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.