Quick Update
This is just a very quick update. I will post more soon. Randy was admitted to Deaconess Hospital this afternoon. His temperature had been bouncing around for about 24 hours. Early this afternoon it spiked at 101.8 - way too high. I called Dr. Ahmed and he wanted to immediately admit him. I ran home for a little while to let Sophie out and do a few necessary chores. I am headed back to the hospital ASAP. They have drawn blood and started IV antibiotics and fluids. He will also be receiving two units of blood. He really isn't feeling too bad considering the temperature he has. I will be spending the night and will be there when the doctor makes rounds in the morning. I'll let you know as soon as I have any news.
Please keep Randy in your prayers. They are important always, but especially during this time. The Lord continues to keep us in the palm of his hand and give us His peace.
Peace to you.
Randy & Sue
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Good News!
Dr. Ahmed gave us the results of Randy's recent CAT Scan. All of the tumors, except the one near his collarbone, have decreased in size by about 50%. The one that did not shrink stayed the same.
That was certainly music to our ears. Since the two chemotherapy drugs seem to be effective, the doctor decided to continue with the same regime. So, Randy had his third chemotherapy session today.
His blood work did show that the hemoglobin level is again headed downward. Dr. Ahmed began giving him injections to hopefully help produce more red blood cells. That is the reason that he has not regained his stamina as he had hoped. If all else fails, he can get another blood transfusion. We will just have to wait and see. The rest of his blood work was in the normal range for him.
Randy should have a couple of good days before the side effects return in earnest. I will keep a close eye on him and try to get head off any dehydration or infection. We have learned new things with every chemo treatment. Being able to recognize the early warning signs can make a big difference in his recovery. Vicky Trapp was given the same drugs and has had some helpful hints for us as well. Thanks Vicky for all of your support.
Again, we would like to thank all of you for your emails, phone calls, cards and other expressions of support and love. You are all so very important to us.
We lift up prayers of thanksgiving and praise for the healing power of God's love. Pray for us as we continue to seek His will for our lives.
Peace be to you.
Randy & Sue
Dr. Ahmed gave us the results of Randy's recent CAT Scan. All of the tumors, except the one near his collarbone, have decreased in size by about 50%. The one that did not shrink stayed the same.
That was certainly music to our ears. Since the two chemotherapy drugs seem to be effective, the doctor decided to continue with the same regime. So, Randy had his third chemotherapy session today.
His blood work did show that the hemoglobin level is again headed downward. Dr. Ahmed began giving him injections to hopefully help produce more red blood cells. That is the reason that he has not regained his stamina as he had hoped. If all else fails, he can get another blood transfusion. We will just have to wait and see. The rest of his blood work was in the normal range for him.
Randy should have a couple of good days before the side effects return in earnest. I will keep a close eye on him and try to get head off any dehydration or infection. We have learned new things with every chemo treatment. Being able to recognize the early warning signs can make a big difference in his recovery. Vicky Trapp was given the same drugs and has had some helpful hints for us as well. Thanks Vicky for all of your support.
Again, we would like to thank all of you for your emails, phone calls, cards and other expressions of support and love. You are all so very important to us.
We lift up prayers of thanksgiving and praise for the healing power of God's love. Pray for us as we continue to seek His will for our lives.
Peace be to you.
Randy & Sue
Monday, November 10, 2008
Aloha from Paradise
We arrived on schedule and have been enjoying the beauty of the island. Our flight was smooth, the luggage all arrived with us and the weather has been wonderful. There have been a few clouds nearly everyday, but just enough to give us some respite from the sun. So far, no one has been burned, a little pink at the end of the day, but not burned.
Randy has done very well. His stamina has improved, but he still tires later in the afternoon. He has made it to the pool and hot tub nearly everyday. We follow him around trying to keep him in the shade, but by late afternoon, there is no shade so we generally make our way back to the condo. The folks here have been very attentive to his needs. Our condo is a little bit of a walk from the pool so someone picks him up in a golf cart and drives him down and does the reverse when he is ready to come back. What a life -- rides in a golf cart and doesn't even play golf.
We have seen many beautiful sunsets and eaten at our favorite restaurants. Randy's appetite has returned and I am thankful to see him enjoying food once again. This afternoon we will be heading upcountry to Kuhla to the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery. We have some of his art hanging in our home. Paul and Diana have two beautiful pieces as well. Curtis is usually in his gallery and it is always fun to catch up with his latest endeavors. We plan to have an early dinner and head back down the mountain. It should be a great trip. The scenery is breathtaking and post card like.
Not much more to report. We have been enjoying ourselves and doing whatever we want to do.
We leave Saturday afternoon and arrive in Chicago early Sunday morning. We will be home in Evansville late Sunday afternoon.
Thanks for all of your emails wishing us a great trip. It has truly been that. I can see God's handiwork everywhere I look in the islands. We continue to thank Him for the opportunity to come to our favorite place again.
See you all soon.
Peace to you.
Randy & Sue
We arrived on schedule and have been enjoying the beauty of the island. Our flight was smooth, the luggage all arrived with us and the weather has been wonderful. There have been a few clouds nearly everyday, but just enough to give us some respite from the sun. So far, no one has been burned, a little pink at the end of the day, but not burned.
Randy has done very well. His stamina has improved, but he still tires later in the afternoon. He has made it to the pool and hot tub nearly everyday. We follow him around trying to keep him in the shade, but by late afternoon, there is no shade so we generally make our way back to the condo. The folks here have been very attentive to his needs. Our condo is a little bit of a walk from the pool so someone picks him up in a golf cart and drives him down and does the reverse when he is ready to come back. What a life -- rides in a golf cart and doesn't even play golf.
We have seen many beautiful sunsets and eaten at our favorite restaurants. Randy's appetite has returned and I am thankful to see him enjoying food once again. This afternoon we will be heading upcountry to Kuhla to the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery. We have some of his art hanging in our home. Paul and Diana have two beautiful pieces as well. Curtis is usually in his gallery and it is always fun to catch up with his latest endeavors. We plan to have an early dinner and head back down the mountain. It should be a great trip. The scenery is breathtaking and post card like.
Not much more to report. We have been enjoying ourselves and doing whatever we want to do.
We leave Saturday afternoon and arrive in Chicago early Sunday morning. We will be home in Evansville late Sunday afternoon.
Thanks for all of your emails wishing us a great trip. It has truly been that. I can see God's handiwork everywhere I look in the islands. We continue to thank Him for the opportunity to come to our favorite place again.
See you all soon.
Peace to you.
Randy & Sue
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