Loved Ones,
They have transferred Ray to the ICU for the night as a Chest CT showed pneumonia and bleeding in his lungs. They are giving him blood and plasma and have him on antibiotics.
They are not sure the cause of the bleeding, it could be the pneumonia, the chemo, or something they don't know.
He is breathing well on his own which is a good sign and they are hopeful that he can be returned to the oncology unit tomorrow.
We pray for healing from the infections and bleeding and that God will sustain his son Ray with his mighty power.
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Please Pray
Loved Ones,
I am writing to ask you to pray for Ray to be able to fight off infection. His blood counts all dropped today, and his white blood cells are very low. He spiked a high fever, and they are treating it with antibiotics. We appreciate your prayers so much.
not alone and not afraid
Kristin and Ray
I am writing to ask you to pray for Ray to be able to fight off infection. His blood counts all dropped today, and his white blood cells are very low. He spiked a high fever, and they are treating it with antibiotics. We appreciate your prayers so much.
not alone and not afraid
Kristin and Ray
Friday, December 5, 2008
Back in the Hospital
Loved Ones,
We are back in the hospital, this time for three to five days.They are doing their best to discover the cause of Ray's vomiting, suspecting that it is either a fungal infection down his esophagus or a stomach blockage. They will do a stomach scope and most likely some IV nutrition along with lots of medication.We are glad for Ray to have IV medicine as even the liquid forms are not staying down today.
We pray for God's wisdom and timing for the scope. We want it to be done tomorrow but have been told that it may have to wait over the weekend.
If we begin the IV nutrition, we pray for protection from infection as Ray is at risk given his low white blood cell counts.
We pray for God's hand on Ray to heal him of this disease and all these symptoms.
We pray God's hand on our girls that they will be protected from sadness and anxiety while we are gone.
We pray for rest for Ray and all of us tonight.
We pray that all of this will go smoothly and that Ray will recover quickly so that we can be home for Nora's birthday next week.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.' 2 Corinthians 12:9
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
We are back in the hospital, this time for three to five days.They are doing their best to discover the cause of Ray's vomiting, suspecting that it is either a fungal infection down his esophagus or a stomach blockage. They will do a stomach scope and most likely some IV nutrition along with lots of medication.We are glad for Ray to have IV medicine as even the liquid forms are not staying down today.
We pray for God's wisdom and timing for the scope. We want it to be done tomorrow but have been told that it may have to wait over the weekend.
If we begin the IV nutrition, we pray for protection from infection as Ray is at risk given his low white blood cell counts.
We pray for God's hand on Ray to heal him of this disease and all these symptoms.
We pray God's hand on our girls that they will be protected from sadness and anxiety while we are gone.
We pray for rest for Ray and all of us tonight.
We pray that all of this will go smoothly and that Ray will recover quickly so that we can be home for Nora's birthday next week.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.' 2 Corinthians 12:9
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Prayers for Ray's Throat
Loved Ones,
A difficult day. The mouth rinse made a difference on Ray's mouth sores, but his throat is still so enflamed that he stopped being able to take down his medicine pills.
We had the IV fluids going all day and his doctor ordered liquid medicines.
Still, he is on the edge of needing to be hospitalized to get some IV nutrition. This is a last resort as it has higher risks of infection. Never mind being in the hospital for 2-3 days!
Ray told me that he was actually feeling better today -- he was sitting up and more alert -- but it's just that throat.
SO. Our prayers tonight are focused on Ray's throat! If that issue could be resolved, we think he'd turn the corner.
Our family had a prayer call today to pray for Ray's healing. It couldn't have been better timed. We pray so desperately for the healing of his body and the sustaining of his heart and soul.
We'll go tomorrow at 1 pm to be evaluated by the urgent care doctors at Ray's clinic. We pray for wisdom for our doctors and for us to know the right steps to help Ray recover. And, we pray for continued learning through all of this to help it not be so terrible for Ray's next round.
Last, we pray for endurance for our whole family. Today was a day that we all were impacted by the heavy burden. So tonight we pray hard for strength.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
"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." Isaiah 53:5
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
A difficult day. The mouth rinse made a difference on Ray's mouth sores, but his throat is still so enflamed that he stopped being able to take down his medicine pills.
We had the IV fluids going all day and his doctor ordered liquid medicines.
Still, he is on the edge of needing to be hospitalized to get some IV nutrition. This is a last resort as it has higher risks of infection. Never mind being in the hospital for 2-3 days!
Ray told me that he was actually feeling better today -- he was sitting up and more alert -- but it's just that throat.
SO. Our prayers tonight are focused on Ray's throat! If that issue could be resolved, we think he'd turn the corner.
Our family had a prayer call today to pray for Ray's healing. It couldn't have been better timed. We pray so desperately for the healing of his body and the sustaining of his heart and soul.
We'll go tomorrow at 1 pm to be evaluated by the urgent care doctors at Ray's clinic. We pray for wisdom for our doctors and for us to know the right steps to help Ray recover. And, we pray for continued learning through all of this to help it not be so terrible for Ray's next round.
Last, we pray for endurance for our whole family. Today was a day that we all were impacted by the heavy burden. So tonight we pray hard for strength.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
"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." Isaiah 53:5
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday Prayers
Loved Ones,
Another hard day. This is incredibly strong stuff! It seems like between the chemo and the vomiting, Ray's whole throat and mouth is inflamed. If we thought he didn't want to eat or drink before...
But, we were able to give him two liters of fluid in the IV and some anti-nausea medicine. Unfortunately we still haven't quite fixed the vomiting problem. So we have more ideas for tomorrow. The evening from 4:30-8:30 seems to be the worst time.
We are so thankful for Ray's doctors and nurses. They are incredibly kind and compassionate. I am on the phone with at least one of them every day and they give such good ideas and assistance. We have a good mouth rinse with some numbing powers from his nurse this evening so hopefully that will help tomorrow.
Last night Ray's doctor thought it would be a few days before he turned the corner. We heard today from the nurse that the sixth day seems to be some relief. So. We have only one more day until then. Thank the Lord!
We pray tonight for Ray's endurance through this suffering, for his strength in combatting the cancer and the chemo side effects, and for peace and rest for his body, mind and spirit. We pray that God's healing hand would rest on Ray's head as he sleeps. And that he will carry this whole little family on this journey -- just as he has every single day.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." Ephesians 6:10-13
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Another hard day. This is incredibly strong stuff! It seems like between the chemo and the vomiting, Ray's whole throat and mouth is inflamed. If we thought he didn't want to eat or drink before...
But, we were able to give him two liters of fluid in the IV and some anti-nausea medicine. Unfortunately we still haven't quite fixed the vomiting problem. So we have more ideas for tomorrow. The evening from 4:30-8:30 seems to be the worst time.
We are so thankful for Ray's doctors and nurses. They are incredibly kind and compassionate. I am on the phone with at least one of them every day and they give such good ideas and assistance. We have a good mouth rinse with some numbing powers from his nurse this evening so hopefully that will help tomorrow.
Last night Ray's doctor thought it would be a few days before he turned the corner. We heard today from the nurse that the sixth day seems to be some relief. So. We have only one more day until then. Thank the Lord!
We pray tonight for Ray's endurance through this suffering, for his strength in combatting the cancer and the chemo side effects, and for peace and rest for his body, mind and spirit. We pray that God's healing hand would rest on Ray's head as he sleeps. And that he will carry this whole little family on this journey -- just as he has every single day.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." Ephesians 6:10-13
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday Prayers
Loved Ones,
Wow! This is strong chemo! I am so proud of Ray. He is bearing it all so well. But this is hitting him much harder than his other chemo.
We started IV fluids tonight because like last night, Ray was able to keep fluids down during the day today but threw up again tonight.
He'll take a liter of fluids tonight and we have a great plan for tomorrow with fluids and meds that will hopefully make a difference.
He's running a slight fever tonight and is very achy. This chemo makes your bones ache. Good grief! We hope this passes quickly. His doctor says probably a few more days before he feels better.
And so, we pray for rest and relief for Ray, from the vomiting, from the aching, from the fullness. We pray that his appetite would soon return and that in the meantime, the fluids will help to keep him strong. We pray for relief from his fever and protection from additional germs -- Lucy looks like she might be coming down with croup. So we pray for her too! Most of all, we beseech our king for healing for our brave Ray!
A friend sent us this passage today. It is long, but I just can't cut anything out.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple.
For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent,
he will set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side.
And I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of gladness;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks; your presence, O Lord, I seek."
Psalm 27:1,3-7
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Wow! This is strong chemo! I am so proud of Ray. He is bearing it all so well. But this is hitting him much harder than his other chemo.
We started IV fluids tonight because like last night, Ray was able to keep fluids down during the day today but threw up again tonight.
He'll take a liter of fluids tonight and we have a great plan for tomorrow with fluids and meds that will hopefully make a difference.
He's running a slight fever tonight and is very achy. This chemo makes your bones ache. Good grief! We hope this passes quickly. His doctor says probably a few more days before he feels better.
And so, we pray for rest and relief for Ray, from the vomiting, from the aching, from the fullness. We pray that his appetite would soon return and that in the meantime, the fluids will help to keep him strong. We pray for relief from his fever and protection from additional germs -- Lucy looks like she might be coming down with croup. So we pray for her too! Most of all, we beseech our king for healing for our brave Ray!
A friend sent us this passage today. It is long, but I just can't cut anything out.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple.
For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent,
he will set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side.
And I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of gladness;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks; your presence, O Lord, I seek."
Psalm 27:1,3-7
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday Prayers
Loved Ones,
Ray is doing ok. We are learning about his new chemo. It is more concentrated as he receives the entire dose at one time instead of over two days like before.
He is sleeping pretty much all the time, with little drinks as often as possible and a tiny bit of food.
We were so disappointed when he got sick tonight from brushing his teeth! Argh! He very much needs his fluids with this chemo because it is harder on his kidneys. And of course for hydration and nutrition. He has anti-nausea medicines to keep this in check but we are learning anew how to time them correctly.
We are so thankful for this chemo's strength however, in battling the cancer.
We pray tonight for protection for Ray from vomiting, that he will be able to keep down what he takes in. And take in more soon.
And we thank God for the healing work he is doing in Ray.
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Ray is doing ok. We are learning about his new chemo. It is more concentrated as he receives the entire dose at one time instead of over two days like before.
He is sleeping pretty much all the time, with little drinks as often as possible and a tiny bit of food.
We were so disappointed when he got sick tonight from brushing his teeth! Argh! He very much needs his fluids with this chemo because it is harder on his kidneys. And of course for hydration and nutrition. He has anti-nausea medicines to keep this in check but we are learning anew how to time them correctly.
We are so thankful for this chemo's strength however, in battling the cancer.
We pray tonight for protection for Ray from vomiting, that he will be able to keep down what he takes in. And take in more soon.
And we thank God for the healing work he is doing in Ray.
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Home From the Hospital
Loved Ones,
Thank you so much for your constant prayers and encouragement! It is so helpful to us.
We are home from the hospital and have many good things to report.
First, Ray tolerated the chemo well, no adverse reactions, praise the Lord! He is tired but that is to be expected. This new drug has done very well in trials and we are very excited about it.
Second, Ray's labs were better than we expected -- and many of his concerning symptoms from the past few days have already been alleviated. He was very dehydrated so it made a huge difference to get lots of fluids.
We are so thankful that he was able to get treatment underway. We praise the Lord that his liver enzymes were not as high as we had anticipated and look even better today.
We continue to pray for God's healing hand on Ray, healing his body, restoring his strength, and sustaining his heart and mind.
We love you all so much.
"I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me from his Temple in Jerusalem. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:4-5
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
Thank you so much for your constant prayers and encouragement! It is so helpful to us.
We are home from the hospital and have many good things to report.
First, Ray tolerated the chemo well, no adverse reactions, praise the Lord! He is tired but that is to be expected. This new drug has done very well in trials and we are very excited about it.
Second, Ray's labs were better than we expected -- and many of his concerning symptoms from the past few days have already been alleviated. He was very dehydrated so it made a huge difference to get lots of fluids.
We are so thankful that he was able to get treatment underway. We praise the Lord that his liver enzymes were not as high as we had anticipated and look even better today.
We continue to pray for God's healing hand on Ray, healing his body, restoring his strength, and sustaining his heart and mind.
We love you all so much.
"I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me from his Temple in Jerusalem. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:4-5
not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray
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