Thursday, February 28, 2013

More questions than answers

Hello.

Sigh.

I really don't even know where to begin.

Today has been so hard.  Could it have been worse?  Yes.  Was it what we were hoping for?  No.  Was it what we were expecting?  Yes and no.

I could go into a really long and drawn out explanation and tell you about all of the times that opinions and plans have been changed today, but I'll spare you.  Essentially, there are some big hurdles that we have to overcome in Ryan's journey, and here they are:

  • The theraspheres did what they were supposed to do! But...
  • Ryan's cancer has advanced in other areas.  There are new lesions on his liver, near his colon, and in his pelvis...
  • ...but he isn't experiencing pain nearly to the level that he would with so many lesions, so there are questions as to whether all of these masses are truly cancer, or are they something else?  (Blood? Infection?)
  • Ryan is starting to present with ascites (LOTS of it), but when he was drained, the fluid was mostly blood...
  • which leads us to the question: from where is this blood coming?  Is he bleeding internally?  His doctor has never seen this from a Theraspheres patient.
  • His bloodwork also brought some concern.  His electrolytes are out of whack.  His bilirubin is creeping up, which we are seeing in the color of his eyes and his face.
All of these problems and questions are leading to the conclusion: Ryan has to be admitted to have further testing and to get his counts stabilized.  We are able to do this in Muskegon, so once he is done getting a magnesium infusion, we will hit the road.  Long, long day.  No chemo today.  Hopefully we will start treatment next week as soon as this all settles down.

We so appreciate your prayer and concern and we desperately need more prayer for wisdom as we attempt to navigate all of these new developments.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been following your story. On my drive into work today, God directed me to pray for Ryan. I will continue to pray for answers and direction.

Anonymous said...

Father God, I praise you for all that you have done in Ryan's life so far, for all that you have blessed him with, strengthened him with and led him through. We pray that you will comfort him and encourage him in the confusion of this new development. We ask you Lord to lead him through this, too, so he will come out on the other side of it in a larger place, a healthier place, a place of healing and hope and the light of your love. We claim your promise that your will is for healing and we stand on your promises and trust you with Ryan's future. We trust you with his mind, body and spirit, and his dear Kendra and Colton and the rest of his family as they walk with him through this valley of the shadow of death. We ask for miracles and we trust you with every step. Hugs and prayers, Jaye

Anonymous said...

Praying for you & your family.....philippus family

Anonymous said...

Dear Ryan,
I knew you when you were about Colten's age. I was lifeguarding summer camps at Eagle Village for your Mom and Dad. I am saddened to hear about this battle you have been fighting. I am also heartened to know you have the grace of your parents to see you through this. Your story is beautiful...the length of time you and Kendra have loved, the blessing of your son, and the fullness of experience you have had from rodeoing to public speaking. I will be praying for your continued progress with your book, your health and the well being of you and your family and parents. God Bless and give you strength.
An old friend from the village of your youth. Anne

Titus 2 Thandi said...

No words. Hope the tests show the
best' possible explanation for this horrible situation.I hate the symptoms Ryan is dealing with.Being able to see and feel 'the cancer effects' must make it so much more real and threatening. Holding breath for the upcoming tests...

Titus 2 Thandi said...

No words. Hope the tests show the
best' possible explanation for this horrible situation.I hate the symptoms Ryan is dealing with.Being able to see and feel 'the cancer effects' must make it so much more real and threatening. Holding breath for the upcoming tests...

Anonymous said...

I heard you speak at our church last summer, your story gave me strenght as I was two weeks away from liver surgery..I hope you and your wife realize the hope and inspiration you bring to people.. you are in my prayers daily

Anonymous said...

Dear heavenly father, we are putting Ryan in your hands. May you use him for something beyond all compare. May you wash your healing and comfort over him. Lord you are the great healer, the wonderful father, and the majestic physician. You have a plan ,plans to prosper and not to harm. Lord give him peace and tranquility help Ryan to fully understand and grow in the fact that this is all part of your plan for his life. This plan we may not understand but, we can know that is going to advance your kingdom, for it already has. Ryan has changed so many lives with his story. Lord we know that he can do all things through you who gives him strength
Sophia Bailey