We appreciate your care and concern for our family. We thought it would be a good idea to make a blog for our dad Rick Wheadon to update you on his health. I'm Maddie, his youngest daughter and I will be updating it for the next little while.
We are learning more everyday and we feel God's direction in our lives as we go through this journey together.
Here's what we know so far:
Rick has been diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. He started feeling some minor upper abdomen discomfort about a month ago. The discomfort increased moderately and about two weeks ago he made appointments with his primary care doctor and gastroenterologist. Those appointments were scheduled for last week. As the pain intensified, and as he was able to sleep less each night, he went to Instacare where a doctor suggested that he had gastritis (thinning of the stomach lining) and prescribed pain and stomach acid reduction meds.
After several more days of little sleep and increasing pain, he went to the ER at Utah Valley Regional Hospital. After a number of tests and a CT scan they found a spot on his pancreas and two spots on his liver. We feel very blessed that he went from detection to full diagnosis including a biopsy and a PET scan in less than a week--the doctors consider that a miracle in and of itself.
We met with an oncologist on Friday April 1st, where we received the official diagnosis. The oncologist suggested six months of bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments. We are in the process of evaluating other treatment options and clinical trials including: The Huntsman Cancer Center in SLC, Mass General in Boston, and MD Anderson in Houston. We anticipate starting treatment within the next two weeks.
While our hearts are broken over the news, we have great family support, as well as support from Rick's Carollo Engineers Family, our ward, and our friends & neighbors. We are buoyed up by the faith and prayers of many -- we feel that love and support everyday. We are up for the fight ahead and we look forward to a positive outcome.
As a family, we have been amazed by the strength of our dad over the last few weeks. He has great faith that this is the Lord's plan and he strengthens each of us every day. We love him so much. That's why our little slogan for this journey is "Strong Like Rick."
We will keep you updated as things progress. Thank you so much for your support and prayers!
FYI: This Sunday, April 10th, our ward in Alpine is holding a fast for Rick, if any of you are interested in joining us in fasting & prayers.
Oh my! Of course we'll be fasting with you. All our love and prayers for Rick! Fred & Patty Nielson
ReplyDeleteMy love and prayers for Rick. I too will be fasting on the 10th. Hugs
ReplyDeleteIam in ! I love you Bishop :)
ReplyDeleteIam in ! I love you Bishop :)
ReplyDeleteWe are with you. You've been in our thoughts and prayers, and we know this is a trial for the whole family. Strong Like Rick, Wheadon Strong!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you created this space so people like me, who love your family dearly but live so darn far away, can be updated. My thoughts have been with you all constantly. I hate this terrible news and can hardly believe such an awful thing is happening to our amazing Rick! I love the slogan and believe Rick is one of the strongest men I know. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to ALL of you along with all my love each day! Love, melis
ReplyDeleteI love your family. I will pray everyday for your comfort and strength.
ReplyDeleteI will join the fast as well.
I'm so sad to get this news! Of course, Clyde and I will be fasting for Rick next Sunday and he will be in our prayers. Thanks, Maddie, for creating this site. We'll be watching for news. Love, Connie
ReplyDeleteDear Rick and Family, life certainly can be jarring. But we know that Heavenly Father is completely mindful of you, and that your tremendous faith will see you through. We will be fasting for you this week with confidence that the Lords mighty miracles will be seen in your life. Love, The Evans Family
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this news. I love your family and will add my prayers and fasting as well. Rick is such a strong, amazing man and I know the Lord will strengthen him and all of you through this.
ReplyDeleteAndrew and I are praying for you Bishop. I learned so much from you and appreciate your love and guidance and contagious smile. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for all that Bishop Wheadon did to help me prepare for my mission. So sorry to hear of your struggle--our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy and send my love for the whole Wheadon family, I'm not at all surprised that Rick is facing this challenge with courage, faith and strength as he has everything in life, Royce and I are with you,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy and send my love for the whole Wheadon family, I'm not at all surprised that Rick is facing this challenge with courage, faith and strength as he has everything in life, Royce and I are with you,
ReplyDeleteThis news breaks my heart. Wheadons - you are some of the most Christlike people I know. If anyone can stay positive through this trial, it's you! Love, prayers, and fasting coming your way. Love you all! Kelli (Karren) Pickett
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to the Wheadon family. Rick & I grew up together in the Indian Hills area of Provo. We coached little league football together and really got to know each other through that time in our lives.
ReplyDeleteOur faith, hopes, and prayers are with Rick and his family in this great battle. Rick is one of our favorite people to associate with, always full of energy and fun. Rick, you will be in our prayers and fast this Sunday. May the blessings of all heaven be poured out in your behalf that you may find peace, direction, comfort, and sustaining health. Love the Gary and Debbie Bushman Family.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you know but Walt was diagnosed with prostrate cancer 2 years ago. We went to MD Anderson and Utah Valley and Huntsman. We have had some miracles to prolong Walt's life. I know you are getting so many people's advice, but don't start anything till you've looked at all your options. If we had started anything at MD Anderson or Utah Valley before we went to Huntsman we wouldn't have qualified for a trial drug there. They gave him 18 months because it had metastasized and he is the second person to be on this trial and it is working miracles. We love Huntsman!!! Call me if you need anything!!! We've been there and could maybe help? We will be praying for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you Maddie for creating this! It allows many concerned friends to join your dear family in prayers and fasting. A similar blog made a huge difference in staying strong for my nephew and his newly married wife. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, Rick and Jana!
ReplyDeleteLove, Dave and Carol Pitcher
Awww, I'm so glad you started this blog so we can be inspired by your dad's faith and strength. I will keep you and your family in my daily prayers. Your aunt Keri is my sister-in-law and I think your family is awesome. I know the Lord will bless and keep you as you all face this challenge.
ReplyDeleteWe love your family - Rick is such a wonderful person. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis breaks my heart. I'm so sorry guys. We are praying for you and we will be in on the fast. We are in San Antonio which isn't too far from Houston (we have cousins there) so if you go that route and we can help in any way let us know.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about this. Your dad and I were classmates at BYU. I hope and pray that you will consider proven cancer cures and not do chemotherapy. Prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Rick, Jana and family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that Heavenly Father will bless and strengthen you through this challenge. All our love - Mike and Cheryl Bateman
ReplyDeleteDear Jana and family, I am so sorry you have to go through this struggle. My prayers are with your family. Hold on to each other for strength. You are loved by so many. Thank you for being so good to our family for so many years. The Wheadon family was a staple for the Packs while we were in Alpine. Love, Cindee Pack
ReplyDeleteWe are still with you and will be fasting on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWe would be honored to fast for your dear father on Sunday. Your family is in our prayer. We also put his name in the Gilbert Temple prayer roll.
ReplyDeleteRick: So sorry to hear about this trial. You are such a great example of a strong, humble man. Our family greatly admires and appreciates you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Todd L.
Rick and Family: You are in our hearts and in our prayers as you fight the good fight. Donna Connor and Family
ReplyDeleteRick and Family:
ReplyDeleteI just heard about Rick’s diagnosis at the WEAU conference in St. George this weekend. It was heartbreaking to hear. Rick hired me straight out of college and mentored me, like many others, as a young engineer just starting out in the environmental field. I have never forgotten his words of wisdom, passion, and commitment to helping others and the environment. Those early lessons learned have been invaluable and help guide me to this day. Rick is a Giant in the engineering community and has had made a difference in improving our community, health, and environment for many years to come. Rick, stay strong, there is still much to do. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandon Heidelberger and Family