Leaving a Comment and a Brief Note

Hi everyone,

I have heard from several people that they are having problems leaving comments on our blog. It seems as though it is much easier to do so if you have a "google" or "gmail" email account. I recognize that many of you don't have gmail as their email provider so....I set up a "blog" only gmail account for people to use. This gmail is registered in my name so unfortunately my name will appear at the top of each comment...however, if you include your name in the note that you leave we will be able to know who it was that wrote the comment.
So...please note...this IS NOT our email address...we will not be checking this account. It is simply set up for people to be able to leave comments.

cripeblog@gmail.com is the address/login and
blogsite - is the password

You will probably have to type in some identifying letters that appear on the screen but other than that you should be all set. Hope this helps some of you :-)

Also, Randy is doing well...he is napping right now. He is having some hearing issues (echo, vibrating sounds, stereo sound etc.). The doctor is aware of this and has told us to notify them if it becomes more consistant or worse as we approach the middle of next week. They believe it is just some residual fluid that is trying to figure out where to go :-) Hopefully, it will clear up soon. He is also plugging away at physical therapy although he doesn't like it...who likes pain anyway???? Hopefully, his range of motion in his neck will restore quickly and once his staples are removed in their entirety it should help out a bit.

We are looking forward to moving on with his radiation treatments and physical therapy and enjoying the many more blessings God has in store for us.

Enjoy the weekend,
Rachel

Seen the Radiologist today

Good afternoon everyone!

We were able to meet with Dr. Chan today to discuss Randy's radiation treatment in more detail. It was a long appointment, but very informative. We were able to go over all of the risks and side effects of radiation and get Randy all set for his treatment. They did another CAT Scan that they will use along with Randy's most recent MRI to make the plan for radiation. They also made a "mask" of Randy's face that he will wear each time he goes for radiation - it is designed to keep his head/face perfectly still for precise treatment...he can take it home with him when he is done with treatment :-)

We did find out that Randy will get the remainder of his staples taken out on Friday, March 20th...he can't wait! Then on Monday, March 23rd, Randy will have his first radiation treatment. He will have treatment Monday-Thursday the first week, Tuesday-Friday the following week and then daily (M-F) for the remaining weeks (until the first week in May). He will not be able to drive during this time (makes sense...he still has very limited range of motion in his neck...and they are radiating his brain so they want to be safe with side effects).

Along with this we also learned that Randy will continue to have in home physical therapy for another 3 weeks or so (3 days a week) and then outpatient physical therapy at a different site for 4 more weeks (3 days a week)...do I get a chauffer's license after all of this?????

Please be praying with us that Randy will have minimal or even no side effects to his radiation treatment. The most common side effects would be loss of hair in the radiated region, tanning or reddening of the skin in the area treated, fatigue (usually around week 3 or 4), possible swelling in his brain, and/or possible side effects with his pituitary glands. They believe that his pituitary glands will be okay because they really aren't doing a whole brain radiation so that is good. If he does have swelling in his brain he will be put back on a steroid medication. We obviously are praying that this does not happen. Randy's blood sugars tend to spike with this type of medication (as found out in the hospital) and it would lead to monitoring blood sugar levels, following an ADA diet, and possible insulin. Finally, we are asking that people continue to pray that this tumor does not return in any way shape or form and that the radiation does not cause any time of secondary cancer. We believe that God is preforming complete healing in Randy's body are looking forward to living a long and healthy life together. While any tumor of the brain is "technically" considered to be a form of cancer, Randy's results are promising (benign and the majority of the tumor removed) - God is SO GOOD and has given us a tremendous amount of faith and strength as we go through this journey...we can only hope that you are encouraged also as you walk this journey with us.

Thank you again for all of your support, prayers and kindness. We feel so humbled to be a part of such a tremendous family and group of friends. The outpouring of love is overwhelming. We know that we have a long road ahead of us, but we also know that with the support that we have in each of you along with the strength and faith we have in God - we will come out victorious...GOODBYE TUMOR - FOREVER!!!!

Have a great Wednesday everyone....we will be in touch with more updates and photo's soon.

Love,
Rachel (and Randy)

The news is in...yes, we have another MIRACLE to share!

Hi Everyone!

The only way I can start this note is by saying, "Praise God!" Randy and I just returned from his follow up appointment at Dr. Pieper's office and we have fantastic news. The tumor that was removed from Randy's brain was benign!!!! This of course is MIRACLE NUMBER 12.

We met with Judith this morning at 10:15 at Dr. Pieper's office. She was pleased to tell us the good news and said that Randy has a very good prognosis. As you know, he already had a full spinal MRI that came back all clear. The deal with this type of tumor is that there could be a trickle down cell that plants itself somewhere else in the spinal column and the news that his spinal MRI was clean was really a big deal (in an awesome way). Randy was also able to have every second staple removed from his neck region. They like to keep some staples in place because the radiation can make the skin around the targeted area weaker. Should the radioligist want them out they can take care of that prior to radiation...the more time for the incision site to heal the better.

The plan at this time is for Randy to undergo approximately 6 weeks of daily (M-F) radiation. We will have a more concrete plan after we meet with Dr. Chan at radiation on Wednesday morning. Following radiation Randy will be scheduled for another MRI (2 weeks post radiation). At that point we will make an appointment to go over everything with Dr. Pieper. Obviously, our prayer is that the radiation will wipe out any little cells that were trying to stick around. Randy will also receive an MRI every 3 months for 1 year post surgery, 1-2 MRI's the following year and then 1 MRI each year for the rest of his life. The frequency of MRI's is simply based on the fact that this tumor can return in the same or in a different location. We are praying and believing that we are indeed DONE with the whole tumor thing, however we will be happy to comply with the doctor's orders to keep Randy in optimum health.

Randy will continue to have in home physical therapy this week (at least). Once he graduates from that we will begin physical therapy at a different location (a bit more intensive) which will allow him to regain mobility in his neck. This should last for about 4 weeks - 3 times a week.

Randy and I are simply thrilled to share with everyone that the power of prayer and placing your faith in God offers more strength than we could ever explain. The support we have had and continue to have is powerful and has blessed us in ways that have impacted us forever. We believe that God has used this situation in our lives for us to minister to others in a variety of ways. Our relationship with each other, with our son, our family, friends and more importantly-Jesus has grown by leaps and bounds through this experience. We want each of you to know that should you ever need prayer, want to know more about a relationship with Jesus or need anything...PLEASE do not hesitate one moment to call us, email us, write us etc. We are excited to believe with you for miracles as well - big and small - God cares about every detail!

Thanks for reading...we love you...we will share more on Wednesday,

Randy and Rachel

What's new with Randy :-)

Hi!

Just a quick update to let you all know that Randy continues to make tremendous strides in his recovery. We were able to get outside as a family on Friday and enjoy the beautiful spring like weather and sunshine. Randy walked around the block and enjoyed breathing in some fresh air. We also made a trip to Costco and Target over the weekend...trying to make life as normal as possible. It is very helpful for Randy to have occasional outings so that he can begin to rebuild his strength by walking around (with his walker of course). His Physical Therapist has been working with him on regaining movement in his neck as well as working on a muscle in his hip area that has been aggravated due to over compensating for his neck and weakness in his legs (amazing how the whole body works together).

As I mentioned his appointment to find out his pathology findings is now on Monday at 10:15....be looking for a good news post later in the afternoon....that is our prayer. His radiation consultation and simulation was also moved up to Wednesday morning...pray that everything runs smoothly with that. He will most likely start radiation the following Monday.

Again, thank you to everyone that has stopped by, met us up at Target, walked with Randy, shared cards, emails, phone calls, meals, dessert, gifts etc. The support of so many has made this new chapter in our life much less stressful than it could have been.

Enjoy your day...much love,

Randy and Rachel