Once every week or so our daughter-in-law Lindsey sends out an update email to all the extended family who live far away from them. Well, yesterday I received her latest update in my inbox and I decided to share it with all of my friends here who have been praying for Richard's well being. Rich and Lindsey are two strong young people who are dealing with this terrible decease with grace and courage and though the ending seems to have been written already, they do get to celebrate small victories as this email proves.....
Hi All,
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far! I finally got all my xmas shopping done. Thankfully we didn't have to get too much this year. I did go a bit overboard with Aric's toys, but there is just so much cool stuff!!!!
I wanted to take a minute and wish everyone a merry Christmas. I will be sending out cards next week!
I wanted to also give everyone a Rich update too. We have had a lot going on here lately. Well, Richs treatment has started to not work real well anymore. His blood levels have all gone back up, which is not good :(. So our dr had Rich's liver biopsy sent to a lab in Seattle.
They tested it for over 30 different chemo drugs to see what has a better response. They came up with 2 new drugs that have a 90-95% positive response in the lab. This does not mean it has a likelihood of killing 95% of the cancer but it does tell us it may kill more if it then before. So we are going to start the new treatment on Tuesday.
With that being the positive news, one of the drugs is similar to what he was on before and it made Rich very ill. So we are hoping he tolerates this one better and will know after Tuesday how it effects him.
He has still been battling major fatigue and some nausea. He has some other skin side effects from this regiment that should clear up in a few weeks.
So other than that, we are so excited for xmas with Aric this year. I am getting so anxious!!!! We are going to try and see Santa sometime this week :)
We send lots of love to you all!
xoxo
Lindsey
As you can see, Lindsey is a tower of strength and optimism and she continues to lift the rest of us with her spirit.
It is nice to have some good news for a change. Even though Rich is beyond the point of the meds actually beating the cancer, this new drug may serve to give him MORE TIME and that is the best we can hope for now. Who knows, maybe God decided to take me up on my deal.
The important thing now is that we are hopeful that not only can Richard make it through Christmas, but he might actually make it to Summer. That is our big hope now....one more Summer.
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Comments
Still praying for you all.
WalkAwayHappy.....Lindsey is a wonderful young woman and I love her like my own daughter. She has been a blessing to my life.
skeletnwmn.....I have always believed in quality over quanity and especally when it comes to time with a loved one.
Scanner....Thank you my friend. If we get to spend another Summer with our son, we will be happy indeed.
Aric are to have her! I hope this Christmas is full of wonders that will remain with them all for the rest of their lives.
David, thank you for sharing this difficult situation with us. I care about you and Mel, and thus, Richard, Lindsey, and Aric. Sending more love than you can possibly know!
XOXOXO
With all the words Webster has put at our disposal, there are none that adequately relay the depth of emotion I feel for you and your family. Rich, Lindsey, Mel and you are in my prayers daily. I am asking for a miracle -- any miracle -- which will allow your family to continue as a whole long beyond next summer. Thank you for keeping all of us on OS informed. We really do care. You are always in my thoughts.
R
Continuing to send positive thoughts and love in your direction.
~R
Keep your spirits up--we're all with you.
xoxoxo,
Kathy...It does weigh heavily but we are helped by friends like you and your prayers.
Chuck.... Yes it does put things in perspective, that's for sure.
Smithery.....Yes, without a doubt, Richard is lucky to have her.
Ken...Thank you, my friend.
sradi....Our strength comes from necessity. Thank you for remembering us.
Teresa....Thank you.
Lunchlady2.....Thank you so much hun. Mel and I are lifted by your kind words and your prayers.
Rod....Thank you my friend. You have walked down this road I now travel and I have learned a lot by reading your blog. I only hope I can show the same grace and courage you did.
Rolling....Thank you so much.
OM....Thank you sweetie. Your love and caring helps Mel and I get through each day.
Donna....Words often fail me when I am on this subject. Your love and the love and caring of all of our friends here, help us make it through the days.
Strawberry Girl....Yes we are thrilled with the prospect of one more summer. Good luck with your own medical problems and the upcoming surgery and give Beanie a hug for me.
Spotted_mind....You guys keep my spirits soaring.
Robin....Thank you for being here to read.
grif...Thank you.
It seems your family has no shortage of love.
Blessings upon you all.
More prayers on the way!! *huge hugs to you and yours*
Rated.
~R~
AHP....Thanks my friend, we are going to savor every minute we are blessed enough to have with him.
Michael....She has been an inspiration to all of us in the family.
Mimetalker.....Thank you.
Boanerges1.....That's okay, if it were me I would not know what to say either. It is enough to know you are out there, caring and hoping for the best....Thank you.
Debbs4....That is one thing we hold onto, that all things are possible with Him.
O'Really?....That is apprecated, thank you.
Andy....That is one thing our family has always been rich in...Love.
Tink....Thank you my friend, your good thoughts mean a lot to me.\
Owl...I really do not know what I would do without you guys.
lionspride....Those are beautiful words my friend, thank you.
Of course we continue to hope and pray for miracles.
Sheila...Ah my dear friend, it has been quite some year for some of us hasn't it. I do not know what the plan might be but I can only resolve to make my way through it. You and I have been thrown some curve balls of late and I can only hope I am able to face my future with even half the grace and strength that you have.
Traveller1....I saw that piece and it was indeed hopeful.
Aunt Sal....Welcome to my blog and thank you for your prayers.
Linda....Yes, Lindsey is a true blessing to all of us.
jane....Lindsey is a rock and we do take strength from her. Thank you my friend for your thoughs and prayers.
She's a joy, your daughter in law. I think of you and Mel and Richard and Lindsay and Aric every day. You're in my thoughts and my heart. Know that. Thank you for the update. I know how hard this is for all of you and to share is very very generous. Thank you.