About 2 months ago Big Rick fell. At that time - he thought he had only hurt his shoulder and his lower back was tight. He started to see an acupuncturist for his shoulder (along w/ his own personal massage therapists...seeing how he has 3 at his finger tips). His shoulder recovered - but his back only got worse. He did get in to see a Dr - who did NOTHING for him. Told him it was probably bursitis in his hips and there wasn't really anything you could do for that. Thankfully - there were a few that were not satisfied w/ that answer and we finally convinced him, after some scary incidents, that he needed to get an MRI done. Off to Salt Lake he went to get the test done and the results gave us some scary - but much needed answers. It started with a fractured lumbar (basically a broken back)...this answered his back pain. But - within the MRI and blood work that was done - they found suspicion in his bone marrow and kidneys. So, they ordered more tests to be done thru his primary care Dr in Idaho...which means...off they went to Idaho to have more tests done. It was there that his Dr gave him an 85% reading that he had bone marrow cancer. He said he could not give the 100% because he needed to see a Hematologist and have additional work done to determine the extent. But - he had already seen the numbers in a few other patients that have fought and beat this type of bone marrow cancer. So - those words gave us encouragement. The Dr told him that his fall probably saved his life. It also provided us with answers as well as a path to take to help him begin what we are calling "The Journey".
This week he will see his cancer specialist. He had the blood work done today and they will have answers to us by Friday as to where we go from here. This is what we know right now and again - ask for your prayers and strength to be added to ours as we help him thru this.
I love big rick! I'm praying my guts out. Please keep posting!
ReplyDeleteMy Dad's a Stud! He'll make it.
ReplyDelete"Fallin's nothin," he'd say. "Get back up. Let's go."
We're all cheering for you Rick -- with sunflower seeds, pretzels and Diet Coke if necessary!!
ReplyDeleteFrom you cousin, Tim: You go guy. We're with you. Christy. Many thanks for your thoughtful blogs. See you guys soon.
ReplyDeleteRick, Rick, Rick; your oldest, wisest cousin is thinking of you. That in itself may not be quite enough to pull you through this but when added to all the positive vibes be transmitted through the ethernet, that should do it. Your welcome. I'm more of a spiritual than a religious person but I'm adding my thoughts to all who are praying for you. You have always been a positive, dare I say a stubborn, man. So I know you will use that as a positive force. Best to you
ReplyDeleteMr. Rick. I Love You. Mr. Kent