Adventure Day One

June 23, 2008 –Anticipation can be a roller coaster emotion, especially when your life depends on it.  After two weeks in the hospital Rickey patiently awaited his test results to determine if the chemotherapy treatment was successful.

 

Rickey writes October 28, 2002 9:17 AM

ADVENTURE - DAY 15

Well, I was quite depressed after both the Saints AND LSU lost this weekend, but I’ll get over it.  We are standing by for a 10:30 bone marrow biopsy this morning.  Results forthcoming on Wednesday will give us a reference point of how close to complete remission we are at this time.  They took me off permanent IV patrol this morning. It’s great to walk 7 feet without being on a leash.  I’m feeling very good and PJ and I are having a good time.  Have you ever spent 24/7 with your mate in a 10 x 12 room for 2 weeks?  We are actually having a good time.  We found a Cajun restaurant in Bethesda last night and she went for carry out. AHHYEE! Had a phone call from my brother, Jan, yesterday and talked to my sister, Judy, our daughter, Laura, and our son, Keith, this weekend.  Everyone sounded great, but Judy sounded great the longest - If you know what I mean.  Had a visit from Tina this weekend, she is our daughter, Ellie’s, best friend through school and now, and has become very close to us since she started college - always good to see her.  Will certainly let you know the results as soon as possible. Love, Rick

PJ writes October 28, 2002 3:16 PM

Adventure Day 15 Tag Team Email

We just got word from the Doctor that the test today is inconclusive, meaning they can not tell any results in such a short time and we have to wait another 24 hours, so we were a little disappointed.  Keep praying “EMPTY MARROW” and we should know more tomorrow.

 

Sometimes this all seems like a dream and we will wake up refreshed, but it is real and could go in either direction at anytime.  All I know is that attitude makes a difference and we are 100% healthy in the attitude department.  So, please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we will keep you posted.  How does that old saying go, whenever God shuts a door on us in one aspect of our life, a window opens.  Some days it is harder to turn from that door and look out the new window.  A huge hug from me to you, PJ

 

Incoming from Friends, Cheryl writes 10/28/2002 5:52 PM

Thank you for the update on Rickey.  One thing your husband definitely has in his favor is being married to you.  I particularly enjoyed the part of his e-mail that refers to how great you are getting along in spite of the 10×12 room restraint!  He obviously has a great sense of humor.  Please know that I am praying “EMPTY BONE MARROW” and will do so until it is empty.  My thoughts are with you and I send hugs.  Cheryl

 

Rickey writes October 29, 220 7:30 PM

ADVENTURE DAY 16

PJ and I sat with the Doctors this afternoon to review the results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy.  The bottom line (You know I love bottom lines) is that this particular regimen of chemotherapy was ineffective.  Proportionately the leukemia cells were at the same % as before.  Although somewhat disheartening, it only means that we start over at day one with a different, harsher drug.  My prognosis strong points are still all positive and this is only a “speed bump” not a road block. We are optimistic that our opportunity for remission is as high as ever.  We just p’d away two weeks.  Ding, Ding, Ding – Round Two - Day 1 of 60 starts tomorrow. Everyone’s support through all this has been most appreciated; just hang in there with us. Rick

 

PJ writes October 29, 2002 8:07 PM

Adventure Day 16 Tag Team Email

Well, today was the first result of many on this adventure and unfortunately, we were not thrilled.  It hit me harder than I thought, but my determination will not waiver.  I still believe everything happens for a reason, and with the 60 days restarting from tomorrow, maybe Rick’s three day pass will bring him home for Thanksgiving.

 

I will continue to be by Rick’s side here in the hospital and sleep under our print of the Battle of New Orleans - 24 April 1862 and the quote from Admiral D.G. Farragut, “God alone decides the contest; But we must put our shoulder to the wheel.”

 

Please continue to be steadfast in your prayers and outstanding support; it is appreciated in more ways than you know.  God bless and be strong, PJ

 

Until our next blog – remember life is an adventure, embrace the journey.  You can make a difference one day at a time. 

 

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