Richmond Family Updates

(Written by Jean)
Becky sent this message to you, and I am relaying it;

“Update on Mama Chris Richmond via John Richmond: Our last update was around 9/20 when Mom was discharged from the hospital and had two days left of radiation for the cancer that spread to her brain. (See her blog for details.) Since then, we have been on survival mode as we’ve witnessed Mom get weaker each day. She had a CAT scan two weeks ago and the results last week gave us news we dreaded: the cancer is growing in her body again. (An MRI isn’t due until next week to scan her brain.) Mom’s strength and energy has deteriorated faster than we could’ve imagined – she can’t sit up, get out of bed, stand or walk by herself. Sometimes she can’t feed herself. The last two days, she’s needed TWO people to help her walk. Yesterday, was the worst day yet and she had us very worried, but she rallied today.

She had a check-up today and we were told that the radiation hasn’t even kicked in yet and her recent deterioration is not a side effect of radiation, but a result of the cancer spreading in her brain. Our hearts are breaking. But we are doing our best to continue to trust that the Lord has His hand in all of this.

We aren’t accepting many new visitors (other than her current regulars), so if you are wanting to come, please contact Dad. Mom doesn’t use her phone, email or facebook much anymore.

We appreciate your prayers for Mom’s healing and Dad’s strength as he cares for Mom full-time. We have amazing friends and family helping around the house, but the load is on Dad and he’s heart broken. Please pray for peace for all of us. Please pray against depression, anxiety and fatigue for Mom.

We aren’t replying to every message anymore – please understand that we are spending every minute we can with Mom. Thank you for your understanding!”

Thank you for praying for the Richmond family as they go through this storm. Please continue to look to the Lord and to trust Him. He is the one who sees the end from the beginning, and who has the life of each one of us in His hands. Praise the name of Jesus, the name high above every name which is named, including the name of “cancer”.

(Written by Jean)

As anyone who has been reading this blog knows, the Richmond family has been facing some huge challenges. In the last couple of months, these challenges have been compounded. Chris has had some results which are not favorable, including the diagnosis that the cancer has spread to her brain.
The good news is that her faith is strong, as is the faith of her family. That being said, she is going through the recommended treatments which include radiation (which has already been done), and chemo to come soon.
Besides the challenges Chris is facing, the family is also dealing with John’s mom, Barb Richmond, being ill. John has had to go to be with his mom, which means he can’t be with Chris right now.
Prayer Requests;
1) Strength, courage, healing, and comfort, for Chris as she goes through the next round of treatments, and that there will be no nasty side effects.
2) Wisdom for Chris, John, and the rest of the family as more options become available.
3) Peace and comfort for all loved ones as they faithfully wait for some good news.
4) Healing for Barb.
5) Peace in the midst of the storms for all involved.

As the friends and family of the Richmond’s agree in prayer, there is something happening in the spirit realm. Keeping our eyes on Christ, and on His will, His faithfulness, is of most importance.
One of the things which stands out to me in this family right now, is how the hand of God has been moving even though there are all of these challenges.
Keith and Becky have welcomed a blessing of the Lord into their lives in the past couple of months. It amazes me how the Lord’s timing for things is so important. The baby is truly a blessing, which is much needed while dealing with things which are difficult.
God knows the end from the beginning, let’s trust Him.

Chris got her latest scan results, and the news is GOOD! The scans show the cancer to be significantly smaller, all over. Please continue to pray for complete healing, for Chris to feel well, have more energy, and peace for the entire family. Thank you. Praise God for His faithfulness, His love, His peace which passes all understanding, and His healing power.
( written by Jean)

Chris has a scan tomorrow. Please pray for a good report, peace during the waiting period, and for God to continue healing in her body.
Thank you for agreeing with us in prayer.
(written by Jean)

Chris has asked for prayer specifically for the chemo to kill only cancer cells. She has another chemo treatment again tomorrow. Prayer is appreciated. (written by Jean)

Becky received a text message from John saying that they had met with the doctor, and the cancer is not growing. It is slightly smaller. Praise God for this report, and please continue lifting Chris up as she gets more reports.
Thank you.
(written by Jean)

Chris has another scan tomorrow to see how the new chemo combination is effecting her. She should get the results on Friday. Chris has had a little more energy this past week, which is an answer to prayer, and her spirits are up.
She has been taking walks, and doing a few blocks each time. The walking has helped increase her strength, which is another answer to prayer.
Prayer requests: 1) continued increase in energy 2) continued increase in strength 3) a good report from the scan 4) for encouragement. grace and peace for the entire family as they continue to place their trust in the Lord.
As always, visitors are welcome. Please communicate with John about when is a good time. Thank you
(written by Jean)

Chris says she is home now, feeling ok, and resting on the couch. She is happy to report that her blood work shows that her kidney and liver functions are still normal. Thank you for praying, and please continue to lift her up.

Please continue to pray for Chris as she goes through the second round of chemo today. This is chemo with a new drug, which has been making her very weak and tired so far. One benefit is that she has not been nauseous with this drug.
Thank you for agreeing with us in prayer for this drug to do what it is meant to do, and that Chris will gain in strength and energy. Also, that she will continue to be encouraged that God is her strength and healer.
(written by Jean)

Chris had her first round of chemo last week with a different drug combination, which is making her more tired, but has not been making her sick. We are thankful for that.
She is experiencing both good days and bad days, with the bad days being a lower energy level and emotional stress.
Visitors are welcome and Chris enjoys having company. If you plan on a visit please keep a few things in mind; 1) contact John first to set up a time. 2) Please understand Chris’s need for rest and don’t be offended if she needs to end a visit to go take a nap. 3) Help yourself to a drink if you want one so Chris does not have to get up.
Chris has been sleeping or resting a lot, and is not spending long periods of time out of bed.
This week’s blood test was about the same as the last several weeks; most of her levels look good, but the red blood cell count continues to be quite low. If the red blood cell count continues to get lower, a blood transfusion may be recommended.

Please pray for:
1) Chris to have greater energy.
2) Wisdom in making treatment decisions
3) Physical healing
4) Emotions

Thank you, and God bless you as you pray for Chris and the family.

(written by Jean)