August 29, 2016

On August 22^nd we went up to Huntsman for another chemotherapy treatment.  Rick’s mom was able to join us.  After completing the labs, the Dr. informed us that Rick’s white blood count was too low to do chemotherapy.  Ever since the last chemo treatment, Rick just hasn’t felt very well.  He couldn’t get on top of the nausea and the fatigue.  The Dr. was able to get him stronger medication to help stimulate his appetite and also help with the nausea.  Even though he wasn’t able to have chemotherapy, the Dr. ordered some fluids for him to receive that day.  I think he was quite dehydrated because he was struggling with eating and drinking.

During the week, Rick’s legs were hurting quite a bit.  It felt like he had a pulled muscle so they had us go and get an ultrasound.  While we were there, they said that Rick had some blood clots in his legs so he had to start giving himself shots of blood thinner.  Based on a few of these issues, we were kind of happy that Rick’s body could take a break from treatment and get stronger.  On the down side, we wait two more weeks to fight the cancer again. 

Even though Rick has been struggling, he finds a way to attend the important things that we have going on.  Our grand daughter Nina was baptized, we went to the Alpine Days parade with our kids, we have attended different Temples and had a dinner with my brother and sisters and their spouses.  Also Rick spoke in our Stake conference last Saturday night.  His topic was “Faith is a choice.”  He did a fantastic job!

Yesterday Alanah Muir from the Carollo office stopped by and showed Rick a plaque that was awarded to Carollo as California’s  top design firm for 2016.  Rick was excited to see the plaque because he’s been working almost exclusively in Southern California for the last several years.  I know Rick really misses seeing all his friends at Carollo Engineers. 

My sister Susan, sent me a quote last week.  She didn’t know who wrote it, but I sure liked the message.

“Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.”

We are hoping and praying that the treatments will be affective on the Cancer and that Rick won’t have too many side effects.  We are also praying that his white blood count will be high enough to continue with the treatments next week.  As always, we love you and appreciate the many prayers on our behalf.

Love,

Rick & Jana

August 11, 2016

The first week of August, we had a visit from our cute Indiana grandchildren.  What a treat that was!  Rick had a few extra days before his next treatment so it was so fun to be with the Wheadon kids! 

Rick also had a chance to go fishing with James Baird who is a dear friend of his ever since they were young.  They had such a fun day together.  They also caught some nice fish!  Rick came home so happy but also tired.  (But believe me, it was all worth it.)

On August 5, Rick had another treatment up at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.  This is the third week of the new trial.  The first two treatments Rick received the new standard of care drugs to make sure he could handle those first.  This week he was given the trial drug also.  The new drug is an immunotherapy drug that unmasks the cancer cells so that the body’s immune system will attack them.   It is always a little scary to see how his body will handle it.

While we were up at Huntsman, Rick was able to go to acupuncture.  He has been going to Annie for several weeks and it seems to help him sleep better and eat better.  We are hoping it is helping with the nausea too.  He even falls asleep while he has needles all over him.  It is very interesting.  While he had that appointment, I was able to get a massage.  Huntsman provides these services for the patients and their families.  

The following morning Rick had a fever so we called the doctors at Huntsman.  They said to keep them posted if the fever went higher.  I called the doctor again a few hours later when his fever was 103.  At that point they had us drive up to the emergency room.  Rick also had a cough that was tight in his chest.  They ran a chest x-ray and several blood tests to look for infection.  We stayed all day in the ER and finally at 11:00pm they admitted him up at Huntsman.  They gave him a lot of fluids and continued to monitor his fever and the fever broke at about 2:00am.  I slept at the hospital that night and then the next day they felt comfortable about sending him home.  They didn’t see any signs of infection but they ran more cultures to make sure.  The doctors wonder if Rick may have had a reaction to the drug.

Since we have been home, Rick has improved each day.  The side affects are pretty tough but of course Rick never complains.  Eating is the most difficult part.  Usually after about five days, he can eat a little better.  He is also feeling some neuropathy in his hands and feet.  He especially feels it when he drinks or holds something cold in his hands. 

  

I am so proud of him for his great strength and his positive attitude.  I am amazed at him everyday!  We feel so blessed to be able to spend so much quality time with each other.  Nothing else really matters to us at this time.   We continue to have faith and hope that he will be cured, but we also realize that God and our Savior are in charge.  Rick always reminds me to have faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and not in the outcome.  He always says, “Jana, the plan is already in place.  We just need to have faith in the plan, whatever that is.”  This is just another reason we are trying to be strong like him!

Thank you so much for your continued love and prayers!

Love,
Rick & Jana