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