Getting geared up for a meaningful New Year!

I am excited about some fun and important things I am planning to do this next year. I have purchased a very nice planner, and I do "plan" to use it :-) I have a list and it is my intention to meet every goal on that list. It will enrich not only my life, but my whole family's, and even others. Now, here is the challenge. I have noticed a fault I have developed the past few years, and it must be disposed of... The fault of not sticking to a task... quitting mid-battle. I read in my Bible a while back and also heard elsewhere about guiding your heart. I guess alot of us think we ought to follow our hearts... but, my heart is lazy sometimes or gets broken too easily, so if I follow it, I don't think this year I will go anywhere... I will sit in a puddle of tears and frustration and wrinkle into a sad little prune. But, NO, I am going to change my methods (if the Lord Jesus will help me) and train my heart to press on. To do those necessary things and even some wanted things, even when my emotions say "it really doesn't matter." Who will join me? Get a planner, pray, and get to it... woohoo!

Just for those who want to know... Little Hope's foot is healing beatifully. There is still an of area of cracked skin from the wet cast, but it is a world better! It seems that even the bruising and swelling from the fracture is sooo much better since the cast came off... I am not sure how to explain that! I know that her big sister, Faith, has been really praying for Hope's foot. She told me the other day that she touched Hope and prayed for her (I heard her all the way in the living room! She was in her room!), and she said that God had healed Hope. Sooo sweet. Oh, for child-like faith!

Well, I have an consultation with the surgion for that thyriod nodule in the morning, so I had better go to bed soon.

One more thing first. Wes, my brother, had one of his knee surgeries on Tuesday, and is in alot of pain. I guess the situation was worse than they had expected, so I guess they had to scrape some bone off. Please, pray for a speedy recovery. (For those who don't know Wesley, he has had issues for years with his knees dislocating... it is nasty! It started when he was like in 8th or 9th grade, I think. Be glad if you never see this type of thing happen!) Pray that the pain will subside quickly.

All's well that ends well, I guess

Dad did not have a heart attack. Mom called me when she got home from the hospital tonight. Dad had a heart cath done and they ballooned a blockage, I guess. I was way too stressed out about Dad today. My stress tolerance level right now is not too high, I guess.
Little Hope's foot is doing sooo much better. I have been diligent with her skin care today on her foot, and I am still so glad we got that cast off. I would have been heartbroken if her skin had broken down any further. It looks so much better. I have a bandage wrap and her special shoe on it. She is sleeping soooo much better! Parents, if you are like me and do not have much experience with casts, it is sooo important that you listen to the doctor when they say not to get the cast wet. Her foot is still tender from the small fracture, so that is why I am using a wrap and the boot. I do not want it recasted because I feel her skin needs to heal. I am pretty observant to my children's skin, in case you can't tell.
I owe Jesus a huge "thank You" for how He has worked things out lately. He has supplied our needs in ways most of you don't know. His works are wonderful! He provides, protected, and promises great and marvelous things to His children. I am so unworthy!
I have a fine husband, 3 fantastic little princesses, a warm and cozy home, nice clothes to wear, yummy food in my fridge and cabinets, and many extras! I guess I am pretty rich compared to much of the world. I just need to thank Jesus! I am even thankful for the clean smells in my house right now... of freshly washed linens and the light scent of bleach I was using in the kitchen... I just love it! I am thankful that we got Hope's cast off and she is feeling better. I am thankful that Ron has very educated and dedicated doctors, working hard to put Ron in remission and prevent anything tragic in the meantime. I am thankful for caring family members, and the fantastic and beautiful Church family here and abroad. I guess I don't really have a good reason to be so cranky afterall... guess I need to apologize to a couple of folk tomorrow... I shouldn't have been so touchy. Thank you, friends and family, for being so patient with me. The day ended well... and, I sigh in relief. Good night all!

A crazy night

Last night was wild... from church to Ron's parents house, my children were difficult... mostly because they were plain tired.
When I came home, and the two older girls were put to bed, Hope refused to go to sleep and cried and cried. I tried everything throughout the night... a drink, a snack, holding her, singing to her, letting her "cry it out," pleading with God for help, changing diaper, a Hermie DVD, a Gigi DVD, checking her teeth that are coming in, Children's Tylenol, etc. It was exhausting!!! In my heart, I knew what was wrong. Saturday I had put a towel and bags over her cast so she could get a bath for Sunday, but she splashed and played before I got to her, and the cast was wet. I worried... I mean, WORRIED over that. I worried over her skin. I tried blow drying it, but I didn't want to burn her skin either. So, I just knew the way she was acting that her skin was not doing so great from the day and night of wetness. It was still nighttime and running off to the ER on the slick roads and not to mention the germs I would bring home to my husband with his compromised immune system just to cut off the wet cast, was not a good choice... something had to be done right away, the child was very uncomfortable. I DO NOT recommend this, but in the night, Ron and I cut off her cast, and just like Mommy thought, her skin looked horrible!!! I let it dry out and put some anti-itch cream and antibiotic cream and lotion on it. It is looking better, and since the doctor said that the fracture would heal even without me doing anything... then, the plan right now is to have her wear her special shoe while walking, and I will call the doctor later. I am so glad we got that cast off... who knows what would have happened if we had left it on. Let me repeat... I DO NOT RECOMMEND parents doing this... especially if your child had more than a little crack on a toe bone. It was my fault. I should have been more careful not to get her cast wet.
Then, in the middle of the night, I received a phone call from my brother's wife, asking about Dad. I am clueless, except I know a few days ago, he was having chest pain. My brother had read on Facebook that Dad was in the hospital, he texted his wife at work, she calls me and wants to know what was happening. I tried calling my sister's place and my parents' home, and no answer... I STILL have not heard ANYTHING. My guess is that he had another heart attack and they are all at the hospital with him.
What a crazy night!
But, I am sooo thankful that Hope's foot is going to be just fine now. Mommies have this special instinct sometimes that causes them to loose sleep worrying... and, it was right this time... her skin was at risk, but she is going to be just fine now. She was able to sleep soundly after we got it off and is soooo much more happier! She didn't really mind the cast, until it got wet... that is why I knew it wasn't just frustration, something was wrong. She was great for Ron while he cut it off. She didn't like it when I tried to do it... Daddy has the touch!
Glad that is over with! I hope we NEVER have another broken bone. Goal: Keep stuff off the floor where people walk to avoid more injuries... tough goal with 3 children 5 and under.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

From yummy food (obvious on our faces and teeth ;-) )

To fun times with family

To minimum injuries in a house full of new items

To lots of pretty dresses, toys, a scooter, a bike, a pair of roller blades, stuffed animals, games, puzzles, books, and other items.

To paid bills and medical co-pays.

To sharing with others joy and happiness.

To a very happy mommy who had a special talk with Jesus the other night and is becoming more content with her call to "believe." "If we loose, we'll praise Him. If we win, we'll praise Him. Just leave all you got out on the field." See if you can tell me where I got those quotes (or, pretty close to a quote, anyway). I was talking with Jesus the other night and was uncertain about many things, and what my purpose was... I mean, some of my friends have so many great things that they do for Jesus, and I feel like I hardly do anything right now... unless changing diapers and washing dishes win souls... but, I felt like He spoke to me about a one word calling... "BELIEVE"... whatever that may imply... I think I shall "Prepare for rain" (another hint to the above quote ;-) )

To the blessing of realizing how much Jesus has given us... salvation, a home, family, friends, food, transportation, etc.

These children don't realize that they very well could have gone without much this Christmas... But GOD didn't let it happen... and, even Mommy and Daddy got nice gifts.

With Ron not being able to work and me staying here to care for my family, Christmas was looking tough... but, God did something beautiful.

I am humbled... touched... unworthy... and, feeling rather spoiled. What can I say?! Thank you to everyone who made this Christmas special... and, most of all the the One who gave the ultimate gift... Jesus Christ... for salvation... thank You... thank You so very much!

Blessings and a fractured bone

Our church totally blessed us last night... gifts and money enough to cover nearly two months worth of bills! What can we say? Thank you so very much for caring!!! Thank You, Jesus, for taking such good care of us!
Others have also blessed us with gifts through mail... you know who are! Thanks!!!
Thank you again to everyone for your prayers and love! Thank you to Ron's doctors for the the hard work and kindness they have shown to us... for working hard to beat cancer. For researching and studying what is the best way to get fight advanced Hodgkin's. Two years ago, I could have very easily lost my husband to stage 4b Hodgkin's disease and that tumor under his brain, but God intervened, and I have been allowed to have him for at least two more years... thank You, Jesus! Now, just maybe, Ron could be headed toward remission... that is good news, don't you think?!
The children sang so well yesterday morning, and they were beautiful. If anyone out there has a pic of that, would you mind emailing it to me?
Last night, a sad thing happened. I think Hope tripped over Faith's beautiful new roller blades that were left on the floor in the kitchen, and fractured her 1st metatarsal! She was in so much pain last night, but she is just walking awkward today. I took her to the doc and then for x-rays today, and we are waiting to hear from orthopedics to see if anything needs done. I heard they might have her wear a special shoe. Not sure too much else can be done. Poor baby! Lesson behind this is to PICK UP YOUR TOYS! Actually, this was my fault, this time. In case you don't know where this bone is, it is the toe bone inside your foot and this is her big toe. You ought to study bones, I find them fascinating... I am different, I know. The big toe you see sticking out is a phalange, just like your fingers, but, inside is a longer bone, the metatarsal. She walks on it, just awkwardly.

Treasures

Charity, Mimi, Faith, Hope, and Daddy, on Hope's Birthday!

Hope (with yummy cake on her face) and Mommy.

Her birthday jammies and dolly she got for her birthday matched quite well.

The children made "gingerbread" houses in SS at church. Yummy!

Faith gave this to us today. Too cute... not sure why the sun and the stars are both out.

The treasures of the past few days...

1. Hope turned 2!

2. Ron is doing better. He is getting daily shots right now for his WBC, has muscle spasms, and temporarily wears a heart monitor to see if there is any need for an ablation. But, overall, he seems to be doing well.

3. Faith had her first piano recital Tuesday, and she was a doll! Gotta love that curtsey! I forgot my camera, of all things! But, some friends got it on camera, and hopefully, I will have that soon. Thanks, friends!

4. Franklin Bible Methodist Church, thank you so much for the gift card to Wal-Mart! We were so touched! We got some needs (or, what I think was needed), and many "wants." There is a very funny story that I need to post about this experience... but, I will wait until later.

5. Thank you, also, to all the friends, family, and churches who have done kind things for us lately. You know who you are and what you have done, whether it has been daily prayers, calling just to check on us, cards of encouragement, or tangible gifts. It is incredible how I don't have to say a thing to someone besides Jesus, and when needs come, they are supplied! Those hugs mean so much, and they are "needs". You may not see me cry, but I do sometimes, when overwhelmed, but, sometimes it is quietly tucked inside, and those hugs, cards, and words of encouragement help so much... thank you!

discharged

Ron was discharged today. He really wanted out, and they let him with the understanding that if his labs come back with something, he will have to come back. So, we are still waiting for the results of those tests.
Just a quick update.

Back to the hospital

Ron is sick, and in the hospital tonight. We appreciate your prayers.

Joy bells ring, are you listening?!

Smiles broke out here, along with "praise the Lord's" and almost shock, when the answer came today! The phone conversation was between Ron and OSU's The James. He was wanting the answer today... what did that PET scan say? The answer was that nothing had changed and he was stable. SOOO, if nothing had changed, then, that means that there were no positive areas of soft tissue malignancies! That is very good news. The hope that he is cured for good has begun here. He still has to be on alot of medications for now for GVHD, and other conditions, but things are looking up. Hopefully, in a few months, he can be weaned from these medications and the Cook family can march on. We will know more perhaps tomorrow, and in the weeks to come. I like to see the written copy of the PET scan results from the radiologist, so I can know the facts and details... which I should see tomorrow. There is excitement in the air here!
We need FAITH, that God can be trusted, that He can do anything that is in His Holy will, that He is good, that He anwers prayers, that He keeps His Word, and that no matter what happens, He is not making a mistake.
We need CHARITY, for love is the only way our family can survive the battles that come our way.
We need HOPE, that all things are working together for our good, that our sins are washed away, and that we are winners in life or death.

Prayer requests for this week:
1. That Ron's appointment tomorrow will be even more confirming of this miracle. That the insurance would stop giving us a hassle about one of Ron's meds.
2. I meet with the doc to discuss my annoying nodule on my thyroid on Wednesday and maybe she can explain the weird hot flashes I have been getting... If I were 45, I would be able to figure it out myself, but I am only 28, so I will talk to her about them.

Thank you for rejoicing with us! There is hope!

Hope mania

Well, I am sorry that I did not get pictures of the child's antics the last few days to share with y'all, but she has been a case! She is way too busy! Leave her for a moment and she might be diving into a cake or whatever food she can get her hands into... I just had to laugh when she got busted, for she was a mess from the cake eating crime and it would have made a hilarious picture! Then, another time she found a little left over coffee of mine that had cocoa in it and there was no hiding the guilt... she was a mess again...I was afraid she might stay hyper for too long. She has been "busy" for a long time, and keeps me on my toes. It started off with as soon as she could, she would climb... perching herself on top of the kitchen table was one of her favorites. I have to keep the bathroom door shut for several reasons... water is way too facinating to her... and, she has a thing for toothpaste... how much toothpaste can a child eat without getting sick? Right now, the precious one is up sitting beside me scratching my head... don't know why... but, it actually feels good, so I am just letting her go for it... I hope she doesn't tangle my hair too badly... she just bit it a moment ago... I have trouble figuring her out. She calls for me like I am on the other side of a ballpark. "Mom! Mama!" Talk about blasting me away! She gave me a "spanking" today... don't know what I did, but she seemed to think I needed a few swats... they weren't light taps either! She is stubborn, loud, and messy, but she is also wonderful, funny, and cute. I love my little baby who is turning 2 in just a few days. I hope Hope :-) knows how much I love her... her precious life has helped numb the pain and distract the overwhelmingness of Ron's cancer the past two years. Thank You, God, for little Hope Christiana. Please, help her to grow up to tell others that their is Hope in Christ!

Now, for those of you wondering about Ron's test results... it looks like we'll have to wait until next week. Sorry.

My heart is sad today for my friend, Gloria Jean McGinnis, at the loss of her son, Scottie. Gloria has been such an inspiration to me! In Heaven now, her son can see again! He is with his daddy, Coy, and with the One...Jesus... with whom he said he wanted to go all the way. His testimonies made such an impression on me as a teenager. We shall miss him.

Now, for a quick note about my other two children, whom I love very much, too! Charity had never seemed to be a child who gets up and runs to my room due to a nightmare, but last night, she must have had a really bad one... she was really upset, crying, maybe even screaming, and too afraid to sleep in her own bed. The little tyke is so skinny and small, it was no problem sleeping with her in our bed. Poor girl was still afraid of the dream coming back tonight. Faith is doing just fine... had a battle about supper tonight (she wasn't pleased about the presence of onions on her plate of fish and veggies), but we made it.

Well, it is late, so I had better go. Nite.

Nervous

Here I am up after 12am hanging out on the computer, doing some reading and daydreaming. It is because of that coffee I drank! I had gone without coffee for like 8 days because I think I am allergic to it... so, I have that nice rash on my face again... looks like I have Rosacea, or something. Anyway, I feel like a cool wife the last couple of days... I have gotten enormous amounts of work done while Ron was away hunting. I did lots of shopping, cleaning, and even did some work that required a drill! Are you impressed? You ought to be... if you could have seen the struggle I had doing all of this with 3 little children, you would have said, "Bless her heart, she's trying to prove something... I sure hope she makes it!" Well, Ron was impressed (I think). That was one of my goals. I like to impress him. Guess it is like getting an A on an exam. My man comes home, looks around, eats, and goes to bed... home sweet home! No deer yet, but maybe there is still that chance.
Tomorrow is his day of testing at The James, and I am so nervous! It is worse than the possibility of failing a class. It is like... hey, if this didn't cure him?! Well, then, uh, I, I just don't know what?! I don't know when they will review the results with him, but I hope they don't make us wait long... it is tough especially when you have to wait over a weekend... we've done that plenty of times, but I still am not patient. It is in God's hands, and I know He will do what is right... not necessarily what we think is right. He sees the big picture. I trust Him. I am not really afraid. I am nervous. It is weird saying this, but as much as it will hurt if he is not cured, I think I am accepting it. You know those steps of grieving, well, I have wallowed in about each step... but, they are not nice and clean cut steps. You might think you have passed over a step, only to go back to it again. So, I think I am in the acceptance stage, but that doesn't mean I won't go back to previous stages at any given time. Emotions are like that. You can't expect to schedule them. I am a person who likes things laid out... scheduled... well, most of the time, so that I can be prepared, but, life isn't like that. It can annoy me, mess with me, hurt me, but we just can't boast of tomorrow.
Well, for your info... tomorrow Faith has a piano lesson, we have church with the Dickinson family coming to speak, and Ron will be gone most of the day for his testing. It is such a busy week. Next week, I have an appointment with that doc to discuss that nodule removal (mine), I am actually excited about that! Weird, I know. The next week, on Tuesday, December 15th, Faith has her very first piano recital... Yeah, Faithy. She is currently the youngest piano student her teacher has. She tries to mimic Kim Collingsworth, and that cracks up her teacher... and, Ron and me! This little fan has alot of work to do if she is going to reach her goal! She is too cute tipping that little head back and exaggerating her hand movements while she plays her little piece!

Prayer requests for this week

Thought I would share with you how you may pray for us this week.

1. Wednesday, Ron is scheduled for several tests... blood tests and scans... the special test I am excited, but a little nervous, about is the PET scan. This will tell us if there are any visible areas of malignancies. The next PET is supposed to be 6 months later. Pray the Lord's will be done.
2. I am going to try to schedule surgery to remove my thyroid nodule. Last week, I drew the line, and said NO MORE! Pray that the surgery can be schedule soon, and that the specialist I see will hook me up with an excellent surgeon. It shouldn't be a big deal, and may be like a one night stay in the hospital.
3.Ron is going to be hunting some this week... with friends. He will pace himself, but he is hoping to get at least one deer. I hope he gets a big buck! His friends will help him with the dragging, etc., of the deer. I am happy for him, that he is getting to get out and do something he enjoys and that he has someone with him. He is doing so well lately. The complications he has had seem to be all under control. Yeah! I know it sounds funny, but you could pray he shoots a deer and that God will keep him safe.

It is an exciting week for us, and I am looking forward to sharing with you all answers to your prayers :-)

Happy to say that I see a light at the end of the tunnel... still not sure where it is leading, but I am learning not to be afraid, but pray... slowly, but surely!

We Made It!

Here is a glimpse of the last couple of days. I started decorating for Christmas.

Thanksgiving at my grandparents... it was so much fun. We had lots of "survivors" there... we nearly lost several members of my family this year, and it was wonderful to be able to sit together and fellowship and count our blessings that we had each other this year at Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful family reunion.

My beautiful Grandma... I just love her to pieces... one of my daughters has as a middle name my Grandma's first name... Ruth. I also love the wonderful Ruth from the Bible, so there were two reasons I named her Charity Ruth.

My beautiful sister and my Aunt Kathy with me sandwiched in the middle. Aunt Kathy, I was sooo glad to see you and that you are doing so much better. My sister, Rachel, and I were like best friends growing up... we are crazy when we get together.

Give praise

Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and I have so much for which to be thankful.
1. God, the Father, who created all things... and, He did it well! All you scientists and researchers of our universe and its inhabitants, say a hardy "Amen"! It is awesome! And, for His amazing love shown through His Son.
2. God, the Son, Jesus Christ, for sacrificing His life to redeem the human race. It is the most amazing love story I have ever heard! If you do not know the story of what He has done for you, you need to read about it and experience it... you will not be disappointed... for this love story has the most awesome ending... actually, it has no ending!
3. God, the Holy Spirit, for showing to me the darkness of my heart and helping me to "clean the closet." For leading, guiding, and comforting me.
4. For my husband, who loves his family and is very responsible... who loves God, is giving, and perserveres.
5. For my three children that God has given us to raise, train, protect, nourish, and love.
6. For light... in my soul... showing me what needs to be done, and what is right.
7. For a warm, dry home, safe and comfortable.
8. For the body God gave me to use for His glory... may that sink into my mind!
9. For God's Word... the ability to read it.
10. For a mind to think.
11. For my church and the freedom to choose it.
12. For friends and family who love, respect, and support us.
13. For forgiveness.
14. For being able to pray straight to the Lord whereever I am, whenever I want to, and that He hears me.
15. For good books.
16. For clothes and food.
17. That God does not lie, and that He is goodness and holiness.
18. That nothing is impossible with God.
19. That I can trust Him completely... He isn't going to mess up.
20. That my hubby's blood counts are looking really good, and that, although he has some hurdles yet to jump, things are looking up. I think I might see a little bit of light shining at the end of this tunnel... not sure where it is leading to... but, I know there is an end somewhere... we just got to keep PRESSING ON! But, not in our own strength, or we will fail before we get there... I realize that... it is a daily, moment by moment choice to hold Jesus' hand or try to wonder in the darkness by ourselves. As for me, I know I must have Jesus!
Give praise! Let all who has breath praise the Lord! Thank You, Jesus! Please, hold my hand, cause I really need You right now!

God is on the move...

in my heart. Oh, I am not saying that things were great today... but, I am submitting more. Submitting more to God, my husband, and listening and reading and learning more... because I am so ready to be done with fighting with God. He has me! I don't know what the future holds in our family, and I am tired of trying to be "God" and figure it all out. There is so much more peace when God is allowed to be God. Ron is His. If He wants to take him, then that is what is good... because God is good, and does not make mistakes. If God chooses to heal Ron, then that is good... and, I know He can, but I also know that God's ways are not our ways, and He sees the finished puzzle when we only see odds and end pieces. God allowed me to marry this fantastic man, though I don't know why... I haven't exactly been the best wife, but I am honored. He has been so very brave, and has done so very well through all of this. He just keeps marching on, sharing God's love and doing what work he is able to do. In fact, he is hoping to get back to work by the end of January, and knowing Ron, he just might do it... I might be surprised if he doesn't do it. He really is doing well, even with the numerous problems that arise... it is like he is just jumping hurdles, one comes, he jumps... another comes, and he jumps again, and he even laughs along the way. I am proud of him. Keep jumping, Ron! You're doing a good job! I love you!

Surrendering

I am changing my blog tone a bit, so I have erased some info that I had put on here. It is part of my surrender to Jesus right now. I have been ignoring Him, I guess you could say. I repented the other night here at my house. My attitudes, thoughts, and desires were not Christ-like and it had much to do with my lack in prayer and consistancy with studying the Scriptures. God is meeting my need as I surrender my desires and hopes to Him. It sure feels better than trying to figure it out myself. Praise God!

Today...

Ron's doc added some heart med to his list of meds today. His counts are going up... hurrah!!! Platelets have really climbed! Very happy about that.
The girls and I had fun today at the park here... it was so refreshing to watch them playing outside and hearing the birds, etc.

Heart problems?

Ron was discharged today, but he still needs tests and stuff. A doctor came and saw him today, and said he believes Ron has PSVT... paroxymal supraventricular tachycardia.
Pressing on!

911

I don't much feel like explaining all that has happened in the last 24 hours, but it was frightening. To make a long story short, Ron over-exerted himself scrubbing down and power-spraying our mobile home today (or should I say yesterday, since it is past mid-night), and quickly, it seems, something came over him, and his heart went racing. He came in the house, poured cold water over his head, had me get him water to drink, tried sitting down, laying down, whatever he could, and didn't want me to leave him... felt his heart racing and his chest was tight. Anyway, an ambulance was called and when they checked his heart rate, I believe it was over 230, and they couldn't even get a blood pressure!!! Off they went to a hospital I didn't even know how to get to, but it was the closest. They had to give him some medicine to slow it down at the hospital and it worked the first time. I think it was around 215 at the hospital. They got it calmed down, but later took him to The James Cancer Hospital, where he is right now... room 361. They've done some testing, and I guess some enzyme is up a bit, and they are going to test his heart some more tomorrow... if nothing too serious shows up, he might get to go home tomorrow.
Get this, the ambulance or whatever it was that transported him from Dayton to Columbus hit a deer on the way there, then the battery died on the machines that were monitoring him, and they had to have another vehicle meet them with a new battery, then I think they got a little turned around by the hospital or something. Ron thought is was hilarious! He joked about them giving him the deer meat, and he would buy them a burger... ha! Obviously, they couldn't do that... but, at least he could have a sense of humor.
That is the new news here.
Pressing on...

It is normal

That is what Ron told me the doctor said today. He said he was only grade 1 in his Graft-versus-Host, and that the steriods ought to help that. Ron acted like it was no big deal to the doc right now.
The kids are fine. Faith is doing school late this evening. Charity got clobbered by a heavy praying hands decoration last night while playing "tent" in the living room (sounds funny, but you know how even tiny head injuries bleed). Hope got a mega-scratch on her back yesterday, but she is amazingly resilent. Then today she was sitting strapped in her booster-seat and pushed it backward by pushing the table with her feet and over went the chair, baby, and all. I sat her up chair and all, and she got over it quickly, but she could have really gotten hurt. I forsaw that coming because she has been tipping her chair lately... and, even though Mommy's warnings didn't seem to help, maybe the memory of that moment may help keep her from doing that... we'll see.
You would not believe how many words Hope has learned in the past few weeks... it is shocking! I am excited! Then, Charity is just getting to be so fun to have around... she is just so cute, except for that whiny scream she gets... especially when she is very tired. Faith is maturing so much, you can definitely tell she is past the pre-school mind, and can figure things out quite well. She loves to tell stories, make up songs, ask tough questions, be the boss, and we are having a new level of "issues," too (seems to be issues of the heart that need dealt with). She is sensitive, as well as one who has a strong personality... she likes to be the leader of a group. She once was bossing a group of kids at a playland and then told them her mommy would buy them prizes... WHAT!? Like I can buy a huge group of kids treats! She is a character! She was setting me up!
Well, that is all for now... our "normal" little life here... keeping busy, and trying to have fun along the way... and, apologizing when needed.
Pressing on.

Ron update

Well, after today's appointment, Ron came home with two more meds, one being the standard treatment of GVHD... prednisone.Where do you think Ron is right now? Hunting! Well, really, he is sitting in someone's little hunting building where he can turn on heat, and is near their home.
He called some of his bus route on the phone the other day to check on them, and let them know he still cared about them, even if he wasn't the one picking them up right now. He found a teenager that moved and picked him up Sunday night... that teen is a great kid to keep and so sweet, and he lives on the way to our church! We still have one girl teen we continue to pick up some, because she only lives 5 minutes from us, but small children are too risky for us to pick up because they are the "germy" ones... bless their hearts, it is a fact, I guess, since Ron has to avoid them... except ours, who are homeschooled and sheltered here in our home. Ron misses those precious little children he used to pick up. They were special to him... to all of us. Faith looks at some of them as her dear friends... I have to watch her though, she wants to share stuff with them, even their lipstick stuff... now that is a fast way to share germs both ways!
The other day, he and some guys went and washed and later waxed the church bus. Looks beautiful! A few days before that, he cleaned out our shed.
He is doing the things that are on his priority list. I am proud of him for his efforts and hard work even though his strength is small, and the future uncertain. He is a dedicated man and wonderful husband.
I am clueless about many diseases and treatments, but I have been learning much, because I like to study them on my own. These things mean much more to me now than when I was a very young gal in nursing school, studying it, thinking it was a cool thing to be a "nurse." Patients were an assignment to me, a job, something to talk about. I was sooo immature and petty. Those poor people needed deserved much better than my half-hearted efforts and my sleeping in class and clinicals. If I were to become a nurse now, well, I would show them respect and I would truly understand so much more how they must feel... they and their families. Life is not a joke... something to take lightly... Jesus proved that one day when He gave His all for us. He didn't look at us half-heartedly, like an assignment, a job to hurry up and get over with... and, I am forever grateful. I had that sin disease, and Jesus, the Great Physician, had the cure, but He gave everything He had to get it for me. Thank You, Jesus... for everything... help me not to forget or ignore what You have and are teaching me.

No cell phones right now

If you want to reach us you will need to call our home number right now. We are not using our cell phones right now. If you want our number, email me. Thanks.

correction

Actually, it was the bloodwork that showed it was grafted in, the results of the bone marrow biopsy will not be back for probably a couple of days... but, it should confirm the findings in the bloodwork that the graft took 100%.

100% Grafted!!! WELCOME TO THE NEW MARROW!

GOOD NEWS FROM THE COOK HOUSE! THE DOUBLE UMBILICAL CORD CLINICAL TRIAL IS WORKING SO FAR! They did the bone marrow biopsy today, and Ron called to tell me that they said one of the umbilical cords is grafted in 100%!!! YES!!! Only one can completely graft, not both. It was enough cells! How cool is that! Thank you to the mother who gave her baby's umbilical cord instead of throwing it away! He had no adult matches, and your donation gave new hope in Ron's fight for a cure. Not sure what could have been done if it hadn't grafted in... not sure I want to think about it.
They are still waiting for the results of the skin biopsy to see if his new cells are trying to fight against Ron's body in GVHD. They are hoping to keep it under control. So far, he is doing pretty good, most obvious problem is that rash. Sometimes GVHD can do good things, you know, as it goes against other cells, it can attack any remaining cancer cells, too. So, you see, it is not all bad. Keep praying for us... the good news today gave a boost of hope here!

What?! Chicken in crackers?!

We made a mistake. We bought these yummy ranch snack crackers and were enjoying them when Ron suddenly had a question... Is there chicken in this? Sure enough, those flavored crackers had chicken in them! Ron could feel the allergy starting. In went the anti-histamines and lots of fluids and food to try to dilute the chicken. He is now asleep. Why weren't the crackers called Ranch Chicken Crackers or something?! How would you have even known, unless you are into reading all labels of every food?

The man with the mask

Where is my rope to tie him down? He is out driving around, running errands, and doing his busy work. He got permission to drive, and he glad. So, if you see a man with a toboggan (sp?)hat and a duck billed mask at a gas station or something, that just might be my man.
Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking when they see him walking around our mobile home park or when he went to vote the other day with hardly anything on his face showing except his eyes. Who is this energetic guy with the mask? That is my husband who is itching to get busy.

Biopsy

They took a biopsy of Ron's skin to check for GVHD, as they do believe that is what it is. They raised one his immune suppressants again (they had lowered it... I call it the "skunk pill" as that it about what it smells like) and he has to put on a steriod cream. Hopefully, that will take care of the problem. We should know the results of the biopsy in a few days. He has a bone marrow biopsy on Friday scheduled... yuck! The bone marrow biopsy will tell if the graft took into the bone marrow as it should have.

Guess I want to have empathy, too, since I also have a rash... not sure what that is about... my guess is caffeine or allergy or Rosasea. Oh, well, that is nothing compared to Ron's situation. I just miss my clear complexion... I was spoiled with nice skin on my face until recently... now I am red and blotchy and have weird hot flashes... but, there sure are more important things in life than perfect skin... like my precious husband's life.

Please, keep praying for him. GVHD can be life-threatening, and I don't really know how to deal with this, but watch and pray and try to think right. We didn't go to church tonight for safety reasons, because of Ron's immune system and all the ill people in our congregation.

Excuse the laundry in the above pic... it is an endless job, ya know. :-)

He is going to the hospital

He should be there by now. His dad has been his transportation to and from the hospital. They wanted him to come in this morning to be checked for Graft-Verus-Host. The rash is worse this morning, so he has to be checked. If it is, they will likely add steriods to his medication list. I am pretty certain it is GVHD, but I am not a doctor, of course.
Will plan to let you know after I find out what the docs say.
Ron's wife and home nurse,
Sarah

A Ron Update

Well, last week, he had 2 transfusions... one platelet and one red blood cells, and they gave him some Neupogen once for low white blood cells. A few days ago, he developed that platelet rash, petechiae, apparently... it was on his feet mostly. They didn't seem too concerned about it... guess it must be a common thing. Tonight he just developed a rash across his face, on his upper chest, and I think it on the top on his head, too... not sure if it is from this perfumy soap he grabbed off the sink to wash his face earlier or what. He thought it could have been from the fluids they gave him earlier today because of his increased creatin levels... but, after he called the nurse, we know it is not likely that... he took a Benadryl, and I will check him in the night for any spreading of the rash... the worst thing it might be is probably the dreaded Graft-Versus-Host disease (rash is one of the symptoms). I am paranoid about it, I guess. Acute GVHD can come on quickly and can range from a mild to a severe reaction. It may be different than some other transplants that have rejections in that it is the donor's cells rejecting YOU not necessarily yours rejecting the donors... so the symptoms may be different in that way. Let's hope my imagination is just getting the best of me, and that this is nothing serious. Ron is sensitive to alot of things, after all.

Cool, modern, and educated children

The computer activity Charity is enjoying was a gift from Mimi for Faith's birthday. It is really pretty cool... I have even used it for Children's Church purposes.

Faith is, of course, doing her schoolwork in the above pic.

Hope was just very silly today.

Shhhh....

Can you keep a secret? I found one of my very desired Christmas presents for Faith today. I mean, what do you buy for children who have enough clothes to supply a female orphanage, and enough toys for a daycare? And, how do you buy gifts when neither you or your husband is working? Well, there is a way! You pray! I found a VERY NICE bicycle at a thrift store and it was 25% off day! So, for only about 17 dollars, my daughter now has an almost new looking bike with nice tires awaiting her in the shed... it is quite sharp! Another gift was purchased on-line for about 8 dollars for all of the children to share... it is a Your Story Hour album (history). The girls are going to LOVE IT! They love Your Story Hour... ten hours worth of stories! It was a very good sale! They are cassettes, so we'll have to watch out having them near Hope... she likes to pull them apart... the other kids did, too, at this age. Now, I will just have to find something special for the other two. They don't need much, and I don't have room for much, but I think I have some ideas of what would bless their little hearts! It is fun making those little girls happy.

I think I just need to go to bed earlier.

Well, that last post was quite a downer... I still don't feel great, but I think I have an idea what is wrong with me... I need to go to sleep before 1am or later, no caffeine after 5pm, get fresh air and exercise some... but, definitely sleep is good. I have got to get a good night's sleep!
It was such an encouragement when I went to my mailbox and found two sweet cards in there... the kind words and humor contained within them was worth more than the $1000 that Ron was joking about being in the mailbox. One card was from Ron's work place with many signatures and comments. Another was from someone who had met my children while Ron was in the hospital, and it was so sweet.
I hope Youth Challenge is going great... this is the third year we have not been able to go. I think there was a good sized group going from our church this year... I am glad.
I won't be able to teach Children's Church for a while to avoid germs... sounds silly unless you are living with a person who has a severally compromised immune system. I am not normally a germ freak, but this is an exceptional situation.
By the way, medical friends... is it metaport or mediport? I never said I was a fantastic speller. Well, I think I might steal a little nap here while two of my children are sleeping. Sweet dreams.

recovery

Well, it would be a lie to say that the last few days have been wonderful. It has been emotionally stressful here. I am trying so hard, but sometimes I feel like a failure to keep up and be nice at the same time. I wish I could say that our home has been inspirational, but it hasn't. Yes, I have worked hard on keeping the house kept up, the laundry clean and the dishes done, the doornobs and other often-handled areas disinfected, make meals, ask Ron if he is taking his meds, check his skin for signs of bleeding, and lecturing him on "don't do that... I will take care of that... don't touch that, it is germy... bla...bla...bla", and getting on my own nerves.
Our "new to us" vehicle kicked the bucket while we were at the bank the other day... someone has to be with Ron at all times, and he wants to ride along on errands anyway...but, he doesn't always where his mask like he should... but, I am tired of trying to act like a "mama" to him. We had to have the vehicle towed and someone at our church took our family home in their truck. How humbling is that!
Then, what would you know, but that the old "Betsy" van came up with a problem when we were going to get groceries from Aldi's today. Ron found the problem and repaired the vehicle himself as sick as his body is, and he is doing mechanical work!!! He said it actually gave him energy and a sense of getting a job done. Well, fortunately, that one was a non-expensive repair... a belt that was so worn that it had chunks missing out of it! Thank You, Jesus, for protecting us as it could have broken at any time. We were late to church... which we sit in the balcony anyway, because Ron cannot be around crowds, so we didn't barge into the sanctuary late, just went upstairs to the Cook family "isolation" seating. We are trying to keep our children from sicknesses as well, for obvious reasons. So, I hope noone is offended if we do not shake hands much... it is a life/death type of thing for us right now, as Ron's WBC is at a really low point... they stopped the Nupogen when he left the hospital, so down went the white blood cells. Then, his platelets were down to a dangerous 9 yesterday, so he got a platelet transfusion. His gums bled the other day from simply eating pretzels... gotta watch those crunchy foods from now on. His hemoglobin is almost to the point of a required transfusion of red blood cells. He is on so many meds and I just hope he can keep up with it all.
On top of homeschooling, caring for Ron, and the regular daily tasks of being a wife and mommy, Hope has decided to demand to be potty-trained NOW! She cries and begs and whines to use the "po-ee" (potty, without the t's). She has wet in the potty several times already. Whenever the other girls mention needing to go to the potty, she wails to go, too. Nice timing, my precious little one! She has suddenly started talking, too! In fact, it is hard to get her to stop! She knows several words now, and likes to say them over and over, and loudly... even in church! I was excited when she started talking a couple of weeks ago, but now, I find myself trying to hush her.
Faith is asking so many questions still, and has matured so much mentally, it is just amazing... and so has Charity. I think Faith has a tooth that has some give to it and I wouldn't be too surprised if she doesn't loose her first tooth in the next couple of months. How time flies!
If I seem a little stressed, it is because I am a little stressed... please, bear with me. I am also upset with myself for gaining back weight. It is such a struggle right now to even have a desire to try to loose weight. Sigh.
Well, I really ought to post pictures soon. Ron looks different without his hair again... Charity likes to point out that he has no hair now. He is still loosing stubs of hair all over the pillows cases... which I am trying to wash often.
His central line is doing well so far... no infections there... it is one of those things that make me cringe to think about the possibity that it could get yanked out by accident... have heard of that happening to people and it makes me want to shiver! He still has that metaport that he has had for maybe almost two years, I think, but it doesn't draw back... that fact disturbs the James staff. A metaport is under the skin and it accessed by a needle... looks like a circular lump on the chest... no dangly lines. But, a central line has a big line hanging out... just part of the furniture when one goes through what Ron has. He's had this before, but I think the last time it might have had only two thingys at the end, but this time it has three ("thingys" should really be added to the medical terminology, don't you think?).
Well, that is an aweful lot of personal info on here, which I hope does not embarrass Ron, but it might give you an idea of what life is post-transplant of the allogenous (sp?) stem-cell.... umbilical cord, that is.
Signing off...
Trying to press on...

They let him come home!!!

He is here! Praise God! He is home!

Happy Birthday, Ronald Steven Ray Cook!

He's still in the hospital because his counts have been dropping, but the doctors are talking today like he just might get out early next week IF his counts stay where they are right now or go the right direction, but if they continue to drop, well, I might have to keep holding the fort back home. He is doing so well right now, and the doc even told us today that our children may come to visit outside of the buildings! Not sure if we will take him up on it, but it sure was nice to hear!
My man is 34 years old today. I am here at the hospital with him right now, but it has been since last Friday since I had seen him. I brought his presents today, and yesterday, his mom brought a cake.
I have been been at home with doing some school with Faith, rearranging a few rooms, cleaning, and playing games with the girls... and, of course, talking on the phone to several friends and family members. Faithy was concerned that daddy might not recognize his home when he got back because I changed it so much. It is amazing the things I found under the furniture when I moved them! Today, I washed lots of laundry... sure smells good!
I am so excited about getting Ron home early next week if his counts are good... he is so bored sometimes here, but he has been listening to holinessmusic.com and it has really cheered him! Sometimes I think he listens to it from morning till night just about. What a nice resource for him to plug into!
I forgot to tell y'all that the other day I got a surprise when in walked my good friend from somewhere south of here :-) into our church and got right on the piano like she had never gone anywhere. It was so nice to see you, Martha C! It was so special to get to visit with ya!
Right now, my children are being babysat at our house this evening by their dear piano teacher, Darla Stroup. What a special treat this is... I was starting to cry because I really wanted to see Ron on his birthday, but some of favorite babysitters were already scheduled for something today, and the possibilities seemed to be dwindling, when Darla gladly offered! It was really a sacrifice, because she lives quite a ways away from my house... but, we feel very comfortable with her being with the children... and, are so thankful. Thanks, Darla!
I am really struggling driving lately, I get soooo tired, that it is a real battle. I am developing a real sympathy for single mommies... it is so hard to keep up! I am in need of good solid night's sleep... but, I just have too much work to do! So, I often stay up really late working just to keep my head above it all and to get the house ready for Ron's return... sigh... I am so tired even right now... I am nervous about even driving home.
Pray for me, will ya?!
Until next time, we press on!

Maybe, next week

Some are saying that he might get out next week. Sounds good to me. His counts are almost the same today as it was yesterday. Was hoping to get out Monday, but it will likely be after that.
We were told today that the last time he had a stem-cell transplant, the sickness and stuff because it was such a major blast, was here in the hospital... this time, the watch will be more after he goes home... watching for symptoms of graft versus host. He has done fantastic here... getting skinny, but he is doing fine... okay, he isn't really skinny... he is a big guy still, just thinner. I think he's cute... of course, huh?

Hospital Restrictions

If you are not immediate family, you are not really allowed to visit anymore... in any part of the hospitals here... our children are no longer allowed to visit any part of the hospital. You know, the flu scare... bla.
Ron is doing very well so far. Been eating some and exercising some. Doing fine.
Will be nice when he gets to come home! Hoping for an early discharge... some say that could actually happen since he is doing so very well. He has even been told he's the most low maintanance person up here. Praise God!

still not to the bottom

His WBC count is at 0.7 this morning, so it still has not hit the rock bottom... it is supposed to go down to like 0.1, so the toughest part is still coming. He still doesn't need any platelet or RBC transfusions... they are low, but not to where they are ready to give him blood products.
He is still eating tomato soup, at least, and crackers, and he is drinking water and orange Gatorade, and a little bit of fruit. Not much else seems to sound good to him. At least he is eating, and so far no mouth sores or fevers or vomiting! Very good start, I should say!
I had a rough sleep here last night, because someone coded on this floor in the other pod or whatever you call it. I checked on Ron and he was sleeping like a brick. I called his name and got up to touch him to be sure he was okay (like a mommy does to a new-born baby), and the guy just kept sleeping. I think it was the Fenagren (sp?). When there is a code blue, I think the whole hospital is put on alert... it is loudly announced over the intercom... even if it was in the Ross Heart Hospital, which there was one there last night too, right after the one on the 3rd floor of the James Cancer Hospital... it was making me a nervous wreck, but they have to do that so wherever the needed staff might be, they will know they need to get going.
Unless something comes up, I might not get to spend another night with Ron until Thursday next week, but I do plan to make frequent trips up here for visits. I plan to bring the girls once or twice up here next week to see their daddy, they didn't get to see him at all this week.
The children are doing well, and you would not believe the questions Faith is asking me. One example is: "Mommy, does God love sinners that are in Hell?" Other questions have been equally if not more complicated than that! Her wheels are really turning these days! Sometimes I just tell her we'll have to ask Daddy, because I don't know some of the answers to her questions. She has become quite huggy, too. She is will just come up to me and squeeze me tight, and say omething like, "I just love you soooooo much. I love daddy, too. And, I love Jesus." Awww! I love her, too!
Charity is still stuck to her gum addiction... I need to break that before she gets a cavity. She is professional at whining, and I cannot stand whining! She is learning alot lately, and she is very good at memorizing. She is a character and can crack me up sometimes! I bought the girl a "Barrel of Monkeys" the other day, and they had fun learning to play that game... they cheat some though... their coordination isn't quite good enough, it seems to play it without using both hands to connect those monkeys... we'll get it.
Hope is funny. We were watching a video together about a little kitten and a puppy, and the kitten was playing with a crab and the crab grabbed the kitten's nose, and Hope was horrified. She was like "nooo!" and started crying a fearful cry. You have to understand that Hope doesn't talk a whole lot yet, and so sometimes I don't realize how much she understands about her surroundings, so I was taken by surprise when she understood that the kitten was getting hurt. She is starting to talk more now, though. When she potties in her diaper, and I change it, you might hear her say, "Ewww, guck!" or when I am done, she kindly says "kank oo" (thank you). Dog is "gog" and I think she calls both Faithy and Charity "tee-tee" unless you purposely ask her to say "Faith", then she might say some like "fate." Maybe it has something to do with her being the youngest child that I haven't spent more time teaching her how to talk... I know, that is a bad mommy, I really ought to start reading to her picture books, after all, in a couple of months, she will be two, and I would like her to get caught up a little. When Ron gets out of the hospital, I would like to get her started with potty training. Believe it or not, Faith takes off Hope's diaper sometimes and sits her on the toilet... I think I like that! If my 5 year old wants to help potty-train the baby, more power to her! I could use the extra hands... she is actually able to help me out in alot of ways! She helps with housecleaning, changing wet diapers, and making sure the bathroom door stays shut (so baby doesn't play in commode). She is also very good at making messes, too.
I made them homemade play-dough the other day, and they really liked that, but Hope threw a bunch on the floor... which wouldn't be such a big deal, except my kitchen floor is carpeted... maybe someday I will change that... it is pretty new carpet, but, with small children, it is not the most convenient thing. I would like to get into playing more games with them on a regular basis, which gives me an idea for Christmas presents. They are getting to the age (well, at least the two older ones) that I think they would really enjoy that fun, bonding time.
I have been taking turns some nights with sleeping with the girls... they really like it when it is their turn to sleep in Mommy's bed... although Hope is so wiggly and squirmy that the last time I allowed her to sleep with me, I could hardly sleep... the other two usually do very well. We'll have to stop this ritual probably once Ron gets home, but I figured it might be helpful to the children at this time when their little worlds are different, to let them know I want them around and that I love them. And, I guess it also helps me not to feel so lonely, too... they are like little teddy bears.
Well, that is enough of that... there is an update on our family... the good, funny, sad, and scary.
We press on!

Now, comes the hard part...

In the next couple of days, his immune system will die and then, then he is supposed to rebound with his new cells. His counts will fall, and that time can make you very miserable. There are alot of sick people on this floor. I have heard Ron praying for other patients as he sat in his room listening to them vomit.
He did so well yesterday, that his nurse was shocked. I know it must be because of all the people who are praying for him. He ate some, walked a mile on the treadmill, and did some push-ups (the nurses weren't happy about the push-ups, because if his platelets are too low, and he got injured, he could bleed badly), and we had "church" together last night. If you were close to his room, you would have likely heard some of it, as we sang together, read the Scriptures, and prayed. It was really nice to be with him.
This morning he is tired. He is doing well so far. He has had some nausea, but has not vomited yet. They are watching him closely... he was really cold this morning and the nurse was afraid he was getting a fever, but so far, so good. I know you guys were praying, because he is doing so well.
Okay, I am feeling a little proud. You know that verse about it not being good for man to be alone? Well, I think that has proven true here at the hospital. I felt kind-of like when I was able to be with him, it motavated him... got him up and busy... and, the more he can keep the food and fluids down and exercise, the better! That, his counts rebounding, and lack of illnesses are what will help him get out of here sooner. He has it in his mind that he wants to get out of here in two weeks... some have acted like that is nearly impossible, but Ron is holding to that hope. I am hoping that, too. I am also hoping that he won't have to stay up here in an apartment for 6-8 weeks afterward like alot of people do. I want to take him home with me, and just make the trip a couple of times a week for his appointments.
The doctor asked if I can drive fast... well, yeah, I guess, don't want a ticket, though.
I have to leave Ron today, but I plan to come back tomorrow night. I so appreciate those who are helping take good care of my precious little ones so I can be with Ron some during this.
Well, I guess I best be going... thanks again for your prayers.
We press on!
Psalm 91... check it out!

Transplant Day Today!

Greetings family, friends, and lurkers,
I am here at The James... I was able to stay the night with Ron. This morning is the transplant. Some folk are a little confused. This is NOT a surgery, or at least there is no cutting going on. The only cutting that was involved was last week when they put the central line in. What is happening today is the stem cells from two umbilical cords/placentas are being put through that tube that he has received all that chemo, etc, and they begin to take over. Perhaps you are more familiar with the sister transplant... the bone marrow transplant... that should give you maybe a more familiar term to know what Ron is doing here.
In case you are wondering about the children and me. Well, we've been having quite the adventure! If it could go wrong, it did. If it could go right, it did. Our church has bought us groceries, paid for gas, and I even had one friend stay all night with us the other night... that was nice! My microwave killed over, but the church gave me one of the microwaves they had in their basement... it works well. One of my vans broke down, but the Manley's rescued me... ha, I didn't put it in park before I tried to restart it... that is why it wouldn't start. I keep loosing things, and I am feeling like part of my brain is missing... it is... the Ron part. Wow, life has been different without him.
Going to go now. Love you, guys!

He is doing fine.

I am here at OSU, and Ron is doing fine so far. Has had a little nausua, but he is doing well, and the girls are happy to see him in the family waiting area... we even went to eat at the Wendy's down stairs together.
I brought our laptop to him, and so now you may email him, and he can watch church services tomorrow... glad there are some holiness churches out there with internet availability so Ron can "go to church."
His email is the same as mine, which is below.
The internet is much faster here than at home. I am going to miss my laptop, but, you know, I think it will be a blessing to him.
Once again he is doing really well, but the tough part hasn't come yet. Keep praying, my good friends!

I am so excited!

Tomorrow, I get to go see my man! A big thank you to Amy S who is riding up with me and my girls! I haven't seen him since I left him there Wednesday! Another thank you goes to the Blowers family who is ready on call to watch the children for a few hours so I can visit Ron... they pastor around there and are easily accessible and very trustworthy. And, another thank you goes to the Durrs who pastor a Bible Methodist church! They are really stepping out and taking the plunge as they are planning to take the children for 2 nights next week!
Ron is already experiencing nausea, and the medicine they have been giving him for the nausea makes him very sleepy. In fact, he may call me, but not say much or sound slurred because he is drugged... it is not as fun to have a one way conversation.
It has been strange here without him the last couple of days and nights. You know things would get broken or messed up when Ron isn't here to fix them. First night, Hope fell off my bed! She ended up being okay, but it scared me. Then, yesterday, I tried to shop with my children and go to the library. That is going to take time to get used to... it was nice when Ron was available to lend a hand some of the time. Then, today, a drain got clogged, and I had to figure out that... well, I poured the drain cleaner stuff down it... that acid stuff scares me, but it worked. Then, I killed my microwave while making supper! I had cooked the potatoes in the microwave as usual, but they made an unusual amount of noise, and wa-la, the machine won't work now... maybe I can fix it, I don't know. Won't be the first thing I have tried to fix... do you remember that headlight last year... I am going to learn some skills yet. Just as long as I don't try to climb on the roof this year to clean gutters... I am TERRIBLY afraid of heights... found out just how afraid last year after Ron's transplant... he got to tease me about that one. But there is one thing that needs done that requires a ladder, but I think I can handle it. Looks like I won't need to be cutting the grass much more, and Ron trimmed the trees so much that I doubt I will have too many leaves to rake... but, even if I did, I like doing that kind of work.
I have been cleaning and cleaning and homeschooling my children today... keep busy, keep busy, keep busy, talk on the phone, wash and fold laundry, make play-dough for kids, clean out van, cook, read, scrub bathrooms, vacuum, watch video about airplanes or Charlie Brown with the kids, just whatever I do, I must keep busy... or it hurts too much... I will miss him too much... I will get afraid... so, I just keep busy.
Ron's mom and sister stopped by for a few minutes today... it was nice to have some company, someone to give me a hug and say they loved me. I am looking forward to a nice hug from my man tomorrow... hope he is not too drugged to visit... cause I don't know if I will get to see him again until Tuesday night. That is a 3 night wait again, and I need this to be a good visit.
It is hard to sleep at night here... there is just too much to do, so much on my mind, and I just sometimes don't want to go to bed. I slept on the couch last night. It doesn't matter anyway where I sleep if Ron is not here, and well, it is just a little weird without him.
We are really doing well... just as long as I stay busy. I know that some folk think I am doing wrong by not being with Ron more, but I must obey my husband, and if he tells me I have to stay with the kids most of the time, then, my hands are tied... not only that, but, I have to schedule babysitters in a way that does not overwhelm anyone who already has alot of other responsibilities and in a way that puts our children in safe, healthy, and happy Christian atmospheres. I have seen a few frowns and whisperings about our decisions, but overall, people are very supportive and kind, and I am grateful!
By the way, Ron has been telling me that some of my friends out there have been calling him... thanks! Keep it up! You all are such a blessing! Thanks everyone!
Oh, by the way, my mom's heart cath was Monday, and there were no serious blockages, just some narrowing. She is taking it easy right now.
Now, to the rest of my family, I FORBID you to get sick or try dying. I am done with the competition, okay. Enough is enough. No one is allowed to have a heart attack, get cancer, or any other serious complication for the next 3 months, okay. Just settle down and take a little break from the drama. You all are making me nervous! I teasing you, of course, but I do think we could use a little break... don't you agree?
Well, now, is it nearly midnight? Oh, yes... maybe I will get to sleep before 2 am tonight. That would be nice. Goodnight, y'all!

He's admitted!

You may write to him... remember not to send him live flowers as he cannot have them.

Ronald S. Cook Room 356a
OSUCCC-James Cancer Hospital
300 W 10th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210

He doesn't have a cool view from his room like last time, but his doctor might switch him to the room he had before if it opens up and if he wants it again. The room he has now is nice and spacey.
He got his central line placed Wednesday, and on Thursday morning, he is to start the chemo.
The doctor says everything looks in his favor. He is very strong, is considered in the state of remission right now, is young, and all of his tests evaluating his lung, kidney, and heart functions came back good, and his bone marrow test came back negative. This makes this transplant look very favorable in the doctor's eyes as a possibility for cure without much complications. Of course, there are no guarantees, and anything could go wrong... and, there are side effects and possibilities of damages from this, but they feel it is the best thing to do. I guess the doc told Ron he was either one of or the strongest person he has seen do this thing, or something like that.... might have something to do with Ron's desire to do push-ups and exercise while on chemo, and that he is such a big guy. If you just looked at him, you would likely not ever guess he even had cancer... except I see it... I see how the chemo and disease has made his eyes look different... darker underneath.
I hope that he never has any of the long term risks of the treatments he is about to go through, like cataracts, lung and heart problems, GVH disease, or leukemia. That wouldn't be fun.
Tonight is my first night here at our little home with him in the hospital. The children are sleeping and I am thinking about my plans for the next day... clean the house, teach the children, go out for a while, clean out the van, and call Ron a lot. I imagine the next day will be similar, but Saturday, I plan to see my man, and I might even let the girls see him too. The only way that can happen is if he is well enough to come out to the family waiting area with his mask on and his buddy (the IV pole) being pulled along side him. The children are not allowed to visit him on the unit.
Wow! My church treated me royally Wednesday night! One family bought us something to eat after church. People were ready to help load and unload the children from the vehicle. One family gave us a gas card, and then a group of people took up an offering! They helped me with my children during church, too! Special thanks to the Sowers family for watching my children Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening so I could take Ron to the hospital early Wednesday morning and get him set up. Thanks to the Adams family for dinner.
In case you don't know, all of the chemo and blood products he will be receiving will go through the central line that was placed today... that is also how they give him the transplant... they put those new cells through that line. The transplant is kind-of non-climatic. No big surgery or anything... just some cells going through a tube that leads into his heart area. But, those cells are what are to rescue him. When his immune system dies, they take over the house... well, actually, the doc said really only one of those umbilical cords' cells will triumph over his body in the end, but they cannot predict right now which will win in this double umbilical cord stem-cell transplant. Let the fight for life begin!

Answers

Here are some of the answers to the questions asked in an earlier post. These are not in any certain order, but here we go:
Of course, we have three children... Faith Ann (5 years and in kindergarten... homeschooling), Charity Ruth (3 years), and Hope Christiana.
Ron and I have been married for a little over 6 years.
We were both GBS students and became acquainted then.
I was in New Mexico doing mission's work on a Navajo Reservation with the Yates' family. Ron was back here in the Dayton area when we were "dating."
We were married June 14, 2003, a month before I turned 22, and Ron was 27.
We had both felt called to do mission's work years before.
Ron had a lump under his arm in the Fall of 2007, at which time I was expecting our third baby in December.
He had received antibiotics, but they did not help. Had a biopsy... Ron was pretty convinced it was an infection or something, but before we found out the results of that biopsy, Ron developed double vision, and could not even drive to work... went to the eye doc, they sent him for MRI, family doc calls us, tells us to go to this neurologist, bring wife, lots of info... In that one dramatic sweep of a week, it all to a head in that neurologist's office as he said, "You have Hodgkin's, right?" We were like "um... nobody has said anything to us about it." or something like that. And, so, the flood of news swept over us as the doctor confirms that the biopsy of the swelling under his arm was indeed Hodgkin's disease... a form of lymphoma, and not only that but there was a tumor growing under Ron's brain that would have to be very quickly taken care of... that Sunday!!! Ron had been having low grade fevers at night and night sweats... I was sure it was something serious.
Now, generally, Hodgkin's lumps are not painful, but his was very tender and kept growing... got antibiotics, because of an infection. Before his brain surgery, he had to take steroids to slow the tumor's growth, because of the headache Ron started getting. I think it was against an optic nerve and a blood vessel... the surgery would be tricky, but he made it, and I still remember my fear and grief... him looking dead, but talking a mile a minute, and I still remember making those phone calls before all this to somehow break the news that Ron had this deadly disease called cancer... What a week and a half that was. The following Sunday, after Ron's surgery, he was back in church!!! Stitches across half his head and a head covering made him look rough. He had just turned 32.
Ron has had radiation to his head (tumor area that is no longer there), and to his chest. He had had 4 regimens of chemo and is about to have another. He is about to get full body irradiation and chemo and his second stem cell transplant.
It was maybe about this time two years ago that he discovered that lump... but, he did not realize that he was Stage 4B.... the B means he was symptomatic. He was loaded with disease! It was all through lots of lymph nodes in the chest, under his arms, under his brain, and it even showed up on the PETs as starting on several bones! His organs were fine.
He had to have lots of tests, but one that really frightened me was the HIV test. It is a standard test for people with Hodgkin's, but he was negative... what a sigh of relief! One of the grossest tests was the bone marrow biopsy. Remember, I was pregnant, and the sight of Ron's head being wrapped up with a tube with blood hanging out was enough to almost make me faint, but watching them drill Ron's hip while he was wide awake, was quite something! He was tough, and there were so many people who stepped up to the plate and were so kind and helpful. Christmas that year was one I hope I never forget! I have never seen so many presents in my life! I had a new baby on the 13th, Ron had already had radiation to his head, and had started chemo, but he was alive, and churches had made my children's Christmas very special!
Fatigue is normal for Hodgkin's Disease, but Ron perseveres.
The Epstein Barr Virus is sometimes thought to be related to Hodgkin's. So, are other immune deficiency problems, but there is no conclusive cause of the disease.
The shots I have had to give to Ron are Neupogen... they boost the marrow to produce white blood cells, which are often killed off the chemotherapy. The chemo is designed to killed fast growing cells... cancer... but, other cells are also fast growing, like your hair, nails, and white blood cells. I learned to give these shots initially as a nursing school student. I didn't get a nursing degree, but I did do clinicals on a med/surg floor and then, on an oncology floor. This was before I even went to New Mexico... I believe this was God's preparing me for caring for my husband.
Now, Hodgkin's, if treated in Stage 1 or 2, is said to be 93 percent curable. One of the standard treatments is ABVD, and is pretty successful, from what I understand... but, Ron's cancer was more extensive, and although it was initially reacting well to the chemo, it started to grow again... even with the ABVD.
Ron is about to go for a major treatment that is very frightening... he is to get his line put in again on Wed and do the planning, etc., of the radiation. Thursday starts the big chemo, then after a few days of that, he is to get the radiation, I believe, then after that is the transplant of umbilical cord/placenta cells. After this comes the sickness, and the drop of cells as his own immune system is wiped out of his body and the new cells take over. And, caution is up as we watch for any viruses, bacteria, fungi and protect him from them, and watch for the dreaded Graft-Versus-Host Disease.
I know that this probably does not answer all those questions, but maybe I can answer them in a future post.
When Ron is admitted in The James, I will try to post his address and room number so those who wish to send cards may. Remember that if you have any signs of illness or soiled clothing, please have those resolved before visiting him. You must wash your hands before and after leaving his room, and you could be asked to wear a mask and gown if Ron is ill. No children under 12 may come into the unit. Visitors are welcome, but I will caution that he may not feel like talking after the first week is over, but he would feel encouraged if his friends stopped by. If you want to bring youth or children, a cool idea is to find out where his room is and stand under his room, and wave up to him. Last time, there was an awesome veiw from his room and it would have been neat for a group of people to show up and wave up to his room to cheer him on. Just an idea! My children may visit in the family waiting area, and he can come out with his mask and hat and IV pole to visit them if he is well enough. Faith is already asking me if she may visit Daddy in the hospital, and he is not even there yet.
We are still praying for God's will in the care of our children. We want Godly, kind influences in their lives right now, and I have someone like that to watch them Wednesday, and I have some offers from people... I also am trying to be cautious not to overwhelm anyone, either... it does take alot of energy and patience to care from 3 little ones, and they need a gentle touch right now... their lives are about to be disturbed again.
SO, there you go... a quick review of the answers to a previous posts, and what our walk through this cancer has been like.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sarah

"FUN DAYS"

Excuse the strange order of these pictures. The above pic was taken at Franklin Bible Methodist Church's new family building.

Some of these photos were taken at McDonald's playland.

Faith with her piano teacher, Darla Stroup.

The above hairstyle stayed in her hair for a few days.

I am calling what we have been doing since Ron has been at his retreat "fun days" to the kids, because I have been going out and doing lots of fun stuff with them, just because I want to. Yesterday, we went to Faith's piano lesson, then we went to my brother's house. I took lots of pictures! The kids got to play and eat with Wes and Rebecca's children, and I took pictures of their children and printed them with my little picture printer contraption. It is not professional, but they still turned out really cool, I think.

We got home late last night. Then this morning, I made the girls help clean the house up so we could go out for a fun day. We went to a large McDonald's Play-land, then to a Metro-Park/farm. It was amazing. They have animals, a lake you can fish in without a fishing licence, trails, and people dressed up like the late 1800s. They also have a children's interactive room with an old school-room/house/barn set up inside. The girls had a blast!

I ran into a complication with keeping my children together a few times... I just need one or two more arms, and I would be set. Once was at McD... that was so embarrassing... here I was trying to order our food, and they were giving me a hard time... that was one of those moments that I just really needed Ron to hold the baby for me so I could get the food without dropping it, but we made it. Another time was when we went to leave the lake, and Faith collapsed on the ground for some reason and just sat there. I just kept walking without her (it was raining) and brought the rest of the children to the van, fastened them in, turned on the van, got in, and acted as though I was going to leave her. That got her moving! Of course, I would never leave a 5 year old at some park (anyone who would do that must be out of their mind!), but she was not quite so sure at that moment. She received discipline upon her arrival and a lecture on how dangerous it is to not stay close to your parents when you are little and obey, but then, we went on with our fun day. She was really tired, and all of the children fell asleep in the van when we left. We went thriftstore shopping after I discovered the libraries were already closed, and I got some cheesy toddler video for the kids, and though I found it annoying the kids enjoyed watching it when we got home and ate supper. I also bought them some other stuff. (Why is it so fun to buy stuff for your children?) Then, it was time to get their teeth brushed, have a Bible story, and all those night-time things, and go to bed. Then, I could have time to read my Bible and pray.

It was a packed day, and tomorrow I have more fun things planned.

If all of this bored you to pieces, I am sorry, but I was really proud of myself for all the things I did with my children today without anybody with me... well, I had Jesus with me... believe me, I did some praying for help the past couple of days... my children might have their Mommy's prayers of "Please, Jesus, I need Your help" all the time so ingrained in their minds, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't start saying it soon. I really need Jesus' help in everything! He did help me and the children. They had so much fun!