Answered Prayers from God!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Dr. Laman told me I'm cancer FREE! Praise God from whom all blessings flow... He's a great God, still doing miracles today! May He bless you all for your prayers and support! 5 more treatments and we are smooth sailing.
-Ryan

Matthew 17:20 (New International Version)
20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."[a]

This has been by far the hardest and most difficult thing that we have ever been through, separately and together as husband and wife. But for some reason when we found out that Ryan had cancer, after the shock set in, we knew God was in control and was going to turn this trial into something great; because that's what He always does! We put our trust in the Lord, and knew through this time, only a season out of our lives, that we could get through it with His help and strength. God was/is going to use our lives to showcase His power and glory. What better way to live, then to be used by our Creator?! We pray all the time for God to use us, (sometimes we don't really know what we are asking for), and I see that He allowed this to come into our lives, knowing ahead of time He would provide strength for us and we were going to trust Him. Our Lord always answers prayer! Through this time, we have grown closer to each other and to God. He has taught us things we may never have learned without going through cancer.
Praise God for His healing, power, strength and faithfulness!!! He is a great God, who still does miracles!

Thank you all for your kind support and prayers! They have blessed us, and we have not once felt alone in this trial. We knew you were there fighting with us. Please continue to pray as Ryan still has to finish out treatment. He has 5 left. Please pray that the treatments go smoothly, that he does not have many side effects from the chemo, and that he gets his energy back.

I will update again after treatment 8 on July 31st.

Best Blessings and Love from the depths of our hearts,
Ryan and Elanea
(cancer survivors!)

Half-way FINISHED!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

This was Ryan's 6th treatment! That means that he is half way finished!!! Praise God!
He was pretty nauseous all during treatment, but possibly because there was a bunch of food in the room. He doesn't handle the smell of food while recieving treatment well. But he got threw it, and came home for a 4 hour nap. He needed it!
Also, the nurses are so wonderful. We are all getting to know each other better, and one is even asking for prayer from us. We are both glad that she trusts us to confide in us and know that we are happy to pray for her.
May God continue to use us during this season in life!

Psalm 45:4
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;
let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Thank you all for your continued prayer and support. You are appreciated and we love you. May God bless you for your diligence in prayer.

PET Scan- July 13th.
Treatment 7- July 17th.

Best Blessings,
Ryan and Elanea

Treatment 5: Successful

Friday, June 12, 2009

Ryan had treatment 5 today. We are almost half way finished! Treatment went really smooth; no sickness or port connection problems. Ryan even slept for about an hour while we were there. What a peaceful day!

Romans 8:28-32
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Best Blessings,
Ryan and Elanea

Treatment 4: Seeing Good Results

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Today Ryan had his 4th chemo treatment. We met with the doctor (which we will once every month), and went over the results from his heart and lung test from the week before... everything is good and normal. He also checked Ryan where all his lymph nodes are; his neck, chest, underarms, for swelling. Praise God because ALL the swelling that was in all his lymph nodes is gone!!! The doctor couldn't feel any swelling!! We were all happy for that news!The treatment began, and so did the troubles of the day. Ryan was just extremely nauseous all during treatment. There was also some trouble with his port connection. But we made it through the day, met some nice people, and got another treatment done and passed. We are a third of the way finished!!! Cant wait til that day!

Exodus 9:16 "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth".

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. You have all been wonderful! Treatment 5 will be on June 12th.

Best Blessings, Ryan and Elanea

3rd Time's a Charm

Friday, May 15, 2009

Ryan had his 3rd treatment this morning. Everything went smooth and fast. Ryan is now resting and looking forward to a great weekend with friends, the youth, and fresh air! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God is faithful and we have high hopes and excitement for how He is going to use all of this to impact so many we care about.

Best Blessings, Ryan and Elanea

2nd Time Around

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Today was Ryan's second chemo treatment. It was a long day, but it went smoothly. The nurse got the needle in right away, drew blood and began treatment. We also met with the Dr and everything looks good with his blood, and the bone marrow test came back with NO lymphoma! Praise the Lord!!! He is so faithful to those to trust Him! A bonus- all the nurses are Wonderful!!! Thank you for praying and checking in with us. The next treatment will be May 15th.

Blessings, Ryan and Elanea

A Mother's Perspective

RYAN HAD HIS FIRST CHEMO TREATMENT. SINCE THE AREA WHERE THE POWER-PORT WAS INSERTED IS STILL SO SWOLLEN THEY HAD TO GO INTO IT FOUR TIMES BEFORE THEY COULD GET CONNECTED. BY THE TIME HIS NEXT TREATMENT IS HERE, WHICH IS IN TWO WEEKS, IT SHOULD BE DOWN WHERE THEY CAN DO IT WITH NO MORE PROBLEMS!

HIS HODGKIN'S IS IN STAGE TWO. IT IS IN BOTH SIDES OF HIS NECK, BEHIND HIS BREAST PLATE CONNECTED TO HIS LUNGS AND UNDER HIS LEFT ARM.

HE ALSO HAD HIS BONE MARROW TEST, WHICH DID NOT GO ACCORDING TO PLAN. THE DR. HAS DONE 3,000 TO 5,000 OF THESE TESTS, BUT HE TOLD RYAN THAT TODAY WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT ONE THAT HE HAS EVER DONE. IT TOOK THE DR. THREE TIMES TO GET INTO THE AREA BECAUSE RYAN'S BONES ARE SO STRONG (HARD) AND THE DR. COULD NOT GET WHAT OR WHERE HE NEEDED TO BE.

NEEDLESS TO SAY, RYAN SAID THAT TODAY WAS A VERY LONG AND PAINFUL DAY FOR HIM...ONE THAT HE DOESN'T WANT TO EVER GO THROUGH AGAIN.

EACH OF YOU HAVE SHOWN US SO MUCH LOVE AND COMFORT THROUGH YOUR CALLS, VISITS, CARDS AND PRAYERS. Offering to pray for someone can be the most genuine and loving thing you can do for another person. WE HAVE FELT SO LOVED BY ALL OF YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR ACT OF LOVE. ”

God said, “Love one another.” AND THAT There is no greater thing THAT SHOWS genuine love than to pray for those whom we love. IN THE BIBLE Paul often instructs about the importance of praying for others. I TOLD RYAN THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE PRAYING FOR HIM...HIS RESPONSE WAS "GOOD, I'M GLAD BECAUSE I REALLY NEED THEM, MUM"!


THANKS TO EACH OF YOU FOR FAITHFULLY PRAYING FOR RYAN (AND ALL OF US). THIS IS CERTAINLY A TEST THAT NONE OF US WANTED TO TAKE, HOWEVER, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN AND MUST BE DONE. WE ALL KNOW THAT GOD IS FAITHFUL AND IS LISTENING AND HEARS ALL OF YOUR/OUR PRAYERS.

TRUSTING AND PRAYING,

BRENDA~

A Painful and Draining Day

Friday, April 17, 2009

Today was Ryan's first chemotherapy treatment. The morning was rough. He had to get a bone marrow test, which caused a great deal of pain to Ryan, his Dad, and the doctor b/c of the obstacles they encountered.The doctor has done between 3000-5000 bone marrow tests, and he said Ryan's was the hardest and the worst he ever had. So, we recommend that you do not get one of those...

Power Port

After that it was Chemo time. The nurse tried 4 times to get Ryan's IV into his port, which was pretty painful for Ryan and for me to watch. Needless to say it was a really rough day from the beginning! After his IV was in everything went smoothly. We were there from 9:45am-4:30pm. Its been a long hard day, but we know you were praying and we appreciate it so much!

We love you and value your prayers. Our spirits are high and we are anticipating the end.


Best Blessings,
Ryan and Elanea

Port Update

Yesterday, Ryan had his surgery to have his port for the chemo treatments put it. It went really well, no complications, and a fast recovery time. Way better than the last surgery!! He is doing well, got him home, had a great dinner made by a greater friend (Thanks Sarah!), he is now sleeping, and we are enjoying him not being sick. Praise God!

We are going to rest together and prepare for the first chemo treatment on Friday.

Thank you all again and again for praying... I know God is listening and answering already. We have found rest and peace in Him! How great is our God!!!! What a faithful Father!


Please continue to pray. Friday is the first chemo treatment... I will update again after that.

Blessings,
Ryan and Elanea

Thank You

We are so blessed by all of you. Your prayers and encouragement are really appreciated.


"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess...Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need". ~Hebrews 4:14, 16


May God bless you and provide for you today!

Elanea

(Please remember Ryan in Prayer this afternoon during his surgery)

Port Line

On Monday, 4/13 Ryan will be having the port (central line) inserted. Surgery is scheduled to start at 1:20PM. We are to arrive at the hospital at 11:40AM. Please know how much all of your prayers and support are appreciated.

First Meeting with the Oncologist

Today Ryan had his first Oncologist appointment. Things went well and questions were answered. We still do not know what stage the Hodgkin's is in, there are more tests that need to be done to determine that. He had some more blood work done today, and will have a few other tests next Monday (6th) and Tuesday (7th). Ryan will also be having his Port (a small IV under the skin where treatment will be given, so not to prick his arm every time), Monday, April 13th.
His first chemotherapy treatment will be on Friday, April 17, 2009. There will be 4-6 cycles of treatment, which will be 2 treatments per month for the next 4-6 months.

We are still believing God for healing before treatment begins, but if that is not the route the Lord wants to take, then we will take it as it is, a trial, and our faith will not be shaken. God is in control! He is not surprised. Through this we will see miracles and more people come to know Jesus Christ!

Isaish 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. It is an overwhelming comfort in this time of uncertainties. We know God is listening to all the prayers and honoring those who are praying. We love and appreciate you all, even those who have decided to pray not even knowing us. You are a blessing!

Best blessings,
Ryan and Elanea

Showing Love Through Prayer

This is the five-year-old granddaughter of a family friend proudly displaying a sign she made just after praying for Ryan! In the drawing you may notice two circles with faces and legs. The one on the left is a dog and the one on the right is a cat...just in case you needed a clue beside the whiskers.

Faithful In Prayer

Today, Ryan Deal found out that he has cancer. Hodgkin's Lymphoma. That is the type of news that knocks the wind out of the lungs of not only the recipient, but an entire family.

When Ryan's mother, Brenda, and I communicated about starting a prayer blog for Ryan and his bride Elanea, Romans 12:12 came to mind. The well known version from the NIV is this blog's theme verse, but it also reads beautifully from The Message.

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes.

This blog has been set up as a place for prayer and encouragement. I will be posting updates about Ryan's progress until he and his wife, or his mother, feel able to take it over.

Here is some information written in letter form from Ryan's mother.

Ryan's test results came back today. He has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At this point he doesn't know which stage it is in. Ryan said that he didn't ask questions, he just listened to what the doctor. He has to go to another oncologist on Tuesday, March 31 to determine a treatment plan. His current doctor explained that the treatment would include either chemotherapy (and) or radiation.

Thanks for your prayers and concern. Right now I am asking all of you to please pass this along to all of your friends and family members. It is my hope that people in every state (and even people from other countries) will be praying for Ryan and his wife Elanea.


We all appreciate your support and prayers.

Brenda~

If you are praying for Ryan and placing him on prayer lists, will you please let the family know this in the comment section? I know it will provide encouragement.