Hello all! We are definitely having better days.
Things are going well with our family. This has been an interesting week for sure.
Dad had an appointment with his Palliative Care doctor (end of life pain management) on Wednesday afternoon. Mom, dad and I (Nichole) met with the wonderful Dr. Macpherson for over two hours, and she asked all the right questions and was able to set us on some hopeful paths. For example, we have several new medications for nausea, which makes us very happy. Unfortunately, though dad was supposed to have the Chemotherapy done after the appointment, it didn't work out. Instead, mom and dad went back Thursday morning.
First, they gave him a dose of steroids that are for nausea and energy, then the chemo, then they decided to give him a bag of IV fluid as well. Dad had been nauseous and couldn't keep much of anything down for a while, so he was a little dehydrated. The drugs and fluid helped dad a lot - he had more energy and the nausea went down.
In fact, Friday and Saturday, dad has virtually been nausea free! Hooray, and much cause for celebration! Tonight for dinner he ate 1.5 pieces of pizza, a banana, a brownie, a churro, and a big glass of milk! It's amazing the little joys we find in life now.
If you'd like to talk or visit, please call us first.
We love you all and especially, we love to reminisce with you about ol' times and fond memories.
Thanks again for your love and support,
The Losers
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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16 comments:
Most exciting news. Bless you all that the meds will continue to keep the sparkle in those beautiful eyes and that joyous memories are made in the days ahead. I am so thankful for the progress that has been made in medications and that we live where they are available to us. Love you all
YEA!!!! YEA!!! YEA!!! What great news! We are thrilled to know that there are actually some calories that are staying! Congratulations...! We are also so grateful for medications and what they can do to help. Heavenly Father has truly shown His love with these improvements.
We love you
Ned would be the first to agree that a churro is a wonderful source of yumminess and calories!!!
So happy you are feeling non puky and that chemo wasn't too awful. Always thinking of you all.
xoxoxoxoxo
Ned and Barbara
Michelle and Rick, We just found out about your cancer. We are so sorry to hear. Your blogspot is very touching. What a great example you are to all who know you. Brad and I are so grateful we got to come up to your house earlier this year with the Ricks College roomies and friends, it was fun to listen to Rick tease everyone as usual. You have been in our prayers since we heard the news... Some people touch our lives for a moment and some forever. Thank you for the goodness of your lives that will be with us forever. God be with you all...Much Love, Brad and Kerry Belcher
Rick and Michelle,
I just found out about the cancer and I am shocked and numb. I have been pouring over your blog and loving photos of your family.
Rick, you have blessed us all with your positive and powerful influence. You are steady....firm and soild. Thank you! Thank You friend!!!
You are in prayers and thoughts. Michelle, you married very well...but all would agree that Rick married even better!!! Love you both.
Devin Shaum
Ricks College friend and forever pal.
Very glad to hear you are enjoying food that doesn't come in a bag. The rest of take for granted little pleasures like bananas and pizza. Thank you for reminding us to be grateful. Hope you continue to respond well to the meds. and that you feel the best you possibly can. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Tracy & Jill
Huzzah! I'm glad to hear things have been better.
I have been trying to think of a reason to visit without feeling selfish. I realize that time with family is important so I have not wanted to intrude (you know how us crazy neighbors can get...) so I'm grateful Nichole said, "...we love to reminisce with you about ol' times and fond memories..." I'll take that as an invitation to visit. Don't worry, I'll call first.
Oh, and I'll bring a guitar;)
Things are going great! Rick is feeling good and we got some great Loser sibling pictures (He even climbed a tree for one). We haven't had a George & Rose Loser family picture since 1982! Yea, it's great to be together and have a record of it! We got some really beautiful pictures of Michelle and Nichole too.
Life is wonderful!
-Catherine
Thank you for each of your efforts to keep everyone up to speed. We can't wait to see you all again soon. Praying for you helps us feel closer in some ways, but we still miss you all so much. The pictures are wonderful! Love you all!
Richard, and family. It is wonderous to hear your positive attitude and to see how blessed you are to have such a great family. I will never forget all the life lessons I learned working with you Richard. Thanks for that, it has helped me immensley even most recently. Your organization skills and your carpentry skills are just a few that have helped me personally. Your friendship, of course has always been a blessing. You always seem to have a smile on your face. You and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers. Dave, Krista and Greg Smith
So glad that you are eating and enjoying the wonderful food that we are sure is prepared just with you in mind. Rick, a 45 minute nap isn't much to brag about, I (Barbara) do that almost daily:) Have a wonderful time, eat, rest, and enjoy.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Ned and Barbara
Rick, I've tried to write this a few times. I regret (so much)having not looked you up when I was impressed to do so! When we first met at College it was for me like finding a brother I didn't know I had. It was as if I'd known you my whole life. I imagine it would be the same, after all these years, if we met in person. I admire what see and feel when I read the blogs. I love the photo's and music you have shared with us all. I wish I could visit with you.
I am having such an emotional time these weeks since I heard about all of this. I want to find all my old pictures of us. The last thing I remember was riding with you and Michelle to I.F. in your Car. I'm not sure what we did. I just remember how smitten you where.(for good reason, Michelle) Rick, weren't you in the sealing room when I was married. Any way that was along time ago. I have missed so much not staying in contact. You are a great example I can see by the fruits of your life. I love you and pray God's Blessing upon You and Your Family.
Steve.
We just had a wonderful evening with Rick, Michelle & Nichole. The time together was to short but we are thankful. Rick teasing, the memories of yesterday and the friendship shared will be in our hearts forever. We love you. The other Rick, Michelle & Ashley
Dear Rick, Michelle, and family. I have been following your blog since my little sister, Michelle Smith told me about it.
I remember you so well when you were a young pal of Rick Smiths and so enjoyed the both of you. I'm so glad you were able to make the trip to CA. to see family and friends. As always, your presence and that of your wonderful family brought such joy to Rick, Michelle, and Ashley Smith.
You and your family are in all our prayers. Love, Tootie
Thinking of you. Hope all is well.
Tracy & Jill
Rick went to the twin falls temple on fri. Put your name on the prayer roll. I thought i would describe the inside a little bit. Inside the temple is a mural that fills the room of the scenes of the twin falls area. In the back of the mural is shoshone falls. On the sides of the room are mountain scenes with antelope, deer, birds and even a small lizard on a rock. I guess I am telling you this because of the great feelings you get inside as you know. I have some good memories of the college days. I hope you don't mind me retelling a few. Our friend scott decided to hitchhike home to northern idaho for the holidays. We thought he was nuts. He dressed up in a white shirt and tie and we gave him a ride to the freeway. We dropped him off and watched to see if anyone would pick him up. The first semi pulled over and gave him a ride the whole way. Scott later told us that when the truck driver picked him up he asked whats up with the white shirt and tie. You are not one of those mormons are you? Scott told him that yes he was a mormon and was attending ricks college. The truck driver said he was a bishop in the church from northern idaho and would take him home. Amazing! Have a happy thanksgiving.
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