Another day in the life of the Bennetts!

Rick has had a great week with only one dose of chemotherapy. His white blood count was low therefore he had two shots which are intended to boost his count. He will begin his treacherous 5 days of chemo this week. Please pray that he will tolerate the drugs well and have a great appetite.

Our kids are still visiting Grammie and Grandpa in Milton which was supposed to open our week for projects or shopping trips or even a few well deserved "date nights". Instead......Kelli spoiled everything with a trip to the ER. It all started when I was out shopping and started feeling lightheaded and sweaty. I started heading back toward our house which was only about 1 mile. As I turned down our road my vision became blurry. At one point, I could not differentiate the road, from the trees, from cars. All I could think about was STOP the car....so I did .....or thought I did. The next thing I remember is waking up and throwing up everywhere. There is about 5 minutes in between which Denise, Rick's sister, tells much better than me. (By the way for those of you who do not know.....Denise lives on the same road we do...the story will make more sense if you know this). From her viewpoint.....She saw my car stop....she rolled down her window to talk to me....I was just staring ahead...she thought what is wrong with her....is she mad....is she upset....my car started rolling....she jumped out of her car... she started banging on my window....I am still staring forward....eyes wide open....not even a flinch from me....she jumps on the running board of the car.....opens the door....slams on the brakes....I bang my head into the steering wheel....I start having tremors/shaking...I start throwing up! WOW!!! Denise then has my 14 year old niece, Kimberly, call 911. The ambulance / firetruck came to my rescue. During this time Denise is also calling Rick who has gone into work for a few hours to tell him about the ordeal. I was then transferred to the ER. After doing tests after test I was released with no real diagnose. I then met with the OB who believes I am already having Vaso-vagal episodes. I had these issues with my last pregnancy around week 32. What is alarming is that I am only 21 weeks so this problem will probably become worse. Vaso-vagal is an involuntary nervous system event which leads to slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and slow circulation resulting in dizziness or passing out. My OB is pretty sure this is the cause for my passing out but did what me to consult with a Neurologist to eliminate the possibility of seizures. Rick and I met with the Neurologist on Friday and he agrees with the OB and thinks that I am having vaso-vegal episodes. He is going to perform an EEG test tomorrow to rule out the possibility of the seizures. The things that I have to be careful of is being on my feet too much...good luck with having three kids and drinking enough fluids. Rick and I keeping laughing at this whole thing.....First him and now me! The real big news with this whole thing is that I CAN NOT DRIVE UNTIL OCTOBER!!!! AAAAAHHHH!!!! I really do understand that this is best for me and others but man this is going to be a real inconvenience!

When I think about that day I am reminded of God's great protection. God totally orchestrated the timing of the whole event. He protected me until I was on a private drive...not in traffic on HWY. 301, he timed Denise leaving her house at the exact moment I was in distress. I am overcome by emotion even as I write this posting, because God was most definitely protecting me and others that day. How do people not believe that our God is ALL powerful? ALL knowing? and ALWAYS there? I am so thankful to him for his protection last Wednesday.

Please continue to pray for Rick's health and for mine.
Kelli

Chemo Milestone

Friends & Family

Well, I have reached a chemotherapy milestone. I have completed 1/3 of my chemo, and my hair has begun to fall out. I am happy and tickled about these things respectively.

       I received my third Tuesday dose of bleomycin this morning and suffered very little ill effects unless you include the drowsiness from the Benedryl that they gave me. I get tired more easily, but am other wise in very good spirits and physical condition. My port worked beautifully this morning and was much more pleasant than five attempts at a vein.

      My hair began to fall out yesterday afternoon. Every time I would run my fingers through my hair, it would come out in bunches. It was making a mess, and getting in my face and mouth, so Kelli cut it all real short. When I woke up this morning there was a bunch of real short hair in my bed, still a mess. At the doctors office, I pinched some hair and pulled out a big patch. By this afternoon, I had splotchy bald spots all over. That looked pretty bad if I do say so myself. So, in order to lose my hair on my terms I shaved my head with a razor.  It feels really cool, and I like to show people that haven't seen it, 'cause I look different. I will not be entering any beauty contests any time soon.

Patches of hair missing!!

All of my hair gone!!!!

      I have already been reassured by the unwavering show of solidarity from my 7 year old nephew Jack, who upon seeing me, immediately had Martin shave his head, and I will tell you that he looks alot cooler than I do.  Andrew and Caleb have not yet seen my new "doo", but they too have expressed an interest in following suit. I miss them already and they just left yesterday with their sister to spend 10 days-2 weeks at Grammie's house in Pensacola. They have been so excited to go, and I know that they will have a blast, but I still miss them. 

      In the mean time, I plan to enjoy my relatively good health and temporary release from parental responsibility to enjoy the greatest gift God has given me besides Christ. Kelli and I are able to be wild and free all week, and that is what we are doing.

      Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and do not worry about us. My prognosis is very good, the treatment is tolerable, we have very much support, and we are willing to accept God's plan for our lives.  Also pray that God would give me the right words to speak to the other cancer patients that I meet at chemo treatment. I often times look around that room and remember that my prognosis is the one that every one in that room is hoping for and most have not gotten. 

      I have read two verses today that have encouraged me. I looked them up because of a great painting that my cousin Lucy sent to me. It is a painting of a sunflower against a blue sky. I am going to display these verses with the painting.

Isaiah 40 : 8

"The grass withers, the flower fades, But The Word of our God stands forever."

      Matthew 6 : 30

" If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Rick     

chemo update

Friends and Family,

       Well, I can now speak from experience, that Chemo therapy is not fun. Last week I got a dose for a couple hours each day, and by the end of the week I was pretty wiped out. Friday and Saturday I seemed to keep getting worse, with Saturday being the low point. Thankfully, on Sunday afternoon the sick feeling seemed to subside quite a bit, and my condition has been gradually improving. This was very important to me, as I didn't know how much lower I could get, and still go through the surgery on Monday to install my port. 

      The Surgery went very well, and I believe that the whole procedure took less than an hour. A port was inserted under the skin in my chest, an tied into a vein there. This will allow the chemo to be injected here without the need of continuing to stick the veins in my arm. I am very glad to have this, since in is more comfortable, and waterproof so that I can shower and swim.

     Today I received a small dose of chemo, and it is the only treatment I will need until next Tuesday. Right now, I feel better than I have felt in over a week. Please continue to pray that the cancers would shrink, I would handle the treatment, and that my family would remain in good spirits. So far I think that everything has gone well. It is hard to stay downcast for very long because the kitchen counter always has a fresh supply of cards and e-mails from so many people that are praying, hoping, and helping us in so many ways. I don't know how to explain how helpful everyone has been. I didn't realize how nice all the people that I know are, you are much nicer than I have ever been to anyone with cancer, and it is really touching. I am sure that this experience will compel me and my family to be kinder and more caring to others in their struggles. We have truly been helped in ways that we could not have helped ourselves and it is humbling.     

      I would like to say a special thanks to everyone that has brought food. I have not always felt like eating, but the meals have still been a great help and encouragement to Kelli, (who let's not forget is carrying Bennett girl #2, and overseeing the provisions for the current gang) Kelli is holding up great and I am so proud of her strength and love.

Rick

ps.

       I have recently been reminded of this verse that is so true.

                  2 Corinthians 4: 13-18

                            "It is written; I believed therefore I have spoken. With that same spirit of belief we also believe and speak, because we know that the One that raised The Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

       Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."   

One week down....8 more to go!

WELL.....we finished our first week of chemo.  In case of you have not read the previous post, Rick had 5 straight days of chemo last week.  We are already seeing the toll this treatment is taking on Rick.  He has the normal nausea, loss of appetite, his mouth taste funny (almost like a metal taste), and a lack of energy.  I understand these are all normal but I was hoping the effects from the drugs would not take place so soon.  

If you have ever had a loved one in pain or suffered from a medical condition you will understand my next statement.  This is emotionally draining for me..... I thought I could handle this better..... I watch my strong, vibrant, humorous husband try to eat his favorite meals, try to play with the kids, try to stay awake during the day....and all these things are so hard for him.  I want to keep our life as normal as possible but in reality....I CAN'T! Things are not going to be the same....my husband has cancer. 

 I am learning more each day about Gods goodness and grace.  He gives me verses to strengthen me daily.  He has surrounded me with strong christians who pray with me and encourage me everyday from his word.  One example of this was  a lady  I met at the cancer center on Thursday of last week.  She was there receiving her chemo treatment and we struck up a conversation about how you get through times like this.  Unaware to me at the time her husband is a retired minister and she is a believer.  We engaged in  a great convesation about Gods soverignty, Gods love for us, and Gods mercy.  She prayed with me and gave me several verses to keep posted around my house.  That day I had no I idea I would meet Mary and that she would encourage me so much......but GOD did!  Isn't he so good?   I post these things to let all of you know that even though we don't always understand what God is up to we must trust him.  

Rick will be having surgery on Monday to have a port put in.  He will also have one chemo treatment on Tuesday morning.  The doctors have warned us that this week and next will be different than first week of chemo.  During these two weeks the chemo that was received last week will really start working, which means his body will feel more of the effects.  Please continue to pray for his body to allow the chemo to kill the cancer cells without all the effects such as nausea, loss of appetite and energy.   

Crazy Day

Today was day three of Rick's chemo.   The morning started out a little rough for the "tough" guy that Rick is.   The nurse had a really hard time getting his IV in today which resulted in the suggestion that Rick should get a port put in his chest.  From what we understand it is a device that is placed in his chest where the IV can easily be inserted and removed on treatment days.  The port would remain in his chest until he is done with chemo.  We are going to a doctors appointment tomorrow to discuss the surgery.  We are probably looking at first of next week for the surgery. By having the port put in we would eliminate Rick having to have a new IV put in his arm everyday.  He has been tolerating the chemo pretty well while we are at the treatment clinic but it is a much different story when we get home.  Today for instance he came home, tried to go to bed, started feeling nauseous,  started craving bean soup (which I never make), tried to eat the bean soup I whipped together, and then decided to go to bed again.     Please pray that the nausea would not get too bad.   I keep reminding myself it is alot like being pregnant!  You are hungry one minute then sick the next.  

Speaking of pregnant.....are you dying to know the gender!  Rick was able to go with me to the appointment today and we were able to see our sweet little PRINCESS!!!!  We are elated that we are having another girl!  I had convinced myself it would be a boy so we are surprised and excited to have another girl!    

We are encouraged by everyone who has called, sent cards, and sent emails.  Please continue to pray for Rick and I.  Please pray specifically that the medicine would have minimal effects on Rick's appetite and nausea.    Thank you again for all the love and support!

Kelli

Day One

Today was day one of chemo. Kelli went with me all day. we arrived at 8 and left around 3:30. I received  the chemo drugs vp-16 and a platinum based drug. Tomorrow I will have these same drugs plus the Bleomycin that I will receive every Tuesday for the next 9 weeks. 

     

 I felt pretty normal all day, but was a little tired and nauseous when I got home. I took some prescription stomach and anti-nausea medicine. I don't know if it was the pills or the great dinner that Beverly Tomlinson brought over, but I feel much better.

     

I want to thank every one for your encouragement and prayers. As one e-mail today reminded me, I am like that guy in the cell-phone commercial with thousands of "my people" with me everywhere I go. Please pray that I would be a good witness to those around me, and that I would not be too unbearable to my kids or Kelli.  Please pray that Kelli would feel good, and that she would still have time to rest, and that our baby that she is carrying would get all the stuff that it needs. We should find out Wednesday what gender the baby is.  

Rick

Rick's Update from Indiana Hospital

I met with Dr. Einhorn, an oncologist, at Indiana University Hospital today.  The doctor reviewed all scans and blood work that had previously been done.  The pathology report that I.U. performed confirmed that my cancer is non-seminoma, which is made up of 95% embryonal and 5% yolk sac tumors. The planned treatment is 3 rounds of chemo over 9 consecutive weeks beginning Monday, May 11th. This will be done in Sarasota at Doctor's Hospital on Bee Ridge on an out patient basis. I will go to the hospital for five hours a day for five days in a row, then just 30 minutes once a week for two weeks. This three week cycle will be repeated three times. The first, third and sixth weeks I can expect to be pretty tired, but the other days I could feel pretty good. I am meeting with my oncologist (that Dr. Einhorn recommended) Dr. Mamus in Sarasota this Friday.   

Dr. Einhorn was very optimistic, assuring me that I am definitely in the "good risk" category. I have an appointment in late July with Dr. Einhorn in Indiana for a follow-up check up and CT scan. The doctor fully expects to give me a clean bill of health at that time.        

Thank you all for your prayers and offers for help. It is very humbling to know that my family is surrounded by so many people that love us and are willing to support us as needed. Please continue to pray that the cancer would respond well to the treatment and that God would be glorified through this process.  

Rick & Kelli 

Here We Go!

 Friends and Family,

I got some news today from the pathology and the CT scan. The removed tissue was a tumor (so thank God it was noticed and removed) and it was non-semenoma. which is the more aggressive type. The pathologist is still working on his report and doing further tests as he believes that the tumor is also made up of another type of cancer. The CT scan showed some growths in my lymph system near my kidneys and two small growths in one lung and one growth in the other. This was not the best news, but the doctor assured us that this is still a type of cancer that is very treatable with very good survival rates. 

On the advise of many different sources, we are getting a second opinion on the pathology and made an appointment for May 5th with an oncologist at Indiana University who is recognized as an expert on testicular cancer. It looks like chemotherapy is the most likely course, but we will wait to see what the doctor in Indiana suggests.     

I am very certain that God is in complete control of this situation, and He loves me and my family more than I do. Only God can see the big picture, and He has determined to bring this into my life. I have prayed daily for the past several months that God would use my family to glorify Him, and that is what I plan to do with this situation. I do not think that this illness will result in my death, that is very unlikely, but it has reminded me that my life will one day end, and I hope that my life no matter how long or short, has been for His glory.

This morning I read in 1 Peter 4:19 "So then, those that suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 

I am not in any physical pain, I believe that I have access to some of the best doctors in the world, and I am completely surrounded by friends and family that are praying and offering all the support that I could need. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your concerns, I will keep you updated.

Rick & Kelli