Ok... This is Mindy... We haven't updated in awhile so I will try to catch everyone up the best I can. It has been a busy couple of days. The chemotherapy that Derrick was being given was in the pediatric unit, because the pediatric leukemia doctor has a new chemo regime that Derrick's transplant doctor thought would be good. We had some up and down days with the chemo. At first his counts came down, then they went back up, so that was a little scary. The chemo regime consists of four different types of chemotherapy given on different days. Once he got the strongest chemo his counts have dropped drastically from 180,000 to 3, 900. This was good and bad. The chemo was so strong that it damaged Derrick's kidneys and he is retaining a lot of fluid. He came into the hospital weighing 182, today he weighed in at 215 ( all fluid). His stomach is really bloated, in fact today he told me he thought his stomach might actually pop. Today, they decided that kidney dialysis would be beneficial in order to clean his blood and get rid of the toxins in his body that his kidneys aren't processing out. With today's dialysis they took out 5.7 pounds of fluid. They have to remove the fluid slowly, not all at once. Yesterday, Derrick also had to get a catheter put in to help him drain his bladder. He will get dialysis again tomorrow and they will up the amount of fluid they will try to take out. Derrick has just been really uncomfortable because of all the fluid and not being able to move too much because he currently has four different types of catheters. When we left tonight he was much more comfortable. The hardest part is that since he is in the ICU I can't stay overnight with him. In fact I have to leave by 8. Since Derrick has been sick, I have barely been away from him for a couple of minutes, let alone nights. This is really hard on both of us. Since I can't stay overnight, Marcy, Jim, Donna, and I are staying at the Ronald McDonald house. Please continue to pray for Derrick that his body, mind, and spirit will be strong. Also pray that the chemo will completely wipe out all the bad cells in his blood and bone marrow. It is also really important that he stay infection free. Derrick has been so incredibly strong throughout the past couple of days that we are all so proud of him. We did get some good news that the donor has decided to donate again! This will make the transplant process less complicated. Based on the scripture that says "where two or more agree, I am there in the midst" I thought it would be nice that whoever would like to take a minute or two tomorrow at 6:00 could say a prayer for Derrick. We appreciate your constant love, support, and prayers.
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
Hebrews 13: 5-6
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Thank you Mindy for taking the time to update us all. We will spread the word to all to pray for Derrick and you at 6 tomorrow. Also for Jim, Donna and Marcy. I wish that I could take some of the pain and discomfort from you and Derrick. Tomorrow, the 24th, is also a day of Thanksgiving Prayer and you and Derrick will be blessed by many tomorrow. Keep on fighting the good fight. Stay strong in faith, spirit, mind and body. Much love and prayers, the Harmes'
Mindy, thanks for the update. We check the blog often to see how you are both doing.
Great pictures from the wedding, you both looked great.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
The Gerharts
Stay strong, Derrick!! Thinking and praying for you and your family. Love you, guys!
P.S. Mindy you were a gorgeous bride. I want you to know that I think you are an amazing person and I admire your strength and faith. My prays are with you.
Mindy thank you for the update. I will spread the word to everyone I know to pray tomorrow at 6:00. We are all back here at home Praying and thinking of you all daily. I am sure it is really hard on you and Derrick to be apart at night, but your strong love can come through anything. We will keep Praying for you all to have the strength you need to get through this difficult time. We love you guy!!! Much love and Prayers,
The Summers'
Thanks you so much for the update. We've been away for a few days w/o internet and our first mission was to read the blog when we got home. You all are continually in our prayers and definitely at 6:00 PM tonight we will gather as a family and pray for your family. I enjoyed the wedding pictures. I could feel the love! Prayers, thoughts and encourgment are with you. Stay strong Derrick.
Love, The Hagey's
Thanks for the update Mindy, I'm sure it's not always easy to do. We are praying everyday and will tonight at 6.
Love,
The Highfield's
Hi Mindy and Derrick!
We are thinking, hoping and praying for you both. Aarin and I watched your wedding pictures yesterday and felt like we were right there with you down to the tears! You ALL looked so beautiful and happy!
love to you both!
Lainey & Aarin Harding
Mindy, My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and most of all, Derrick. I am SO sorry to hear that he is having to go through this again and is having some uncomfortable complications. I will pray for peace, healing and comfort for Derrick daily. May God be with you and hold your hands through this very difficult journey. Leisa
Derrick and Mindy, Jim, Donna and Marci, My thoughts continue to be with ALL of you. Wishing you peace and blessings, Jody
"Courage is fear that has said its prayers." Dorothy Bernard
hello derrick and mindy,
thanks for the update!!! it is always good to be aware of what we should be praying for to be as effective as possible in our prayers for you two and the rest of the dull's. don't those doctors and nurses and the rest of the people at SKMCC know that you two are newlyweds????!!!! tell them that you guys are on your honeymoon and you need to be together!! seriously, we will pray that you two can be together 24/7 since you are both used to that and it definitely is how you like it to be!!! we will continue to pray for strength for all of you and especially for some stuff to go easier for derrick since we want him to be more comfortable!! we are very happy to hear about the donor!! praise God for that person! we also pray that you all can have some kind of peace and good news along with some turkey on thursday!! we wish you more good news to be thankful for and we count you two as a blessing in our lives for all that you have taught us. Tons and tons of prayers are going out for you derrick from all over the place as so many of us continue to tell your story to everyone that we can because people need to hear about your courageous battle, amazing attitude, and unending faith!! you all are in our prayers, we are waiting for a text if you need us to do anything!!! love you all, the sensenig family
Mindy...its been a long time- but I wanted you to know that you and Derrick have been in my prayers- I know exactly the struggles you face and God Bless you for keeping the faith- God truly was my strong hold during my mother's bout with cancer and I know He will provide you the same comfort He did for me. I work out of the state office for the American Cancer Society and I want you and Derrick to know that we have an entire state praying for him. We had our youth task force send a statewide message to all of our college chapters and we have spread the word to our state survivor workgroup. My sisters also go to Lyco and I know the word has been spread on campus. Needless to say Derrick is in the hearts and minds of hundreds. God Bless you and your new family...recall the story of Job..."and because in all of his troubles Job had been faithful to God, the Lord blessed him all of his days" God will never leave your side- keep the faith.
--Emily Lubold & the volunteers/staff of the American Cancer Society
Derrick is a amazing . . . a prizefighter no doubt.
Love to you both.
I remember our prayer meeting in front of Derrick's house. God met us there. We joined together again as we prayed for Derrick to be stong and for God's healing touch. God will take us out of the pit and place us on the rock (Psalm 40). We love you guys and continue to pray in our CBMC teams for all of you.
Dave and Cheryl Balinski
Thanks for the update Mindy. Your dad has been trying to keep me informed but you know how that goes. Anyway, I am praying for the both of you and I know that Derrick is going to be just fine. How can he not with such a strong woman by his side! I am sorry to hear that he has been so uncomfortable. Stay strong and God bless!!! Love you, Aunt Jackie
I'll keep you in my prayers...
Derrick & Mindy - Thank you for sharing your journey with us...many days you have shared and given others strength beyond what you can both imagine. You are both an inspiration to so many people. You are in our prayers every day, we ask God for the miracle to heal
Derrick's body and to give you both the strength you need. We pray for your future together to be filled with many blessed days of joy and happiness...
Prayers to you both and your families...
The Moyers
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We miss you here in PA. Get better, Derrick. <3
My parents and I were talking last night on how we all don't get together much, but yet when we're all together that 1 week every year in the Outer Banks, it's like we're as close as close can be. :-) Why did we all have to grow up? Haha. Have a great day everyone. Oh yeah, Mindy, your wedding dress is beautiful! Everyone looked wonderful.
Love always,
Nicole
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I agree with Nicole...why did we have to grow up? Things were a LOT easier when we were 12 and running around on the beach and digging holes to the center of the earth. I hope you guys get to have a restful day.
Love Ranae and Brandon
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