June 2, 2016

Last week Rick had the first treatment in the second round of chemotherapy.  He has three weeks of chemo and then one week off.  On his week off, we thought we might go to St. George for a few days, but he didn’t feel too well that week and needed the week for recovery.  Rick’s Mom (Sherrie) was able to be with us that day at Huntsman.  She was very impressed with Huntsman and all the doctors who are on Rick’s team.  We loved spending the day with her!  She is such a wonderful blessing for Rick and me.  That day Rick also started an acupuncture regimen at the Huntsman Cancer Institute wellness center.  It was a new venture into alternative medicine that is designed to help with nausea, pain and breathing.  Annie said that her job was to help Rick with eating, sleeping and breathing.  Remarkably, Rick felt the affects after the first night.  At one point, Sherrie and I looked over and Rick was resting comfortably with needles all over him!

 The day after treatment, Rick felt well enough to embark on a trip to St. George for a change of scenery.  We stopped along the way at one of our favorite fishing spots and fished for a couple of hours.  Rick caught this nice three pound trout which put a smile on his face.  St. George was a nice break for us.  Rick actually felt well enough to walk two miles each day.  Our doctors are happy to hear that he is healthy enough to do that.  We are happy that his blood pressure is getting regulated so that he can be more active. 

While in St. George, we took a ride across the Arizona strip.  We put the top down on the mustang, turned the 70’s music up, and sang at the top of our lungs.  Good thing the desert and the dog were our only audience.  It was very therapeutic!

On Sunday, we returned home and went to the cemetery where my parents are buried.  My sisters and their families that live close by were all there wearing their STRONG LIKE RICK shirts.  What a wonderful sight that was!  It was so inspiring.  We are so thankful for the support we feel from both of our families! We can’t thank them enough for all they do!

On Memorial Day, Kelsey and her family came to visit us.  Our little three year old grandson went and gave Rick a hug.  He turned to his sister and said, “Agnes, I told you Grandpa’s hair falled right off!”  We got such a kick out of that.  He was the first one to say anything about Rick’s hair.  It’s true, he has been losing his hair for the last week and a half.  He hasn’t lost it all yet, but it has thinned out a lot.  We think he looks better than ever though!

Rick also had a visit on Monday from a dear high school friend, James Baird and his wife Lindy.  They were here visiting from Maryland.  It was great to see them.  We also had a nice visit from Marcia’s mom, Mayumi Cole from Atlanta Georgia. 

Last Tuesday, Rick had his second week of round two chemo treatment and another visit to the acupuncturist.  It is inspiring and humbling to look across the infusion room and see so many people being treated for cancer.  One woman in our pod was receiving her last round of chemotherapy and she got to go and hit a big gong signaling that her treatments were over and she is cured!  When the gong sounded, everyone started to cheer!  We got a visit from AXEL (the service dog) who visits the patients to cheer them up in the infusion area.  He not only left us with a smile, but a lot of hair all over my pants.  We continue to be inspired by the people who volunteer to support those being treated at the hospital.  Some play the piano in the reception area and others play beautiful music on Native American flutes.  It is very peaceful and relaxing.

 Each day, we see the Lord’s hand in our lives as we continue on this journey.  We know He lives and is watching over us. 

We also continue to feel so much love and support from friends and family across the country.  Below are some pictures of them showing their support for Rick!  We love you all!

 Marcia's Dad & Grandparents

(And Mazie the Dog)

 Marcia's aunt Lisa, Greg, and Andrew

 Justin, Andrea, and Family