Walk by Faith

Bummer....had to give back the Hummer! And I never got a chance to go off-roadin' in it! We picked up the truck today and it looks great!

Ron began eating solids again on Monday and has continued with the the Milk of Magnesia 3-4 times a day (along with his other regular meds). Tuesday went pretty well, other than a puking episode that night (Hmmm, could it have been the cheeseburger, fries and Dr. Pepper he insisted on for dinner? Not the wisest choice, I'm sure!) Still has diarrhea several times a day thanks to the Milk of Magnesia (which is a good thing).

The rest of the week has followed the same cycle; feels relatively ok in the mornings but a couple of hours after lunch he starts having terrible indigestion, feeling very bloated and it finally culminates with a puking episode. Things settle down after that and he's able to eat dinner ok (although several nights he's had an added puking episode).

For whatever reason, eating solid foods just doesn't seem to be his thing! He's not been eating anything crazy; typical day is a protein drink at 7:30; muffin & milk or cereal at 10:30, soup & fruit around 1:30; puking around 5 and then a pretty bland dinner. He also sips on a protein drink throughout the day in order to get a continuous trickle of nourishment. Thanks to some much-needed advice from our friend Louise, we've found a few very high protein drinks he actually enjoys. Quite a weight loss plan....he is now down to a very svelte 155 lbs. Poor guy, his clothes just hang on him.

Today, he's generally not been feeling well; exceptionally fatigued and for some reason the tremoring is back; and of course the added benefit of puking this afternoon.

We will see Dr. A next week with plans to regroup and come up with a new plan of action. Please pray there will be some revelation as to why he is having such a hard time with solid food. They have gone over and over his scans, and can't find anything that would cause this problem.

Please don't think our life is all gloom and doom ~ just like each of you, some days are better than others! We've learned to take things as they come, look for the good in each day and laugh as often as possible! We are incredibly blessed, in more ways than we can count.

One of our greatest blessings would be our doctors. Not just the one's who take care of Ron, either. It was time to refill all my maintenance meds through Medco; I knew it had been a while since I'd been in and wasn't too surprised when I got a message that Dr. Lawson wanted to see me before he would refill. When I went in, Dr. L said he had me come in so he could see if I was taking care of ME throughout all of this. Can you belief that? Then, when I was leaving, he handed me $25 and said "I'm paying for your co-pay today." I actually had a doctor pay me to come see him! haha! Dr. L has not only been our primary care physician for over 15 years, but is a faithful man of God. He has prayed for us, supported and cared for us through Aaron's accident (he actually came to see us in the Trauma ICU, not only to check on Aaron, but us!); always an incredible support to me throughout my illness, visited Ron in ICU and financially blessed us as well!

And of course, Dr. Arslanlar is wonderful! He's constantly in contact with us through phone, e-mail, and text messaging. Even on his weekends off; he makes sure I know that he's available if we need him; all I have to do is call his cell phone. How great is that?

Speaking of great doctors, did anyone happen to see Dr. Shires (Ron's surgeon) on the news a few weeks ago? Check out this link: (click on the video on the right side of page)
http://cbs11tv.com/health/pancreatic.cancer.Whipple.2.904617.html
This is not the procedure he did on Ron.

Jesus said that in this world we would have troubles but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. And knowing He has provided so many to care for and minister to us (doctors, nurses, and all of you!), makes this time easier to bear. Our job, is to walk by faith.

Thanks for your continued prayers! We love and appreciate you more than we can express!

Christie


Below, is another song that has really spoken to me over these last months.
Walk by Faith
Jeremy Camp
(link to listen follows, if you'd like!)

Would I believe you when you would say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

http://www.tunesdaily.com/296804/Jeremy_Camp-Walk_By_Faith.mp3