Rick Update 11/22

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are currently sitting in the hospital watching the USC v ASU game :o)

Yesterday Rick had a series of tests run so that there would be a baseline to work with from here on out. One of these tests was the bone marrow biopsy. Rick has had 3 previous biopsy's feeling pressure but NO PAIN, yesterday however that was not the case. He recounts that he was not given enough pain meds and not in enough time to actually kick in, and as he states it was "45 minutes of terrorism, something that would make even President Bush ponder".

Today has been a rough day for Rick, he has been in pain still from the biopsy yesterday, we have requested to have the pain meds upped.
We are currently waiting for day 1 (of 7) chemo to begin. The doctors have referred to the 'coktail' that he will be receiving as 'big guns' a total of 3 medications administered for varying days. The doctor has indicated that he may start to feel crummy tonight and if not that he would begin to feel crummy tomorrow.

At this time Rick is playing a game of Hot Beds...he is a new bed/room today, and tomorrow will be moved, again, this time to a completely private room. He has asked that if you wish to contact him, or to leave a message of encouragement, that you NOT contact the hospital, but rather call his cell phone as he is not alwasys up to talking, thus allowing him to still get messages and hear from you.

We have also created a blog for the updates that we will use in lieu of email updates from now own. Please check it, add it to your favoites, post a public comment as you can. As always, emails are also welcomed if you wish to send a personal/private message.
http://rickupdates.blogspot.com/

**it is important that you be sure to add the 'S' at the end of 'updates' if you are free typing the web address into the browser it will recognize EXACTLY what you type and may direct you to an incorrect page if it is mistyped! Again the correct site is: http://rickupdates.blogspot.com/

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are doing exactly what you want today with exactly who you want. Today in the cafeteria Emily and Becky were both moved to tears when they thought about all of you, who would thinking of us tonight and lifting us in your thoughts and prayers over your dinners. We try and find the blessings in each day, and today that was on the top of the list.

Love,
Rick, Beck & The Girls

P.S. Many of you have asked what, if anything, you could do. He is currently on a a floor which does NOT permit fresh flowers, plants, Fruit (the nurse says that this is the one time that an all processed foods diet is OK), or children under the age of 12! We will send one final email tomorrow (in an effort NOT to post personal information on the blog) with the his final contact information if you wish to send cards.