Saturday, January 2, 2010

January 2, 2010

We learned how to give Derek injections of neupogen, to raise his white blood cells. Actually, Dave will give the injections; I don't have the nerve. Derek may just give himself the shots he needs.
Our minds are whirling right now with all the information they have been giving us. The most difficult part of all this is watching Derek go through it all. The nausea, pain, and other discomforts are heartrending to watch. The food they send up goes back down, untouched. (If he can't drink the raspberry milkshakes, he'll never drink my spinach smoothies!:) Now that his first cycle of chemo is finally over, we're wondering what challenges await at home.
Don't worry about us; we're staying positive. We know everything will be OK; sometimes the little things become big things.

Again, thanks to all of you who have helped us with food, also emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I wish we knew who gave us the Christmas Jar...(if you're reading this, please know that your generosity was touching to us. Thank you!)

7 comments:

  1. I'm glad to hear things are going well so far. You are in our prayers daily!!

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  2. Hey Payne's. We just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers always. Also when Bret, Kien, and I were up visiting the Hicken Seniors for Christmas, I don't think I heard a single prayer said without Derek's name in it.

    If there is anything at all that we can do please let us know. I would be happy to make meals for your family and I understand about your special diet. Just let me know what you want and I will make it for you! Bret gets tons of free stuff from the health food store so it wouldn't be a problem at all.

    I also understand about Derek's immune system being down so we won't visit unless you ask us too. Just know that we are always thinking about you and praying for you.

    Love, Lynn & Bret & Kien.

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  3. Patty g. Bracken shared your email, I hope it was ok for her to inform me of things. You and your family will be in my prayers. We spent a good amount of time last January at PCMC with our oldest grandson, it is good to know Derek is also in the hands of the best. Having a sick loved one is always hard, I know from experience. Keep the faith. Love, Paulette

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  4. You have all been in our prayers constantly. We wish we could do something for you and your family to ease this hard time. You have been such great friends to us as we have lived in this area and we have grown to really love your family. I just keep thinking that Derek must be very amazing for this hardship to be his and yours because we are only given what we can handle, even though it will be hard. If there is anything we can do please let us know and if I can sub for you Jeanne at any time just let me know. We will continue to pray for you. Love The Glad Family

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  5. Keep up the courage Derek. Rely on the Lord and He and His angels will be there to bear you up. I know I don't understand the difficulties Derek is going through, or how difficult it is as parents to watch, but you're in my prayers and I know the Lord will strengthen and comfort.

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  6. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you! Love, Jaci, Darin and Family

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  7. I am very touched by your courage and strength. Thank you for documenting your experiences, as many people will benefit from this!
    Prayers are being offered by many in Derek's behalf. Love to your family!
    -Marie Holmes

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