Two Thumbs Up

So far Ray is sailing right along without any problems. When the Dr. came in today, he gave him two thumbs up for the way things are progressing. His appetite is still great and he's still exercising! He's trying to stay out of that bed as much as possible. There's a great outdoor dining area in this hospital, and we spent some time out there this afternoon. It was a beautiful day to sit in the sunshine. We were also able to go to noon Mass here in the hospital.

Daniel is feeling much better. Plans are for him to return to school tomorrow. He's feeling well enough to aggravate us all again. Just like normal!

We pray all of you are doing well. God bless you all! (Ray's words)

Love you all,
Kim

Annihilating Leukemia

Ray was admitted to BSA around 11:00 this morning. He sure did NOT want to go. He kept saying, "I feel so good today. My hair is starting to grow. I even had to shave this morning. Are we sure we need to do this?" The Dr.'s words to him was that we have to keep "annihilating this leukemia." So after blood tests, chest x-rays and other procedures, the annihilation began around 5:00 this evening. When I left his room around 8:30 tonight, he was doing exercises!! He's determined to stay strong this time. I just shook my head and left.

We found out today Daniel has strep throat. He started feeling bad yesterday. He quickly went from bad to worse. Ordinarily, I don't take my kids to the Dr. so quickly (I'd rather play Dr. myself and do my own diagnosis and treatment and later end up regretting not going to the Dr. sooner) but this time I didn't want to take any chances. I was worried Mary, Ray or I might catch something. I'm sure hoping we don't get that! He can go back to school Wed.

More later.
Love you all,
Kim

Getting Ready

We are getting things ready for this upcoming week. We all went to Mass this morning and then we enjoyed lunch today with some of our kids. Ryan, Heather & kids and Andy & Britteny were all at our house. Ryan & Heather did all the cooking - fried chicken and all the yummy stuff to go with it. It was great!

Plans are for Ray to check into the hospital tomorrow and begin the next round of chemo. We are still not sure what time he is supposed to be there. He's feeling good today and ready for the challenge. Dr. assures him he'll do better this time because he's starting off healthier than he was at the start the last time. We trust God will carry him through any tough times. Ray's attitude has always been good during this trial. He always just says, "If this is what I have to do to get better, I'll do it."

Friday his blood values were still improving. The Dr. says that's a good sign that he's making his own blood now.

Oh-oh, Ray 's reading over my shoulder now. His own words, "It's very humbling to be on the receiving end of so many prayers. I pray that God's grace will be abundant in the lives of those who pray for me and all those who are sick. Where would I be without all your prayers?"

Love you all,
Kim (&Ray)

Remission!

We just got back from the Dr. appt and the biopsy from last week shows the leukemia to be in remission. Praise God!!

So Ray will begin his "post remission" chemo on Monday, Sept. 15th. He will be admitted into the hospital (BSA); Dr. told him to plan to be there at least 5 days and then he could possibly go home over the weekend. But after the weekend he will need to be admitted again because that is when the effects from the chemo will set in and it will be too dangerous to be home.

We are thrilled that he is in remission, but nervously anticipating what lies ahead. This next round of chemo will be very strong as well. Dr. Needleman uses an honest and "upfront" approach when discussing matters like this. That is what we really appreciate about him. So again, we beg for your continued prayers.

Plans are for 2-4 "post remision" rounds of chemo, each round (treatment & recovery) taking about a month.

I'll be posting more soon!
Love you all,
Kim

Brief update

We decided to try walking at the park today and Ray was able to walk farther than he has since he's been home from the hospital. We actually spent about an hour at the park, walking some and resting on the park benches, just enjoying the warm sunshine. He's been walking some most days since he's been home, but just around the block or down the sidewalk and back. His energy is improving little by little each day. It's a slow process.

We're going to Naz. tomorrow to spend the day with Mom and one of my sisters visiting from Wichita Falls.

Love you all,
Kim

All smiles

The Dr. appt. went very well. The Dr. is feeling very confident about Ray's progress and was all smiles. His blood values continue to improve. We'll get the results from the biopsy next Fri. With this biopsy he will also be doing a chromosome study that he says is very helpful with knowing the best form of treatment. You may recall, he tried to do this study with the first biopsy but was unable to aspirate enough bone marrow due to "binding of the marrow" which is a result of leukemia. Today, he was able to aspirate as much marrow as he wanted. A very good sign!!

Here'e the plan: Ray will be home for at least another week to hopefully continue getting stronger, we go back to see the Dr. next Fri. (Sept. 12) to get the results and then he'll make plans for the next round of chemo.

It has done wonders for Ray to hear the Dr. tell him that he looks great, his blood is improving and to go home and keep up the good work!

Thank you all for you continued prayers, phone calls and visits.

Love you all,
Kim

Back to the Dr.

Tomorrow morning (Fri.) is Ray's appointment for lab work and also the bone marrow biopsy. Before he began any treatment, the Dr. told us to plan on 3 more rounds of chemo after the leukemia is in remission. So we feel pretty sure he'll want to begin chemo again next week, we find out more tomorrow. We hope and pray this biopsy will show it to be in remission.

Ray is nervous (we both are) of course about starting again after he had such a rough time the first go 'round. I ask you to please pray for a spirit of peace and calm for him.

We are looking forward to Amber and her family being here Sat. We plan to celebrate her 31st birthday while they're here.

I'll let you know what we find out tomorrow.

Kim