Updates and Thanks

Ryan spent the majority of the day in bed again yesterday, his stomach still a mess. I called his care manager, again, she spoke with Dr. Neelam, and she said to double his meds that the er gave him. That should work by this afternoon, and if it has not then she wants to admit him here locally until everything has been brought under control. He is still off the chemotherapy, and everything else at this point aside from the er meds. He can't resume anything until his body has readjusted.

Because he had such an adverse reaction to the chemo, when he is able to restart it, Dr. Neelam is lowering the dose. Which means we have to get approval from insurance again, and the specialty pharmacy has to ship us a new order. I have no idea what to do with the current one--it was a 3 month supply and it's poison--how the heck do we dispose of it?! And the cost!!!! OmGOSH!!!! What a complete and utter waste!!!!! Do you know how many families could be taken care of with that kind of money that was just wasted on those now-unusable meds?! Our sponsor child's family income is $150 a month... That money would have changed thier lives for years to come!!! I am sill absolutely certain that these pharmacy folk deserve to never sleep at night nor be able to look in the mirror at themselves ever again. Just my own opinion.

On a brighter note, we received two amazing blessings yesterday that I can't wait to share! We have been shown so much kindness and care since the beginning of this chapter. I'm trying my best to thank each person individually, and Ryan is certain I'm going to bankrupt us buying thank you cards and stamps. I haven't mentioned individual names at any point here because it just feels like a very private thing, and I do not want to make anyone uncomfortable. But I decided that if I can figure out how to link to certain organizations who have reached out to us, they deserve to be thanked "out loud". So in no particular order other than trying to mention everyone:

 CTCA CancerFighters, CancerFighters on Facebook
Thank you for the wonderful gift box I received a few days ago-I am doing my best to spread awareness as I use those items! Thank you also for the magazines you donated to be available at the Bellaria fund raiser!

Bellaria in Kent, Ohio--UNOFFICIAL Facebook Page
I cannot locate an actual website for Kent's location, nor an official facebook page, but this one at least tells you where they are located! Thank you to the owner of this restaurant for hosting a very successful fundraising event for Ryan's medical fund!

New Testament Baptist Church
Thank you for the love and compassion we have known within your walls and from all members for years now. Thank you Pastor Smith for your continued care and concern for our family and Ryan's day to day health. Thank you, everyone, for giving so much of your time to pray for us continually, and thank you for your incredible generosity in the offering taken on Sunday and given to us by Pastor Smith and John Hughes yesterday. It will make a very very great difference for us right now!!!

Polycom on Facebook
Special thanks to Eric Charest, for speaking with the high-powers at this, his place of employment, to request the donation of an incredible conferencing system that will allow Ryan to stay in live and immediate contact with us here at home when he is at his monthly appointments in Illinois. This system, Ryan's end of it, can be taken directly into his meetings with his Oncologist and his care team so that I can still take an active part in his care and case management at CTCA, even though I can't travel there with him.

There have been countless individuals who have done so much to help us as well, and I won't mention you by name unless you want me too.  Please know though, all listed above and all that I'm not giving name to just yet, how deeply you have impacted our situation and helped to better our lives in the midst of a crazy-wicked downhill turn. It doesn't matter if you've given a kind thought or word or prayer, or in any way to lent us a hand----every single person who has taken up a place in the cheering section beside us has changed our lives with that simple action. Ryan is fighting the physical fight, I'm trying to stand strong around the family, and this is our life now, forever. No one else can do those things for us. But you make it easier for us to do what we have to by being so supportive--so thank you!!