Wilmore Week #12 - plus some!

Ron is on the road again!  He left this afternoon for Wilmore.  This is earlier than his normal trips, but he begins a German class on Thursday evening.  The class will be Thursday and Friday evening and all day Saturday (for 2 weekends).  This Saturday he will finish up about 5pm and then drive home to preach on Sunday morning.

He will be home Monday to catch up, rest and do laundry.  Then Tuesday morning he will vote and then head back down for his regular Wilmore Week and the 2nd half of his class.  Additionally he will meet with a London Advisor who is coming to Asbury on Monday, November 12th.  So we will see him 2 days out of the next 13! 

That's crazy!

We think he is dehydrated some from the stem cell collection on Monday.  Now that we know that, he is to be drinking Gatorade and avoiding caffeine.  Hopefully he will do well being 5 hours away.

You can pray with us:
For safety in travel, continued healing for his body, a good class and understanding of the German language, and the kids and I will be holding down the fort here!

We couldn't get through all of this craziness without your prayers.  Thank you so much for them!

Transplant Day

We left Sunday afternoon for Columbus!  Ron was not feeling well at all.  He's had some incredible bone pain from the Neulasta injections he was giving himself.  Then Sunday was church and he preached twice, so he was worn out.  Not enough to allow me to drive, but worn out still!

 

 

The Lord has blessed us and we were able to stay in a hotel Sunday evening and just rested. Neither of us slept well, Ron in pain and my mind thinking ahead to the coming day, but we rested!

 

We arrived at the James Cancer Center at 7am.  Checked in and were in this room of beds at about 8am to begin the process!

Below is the machine that Ron was hooked up to.  It is an amazing machine.  They were able to have 1 needle in each of Ron's arms.  One to take the blood out to the machine and one to return his blood to him.

 

 

There were some "minor" complications during the process, issues with needles and veins and nurses, but everything was figured out and the collection was finished by about 2:30. 

 

Ryan and Holly came down a couple of times for some quick chats during that time.

 

 

I am so proud to be called this guys wife!  He is such a selfless person.  He went through a lot in this past week and yesterday and continues to hurt today, but he did it without complaint!  He hurt, but he was willing to go through it for his brother -so so proud of him!

 

 

 

After all the collection we went down to Ryan's room to sit and wait to see if Ron needed to return for more collection the following day. 

You'll notice when Ryan leave his room he has to wear a mask (see picture above), but when someone comes into his room, they wear the mask!

 

Ryan and Ron's dad was also there for transplant day. It was nice to be able to visit with him  too and so good that he was able to be there!

 

 

 

Last night Ryan recieved the cells and the last we talked to them, he was still pretty loopy from medication, but had taken the infusion well.

I'll try to explain a little more, from our understanding as to the process.

 

The stem cells that Ron's body created came from the bone. The injections boosted this number and put them into his bloodstream. That is where the bone pain comes from. Ron was able to feel his entire skeletal system - although this is an amazing thing, it was also a very painful thing as the feelings were more of burning pain. Then yesterday Ron was hooked up to a machine that would draw the blood out and seperated the stem cells and then return his blood back to him. Really an interesting machine and complicated too! Ron has "great veins" and the process started out great. We think he was given a "newer" nurse who was very unsure of what she was doing. There were some complications in that his blood kept clotting and that would stop the process. As a result the nurse pulled the needle (a few times). Finally the 3rd nurse tried a new vein and it was smooth sailing! His arms are still extrememly sore from all the needles!

So when the stem cells are collected, they run all his blood throughout his body through this machine 4 times - that is when they are completed for the day. Then they take what is collected and count cells. We are so thankful that after just one day they had collected the target number and we were finished!

Last night around 5:30 Ryan began the infusion to recieve the cells. Let me back up a moment and tell you that his body has been undergoing chemo all week and his white blood cell count is continuing to drop and will continue to drop for a week or so more! His next few days/week are critical! His body cannot fight anymore. That is where the stem cells come in.

The hope is that now that Ryan's body has given up fighting, Ron's cell will take over for him. It is our understanding that the stem cells are "baby cells". They can make white or red blood cells, whatever is needed. There is a risk of graft vs. host (not sure of spelling), but I understand that a little of that is good and wanted.   Ron's cells will see Ryan's body as foreign and begin to fight (for him). So he could and should develop minor symptoms in the next few days/weeks. Things like rash, diarrhea, etc. But he could also continue to develop more serious things (the cells could attack organs). For the next year Ryan will have to go back to the hospital 2x's a week to be monitored, perhaps even longer.

For now Ryan's counts are still dropping. It won't be until 10-12 more days before they begin to get up to where he can be around crowds and be out of the hospital.

He will be in now until his counts are up to a safe number.

So again, it is critical for him in the next few days and then after that he will continue to be monitored.

Thank you all for your prayers. The Lord is good, we are so thankful that the transplant day went well and that Ron is on his way to recovery. The Lord is good and we are trusting Him for total and complete healing!

disclaimer:  Pictures were posted on this blog without permission from the guy in the bed:)  He's obviously feeling a little better because he is claiming I need written permission :)  Thanks for praying!

Little Man thinking of others!

Last night we went to Bob Evans for Ron's birthday dinner!  We were sitting at our table when Eli reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of coins.  He wanted to pay for Dad's birthday dinner!  I love this kid.  He's so innocent and cute and caring and kind and just the greatest little man!

 

Then one day this week, Eli came home all excited to show Maddie what he had gotten her.  The boys will all 3 on occasion come home with something from Maddie.  Something that have gotten or made at school.  Well on this particular day, Eli had been to the school library and for some reason he had gotten a chance to "purchase" something from the librarian's store.  (I am not advocating a store at school, but this is a cute story)

So anyway Eli came home with a gift for Maddie.  This pink nail polish!

He told me the story of how his teacher had said, Eli you can't get that, it's only for girls :)  Eli responded that he knew that and it was for his sister, Maddie!

He's a sweet little guy who thinks of others before himself!  I love his sweet kind spirit!

Thinking

As we crawled into bed last night, my mind began to wonder.  I tried to make yesterday a good birthday for Ron, but you know when you begin with 3 injections and then continue with more pain throughout the day - fun is kinda out the window!

But last night I was thinking back to just a year ago when so many friends and family sent cards to celebrate Ron's 40th. Over 115 as I recall (feel free to click on the link and remember with me)!

Then in my mind I came back to yesterday.  There is no way we even thought about a transplant on that birthday 365 days ago.  It wasn't even on our radar at that time. 

Yet our Faithful God knew!  He knew that this birthday for Ron wouldn't be one of the easiest,.  He knew 41 years ago when a little baby was born in Canton, Ohio that one day he would give for his brother (who was yet to be born).   Our Faithful God knew how giving Ron would be and how he would give a million birthdays for his brother!

Really none of us have a guarantee for tomorrow, let alone a year from now!  Yet, those of us who live with Jesus have an eternal guarantee, our guarantee is Jesus.  By putting our faith in Him, we will have a tomorrow.  Perhaps not on this earth as we "plan it", but we have an eternity with Jesus!

There aren't too many days that go by that I don't think about how incredibly blessed I am to wake and walk each day with Jesus.  My mind can't grasp those who do not have that relationship.  What lostness they must feel! 

So today, as we continue with Jesus, we lean heavily upon Him.  Trusting that He holds not only tomorrow, but our future and our lives in His hands!

Happy Birthday

Today is a day like no other!  Today is the day we celebrate the Love of my Life! 

To my spiritual leader, my faithful and constant companion, - I love you Hon and I am so blessed and honored to be your wife!

 

 

Ron, you wear so many hats around here and you wear them so well!

 

 

Awesome Daddy

 

Brother

Friend and Companion

Instructor

 

Son

 

Leader

 

Quarterback! :)

 

And so many more: Spiritual leader, best friend, fabulous husband, student, hard worker, Pastor and the list continues on and on.

 

Thank you so much for all you do for everyone. 

We love you so much and hope that today is a great day celebrating YOU and how you give of yourself so freely!

HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY RON!

Accepted

First of all, let me just say - we have crammed a lot into the last couple of weeks.  It's just way to crazy around here.

 

This post is actually about today though.  This morning, Ron got an email saying that he would have his Skype interview with the guys at the London School of Theology and his Asbury profs...today at 1:30pm

 

 

Ron didn't sleep very well last night and has just had a lot on his mind lately.  So I was a little concerned for him with this interview. 

 

It is over now and he has been accepted as an MPhil student in preparation for PhD!

This is a little behind with the recommendations that needed to be made from the summer and with changing his advisor at Asbury, but we are pleased!

 

 

Ron will be traveling on Nov. 1st to Wilmore for an intense German class.  It will be 2 weekends.  This will help him continue on with the reading and research that he needs to be doing.

 

Additionally, tomorrow he will turn 41!  He will also begin tomorrow to give the injections for the stem cell transplant that will take place on Monday!

 

A lot is going on, but the Lord remains in control.  We continue to trust in Him!

Ryan

Ryan was admitted yesterday and he had surgery to put a tri central line in.  I guess this is similar to the port that he has had in the past.  It is also, in my understanding, not in the same exact place. 

I am hoping to have updates to pass along, but we would appreciate your prayers. 

Holly is with Ryan at the hospital.  Ron and Ryan's mom, Frances, is in Circleville with the 4 girls.  Ron (their dad, ie. grandpa) is home and working.  Please pray for all involved as this is hard for everyone.  Ron and I will travel to Columbus on Sunday evening (I think) to be ready for Monday morning.  My mom is coming to stay with our 4!

So lots of people are involved and need prayer!  Thank you for your faithfulness to us and our family during this time!

God is good and we trust that He has each one in His arms to protect, comfort and provide for!

Thank you!

Fall Fellowship - Wild West Style

Yesterday we had our annual Fall Fellowship at our Ney church!  The theme was, "Wild West" and the kids really seemed to enjoy it!

 

Many of them dressed the part!

 

 

There were galloping relays

 

Prodding cattle relays (the balloon is the cow)

 Lots of pictures

 

Even "Pastor Ron" participated!

 

There was pumpkin decorating

 

and of course a fun hay ride

 

roasting marshmallows and hot dogs

and lots of fellowship time!

 

 

It turned out to be a beautiful day and we had a great turn out! 

I hope you are enjoying your Fall!

Home

We filled our week with doctor's appointments, drives to school and back, visits with Grandparents

 

(we met my Grandparents for lunch at Bob Evans on Friday)

 

And just silly times!

 

 

And now FINALLY - Daddy is HOME and we are soooooooo excited!

Thank you so much to all of you who prayed for our week, both here and in Wilmore.  The Lord answered so many prayers this week, it's hard to keep up!  We serve a mighty God and He showed his presences and might this week and I am so thankful!

Maddie did great at the doctor.  We got some scary news at the doc, but Jesus helped with it too!  Ron had a difficult meeting with an advisor and then turned around and had a fantastic meeting.  He also got his proposal sent out to LST and now awaits word on his interview.  

These are a few of the answered prayers! 
Thank you Jesus for watching over all of us while we were apart!


Suprise for Grandma

We went Friday afternoon to my parents.  Dad had invited us, but it was a surprise for Mom.  Her birthday is tomorrow and the kids and I were going down to surprise her.  We made it in time to surprise her when she got home from work.  Dad had a big party planned complete with dinner, cake and ice cream and flowers - and of course - grand kids!! She loved it!

 

She and Maddie played games and put puzzles together.

 

 

Then everybody got in on the game playing.

 

There was snuggling and popcorn too!

 

Pap did good and we think Grandma was pleasantly surprised!

These 4 love their Pap and Grandma!

 

Happy Birthday Grandma, we hope it was/is a good one!

My Favorite Season

Fall means so many things.  It means putting away sandals and pulling out the shoes.  Pulling out long sleeves and sometimes wearing layers.  In this family Fall means football and getting Dad to throw some :)

 

It means beautiful leaves and a mission for a 3 year old!

 

It just means being together and having fun as a family!

 

I hope you're enjoying your Fall!

Temptation

I'm a little nervous about a new business that just opened in Bryan for a couple of reasons.  #1 - we (usually Ron, but Wilmore weeks -me) have to pass by this particular business 2 times every day that the boys have school 

#2 - I am weak!

 

It's a Tim Horton's! 

 

 First of all, I am not a coffee drinker, but if there is hot chocolate, I'm there!  And then you add to that Long Johns - wow, trouble!

 

So, Ron had taken the boys one day last week and they enjoyed a doughnut in the new store!  And Ron had brought me a hot chocolate on opening day, but Maddie hadn't been so privileged yet, so I just HAD to take her!  :) 

 

I am please to tell you that we only stopped one time this week :)

We enjoyed it!  Maddie picked out a doughnut with sprinkles right away.  Although I think it had too many sprinkles as she ended up turning it over and eating the other side and leaving the sprinkles!

 

I, of course, tried their hot chocolate and a long john - it's really not good that they are right there and yet, it's soooo GOOD!

I may need some prayer on this one and as if that is not enough - they share the store front with Coldstone Creamery - I've only had that one time, but who needs an excuse for ice cream!

Visit to the Doctor

Yesterday Maddie had an appointment in Toledo to see a cardiologist.  At her last annual exam the doctor heard a murmur and suggested that she get it check out.  I was not excited about this trip, for a couple of reasons.  1. Ron was gone and I would have to make the trip to Toledo alone.  2. Maddie does not have a track record of being "good" at doctor's offices. 

Of all the my kids, it is the 4th that has chosen to be a stinker when it comes to be at visits.  The annual check-up was a nightmare in which she would not do anything, it' hard to force a 3 year old onto the scale and pry her fingers from me long enough to get an accurate reading.  And that visit also ended in tears (by both of us, as I recall). 

 

So I was not looking forward to yesterday's visit!  However, I had emailed some friends and asked for prayer!  Jesus came through (not that I was surprised). 

Maddie did wonderfully.  She didn't talk much, until the medical student got her giggling, but she was extremely cooperative and finally after 2 hours she even got a sucker!  She was thrilled!

 

We had a 40 minute wait between the nurse and the doctor, but we only discussed patience briefly and then she began singing her fruit of the spirit song from VBS!

 

 

It was a difficult visit in that it was a lot of information, but it was a needed visit in that it clarified some things with a condition that Maddie and Eli both share, Aortic Valve Stenosis.  I realized yesterday that this is considered a Congenital Heart Defect (that's very hard to type or say, especially when referring to my children). 

On a good note, they are both mild and will simply be monitored for changes!

 

We serve a mighty God who protected us as we traveled, gave Maddie patience beyond her 3 years and gave me understanding to some difficult things!  I am so thankful for the prayers of faithful friends and family!  Jesus knows our every need and comes through time and time again!

Blessed to Overflowing

Recently, Ron performed a wedding ceremony and his payment was perhaps a little unusual! However it was also...perfect!

 

We are a family who eats meat and a lot of it.  With 3 growing boys and a little girl who loves her beef, we go through a lot.  When we heard we would get half a cow as payment, we were thrilled!

 

However, it wasn't until last night as we carried the boxes to the basement to fill up the freezer that I realized just how much meat that was!

 

 

As I counted and sorted and found a place in our freezers, it was overwhelming!

What an absolute blessing! 

What a miracle! 

We had empty freezers and now we are overflowing with meat for the winter! 

Praise the Lord!

Come to the Fire Conference

For those of you who don't know...this past weekend was the Come to the Fire Conference at Olivet Nazarene University.  I have been planning the trip for a year, but as it would turn out, I was not able to go!

We found out that Ron's pre-transplant testing was to be on Thursday in Columbus. 

There were 16 ladies going with our group and I was excited about it!  I am ashamed to tell you that my attitude was not very good.  I was bitter about the testing date, but really felt I needed to go along with Ron.  At the end of the day on Thursday, as we headed home, I began to wonder if I could get it on live stream as had been advertised!

I got home and after getting the kids to bed and little things that needed to be done I was able to get right onto the live feed and connect with the conference.  Perhaps not surprisingly, I connected Thursday evening in time to hear the main speaker talk about "Overflowing with Jesus".  It was for me!  My attitude had been anything but "overflowing with Jesus".  I am fairly confident that had I been at the conference, my reaction to her message would not have been the same, but as it was - with my bitterness and issues of not being able to go - I can tell you that I was convicted about my attitude.  I did not show Jesus to my family!  Jesus didn't overflow within our home and it was my attitude to blame!

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the live feed was not the same as being there, but honestly it was still good and I really don't think the conference would have had the impact if I had been there.  Also, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to dance with Maddie and Nathaniel during the worship times, or snuggle Maddie during the prayer time.  It was not what I had planed 12 months ago, but I'm confident that Jesus knew even then how it would all turn out. 

I'm already thinking ahead to next year's conference in Holland, MI.  Anyone want to join me?

Wilmore Week #11

Ron is off.  He left this morning!  I don't necessarily look forward to these weeks (at all), but I am thankful for the Lord's guidance during them.

We would appreciate your prayers for safety as Ron travels and as he is in Wilmore.  Also for a good week of studies and research.  He meets Tuesday with his advisers, and I know he would appreciate prayers for that meeting.  Please just pray that the Lord would guide each moment of his time this week.

We would also appreciate prayers on our end without Daddy around!  Pray for peace with everyone, and not missing Daddy too much.  Pray for strength through long days and nights!  Pray for wisdom as I step in and lead these 4 to follow Jesus even with Daddy gone to lead them!

Thank you in advance!  We know the Lord is near and we trust that it will be a great week!

Thirty-Four

Today was a busy day!  I had to be at church early for choir practice.  My sis called from Africa while I was getting ready this morning.  Wish I could talk to her more often!  Then my mom and dad called too!

I got some great handmade pictures and cards from my little ones!  I'm not sure at what age you "grow up" and realize that birthday's don't have to be big huge events!  I still like that people know or remember.  I love getting birthday hugs from my kids and heart felt cards from the man of my dreams :)  It's a little embarrassing when the church people break out in "Happy Birthday"!

We went to a "new" restaurant for lunch.  It's not new, but we hadn't been to this little pizza place in Bryan.   It was perfect for our family...buffett - which is great with our boys...pizza and breakfast bar - another great thing for our family!  It was fun and yummy!

Ron had to go to Charge Conference tonight - one thing I really don't like about the UMC - why are there meetings on Sundays - that's crazy!

The good things though, it prolongs his leave for Wilmore until morning!  One more night before he takes off for the week!

Testing

Yesterday we went to...

 

 More specifically...

 

We were scheduled for meetings, procedures, tests and information from 8:30am to 3:30pm.  Thankfully we got done a few minutes earlier than that, but honestly it was an extremely long day! 

Ron had a physical exam, blood draw (17viles), an EKG, a chest x-ray.  Then we sat through many Q&A's pertaining to the transplant and a class on how to give the injections and just a lot of information.  Honestly it was just a lot of sitting and waiting and waiting some more.  If you know Ron or I well, you know that is not really part of who we are :)

 

Ryan has also undergone tests and things this week (he had 3 days of them).  So now we are in wait mode.  We wait for the results of everything to know if we continue.  Then we proceed with the next step.

 

Ron is tired today.  I am praying he is not getting a cold.  I would appreciate your prayers in this area!  We need him to stay healthy!

 

Thank you for your prayers to this point, we continue to need and appreciate them for our whole family!