An Update from Patty, Rick, Lenny and Amy
And ... A message from Katy's medical caretakers:
Katy needs to be protected from germs!
Please steer clear of her when you are sick
otherwise we could compromise her treatments.
Thanks
Dear Ones,
Katy's Treatment is to begin on Monday. Every Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM (her choice) for 6 weeks she will have radiation at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center with Dr. Michael Sapozink. We're told each treatment will take only 15 minutes, most of which is preparation. Side effects vary with each patient. Some are temporary; some can be irreversible. We know that the Lord "created (Katy's) inmost being; he knit her together in her mother's womb. Her frame was not hidden from Him when she was made in the secret place." Psalm 139: 13, 15.
We also know His love for her is profound. We are praying that the radiation treatment is effective in curing Katy and causes no lasting harm; that she will be returned to complete health.
After radiation is finished Katy will begin chemotherapy. She will be under the care of Dr. William Shapiro, Chief of NeuroOncology at Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center here in Phoenix. His plan for Katy is to use Temador (a medication that is given orally) for a year- 5 days on, 23 days off. This is a newer medication than the "standard treatment of old fashioned drugs with very bad side effects".
So those are the medical plans for Katy. It's going to be a long road, but we are so grateful that we are not alone. There are so many things we want you to know. First-Katy is doing amazingly well recovering from surgery. I wish you could see her. She looks just like herself. Only when she lifts up her hair to show the incision site can you see anything different. She's feeling well; no more headaches! Every once in a while she'll take a short nap, but not every day. She goes for walks, laughs with her friends, greets her Head Start friends and their families with hugs and smiles.
You should have been here Friday. The Head Start class took a field trip to Teacher Katy's backyard! They have been learning about insects and here they came with little nets and tiny plastic containers with holes punched in the top picking up ladybugs that the teacher was shaking out of a plastic bag when they weren't looking. Katy was happily in the middle of them admiring every discovery.
But there's more. She's peaceful and even happy. Katy is thrilled to see friends and family from other pages of her life come here to love her in her Phoenix home. "It just keeps getting better and better." We suspect that her peace in the midst of such trying times helps to sustain us all.
That and your wonderful, faithful prayers. It seems that God has knit an army together to support Katy and us in prayer. Please know that we can sense your prayers. We are so grateful for them and ask that you would continue to remember us to the Father.
God is sustaining us.
The LORD is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
There's even more: family and old and new friends in Phoenix, in Indianapolis, in Sugarland, Texas, Los Angeles, South Korea, Los Vegas, everywhere, it seems have blessed us with precious support- meals, furniture, lodging, visits, transportation, massages, medical information, hugs... An amazing outpouring of love. Katy's roommates offered to move out of their home so that we could stay her with her! Friends even packed up our van and drove it here from Indianapolis! What can we say except, "Thank you, thank you".
This blog has been a lifeline connecting us to you and allowing us to witness some of the prayers being offered for Katy. When we couldn't do anything else, we would read your responses and were comforted. Thank you Kit, Chris, and each of you who respond and each of you who read about Katy and pray.
We are resting in God's sovereignty and grace. We are sustained by His love.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
apart from the will of your Father.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows."
Matthew 10:29-31
There's so much more we want to share. As we are able to find the words, we will. Thank you for loving Katy and lifting her up. You are precious to us.
Love,
Rick, Patty, Lenny and Amy
posted by Neighborhood Ministries | 4/24/2005 07:42:00 AM
44 Comments:
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy, and Katy
Thank you for your lengthy update of today. We prayed for Katy as a congregation this morning. When I read of her activites, it is like watching a video of her days since finding out about the tumor. I am such a camera and video nut that it is truly written in my language of understanding. haha
Can you tell me about Lenny and Amy? What are they doing while all of this is going on? I realize that they are there to love and support Katy but is there more?
I have a brother in PHX and his wife is a strong Christian. If they can be of help to you locally, I am sure they would be willing to.
Meanwhile, our prayers are strong for ALL of you and our thoughts are with you unceasingly!!
Love, Betsy B.
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy and Katy:
I was so happy to read the update today. How amazing and how thankful we are to read the encouraging news. We have prayed that the Lord would send forth the perfect doctors and treatment and we will thank Him at this moment for answering that prayer.
We will be visiting in Phoenix in May and hopefully we will have a chance to see you. If you need us to bring anything for any of you, please let us know. We fly in on May 4.
Until then, remember our Lord is with you on this journey and He has a wonderful plan for all that are included.
Blessings for your day
Fred, Kathy and Alex
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy and Katy:
I was so happy to read the update today. How amazing and how thankful we are to read the encouraging news. We have prayed that the Lord would send forth the perfect doctors and treatment and we will thank Him at this moment for answering that prayer.
We will be visiting in Phoenix in May and hopefully we will have a chance to see you. If you need us to bring anything for any of you, please let us know. We fly in on May 4.
Until then, remember our Lord is with you on this journey and He has a wonderful plan for all that are included.
Blessings for your day
Fred, Kathy and Alex
Rick, Patty, Amy, and Lenny, it was so good to hear from you on the blog. My folks leave on Tuesday, and we'd love to come and see Katy some time after that. I will call you to see how she feels. We wanted to come earlier but Danny got sick (for his 14th b'day!)and still has a fever, so a visit was out of the question. We pray for you and wait in anticipation for how the Lord will continue to be Rapha and Jirah. Much love, Vicki King (and crew)
Dear Rick, Patty, Katy, Amy and Lenny, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Bill and Kaye Diener
Thanks for the Good News. I feel so blessed to be part of your praying community. Patty, I've been sharing the updates with Judy. She has some news for you too. Thulani went to say good-by to her house.
Until next time, love and blessings to you as a family, Nancy
Dearest Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy & Katy;
I can not tell you how wonderful it was to read your message today. I am not surprised at how well Katy is reacting to everything that has happened to her because she is the very meaning of "grace". I truly believe that GOD will heal her completely because her spirit and light have their own healing powers that effect everyone she meets. GOD knows that the children of Neighborhood Ministies need her and so do the rest of us.
Rick & Patty, You are amazing parents who have raised equally amazing children. They are such good people whose capacity to love and care for others is an inspiration to us all.
My church, Trinity United Methodist, is constantly praying for you as am I. My father said for me to tell all of you that he thinks of you several times a day and is praying for Katy.
Katy, Keep your spirits up because you are going to be cured. I love you and I am amazed by the unending strength you display. GOD has truly empowered you through the Holy Spirit.
Much Love,
Karen Craft
I join my prayers with yours for effective treatment with no lasting harm to Katy. In Jesus' name, let it be so.
Blessings on you all.
Dear Katy, Patty, Rick, Amy, and Lenny,
Thanks, Patty, for the update. I will be praying for you tomorrow morning, Katy--and for all of you. Here is Ephesians 6:10:
"...be strong--not in your-
selves but in the Lord, in
the power of his boundless
strength." (Phillips)
Kirsten wanted me to add a few words about fasting, for anyone who might be thinking about trying it but who is afraid of doing it (like me): the fasting she learned about is a modified fast and it only covers two meals, if you decide to fast from food. It goes from the end of dinner the night before to the beginning of dinner the next day. And you don't fast from all food; you drink juices and water or fruit smoothies. And of course if you can't fast from food for health reasons, you can fast from something else (internet, TV, whatever God might suggest to you). The point is to spend more time in prayer, and to acknowledge God's Lordship over all, not to get sick from lack of food. Let her know if you'd like more info; her email is laurelieone@hotmail.com and her cell phone number is 773-259-8100. Or you can call me in Indy at 317-842-2884. (Yep, Kirsten's my kid.)
Eric wants to know if they are using gamma radiation, or another kind.
And hi to Vicki (King) and thanks for your kind comments. We miss you! I have to distinguish you from the "other" Vicki, Vicki Small, who lives in Tucson and has been a close and dear friend of mine for over thirty years. I am trying to twist her arm into traveling to Phoenix to meet all of you.
Katy, I send you hugs, and Britty sends you a tailwag and Fred who you have not met yet sends you a slurp. God loves you SOOOOO MUCH! And so do we all.
Love, Miriam :)
ah! I love you all so much! It is so great to read the strength in your message! hugs and kisses are on their way from korea! libet
Dear Reels,
We just want you to know that we are praying for Katy and your family. It has been an inspiration to be able to follow your familie's journey through this challenging time. Thanks for sharing it with us. Many Blessings,
Sally and John Kennedy
Dearest Katy,
When I heard the news at the last minute, my heart dropped to the bottom of my stomache. I could not imagine such a thing so horrible could happen to such a remarkable wonderful person. Even though I haven't known you long enough to know how special you are, you have inspired me since the very first day I met you. So I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
GED Student
Dear Reel Family,
Thank you so much for the very informative updates. We appreciate you letting us have an active part in Katy's treatment & recovery. We think the world of Katy and are very grateful to you for keeping us informed. While we are not there physically, she is with us in thought and prayer. Katy, we are praying that God will grant you a complete and successful restoration of your health with these treatments. Have a fantastic day and may our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ be with you always.
With All Our Love,
Pano & Sperry
"What we ARE is God's gift to us; What we BECOME is our gift to God."
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy and Katy,
Thanks for letting us hear from you and "see" through your eyes how Katy and you all are doing. I join with Betsy B and her curiosity...how are Lenny and Amy holding up through all this, and what are they doing besides loving and supporting Katy? We have prayed for all of you and so appreciate hearing details that we can lift in praise or supplication to Our Father. I'm going to Women Alive tomorrow, Patty, and your presence will be missed. (Of course you all will be prayed for, too!!) Much love and strength and healing to Katy!
Mary Anne Emch
Hello again...the Tab Deacon Board members were together at their monthly meeting last night and we prayed collectively for all of you. We know that God has a plan and is using this to carry out that plan. Keep your faith even when the temptation to do otherwise might be there. We miss you, Patty and Rick! XOXO Betsy B.
Katy,
Many thoughts are with you as we begin our Open House jungle theme. We'll be going to the LA zoo next week and we'll be making our paper mache snakes, pit helmets, and binoculars. Boy, is it a lot of work to get all that stuff ready but then again, I bet you felt that you were next door to Disneyland! Pat, Deanna, and I think of you often and all the fun we had working together. We miss you and are praying for you night and day that your health will be completely restored through your treatments. You are in our prayers that God will be with you and heal you. I have a couple of student observers this trimester, one from Biola and one from Fullerton. I gave them some information about you and they have put you on prayer requests.
You are an amazing person and we love you very much. Ocean View has never been the same and will never be the same. What an awesome teacher!
Have the best and most blessed day ever!
Lots & Lots of Love,
Pano
Dear Katy, Patty, Rick, Amy, and Lenny,
We are so very sorry to hear of Katy's illness. But, are also thankful to hear that you are doing well so far. Consider that the cancer is now gone and the rest of these treatments are the clean-up work. We pray for you every day. Patty I love you so much!!!! I am holding you in my heart. God Bless you All, Julia and Bob
Good morning, Katy dear!
It's 9:30 our time and so 7:30 your time; I imagine you are getting ready (slowly?) to go for your radiation treatment.
Here are the verses I was given for you today:
"God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!"
--Ephesians 3:20-21, THE MESSAGE.
Holding you up to Jesus, who is holding you with love and care,
Love, Mother Miriam :)
God is blessing not only Katie, but also all of us who are praying for her. Thank you for sharing so openly. I will continue to pray for God's healing touch.
Joyce, Columbus, IN
Katy, Patty, Ames, Lenny and Rick,
There's an army of prayers at work at St.Luke's UMC lifting you all up in prayer. One of our Sunday school members sent me this message to pass along:
"Just read an article in Wall St Journal, April 13 issue, section D, page 5, Method May Aid Brain Tumor Care.
Researchers at U of Mich have developed a new method for evaluating brain tumors that may help doctors in determining whether a treatment is effective in just weeks instead of several months.
Applies to a range of different brain tumors. Seeking FDA approval in a few months.
Maybe this could be something Katy and her family want to look into."
Helen Boyer
Since answers to prayer can come from anywhere, I wanted to be sure and send this along. Let us know what more we can do from here. We love you all.
Charlie & Marcia Russell
Dear Reels, Take each day for what it is and know that the next day is a new start. I am still praying and thinking of all of you.
Maureen
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy, and Katy,
So sorry we haven't come to visit. Danny is finally fever-free today. It's been several days. How are you doing with food? I'll be glad to bring you some. I'd be glad to help Lenny and Amy, too, with whatever they need. Wondering if we can visit this weekend, so I'll keep reading the blogs to find out how Katy is feeling. I'll call your cell phone, Patty.
It is such a blessing to read comments from "old" friends from Tab. I miss Miriam, Betsy, Sally K, and so many more of you. Funny how God can use such yuck and make blessings of it. We're all praying for all of the Reels daily.
Much love,
Vicki, Jim, KK, Danny, and Corrie King
Dear Katy and family,
I am glad for the updates. Katy you are in my thoughts and wishes daily. So glad to hear you are having good times. It's just like you to get your treatment early in the morning and then get on with things. Take care and know that we are with you. Love - Pat Longman
Dearest Katy & Family,
Wishing you the best of days each and every day and may the blessings of the Holy Trinity be upon you always. Have a truly wonderful day tomorrow knowing that your faith can always get you through anything. God is always there for us and He will never let us down. You are continually in our thoughts & prayers.
Love Always,
Pano & Sperry
Dear Katy,
Your family is doing such a wonderful thing by keeping everyone up to date with your treatment. You are in our daily prayers. Brandon has been thinking about you. You are such a patient teacher and so great with kids. It is nice to read all the spiritual support you have. May God Bless you each and every day of your recovery.
Maureen and Brandon Brinkley
Whittier, CA
Ocean View Elementary
Dear Katy, Rick, Patty, Lenny, and Amy:
Thank you for taking the time to share all of the medical updates. We pray that they will not tire Katy too much. It sounds as though the rad/chem treatments are more on the cutting of medicine, hopefully lessening some of the side effect misery.
We also pray for your opportunity to be together and the power that you each will take from the closeness.
Although we cannot all be standing at your doorstep, please know that we think of you each day, and pray for more and more good news.
Love to you all.
Don, Denise, Michelle, and Angela
Dear Katy, Patty, Rick, Amy, and Lenny,
I talked with Julie Kukolla briefly last night and discovered that poor Amy has had the flu and Katy had a brush with it, but you all (as of yesterday)are feeling better.
I will be praying for Amy's full recovery and protection for the rest of you from all those nasty bugs/germs/whatever.
Love and hugs,
Miriam, from home, the only state that still doesn't know what time it is.
Note to Miriam: AZ is the only other state than IN which doesn't change time. Funny how we ended up living in both. Vicki
Katy~
You have been in my prayers since Kristen filled me in. I am sending your prayer bookmarks on to my "prayer warrior" friends at WACC. I loved the update from Patty, Rick, Lenny, and Amy... I could see you in the middle of all those precious children as they collected lady bugs... I could see your glowing smile and hear your laughter, just like when you were at Ocean View. :-) Your light continues to shine before men, even in a difficult time... even in written words on a website. May God continue to give you tremendous strength and endurance as you begin your treatments. Be strong and courageous!
I'll be praying!
~Tammy Hadden
Dear Rick, Patty, Lenny, Amy and especially Katy,
The members of First Presbyterian in Kokomo are asking about you and praying for your recovery and treatments. Katy's peace and love for God is showing us all that God is good all the time and all the time God is good. He didn't bring this on Katy, but in the trial God promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Katy and your response shows all of us that God is present with all of you and is working to glorify Himself.
We miss seeing all of you and it is good to see the other comments of people we've known for so long.
Vicki King it is good to hear of you and your family.
God bless you with continued peace and assurance of God's love and grace in a difficult time.
Jerry Van Auken
Katy and Family,
It is so good to hear an update. You are am amazing and inspirational family. We are still praying for complete healing and no lasting effects from treatment. Blessings to all of you!
Jim and Mary Carol Shaw
Marion, IL
Katy and Family,
We really enjoyed spending last weekend with you all. It was great to have time to talk, share and perhaps most importantly, laugh.
Katy, we marvel at your faith and strength as well as your good humor. We hope that your first week of treatment went well and this this week will also go well. Thanks for the tour of the Ministry.
When your Aunt Sue and I experienced life threatening conditions we both found a need to get away from everyone for some private time to deal with our personal thoughts and emotions. With everyone's good intentions and interest in oue welfare we found it hard to get away for an emotional respite. If you find the need to get away, please remember that you always have privacy, a room and the beach club here at Chateau Johnston. Feel free to give us a call anytime.
Rick, it took us a few days to get used to not getting our morning "HI its Rick Reel" call and our subsequent long walks. We really enjoyed those.
Amy, as promised I am working on your specification. I'll send you a draft when its ready.
Lenny and Patty, hope that all is well with you.
Aunt Sue to talked to Ann this week. She will be visiting her when we are in Indy for The UINDY Board meeting in mid May.
As always, our thoghts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Aunt Sue and Uncle Chuck
Psalm 5: 11-12:
"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection
over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield."
May the Lord truly be your refuge this week, spreading His protection and favor around you as a strong, healing shield.
Much love,
Kirsten
Hi Katy,Patty,Rick,Amy,Lenny.
Thank you for your update.Please tell Katy my prayer's are with her nite and day.You Patty.Rick Amy Lenny you are on my mind and in my heart. Agreat big HUG to you all. With love and preyer's Beth Westlake Whiteland In.
Dear Rick, Patty, Katy, Lenny and Amy
Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you all! I pray the treatments are going well. Katy is a strong young lady and with the strength of her loving family and her heavenly father, I am sure she will conquer all!
Love and Prayers,
Beth Meyer
Greenwood, IN
Dear Katy,
I had trouble sleeping last night so I prayed for you and thought of you. One of the "pictures" I had of you was of you sitting in Jesus' lap, being tightly held in His arms with His love and tenderness. I thought, "Katy, you are in a win-win situation, because you are ALWAYS--no matter what--in the lap of Jesus, being held closely by Him." The Scripture I thought of (different image) was Psalm 91. It is too long to quote in its entirety, but here is part of it:
"He (She) who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon....
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways...
Because [she] has loved Me, therefore I will deliver [her];
I will set [her] securely on high, because [she] has known My name.
[She] will call upon Me, and I will answer [her];
I will be with [her] in trouble;
I will rescue [her], and honor [her].
With a long life I will satisfy [her],
And let [her] behold My salvation."
(verses 1-7a, 11, 14-16)
We prayed for you this morning at Women Alive (and your mom and dad and Amy and Lenny). And my Aunt Mary in suburban Philadelphia said to tell you that she and the people of Oreland Presbyterian Church are praying for you, as are the members of the Harston Hall Bible Class which she helps lead (that's in a seniors' home). She said they "are praying for your full recovery, for GOD IS ABLE."
Love and hugs to all of you,
Miriam :)
Dear Patty, Rick, Katy, Lenny, and Katy,
Jon and I have been praying for all of you since Patty called me that Monday morning before school. I passed around the website to everyone who knew Lenny at school. Many of the students have been asking about Lenny, and I've told each one what he or she would understand.
(I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but I just found out how to do this. I read the postings from others and only now found the right place to cklck. I'm a struggling computer person.)
Last night I called a neighbor who is a member of Zionsville Presbyterian Church, to ask her also to pray for Katy. I began by saying,"There's a young lady from Tab..." and she finished my sentence with "Katy Reel". She said she had just been given her name the evening before. I did give her the website, which she did not have.
I remember all of you in prayer so very many times a day. Thank you for allowing me to be included in your world-wide prayer circle.
May God continue to hold you in his love, to bless you, and to heal you.
Linda Silverberg
Dear Patty, Rick, Katy, Lenny, and Katy,
Jon and I have been praying for all of you since Patty called me that Monday morning before school. I passed around the website to everyone who knew Lenny at school. Many of the students have been asking about Lenny, and I've told each one what he or she would understand.
(I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but I just found out how to do this. I read the postings from others and only now found the right place to cklck. I'm a struggling computer person.)
Last night I called a neighbor who is a member of Zionsville Presbyterian Church, to ask her also to pray for Katy. I began by saying,"There's a young lady from Tab..." and she finished my sentence with "Katy Reel". She said she had just been given her name the evening before. I did give her the website, which she did not have.
I remember all of you in prayer so very many times a day. Thank you for allowing me to be included in your world-wide prayer circle.
May God continue to hold you in his love, to bless you, and to heal you.
Linda Silverberg
Hey KT
We just wanted to let you know we are still praying for you. I love reading the comments on the blog page. We are causing plenty of havoc at NC. We love Tuesdays because it is homeroom and we don't have homeroom duties so we cut out for lunch. Some of the others we work with are praying for and asking about you too. I pray that your treatments are going well.
God Speed!
dear katy, amy, lenny, rick, and patty:
i love and miss you all.:)
not a day goes by without thoughts and prayers for all of you at my jewelry bench.
katy, i continue as always to pray for you each day as you go through treatment -- for your strength, health, and spirit. you are continually a blessing!!
much love to you all, heather guidero
Katy and Family,
I know that we haven't seen each other or spoken in years, but I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your spirit and faith are truly amazing— may you get stronger with each day... we’ll continue to pray for you.
Love,
Laura Waggoner
kit-
this is anne moman. would it be possible for heather to email the pictures of katy, katie and i when we were out there? i'd love to have a copy of them! my email address is blueyes8279@hotmail.com. thank you!
katy & family-
we had a service today for the national day of prayer. i think i was supposed to be praying for the world, but you all kept creeping back in my mind, so i figure you were to be my prayer! not a day goes by that i don't think of each of you. love, anne
Dear Reels,
It's so good to hear that things are going well. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Katy is an extraordinary person. Love, Karen and John
Dear Reels,
Isn't it comforting to know that God is in your driver's seat as you go down the road of recovery!!
Wendy and I think of you often and our prayers flow your way.
Patience is an easy word to say but some times difficult to digest. We love you all-even Rick!
Love, Gale and Wendy wilkerson
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