Heart of Faith

Bonny is hanging in there...such a desire to live.  There have not been many changes since the last update.  Good news is, she was able to get off the morphine pump by an increase and change in some other pain medications.  She has had more tremor and seizure activity and is still eating well.  She still has a hard time communicating what she is thinking, but gets emotional about many things close to her heart.

Where the "rubber meets the road" is throwing away any notion of understanding, with the mind, God's plan in all this.  When you have walked with Him all your life, as we both have, and think you halfway know His will and mind, you find that you must abandon reason (seemingly spiritual understanding) and simply trust with the heart.  This has been the greatest challenge of faith yet!  Not in believing that God is the healer, but that He simply IS.

Praying that we all have ears to hear,

Cary

Trusting

Bonny had to go on a morphine pump due to the ineffectiveness of oral morphine tablets.  Her hospice nurse feels that something went wrong in her digestive system (GI tract) to prevent absorption of the oral drugs to help ease pain. The majority of this pain was in her abdominal area.  On the morphine pump she is not in pain, for which we are all thankful for.  It was so hard to see her suffering.

 

She is still eating well, but is having some issues with normal bowel movements. She is fairly lucid on the pump, but has a hard time putting words together.  I feel that part of this problem is also from the brain metastasis she deals with, since this was also the case before the morphine pump.  I'm a bit concerned about kidney function at this time as her urine flow greatly slowed for a long period of time yesterday (seems back to normal now).  There have only been a few tremors since her last seizure.  She is on an anti-seizure medication now.

 

She is so precious and sweet as she attempts to communicate with us.  We are having some very tender moments with family and friends. We are all processing things relatively peacefully.  At times our emotions and the stress levels overwhelm us.  The Lord our God is our Rock, our Hope, the One we are trusting and holding on to regardless of the outcome of this journey.

 

Trusting our God,

 

Cary

Please Pray

Bonny had another seizure last week.  She has been disoriented and in more pain since.  We all need your prayers holding us up. We are all straining to trust the Lord, crying out to Him in this heart-wrenching hour.  Bonny has not given up and continues to call out to Him.  God's Love will win!

 

Thank you for being there in prayer,

 

Cary

Faith to Live

I know it has been a while since I've given an update on Bonny.  I will not typically send out an update unless there has been some kind of significant change.  Since the last update, Bonny's pain has increased some.  She has also had the challenge of tremors as a result of the brain tumors.  One night this lead to a siezure, which frankly shook me up pretty good.  We had family and friends standing with us through this.  She now has some medicine that helps control tremor activity.

Enduring throughout this journey has been one of the greatest challenges.  In fact, much of our current focus has been to stay strong in the fight, to "...not throw away our confidence...endure...in doing the will of God." To be "...not of those who shrink back...but who have faith."  Hebrews 10: 35-39.   What an opportunity we have been given.

Bonny loves to get out in the wheel chair and sit on the porch in the fall weather we are having.  Our youngest, Matthew, recently picked up a piece of chalk and began to write the word "LIVE" everywhere outside.  We love it...the faith of a child...no need for understanding here, simply belief.  Momma will live!

We are very thankful for the support that continues to encourage us in every way.

Cary

Unceasing Prayer

I just want to say "thank you" for all the prayer that is going up for Bonny and all of the Ramsey family. Please continue to cry out to God on our behalf. As the battle rages on and has become increasingly difficult to fight, continue to ask our Father, in Jesus name, for the impossible.  That the pain and all its source would cease.  That Bonny's pH would rise and remain at 7.4.  That her body would rise to fight and not give in.  That cancer is defeated by the stripes Jesus bore, as clearly stated in His Word. (1 Peter 2:24; Isa. 53: 4-5; Ps. 103:2-5; Malachi 4:2; James 5:16; Matt 4:23; Matt. 8: 16-17, etc.)

Luke 11

⁵ And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, ⁶ for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷ and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? ⁸ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. ⁹ And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; ¹² or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Persistently asking and expecting,

Cary

Resolute to Speak Life

Although many outward signs would declare otherwise, we here at Rambellwood are fighting the good fight.  The call to declare life.   Proverbs 18:21:  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."  

...If you all could see Bonny now.  She loves life and will speak no evil. (1 Peter 3:10)    Please understand that we are not denying the possibility of death, only choosing to give God full reign in our home and lives.

We have moved Bonny downstairs to the parlor and into a hospital bed to make things more comfortable for her.  She also had to have a catheter put in.  There was some kind of blockage that would not allow her to urinate.  Also, it was painful for her to be moved to the bedside toilet.  This has been somewhat hard for her to adjust to emotionally, but she is doing better.  We all like her downstairs. Since she cannot walk or use her right arm, we move her around through the house with a wheel chair so she can be a part.  Her pain level is stable.  She is eating three balanced meals a day and taking some very high quality supplements.  Johanna has been very diligent in applying essential oils to needed areas and other regimens for removing toxins.

I continue to be her primary caregiver, which requires me to be at home most of the time.  Any who would like to help with current expenses or outstanding medical bills would be greatly appreciated.  Hospice is a great support, coming in about four times per week. We cannot express enough how much your love, prayers and support mean to us.  This is where the body of Christ really shine. 

Loving life... from Rambellwood

Cary

God's Kingdom and Purpose

Jesus's kingdom is NOT of this world (Jn. 18:36).  If we are His, only He knows the purpose we are here for.  Here lies our faith in God, and continues to be our focus as we enter into more uncertainty concerning Bonny's health and future here on earth.  Many signs point in an undesirable direction from our perspective.  His will and purpose is what we seek.

Bonny has weakened to the point of barely being able to walk.  She has not been downstairs in almost two weeks now.  She needs continual care and better pain management.  I love to care for her but have felt unsure of how to manage the pain.  As a result, we have gotten hospice involved.  This, by no means, defines the end of her life (God has numbered her days)  ...Only a way to get help with managing the pain.  So far, transition from one drug to the next has been somewhat difficult.  Hospice has also provided necessary equipment for dealing with her lack of mobility.  We are hoping to get her downstairs today for a time of worship with the family.

Our trip to Cancun in July was amazing. We are so glad we went when some were telling us not to.  We were both ministered to in every regard.  The Lord knew just what we needed.

Your prayers are not in vain.  Regardless of the earthly outcome, we will praise Him.  This is the cry of Bonny's heart.  Please lift my name to the throne as well.  I need God's strength more than ever.  Also, all seven of our kids.  They are such amazing people, trusting in God and keeping a good disposition.

We love you,

Cary 

New Findings

Bonny has been having extra pain in her back. She also has been having some kind of episodes where her right leg involuntarily shakes for a few minutes.  There has also developed an unusual bump on her head that did not look normal. Today we had an MRI of her brain as a suggestion of her Mexican doctor and also her previous oncologist. 

We found out through the MRI that this bump on her head related to the leg shaking.  The MRI revealed two 3 cm tumors in her brain along with several other lesions.  These tumors are pressing against the motor sensory area of the left lobe causing the "tremors" in her right leg and side.


We do not know where we will go from here, medically or proactively.  We only know to continue to trust a good God, who knows all and is able to do as He pleases in our lives.

Tomorrow, Bonny and I leave for Cancun, Mexico with two very special people who are funding this trip.  Many others of you contributed for celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.  We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying each moment together. 

Thank you, each one.  Pray...He is God.

Cary

God's Goodness

The goodness of God certainly abounds.  "His Love endures forever".  

All around are signs of God's love and kindness towards us. Many times we are blind to His goodness in our lives and our future seems uncertain.  That's because when we see "our life" from our point of view, we want to control its outcome.  However,when we see life as a gift from God and begin to find thanksgiving in the world around us, He opens our eyes to find enjoyment in all circumstances.

Bonny and I recently had a party here at Rambellwood celebrating our upcoming 30th anniversary and a local wedding reception for our son, Sam, and his wife Dusty.  We are so glad some of you were able to attend.  We have much to celebrate.  It was a wonderful time.

Bonny is feeling stronger and doing much more around the house.  Her blood levels are much more stable now and she has gained some weight back.  She continues with non-toxic infusions from her Mexico treatment and takes another supplement that helps to change her body's internal environment, so that the cancer cannot live.  She also does a daily Far Infrared Sauna to detox, getting the dead cell matter out.  This makes room for healthy cells to thrive. 

There are always uncertainties when you walk this journey.  We must choose to enjoy each moment God gives.  Thank you, each one, for your prayers and financial support.  We are so grateful.

Cary, for Rambellwood

Results on CT Scan

Bonny has finally gotten over the initial side effects of her treatment
in Mexico.  She is able, and wants to eat regular meals.  She has not
gained any weight back, so is eating several times a day to get optimum
caloric intake.  Her potassium level has come up.  However, her red
blood cell count is very low.  We are hoping that it will dip no lower,
so that she will not need a transfusion.  She is able to do some
activity around the house.  We are all enjoying seeing her downstairs
more often and able to come to the table on occasion.

Monday she had a CT scan to see if tumors had shrunk.  To our
disappointment, there appears to be no change.  Some areas seem to show
a slight increase in size and further spread.  We are waiting for her
doctor's response to know what else we may be able to do.

Each day we thank God for each other and endeavor to focus on His
goodness in all the little things around us.  Instead of doubting, we
are looking for His kingdom and righteousness in the everyday.  He is
being glorified in ways none of us really understand.  In this walk, we
have been on almost two years now, we are learning to abandon the need
to understand and trust that His purpose will be accomplished.  That is
where all striving ceases and His peace saturates ever thought.

Cary

Feeling Better

Thought you all might enjoy a few pictures of Bonny on an outing tonight...dinner for her mother's birthday.  She is eating better and has gained some weight back. She goes for another blood test tomorrow to see how the potassium level is after her infusion last week.

It is so nice to see her smiling face again. 

Cary

A Mother's Song

We wanted to share an article write-up, done our local Texas Coop Power, about our family. Click here to read the article.  I love the title they gave the article; A Mother's Song.  If you all could hear the sweet melody that goes up from Bonny's lips as she trusts God with all her heart.  She knows her life is in His hands and that He is not through with her yet.

We got Bonny's blood lab work report this morning and found that things were all askew.  Her red blood count has been low for a while.  More importantly, her potassium level is very low.  I contacted her original oncologist here with this report.  He is more than happy to help Bonny and will be giving her an infusion of potassium chloride in the morning.  This will make her feel much better and give her added strength.  He said that her red blood count is low but does not require a blood transfusion at this time.  That's good news.

This has been a rather hard week for me.  I am grateful to have a cabinet job to start, but seem to get stressed very easily.  A former employee is coming to help for a season.  This will be great help in relieving some of the load of the shop.

I am realizing that our choice to trust God and draw out His grace, blessing and goodness in all circumstances is a must.  The opposite is just NO fun and leads to one misery after another.  This is a deep truth that I know God is opening my eyes to, as you pray for our family.  As you pray, our seemingly weak knees will continue to stand...for life.

We love you,

Rambellwood

jcr

No Place Like Home

Bonny and I have returned from Tijuana and have been settling into a different daily routine...


Actually, we have not found a rhythm in that yet.  The treatments Bonny had in Mexico  have taken quite a toll on her body.  Primarily the radiation, which caused her stomach and intestine walls to lose their lining.  This was expected and will rebuild itself by some time early next week.  Meanwhile, Bonny has been losing weight because she has no appetite and food makes her very sleepy.

She is getting IV infusions here at home of one of the products she had in Mexico.  I am able to do that through a PICC line and can also give her pain medication this way.  She has been in a lot of pain and abdominal cramping for the last three weeks. 

We expect the tumors to shrink from this treatment.  She will have a CT scan in about four weeks to determine progress.  If the tumors become isolated enough we can return to Mexico to have them removed surgically.  This would be followed up by more low dose chemo and cobalt radiation.  Of course, this all depends on how she responds to the treatment.  

We are asking all our family and friends to pray for strength and wisdom.  This has been taking a toll on all of us.  The kids are weary, I am weary, and we ask you all to band together with us in prayer.  We are doing what we feel is right, but cannot walk this path alone.  We are so grateful for everyone's support, without which we could not have helped Bonny so far.  I am endeavoring to return to cabinet work, but hesitate to become entangled in anything that will keep me from helping my beloved bride from getting well.

Looking to Jesus for strength,

Cary, Bonny and all of Rambellwood

Much Hope!

Bonny has completed her first week of treatment here in Tijuana, Mexico. She is resting now, after a full day. We are very pleased with the knowledge Dr. Vargas has in treating cancer. He spent several hours with us explaining the treatment and answering the many questions we had.

A typical day at the clinic starts with low-dose Vitamin C, then Laetrile. Then a different type of low-dose chemo, each day, is infused Monday through Wednesday. Bonny’s nurse, Angelina, really knows what she’s doing. Cobalt radiation is done each day at another location. Kristina drives us around wherever we need to go. Below are pictures of Bonny with Angelina and Dr. Vargas.

Dr. Vargas believes in what he is doing and has confidence that these treatments will help Bonny. Because of the advancement of the cancer, there is much to be done. As of now, the cancer’s progress has been halted. We expect to see the tumors shrink and die. Bonny will be going through some challenging times as these changes occur in her body. Dr. Vargas has given us a game plan to meet those needs.

It is somewhat of a challenge adjusting to being out of the U.S. Communication around town, pesos, Spanish, and eating...all feel awkward at times. We are thankful for God’s provision through so many of you who have given.

Thank you, thank you for loving us. We feel your prayers and are also so very grateful for the monetary gifts so relevant in this journey. We miss our family and friends and look forward to being reunited.

Cary and Bonny

Another Adventure

Dear friends and family,

What more can we do?  This is the tough question we have been grappling with for two or three months now.  Knowing the adverse effects chemo has on the body...this did not seem the answer.  We have been diligent with all of the alternative treatments that seemed to work before.  But, this time the tumors continued their assault on Bonny's body. We could no longer just ignore the physical changes we were seeing.

This last weekend changed all that.  We met a lady who was given a grim diagnosis as well.  The Lord led her to a oncologist in Mexico who combines low doses of chemo with cobalt radiation.  This woman is cancer-free.  We believe that this connection was not an accident.

As a result Bonny and I are flying to Tijuana, Mexico this Sunday and will be there about three weeks.  There she will undergo a specialized treatment that, we believe, will get control of this awful disease.

Here's where it gets hard.  We need financial help from anyone who has the ability and would like to help.  The cost of the three week treatment alone is over 18,000 plus airfare.  I would not want to be anywhere else, with my wife in Mexico, but by her side.  Being self-employed, this stops the source of our income.  If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to:


Cary Ramsey

2216 CR 4760

Winnsboro, TX  75494

If anyone would like to write or has further questions concerning the treatment Bonny is undergoing we can be reached via this email address: cbramsey@peoplescom.net

Most of all, thank you for bringing our family before God.  
We will continue to trust Him with all that is within us.

Cary