like a newborn baby's: "all newborns do is eat a little, blink and look around, poop, and go back to sleep. Go back to bed, Dick." That permission not to have to be "productive" is very welcome!
This afternoon, however, I discovered another souce of fatigue. I have an army of pills to take, and over half of them list "drowiness" as one of the possible side effects. So, there! If you come to visit, and I am sleeping, don't worry, it's part of my daily routine. I don't mind being roused and sociable. And, if you come and I am sitting up and "awake," after a bit, I might just sort of lean over on you and go to sleep! ZZzzzzzzz!
I am getting stronger by the day and rejoicing to greet each new day! This is Day #17 of my "new cells" and I am pressing on toward the mark, day by day. May the Lord be glorified in this victory! AMEN!
Peace and joy! Thanks for the continued prayers!
Dick
Pressing on towards the mark is scriptural and quite noble. But for me, now sprung from the hospital some five days, it isn't pressing very hard. I do well to get up, use the bathroom, walk around the house once or twice, maybe eat something and fall back in bed exhausted. It feels like a day's work.
But, bless Amy's heart, she noted that all my stem cells are juvenile, just like a newborn baby's: "all newborns do is eat a little, blink and look around, poop, and go back to sleep. Go back to bed, Dick." That permission not to have to be "productive" is very welcome!
This afternoon, however, I discovered another souce of fatigue. I have an army of pills to take, and over half of them list "drowiness" as one of the possible side effects. So, there! If you come to visit, and I am sleeping, don't worry, it's part of my daily routine. I don't mind being roused and sociable. And, if you come and I am sitting up and "awake," after a bit, I might just sort of lean over on you and go to sleep! ZZzzzzzzz!
I am getting stronger by the day and rejoicing to greet each new day! This is Day #17 of my "new cells" and I am pressing on toward the mark, day by day. May the Lord be glorified in this victory! AMEN!
Peace and joy! Thanks for the continued prayers!
Dick
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Blog #20 8/18/10 Don't pay the Ransom!
Dear family and friends:
"Don't pay the ransom! They let me go!!" was what one of my dear friends would always hollar as he came through the door when he was late for the meeting.
And I'm free now, too! They let me free from the hospital shortly after noon today, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry with joy! Despite the stiffling heat, freedom is great; and all autos, houses, children at play, restaurants, birds flying, people strolling, etc. etc. have a new color and interest about them.
We return to the doctor's clinic tomorrow to learn further details about meds, limitations, and activities. In about two weeks I will have to do another bone marrow biopsy to see how those new little stem cells are regenerating, and then about a month and a half after that, I do the whole restaging process (another bone marrow biopsy, x-rays, MRIs, blood work, pulmonay, etc,). No rest for the wicked.
We got home, ate lunch, took naps, and then it was outside on a stool as Amy took the clippers to my thining topknot. Whether it was because I was in a bright red tee shirt, or because of the indignity of it all, a bright red cardinal sat right above her and crticized the whole operation. Maybe he was just making dibbs on the tufts of hair lying about. So now I'm shorn.
We took a short walk, and looked up to see a wonderful rainbow in the sky - a wonderful sign of promise and hope.
Don't pay the ransom...it's already been paid by God's Son Jesus. I am free! And have been for a long time! Alleluia!
As ever in Christ,
Dick
"Don't pay the ransom! They let me go!!" was what one of my dear friends would always hollar as he came through the door when he was late for the meeting.
And I'm free now, too! They let me free from the hospital shortly after noon today, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry with joy! Despite the stiffling heat, freedom is great; and all autos, houses, children at play, restaurants, birds flying, people strolling, etc. etc. have a new color and interest about them.
We return to the doctor's clinic tomorrow to learn further details about meds, limitations, and activities. In about two weeks I will have to do another bone marrow biopsy to see how those new little stem cells are regenerating, and then about a month and a half after that, I do the whole restaging process (another bone marrow biopsy, x-rays, MRIs, blood work, pulmonay, etc,). No rest for the wicked.
We got home, ate lunch, took naps, and then it was outside on a stool as Amy took the clippers to my thining topknot. Whether it was because I was in a bright red tee shirt, or because of the indignity of it all, a bright red cardinal sat right above her and crticized the whole operation. Maybe he was just making dibbs on the tufts of hair lying about. So now I'm shorn.
We took a short walk, and looked up to see a wonderful rainbow in the sky - a wonderful sign of promise and hope.
Don't pay the ransom...it's already been paid by God's Son Jesus. I am free! And have been for a long time! Alleluia!
As ever in Christ,
Dick
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Blog #20 redeux 8/17/10 Special Air
Dear Ones:
Unless I hit the wrong key again, I'll publish my last blog from within the confines of the hopital tonight! Praise the Lord, I'm free to go home tomorrow! Alleluia! whoopie! and Hot Dang! I will have been here only two and a half weeks, and believe me, that's long enough!
One of my recent visitors, however, asked me what this experience has meant to me. I thought only briefly to respond, "I come from this somewhat ashamed of the very shallow response I have had when learning that someone (especially someone young) has been sentenced to two to five years or more in prison." Albeit, these are not nice people, the thought that someone is confined to a cell a third the size of this room, with someone else, with incessant noise, constant fear, with no window, no visitors, no attending nurses to check on my welfare, no phone, no cards, no hope of seeing day except for a few hours, has shaken me. Forgive me Lord for having no more pity on the prisoner than I have had! And to think that Nelson Mandela came out of 26 yrs of mostly solitary inprisonment sane is incredible!
I leave this particular room to whomever is so privileged to have it: beautiful view, the only flat screen t.v. in the ward, the biggest refrigerator, and an overview of the helo pad. The last has given me the awareness of the many trips to and fro the pilots and crew make, and of the need of healing the people they ferry have. I have prayed for them on each occasion that they arrive, and I leave here almost reluctantly, as though leaving my post. Amy patted my hand gently and reminded me, "The Lord will provide someone for that. You're coming home."
Well, Im not sure what I am going to do with my new found sentiment, but I tell you that tomorrow, I am going to take a deep breath of freedom and give praise to my Lord!
I will learn more about what I can and cannot do after I get sprung, but I suspect it will be very limited; sorta like "house arrest.
I surely have felt your prayers and encouragement, and will love to see you if you care to drop by the house. Call before you come as I am sure we will have many hours yet to come in the doctor's clinic.
Much love to you all on my next to last day at "Stem Cell Camp."
Your brother in Christ,
Dick
Unless I hit the wrong key again, I'll publish my last blog from within the confines of the hopital tonight! Praise the Lord, I'm free to go home tomorrow! Alleluia! whoopie! and Hot Dang! I will have been here only two and a half weeks, and believe me, that's long enough!
One of my recent visitors, however, asked me what this experience has meant to me. I thought only briefly to respond, "I come from this somewhat ashamed of the very shallow response I have had when learning that someone (especially someone young) has been sentenced to two to five years or more in prison." Albeit, these are not nice people, the thought that someone is confined to a cell a third the size of this room, with someone else, with incessant noise, constant fear, with no window, no visitors, no attending nurses to check on my welfare, no phone, no cards, no hope of seeing day except for a few hours, has shaken me. Forgive me Lord for having no more pity on the prisoner than I have had! And to think that Nelson Mandela came out of 26 yrs of mostly solitary inprisonment sane is incredible!
I leave this particular room to whomever is so privileged to have it: beautiful view, the only flat screen t.v. in the ward, the biggest refrigerator, and an overview of the helo pad. The last has given me the awareness of the many trips to and fro the pilots and crew make, and of the need of healing the people they ferry have. I have prayed for them on each occasion that they arrive, and I leave here almost reluctantly, as though leaving my post. Amy patted my hand gently and reminded me, "The Lord will provide someone for that. You're coming home."
Well, Im not sure what I am going to do with my new found sentiment, but I tell you that tomorrow, I am going to take a deep breath of freedom and give praise to my Lord!
I will learn more about what I can and cannot do after I get sprung, but I suspect it will be very limited; sorta like "house arrest.
I surely have felt your prayers and encouragement, and will love to see you if you care to drop by the house. Call before you come as I am sure we will have many hours yet to come in the doctor's clinic.
Much love to you all on my next to last day at "Stem Cell Camp."
Your brother in Christ,
Dick
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Blog #19 8/15/10 A Glorious Sabbeth
Dear friends and family:
This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice in it and be glad! Although I didn't sleep well, I awoke (again) at 8:30 and felt gloriously refreshed. The day got better from then on.
My white blood cells have risen to 0.5! Ta da! I thought that meant I was within a day or so of release, only to learn that the count has to be over 1000. But any step, even a small step is cause for rejoicing. And apparently I am trading hair for white blood cells as my toppage is beginning to rain down on my keyboard, even as we speek.
Last night I bade Becky goodbye as she journeyed home today to Chicago, her hus band, daughter, and her career. What a blessing it was to have her here for 10 days. After she left, I sat down and composed another blog (#18); I edited, rewrote, composed, spell-checked, etc., marveling at its wit and wisdom, and pressed "Publish Post" and apparently bade it farewell as well. The blogsite responded by announcing "You have successfully published your post", but fired it off into cyberspace somewhere. It is not to be found!
Oh well, must not have been all that good.
The summary is this: entering week three in Stem Cell Camp. I am in good spirits, have no physical complaints, other than hair loss (which is no big deal) and my left eye is no longer blue....its blood red! Something busted loose and what would normally be just some "red eye" is quite blood filled. Doctor figured my platelets are low, so I've been given some donor plateletts to help stop these little "bleeds."
It was especially good to see my brother Charlie this afternoon. Kaye brought him to see me and that delighted me. We had a good visit.
I close this day in prayer and thanksgiving for His nearness and goodness. Thank you Lord!
As ever in Jesus,
Dick
This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice in it and be glad! Although I didn't sleep well, I awoke (again) at 8:30 and felt gloriously refreshed. The day got better from then on.
My white blood cells have risen to 0.5! Ta da! I thought that meant I was within a day or so of release, only to learn that the count has to be over 1000. But any step, even a small step is cause for rejoicing. And apparently I am trading hair for white blood cells as my toppage is beginning to rain down on my keyboard, even as we speek.
Last night I bade Becky goodbye as she journeyed home today to Chicago, her hus band, daughter, and her career. What a blessing it was to have her here for 10 days. After she left, I sat down and composed another blog (#18); I edited, rewrote, composed, spell-checked, etc., marveling at its wit and wisdom, and pressed "Publish Post" and apparently bade it farewell as well. The blogsite responded by announcing "You have successfully published your post", but fired it off into cyberspace somewhere. It is not to be found!
Oh well, must not have been all that good.
The summary is this: entering week three in Stem Cell Camp. I am in good spirits, have no physical complaints, other than hair loss (which is no big deal) and my left eye is no longer blue....its blood red! Something busted loose and what would normally be just some "red eye" is quite blood filled. Doctor figured my platelets are low, so I've been given some donor plateletts to help stop these little "bleeds."
It was especially good to see my brother Charlie this afternoon. Kaye brought him to see me and that delighted me. We had a good visit.
I close this day in prayer and thanksgiving for His nearness and goodness. Thank you Lord!
As ever in Jesus,
Dick
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Blog #17 8/13/10 Down in the Valley
Dear Family and friends:
What comfort the 23rd Psalm is at this point! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me."
So I am abiding in the valley of nadir (lowest ebb in my white blood cell count), in more or least perfect peace. For today, I think I went even lower than that! To help me sleep last night, I was given two Abient tabs (5mg@). Holy toledo! I woke up at 8:30a.m., took a stroll around the ward, went back to sleep, sleep till noon, strecthed a little, back to sleep, etc. Didn't eat lunch until 2:30and got ready for bed (nite-nite) at 3:30p.m.! Amy and daughter Rebecca came in at 5:30 and woke me up! Be careful of that stuff!
Other than that, I feel fine, but I noted that one of my eyes has turned reddish. Hmmmmm.
Thanks again for your prayers! Glory to God in Jesus!
Dick
What comfort the 23rd Psalm is at this point! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me."
So I am abiding in the valley of nadir (lowest ebb in my white blood cell count), in more or least perfect peace. For today, I think I went even lower than that! To help me sleep last night, I was given two Abient tabs (5mg@). Holy toledo! I woke up at 8:30a.m., took a stroll around the ward, went back to sleep, sleep till noon, strecthed a little, back to sleep, etc. Didn't eat lunch until 2:30and got ready for bed (nite-nite) at 3:30p.m.! Amy and daughter Rebecca came in at 5:30 and woke me up! Be careful of that stuff!
Other than that, I feel fine, but I noted that one of my eyes has turned reddish. Hmmmmm.
Thanks again for your prayers! Glory to God in Jesus!
Dick
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Blog #15 8/10/10 Down in the valley!,,,for sure!
Dear Ones:
I'm been screaming at this laptop,"No! No! No! I've not said anything yet! Don't publish just the title!" But sigh, I've sent out two pretty blank posts because I pushed the wrong button twice! Must be the drugs (couldn't possibly be operator error.)
Well, I am, as it were, "enjoying ill health." According to the blood reports, I entered my "nadir" phase (bottoming out) yesterday, and my white blood cell count is .1. I guess that means that the old blood cells (red, white, and platelets) are all run out of this old corse, and the new stem cells ones should begin reproducing healthy new cells 'ere long. It's hard to imagine being in a physical condition wherein I could contract just any old disease merely by contact or inhalation, and I have no natural defense against it. Oh the wonder of God and the wonders of the science He has led us to! May His name be forever praised!
And while at this moment I feel no ill effect, some things could get uncomfortable...stomach, bowels, throat and mouth. But, thank you Jesus, I am only a little tired, but have a full set of hair, and both eyes are still blue!
This computer seems to be operational, but I have received individual notes and calls that tell me they cannot respond to this blog. Don't know where the problem lies, so just individually email me at
Again, thanks for the cards. calls,and especially the prayers
Wallowing in my nadir, but comfortably safe in His arms, I am gratefully yours,
Dick
I'm been screaming at this laptop,"No! No! No! I've not said anything yet! Don't publish just the title!" But sigh, I've sent out two pretty blank posts because I pushed the wrong button twice! Must be the drugs (couldn't possibly be operator error.)
Well, I am, as it were, "enjoying ill health." According to the blood reports, I entered my "nadir" phase (bottoming out) yesterday, and my white blood cell count is .1. I guess that means that the old blood cells (red, white, and platelets) are all run out of this old corse, and the new stem cells ones should begin reproducing healthy new cells 'ere long. It's hard to imagine being in a physical condition wherein I could contract just any old disease merely by contact or inhalation, and I have no natural defense against it. Oh the wonder of God and the wonders of the science He has led us to! May His name be forever praised!
And while at this moment I feel no ill effect, some things could get uncomfortable...stomach, bowels, throat and mouth. But, thank you Jesus, I am only a little tired, but have a full set of hair, and both eyes are still blue!
This computer seems to be operational, but I have received individual notes and calls that tell me they cannot respond to this blog. Don't know where the problem lies, so just individually email me at
Again, thanks for the cards. calls,and especially the prayers
Wallowing in my nadir, but comfortably safe in His arms, I am gratefully yours,
Dick
Monday, August 9, 2010
Blog #14 (I think) Back on the blog! (I think & hope)
Dear Friends and family:
Today began week two in Stem Cell Camp, and so far, with the exception of getting stir crazy after only one week (of maybe three)I,m doing very well. My stem cell count has not dropped yet as it's supposed to, so here I sit in a waiting mode. The doctor and nurses all assure me that in time, I will feel like the bottom of the fish tank. That's called my "nadir." So, I spend my time reading, watching t.v., strolling around the ward floor with my "tree", thinking, praying, writing, snoozing, etc.
Amy got my computer back from the repair man and so far it seems to be doing o.k., although it did refuse to send the entirety of a email response I typed out. In fact, it wouldn't send any of it until I put it into "draft" status, and then sent only part of it. Sigh!
I have a very nice view from my room of the lake opposite the hospital, and I can see the pretty red flowers on the bridge on Mills street. the helo port is just below me, so I get to watch that activity. Wheee!
I've had some visitors and lots of cards! Daughter Becky will remain here until the 15th, and that's such a blessing. Thanks for thinking of me and saying such beautiful prayers.
Now, that's something I can do while I'm just sitting about. If you'd send me the names or situations you'd like prayer for, I crank them out for you for sure!
Blessings, peace and joy from Camp,
Dick
Today began week two in Stem Cell Camp, and so far, with the exception of getting stir crazy after only one week (of maybe three)I,m doing very well. My stem cell count has not dropped yet as it's supposed to, so here I sit in a waiting mode. The doctor and nurses all assure me that in time, I will feel like the bottom of the fish tank. That's called my "nadir." So, I spend my time reading, watching t.v., strolling around the ward floor with my "tree", thinking, praying, writing, snoozing, etc.
Amy got my computer back from the repair man and so far it seems to be doing o.k., although it did refuse to send the entirety of a email response I typed out. In fact, it wouldn't send any of it until I put it into "draft" status, and then sent only part of it. Sigh!
I have a very nice view from my room of the lake opposite the hospital, and I can see the pretty red flowers on the bridge on Mills street. the helo port is just below me, so I get to watch that activity. Wheee!
I've had some visitors and lots of cards! Daughter Becky will remain here until the 15th, and that's such a blessing. Thanks for thinking of me and saying such beautiful prayers.
Now, that's something I can do while I'm just sitting about. If you'd send me the names or situations you'd like prayer for, I crank them out for you for sure!
Blessings, peace and joy from Camp,
Dick
Saturday, August 7, 2010
BLOG # 11 AUG 7, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
This computer has been acting up but we are back in business and ready to report the last two days.
Dick had all his stem cells transplanted on Thursday and did great. They were talking about splitting the doses between two days but changed their minds and got it over with in 21/2 hours. I was there in his room and they put in 10 20cc syringes ,monitored his temp. and blood pressure as well as giving him huge amounts of fluids. That is to flush out the dead cells they killed off with the chemo.
It is an amazing procedure. He had to get up frequently to use the bathroom so was worn out after it all plus they gave him a diuretic to get rid of all the extra fluid. Katie came in the afternoon and then we came home to rest. We picked up Becky at midnight, so it was a full and taxing day for all of us.
Friday was a let down day and Dick was exhausted. His stomach has been upset and he is very tired so we cleared out of his room and he got some good sleep in the afternoon. I came home and slept too while the girls and their cousins went out for dinner. The girls went back in the evening and said Dick was much better and they walked the halls with him. I talked to him later and seems the sleep and resting was what all of us needed to recharge.
The doctor is very pleased with his progress but does say the low period is coming as the rest of the dead cells get out of his system and the stem cells have to reproduce the necessary cells to get the body going full steam.
We continue to stand in awe of what the Lord is doing and give him the praise and the glory for this wonderful gift of life he is giving Dick.
In His love and peace.
Amy
Dear Family and Friends,
This computer has been acting up but we are back in business and ready to report the last two days.
Dick had all his stem cells transplanted on Thursday and did great. They were talking about splitting the doses between two days but changed their minds and got it over with in 21/2 hours. I was there in his room and they put in 10 20cc syringes ,monitored his temp. and blood pressure as well as giving him huge amounts of fluids. That is to flush out the dead cells they killed off with the chemo.
It is an amazing procedure. He had to get up frequently to use the bathroom so was worn out after it all plus they gave him a diuretic to get rid of all the extra fluid. Katie came in the afternoon and then we came home to rest. We picked up Becky at midnight, so it was a full and taxing day for all of us.
Friday was a let down day and Dick was exhausted. His stomach has been upset and he is very tired so we cleared out of his room and he got some good sleep in the afternoon. I came home and slept too while the girls and their cousins went out for dinner. The girls went back in the evening and said Dick was much better and they walked the halls with him. I talked to him later and seems the sleep and resting was what all of us needed to recharge.
The doctor is very pleased with his progress but does say the low period is coming as the rest of the dead cells get out of his system and the stem cells have to reproduce the necessary cells to get the body going full steam.
We continue to stand in awe of what the Lord is doing and give him the praise and the glory for this wonderful gift of life he is giving Dick.
In His love and peace.
Amy
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
BLOG #10 AUG 4,2010
Dear Friends and Family,
I will try to follow Dick's outline tonight and hope it looks similar to his. Not quite sure how it goes but certainly not running all together as last nights. I also have to edit what I said. I told you he had 10 million stem cells but that was 10 syringes full. He put out 4.6 million, still alot.
He will have 5 put in tomorrow morning and 5 the next day. I can be there and they do it in his room over an hours time. Amazing and not as restrictive as we were led to believe.
He can have visitors and there is not masking, gloving, or gowning. The only time he has to wear a mask is when he is out walking in the hall. His door is to be closed all the time and we need to be washing our hands constantly but generally not as anxiety provoking as before. he is welcome to have visitors and you can come up or call to say "hi". The number is 407-303-1550
Room 3782. I know he would enjoy a call or visit.
He still feels pretty well but will begin feeling the effects of the chemo about Sat. or Sunday. Then until the stem cells start to develop into the red and white cells of the new bone marrow.
Katie and I went in for a shorter time today as he needed some space and will not rest or stop talking if we are there. We are happy to read but he seems to think he has to entertain us.
Becky comes tomorrow and what a blessing the girls are. Someone else to do some of the thinking and processing and making sure I am hearing the right things.
Dick sends his love and assures you he is receiving your prayers and feels the power and strength they are bringing.
In His love,
Amy
I will try to follow Dick's outline tonight and hope it looks similar to his. Not quite sure how it goes but certainly not running all together as last nights. I also have to edit what I said. I told you he had 10 million stem cells but that was 10 syringes full. He put out 4.6 million, still alot.
He will have 5 put in tomorrow morning and 5 the next day. I can be there and they do it in his room over an hours time. Amazing and not as restrictive as we were led to believe.
He can have visitors and there is not masking, gloving, or gowning. The only time he has to wear a mask is when he is out walking in the hall. His door is to be closed all the time and we need to be washing our hands constantly but generally not as anxiety provoking as before. he is welcome to have visitors and you can come up or call to say "hi". The number is 407-303-1550
Room 3782. I know he would enjoy a call or visit.
He still feels pretty well but will begin feeling the effects of the chemo about Sat. or Sunday. Then until the stem cells start to develop into the red and white cells of the new bone marrow.
Katie and I went in for a shorter time today as he needed some space and will not rest or stop talking if we are there. We are happy to read but he seems to think he has to entertain us.
Becky comes tomorrow and what a blessing the girls are. Someone else to do some of the thinking and processing and making sure I am hearing the right things.
Dick sends his love and assures you he is receiving your prayers and feels the power and strength they are bringing.
In His love,
Amy
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August 3,2010 First Day at Camp Dear Ones,I will try to keep you updated while Dick is getting use to his new cabin and counsellors. He lucked out in getting some really cute and delightful nurses, so I think his letters home may be limited and very short. Too much to do to keep him busy.Katie and I have decided the process getting him into the campsite was probably harder than the transplant itself- to begin on Thursday and again on Friday. We were finally called that a bed was available at 2:30 PM having been told to be ready early in the morning of the 2ND. He was to have that central line checked and probably replaced. Being the nurse that I am I had him NPO(no food) since midnight so he would have no trouble with anesthesia. Well, we waited and waited and then we were called. When we got there admitting said he had no bed. Since "bed management" had called us but not admitting, we had to wait another 45min. and then when finally transported the paper work had us in the wrong unit. Again being the nurse I said we would go to the right unit no matter what and they would be there waiting. Well, they knew we were to be there but the room still was not ready. Anyway we were sent to xray to check the line and yes it was in the wrong position and the reason we had 12 days of problems getting the blood out and flushing it. So another line was put in and the poor guy didn't get any dinner until 8PM.We truly bless the Lord for giving us peace through it all and allowing our joy to remain. We really overdid the camp thing just to keep our spirits up and I think the nurses think we are rather crazy. But we did alot of laughing and tucked him into bed for an evening of the first round of chemo, blood draws, lots of ice to chew to keep the mouth very wet and not to have the mucous membranes in his mouth to start breaking down.Katie and I went in this morning around 8 and he was awake and finishing breakfast.. Since he had little sleep and gets preventive meds to keep down the nausea, he was dozing off and on but in good spirits. Apparently the real strong side effects come after the transplant and the cells begin to take hold. Not quite sure of all the physiology but we are praying for minimum side effects. The amazing news was that he was able to produce 10 million stem cells and they usually hope for 3 to 5 million. The Lord is certainly providing ,as a man his age,71, usually doesn't get that many. As I recall Moses didn't start out on his journeys until he was much older and you know about Abraham.The other interesting bit about all this is that all the information we were given before hand about the unit and isolation is out dated. We do not have to mask, gown, or glove. All the detailed preparation they said to get his clothes clean, put in a hot dryer and into plastic bags is no more.The nurses were aghast at all the preparation so I gave them the manual to review and there are going to be some new instructions. The xray instructions were also out dated and they don't do general anesthesia. In fact he barely had any and it was very painful. Again I have to give God the glory because my usual MO would have been to hit the roof but He gave me great peace and calm which had to be Him.In spite of the glitches we do feel blessed that we have the facilities and procedures available as well as a sense of the Lord's 24/7 Presence. My heart goes out to the many,many wearied, sad, angry, and lost people we see around us. If they just knew how loving and willing our Lord Jesus is to gather them up and do for them what He is doing and will do for us.Again, thank you all for the prayers, calls, and cards. You are what God calls the Body of Christ and have kept us enveloped in His grace.In His love,Amy
5:35:00 PM
by Mama G
Delete
Edit
View
THE FIRST ATTEMPT
2/16/07
by Mama G
Delete
1 – 2 of 2
5:35:00 PM
by Mama G
Delete
Edit
View
THE FIRST ATTEMPT
2/16/07
by Mama G
Delete
1 – 2 of 2
Monday, August 2, 2010
Blog #8 Aug 2, 2010 - Going to Transplant Camp
Dear Ones:
Ta Da! The day's arrived and I am all packed, but they haven't called me yet to say that my room's ready and to "Come on down!" Twiddle thumbs, etc.
This packing to leave home gets down to what you think is important to take: like clearing out in advance of rising water or an advancing enemy. I remember a sobering pictiure of an elderly woman fleeing the war in Bosnia, wearing a hat with veil, a fur collar piece, a dusty suit, torn hose and low heels, dragging a small suitcase down a rocky dirt road. What an utterly pathetic look of hopelessness she had on her face. I see similar vingnettes in the many homeless in our city.
In complete contrast, I sit here with my Bible, the Book of Common Prayer with Hymnal, My Upmost for His Highest, a couple books and articles, some tablets to write or draw on, some pictures of my family to pin to my bulletin board, and an outrageous greeting card that blares out the "Star Wars" theme song when opened! I have some new pajamas and slippers, some underware (all checked for holes), some shorts and shirts and footie socks, all new toiletries, and a grin as wide as they come! I'm going to Stem Cell Transplant Camp!... and I can't wait to get this show on the road.
This past week has been a daily trial to get this central line (the thingy in my chest) to work properly, so I may begin with a minor surgery to replace it. It needs to flow easily in order that the fragile stem cells are not damaged when reintroduced into my blood stream.
So, let's go!
Amy will continue the blog until my computer is fixed and I feel up to it.
Thanks for the prayers and many expressions of encouragement!
Much love,
Dick
Ta Da! The day's arrived and I am all packed, but they haven't called me yet to say that my room's ready and to "Come on down!" Twiddle thumbs, etc.
This packing to leave home gets down to what you think is important to take: like clearing out in advance of rising water or an advancing enemy. I remember a sobering pictiure of an elderly woman fleeing the war in Bosnia, wearing a hat with veil, a fur collar piece, a dusty suit, torn hose and low heels, dragging a small suitcase down a rocky dirt road. What an utterly pathetic look of hopelessness she had on her face. I see similar vingnettes in the many homeless in our city.
In complete contrast, I sit here with my Bible, the Book of Common Prayer with Hymnal, My Upmost for His Highest, a couple books and articles, some tablets to write or draw on, some pictures of my family to pin to my bulletin board, and an outrageous greeting card that blares out the "Star Wars" theme song when opened! I have some new pajamas and slippers, some underware (all checked for holes), some shorts and shirts and footie socks, all new toiletries, and a grin as wide as they come! I'm going to Stem Cell Transplant Camp!... and I can't wait to get this show on the road.
This past week has been a daily trial to get this central line (the thingy in my chest) to work properly, so I may begin with a minor surgery to replace it. It needs to flow easily in order that the fragile stem cells are not damaged when reintroduced into my blood stream.
So, let's go!
Amy will continue the blog until my computer is fixed and I feel up to it.
Thanks for the prayers and many expressions of encouragement!
Much love,
Dick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)