Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The past few days

Many of you know what's been going on, but a few don't, so I will start with a chronicle of what has happened since Friday morning. Ryan had a bad cough last week and I urged him to get to the doctor. Aubrey had been sick and was finally getting over things and I didn't want her getting it again. He went to the doctor and they called me to come pick him up. He was acting faint, but was otherwise wasn't showing any signs of anything, except maybe dehydration. The ambulance came because he went a little unconscious when I came to pick him up. We went to the ER at Wayne Hospital and when they got his bloodwork and chest X-ray back, the doctor told us that the news wasn't good. They did a few more tests and then decided that we would be heading to Miami Valley.

We arrived at Miami Valley on Friday night about 7:00. The doctor was in within the hour ordering more tests and talking to us about what might be going on. They also did a bone marrow biopsy and we got those results back Saturday late morning. He was diagnosed with Precursor T-cell Acute Lymphblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia. What a shock! It was a bit unbelievable to say the least. We were (and still are) thankful to God that the doctor who was seeing him practices in Greenville and we've been told is one of the best cancer doctors here.

Ryan's white blood cell count was 10 times higher than the normal. He had (it is still there) a mass in his chest which is a swollen. His kidneys were also not functioning at their normal level. Because the white count was so high, they wanted to filter out his blood before starting chemo. They performed a process called neurophreneisis (spelling?). They took out his blood and filtered as many white cells out as they could and put his good blood back.

They started chemo on Sunday afternoon around 4:30. He gets a treatment every 12 hours for 3 days, the final one will be tomorrow morning at 4:30 AM. All his numbers are improving. His kidneys have begun to function better. He was using at catheter, but they have removed that. His counts are going down, the direction they want them to go.

He seems very tired this evening while I'm here, but he has talked a little. He is keeping his spirits up, thinking about his students at school a lot. He is actually getting ready for bed now so I'm going to head home and let him rest.

We appreciate all the gifts, visits, and especially all the prayers. We serve a wonderful GOD and we pray each and every day that the drugs will do their job and we'll get Ryan back home very soon.

39 comments:

  1. Ryan and April - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the blog to keep us updated on things.

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  2. Hey Ryan and April- We are also praying for you. This was a great idea to keep everyone updated. Take care.

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  3. Dear Ryan and April,
    We are also praying for you. Medicine these days is great (Jay just celebrated his 5 years of cancer-free this February!), and that combined with Ryan's positive spirit should really help with the recovery process. Hang in there...you have lots of prayers and support directed your way. :)

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  4. We all will continue to keep all of you including Ryan's health care providers in our thoughts and prayers. Call if you need anything.

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  5. Ryan and April,

    I was glad I was able to stop in see you on Monday night. I could tell that his attitude is very positive, which will help you get through this. Just remember that everyone will be thinking of you and praying for the both of you. April, stay strong!

    Scott Ward

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  6. Ryan,

    I'll be praying that God will renew your strength and restore your health. Keep the faith, trust in God and praise HIM in the storm.

    Tami Bruner, MVCTC Dept. Secretary

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  7. Ryan,
    You and your family are in our prayers.
    My wife Lynn and I are only a few miles away from Miami Valley so if you and April need ANYTHING please call us - 937-216-7605.

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  8. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!

    Gwen Bergman

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  9. Ryan and April,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.

    Rhonda Phillips, MVCTC

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  10. Ryan
    We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. You are a strong guy and can beat anything. God provides obsticles to those he knows can overcome them.
    Stay strong, keep the faith.
    We are all praying for you!

    Dale, Gloria, and Lucas Bohman

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  11. Ryan and April,
    My thoughts and prayers are with both of you. You have a lot of people here at work that are wishing you well and praying that God gives you strength to get through this difficult time. Keep fighting and I'm sure you will back here soon!
    Take care,
    Sandy Barker

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  12. Ryan,
    Thinking of you and your family. Prayers are coming your way.

    Marilyn Jones

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  13. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you and your family get through this difficult time.

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  14. Just know so many are praying and thinking about you and your family. I keep in touch with several of your boys and they are itching to visit but will let you have your healing time. I have even heard they want to bring some tractor parts for a little bed side instruction...Don't worry I don't think they will! Hang in there, God is good all the time... All the time God is good. Keep the faith!
    Julie Millhouse
    CTC Cos

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  15. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to face what is happening, and may you draw closer to Him as a result.

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  16. Ryan and April,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Take care!!!

    Holly (Magoto) Holzapfel

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  17. Ryan,
    You and your family are in my thoughts. If there is anything I can help wit, please let me know.
    Robin Speer-MVCTC

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  18. Ryan and Family,

    We are sending our thoughts and prayers daily. Your faith and positive attitude will get you through. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.
    Harold Niehaus and Family
    MVCTC

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  19. Ryan and April,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. It's difficult to understand why something like this happens. Have faith that God will take care of you. Stay strong, keep the faith, and do whatever it takes to get well!
    Mary Wise
    CTC Student Services

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  20. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care and God Bless!
    Susan (Wagner) Klosterman

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  21. Ryan and April,
    This is on my heart and mind each day. My family is praying for all of you. I hope that Ryan will be back to his old joking antics soon. Don't be afraid to ask for help...everyone on this blog and those around you at home are ready to do what is needed.
    Amy (Yakos) Walter

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  22. Ryan,
    Is there anything Pat or I can do ? If April needs anything, have her give us a call. You are in our prayers each day. On the lighter side, I need you back at work, I learned some new tricks I want you to use on the Ag. Staff. Someone has to keep up the traditions, and you are the best man for the job.
    Remember we are here for you.
    Waid and Pat Lyons

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  23. Ryan, April, and Aubrey -

    Wow! I'm one who didn't know what was going on...you all will be in our prayers and thoughts a lot! April - I just went through 4.5 days w/ David at a conference, and I know it's not easy taking care of the little one all by yourself...plus they miss their daddy, and you do, too! We'll be praying for strength and healing!

    love,

    gretta

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  24. April, Ryan, and Aubrey,
    My family and the church family is praying for you. We love all of you and would love to be of any help. We will always be there for you guys if you're sick or healthy, weak or strong. We will always be here. Take care!

    Love,
    ♥Rachel N. Marker♥

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  25. Ryan, April and Aubrey,

    My family and I are praying for you. My mom said that she is more than willing to babysit Aubrey for you the week of March 23rd and the following weeks, and that she will come pick her up too. If you need anything, just give us a call: 419-582-5982. May God Bless you all!

    Gary, Denise, Elizabeth, Jay, Jared and Jacob Heitkamp

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  26. Ryan and April,

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers, if there is anything you need, please just ask. We at MVCTC all miss you and are anxious to see your smiling face back on campus very soon!

    God Bless,
    Kelly Herzog - MVCTC

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  27. Ryan, April and little Aubrey,

    Just love this log site, thanks to Roger for telling Merlin about it, the only problem it's the two dummies running the computer.

    Our prayers and concerns are with you and your family. Need anything just ask, food, ride, babysitting or etc.

    I had my sister (Mike's) put your name on their group prayer list. So Ryan you have bunches of people praying for you and your family. You are very special to Merlin and I. Take Care, Love Kate and Merlin

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  28. Know that God is with you and we are all with you.

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  29. Dear Ryan and family,

    Prayers from northern Ohio! Please know that I have added you to my prayer list and I know that God will keep his arms wrapped tightly around each of you!

    Donnia

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  30. April, Ryan and Aubrey,

    We are praying for all of you day and night! Our God does wonderful miracles. All of you are held tightly in our hearts. If you need anything day or night just call.

    Love to all of you,
    Aunt Alma, Uncle John and Justin

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  31. Hi there, I just heard of your diagnosis and wanted to let you know we are praying for you and that God would work a miracle in your life and give your entire family a peace that passes all understanding. He is still on the throne and He still cares about the nth little detail in your life!

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  32. Dear, Ryan, April, and Aubrey, Just a note to let you know Ryan we are praying for you every single day until you are better.And April if I can help out with Aubrey I would love to. I'm off on Mondays, Thursdays and every other week-end. Just call. 548-0934. Take care, Todd and Tammy Stewart and family

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  33. Ryan, April & Aubrey,

    We are praying for you. I believe with your strength, positive attitude and all the love and support you are surrounded with, you will be back at it soon.

    Angie (Kramer) Armstrong

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  34. Mr. Wulber (Ryan), and April

    You are in our prayers. We hope that you get better soon. If there is anything you need or if you just want to talk you can call anytime 937-456-1228. Stay positive

    Jeff, Jim Jr, Jim Sr, and Carol Bennett

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  35. Keep working at getting better. We are thinking about you and praying that you will be back on your feet again soon.
    Mike & Donna

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  36. Hang in there Ryan! Your positive attitude and faith will get you through. You are in our thought's and prayers.

    Chad Warner & family

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  37. Ryan,

    I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you. Keep that positive attitude of yours and know that we're all here for you if you need anything.
    - Pam Scott (DeMange)

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  38. Ryan & April,
    You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. As we too start to experience the world of chemo and cancer, you start to really realize how special life is. We pray that you continue getting good news daily, that you are able to have strength, and keep your positive attitude. With the LORD by your side and your positive attitude, you will have a fast recovery. April, I know that it's tough trying to be a supportive wife and a strong mom at the same time. We pray for your strength also. Please let us know if we can have Aubrey for a play date sometime. Keep your faith high.
    God Bless,
    Chris, Tiffany & Carson Bergman

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  39. Ryan and family,
    You are in our thoughts and prayers and we think about you all of the time. You are an amazing person with tremendous strength and courage. Know that we are all here for you if there is anything you need. God Bless.

    Donneta (Sabroff), Jason and Ava Shardo

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