Today we braved the 7-8" of snow that landed in Alpine and went for the start our second round of chemo. This treatmant was Jemzar and had added a second more toxic and effective drug called Carbo Platin.
As is becomming typical, the treatment day was anything but normal. The "normal" 35 minute commute took about an hour, so we were late. We met with Dr. Whisenant and discussed some test results, he said I looked great, my weight is the same, and we went on to the treatment. About 1:45, after the four drugs they were giving me had all been infused, I started to get up and realized my ostemy bag was very full and leaking. I had aleady emptied the bag three times since we arrived. I guess today the fourth was the unlucky number. We finally got totally changed over- clothing and all, visited the cafeteria, and then arrived back home at 4:15 pm.
We had cancelled our plans to meet with Russon Brother's Mortuary in Bountiful to make the final funeral arraingements. We had also planned to visit some famliy- the Essigs, and to do some shopping. Oh well! We got the most important part of the day covered.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
14 comments:
Dear Rick and Family,
I haven’t taken the time to tell you how much you mean to me and my family. In all the years we spent together you have been the greatest example. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and family with us. When I was call as bishop after you, I felt so lost and unprepared for such a responsibility. I had watched you for so many years and you made it all look so easy. I often felt that I could never compare to you or make a difference. Well I did not do things the same as you but the Lord blessed me and my life was changed. The day I was released I wanted to yell to the world, I finished like Bishop Loser did. My mind is full of ten thousand things I want to say and ask you but the words won’t come through the tears. Debbie showed me this poem many years ago and I feel it fits you and those you’ve touched.
Touching Shoulders
There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day
When I’m weary and lonely and sad;
That sort of grips hold of this poor old heart
And bids it be merry and glad
It gets in my being, and drives out the blues
And finally thrills through and through,
It’s just a sweet memory, that chants this refrain,
“I’m glad I touched shoulders with you.”
Did you know you were brave?
Did you know you were strong?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited, and listened and prayed?
And was cheered by your simplest word.
Did you know that I longed for the smile on your face?
For the sound of your voice ringing true,
Did you know I grew stronger and better because
“I had merely touched shoulders with you.”
I’m glad that I live, that I battle and strive,
For a place that I know I must fill;
I’m thankful for sorrows, I’ll meet with a grin
What fortune may bring, good or ill;
I may not have wealth, I may not be great
But I know I will always be true,
For I have in my life, that courage you gave,
When once, “I touched shoulders with you!”
The author is believed to be: Lawrence Holtzberry
Having worked with Richard for many years I am deeply saddened to
hear of his impending end of life. He is a wonderful person!
If you get the chance please convey my heartfelt thankfulness for
his friendship and professional help.
Richard so loved working with
everyone at Rescue Alert and always had time to take a tour
of your facility and brag on your preparedness.
Good luck to both of you with this difficult transition.
I will miss him.
Alison
I am so sorry to hear this news. Over a year ago I met Richard in person at a conference - we had a chance to talk a bit, I knew then he'd had a bout with something & was trying to make his way back.
He was wonderful to work with, even training me online via webcam when we first started. I am so saddened by this news.&
Please, give him my best wishes
Prayer is the powerful force that saved my wife’s life when she had an endocrine disorder that no doctor could diagnose. Health & healing are very close to our hearts.
I don’t recall where you are located, but if there is anything I can do to help I am happy to, including making referrals to trusted medical professionals that have dealt with cancer. It is a very sensitive issue, I know, but we know of a doctor (MD) here in Arizona who operates through homeopathic medicine as well and helped his own son defeat stage IV cancer. If I had a friend or family member facing cancer, I would want them to see Dr. Olsztyn.
Richard, his family, and your company, Rescue Alert will remain in our prayers.
Dear Rick and Michelle,
So sorry to hear the news but thank you so much for letting me know. My prayers will be with you. I wish I could come and heal "with my healing fingers" but I know it is in God's hands. Rick and Michelle keep up that great smile we all know and love.
In our thoughts,
Sad news about Richard Loser
I am so very sorry to hear about Richard. He is always a very
professional, astute and respectful individual to work with. I will be
sure to make the change in our system and on the signature authority
once I receive a letter on Company letterhead. However, I can
temporarily make the change until I receive the letter. Again, I'm very
sorry to hear about Richard and will keep him and his family in my
thoughts.
Rick,
Thanks for indulging a visit from me earlier today. I am always lifted by your company. Talking comes so easy. Laughing and sharing, just like old times. It makes it all the harder when reality sets in.
I think I lost a gallon of water crying in my car on the trek back home but the journey was well worth it. Thank you for being such a true friend to me and to so many.
My love and a great big Tongan hug to you, Michelle and the kids.
Cookin the pork roast for the Christmas chile verde are you up to it?
So glad to see from the beautiful pictures and that you are enjoying yourself. Hope these Chemos keep the nausea away and give you all that much sweeter time to hug your family.
Christmas reminds me once again of the night in Bethlehem at the ward and all the help and support in getting that magical night put together.
I learned that with your lists you could support any activity and make it a success. Like all the food measures on one page for, gilrs camp, summer ward parties, what ever activity. What blessing for our family to have been able to work with you, and learn from you and be blessed by you. Love you
Hi Rick and Michelle. Its Mishele Walker (Formerly Bauman) I ran into Norman Shell at Discover card and she told me about your illness and directed me here. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know you. My life was chaotic back then and your family was a steady example. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, hence the chaos. I take daily medication and have been able to lead a productive life since then. 5 years ago I went back to school and became a counselor myself. I am able to diagnose and treat other with mental illness. It is very fulfiling. I wish you the best. When you see our Father and his Son give them a hug for me.
Loser Family
NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER
I give you this one thought to keep--
I am with you still--I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When You awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone--
I am with you still in each new dawn.
I remember that "Night In Bethlehem" and I was always amazed that we got that huge tree in the cultural hall as well as having that stable built. Amazing memory and by far my favorite Ward Christmas program I have ever attended. I still have my page with the gold, frankenscence and myrhh.
Rick,
I think we could all take a page from your book on organization and lists. I still have your list from Youth Conference on what the kids needed to bring. I still use a copy of it when I go camping to know what I will need.
Anyway, I read Zeann's comment and thought I would post to it because I remember it so well.
All my best.
Rick and family. Merry Christmas. Rick when I think of you I think about the times at Ricks College. I hope you dont mind a few stories now and then. I was thinking about a friend named Dean. He had a mean Chevy Super Sport. The motor was large and gas was cheap.One the weekends that we didn't have dates, (which was rare for Rick) we would give Dean a few bucks in gas money to drive around Rexburg in a hot car. It's funny the stupid things you remember. I don't remember a thing from chemistry class, but I remember Dean and his hot car. We lived in the dorms with many stereos playing. Rick liked to listen to John Denver. I told him I didn't like John Denver so he threw me out into the snow bank. I let Rick listen to John Denver after that. Our prayers are with you. Burke Richman
Merry Christmas dear Losers!
We just got your beautiful card and picture in the mail. Christmas has meant a lot more to me this year, due in large part to you. I don't know that I've ever witnessed a more gracious and courageous family -accepting life's blows with such dignity and faith.
Your faith has made mine stronger. Thank you!!! And Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
Merry Christmas!
We celebrated our 8th year anniversary the same day of Cam's birthday. Time sure does fly by.
We just wanted to wish you Merry Christmas today.
Post a Comment