Last Tuesday, Rick had his second treatment of
chemotherapy. We had several
appointments in the morning and then we went up to infusion later in the
afternoon. Dr. Garrido was so happy to
hear that Rick was feeling better than he had for the last few weeks. This is a picture of the dream team! From left to right we have Victor who is the
clinical trial coordinator. He is super
nice and his family lives near Whitney is CT and they even go to the same
church. (small world) Next we have Rick, who continues to be an
inspiration to all of us and then on the right is Dr. Garrido. He is a PHD/MD so he is very smart! He is also the principal investigator for the
clinical trial that Rick is participating in.
We have so much respect for him.
Many times, I throw questions at him (I’m a planner so I need to know
everything) but he always spends as much time as we need to get our questions
answered. We were also excited when we got
there and noticed that everyone is wearing the Strong Like Rick
wristbands. We feel like they are
fighting right along with us. Dr.
Garrido is wearing two wristbands. One
is a purple one for pancreatic cancer, and the other one is for Rick. The nurse even painted her fingernails to
match the band. 
There are probably about
70 different cubicle areas where the patients are receiving chemotherapy. It is interesting to look around at everyone
else there. We see people of all ages
being treated. Everyone is so friendly. The one thing I have really learned is how
people with cancer seem to have so much gratitude. Rick is especially this way and he always
looks for blessings each day, even though it can be hard at times. We have really gained a different perspective
during the last few months. Suddenly the
things that used to be so important don’t really matter anymore.
This is a picture of the infusion area from a distance. We were the last ones done last week so it was pretty empty when I took this picture. The windows go all around the room so that the patients have this beautiful view to look at. The chemo takes about an hour for each bag that contains the chemo drug. Rick receives three different bags. One thing I never knew is that everyone up there is taking different drugs. I assumed chemo was the same for everyone. I know I say this every week but Huntsman is such a hopeful and happy place. We feel so inspired by the people we meet up there. This is a picture of the inspiration wall. There are many thoughts and quotes that the patients share with each other.
Usually after a day or two, Rick really feels the affects of
the drugs. He said it kind of feels like
he has the flu. He kind of feels chills
and just kind of lousy. Rick is still
trying to get his blood pressure regulated.
He is fine when sitting or laying but when he stands up, his blood
pressure goes too low. This week Dr. G
ordered a home health care nurse to come to our home and give him an IV with
saline. Keeping him more hydrated really
helps to regulate his blood pressure.
After getting the fluids after his first chemo, he felt so much better
but this week has been a little more challenging. He hasn’t felt quite as well this week. Even with all that, he is still a
superstar!!!
Rick’s family has been so supportive of him. (us) They brought a bunch more wristbands so if
you want one, we have a bunch more! We
love all the support we can get! We are
so appreciative of both of our families!
Rick’s mom brings him some of his favorite foods and love that only a
mother can give. We appreciate her so
much! My family came to visit us
also. Look at this cute blanket that the
Fuhriman family made for Rick. He loves
it! Rick also had visits from work
associates and as usual, our many friends and neighbors have been dropping off
so many thoughtful things as well as food to eat. We get emotional when we talk about the love
we feel from all over! 
Today Maddie spoke in the Young Single Adult Ward where we
used to serve. Rick was able to go with
me to hear her speak. I knew he wasn’t
feeling the best but he never complains.
Maddie’s talk was wonderful. She
is so strong as well! We were so happy
to see many of our adult leader friends there and all the kids. We really miss it and felt so much at home
there!
Thank you again for all your love and support! We love you all!
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