ONE WEEK LATER...

After one week of intense chemo therapy, Ralph is home. He received 4 bags of a concoction that we call PLAN B. 3 of the chemos, he had never received. Hopefully, the Myeloma cells were not pleased and his counts are significantly lower. The reason for hospitalization was the close monitoring that needed to be done. His kidneys and blood sugar were at risk. Insulin was needed, but his kidneys seemed to weather well. He is tired and weak and his taste buds are not behaving. He is to resume normal activity when he can. He is pretty tired and weak. Hopefully, this is the answer...time will tell! We hope to know in 2 weeks :)

Thankfully, I was able to work the entire time. Mallory and Megan took turns, bedside, as they live in Pittsburgh. Michael is working in Colorado, for a few weeks, so we counted on his constant prayer. Ralph's brother and our very good friend, Jim, brought him home so that the girls and I could enjoy a dinner and play with friends. Blessings galore!

Friends and family, your continued prayers are greatly appreciated. We have our down moments, but when I reflect, we have more moments smiling! God and our children are our strength and your prayers sustain that strength! Bless you!

not a set-back; another path

According to the doctor, this is NOT a set-back but another path. Ralph did not respond as had hoped for this month's stem cell transplant plan. The chemo concoction he had taken last time, apparently, was not as effective this time. It cut his numbers in half, but that is NOT enough. He will be in the hospital all next week getting another type of chemo potion, 24/7, for 5 days. The doctor thinks that his hair will fall out with this and he will be nauseous. When his numbers are as low as the doctors want them to be, he will get the transplant... Please pray for low numbers really quickly!

We are disappointed and sad and tired and feel beaten-up. WE ARE HOPEFUL AND NOT DEFEATED! We will bounce back and fight with the vengenge that we have had before...just give us time. Over Easter, we are taking a stay-cation, at home,to rest and refresh and refuel! Our plate is full and we need to find the strength to swallow!

Thank you for all of your support and prayers. In time, this ordeal will be behind us, and we will dAnCE and spread cheer!