GOODBYE HOLDING PATTERN

The last few days have had little change. It's been as though we are in the holding pattern. That's a good thing but also boring for the patient. Rick's lung has expanded completely and the fluid is gone from the lung. His pulmonary function tests indicate that if he wished to go ahead today with the other lung, it would be a go. Rick had to do some discharge exercises yesterday to prove that he is street fit. He passed those with flying colors. Today, he is awaiting the official discharge and the pathology report. Thanks to Brock and Fernette, we have detailed information on how to get that information in our hands. Sometimes, the language barrier is a challenge on these specific tasks but the staff has been ultra willing to help and try to figure out what we need exactly.

Rick has had some very special visitors during the last half of his stay. Stick with me here while I explain who they are. Rick and Julie's neighbor, Mary, who also goes to my church, has a pen pal in Dresden. We got to talking one day about Rick's travels and lo and behold, Mary's friend, Heidi and her family, met up with all of us and have since been visiting with Rick. Heidi brought her entire family including her parents to Rick's hospital room. Today, they are going to Dresden for that beautiful tour. What a blessing for Rick. God does provide over and over.

These are the extra details we know for those of you who love health/new innovative techniques.

1. UCLA is in process of doing pathology analysis on Rick's blocks which were sent there in a pre-arranged consultation.

2. TMD and Clarient are two tumor profiling companies that are looking at Rick's tumors as well. They are going to help us determine what Rick's tumor responds/reacts to for further treatment as necessary.

3. We have three additional consultations going with other alternative methods of methods of removing a specific tumor which we have targeted.

4. The snap freeze tissue is done. We are looking at how to get it to the United States quickly.

Thank you all once again for your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Polly