Update 4/4

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rand Patterson <maandpap1@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 5:26 AM
Subject:
To: Beth Murphy <bethamurphy@gmail.com>

Dear Ones, Just a little note to quickly catch you up on what has happened in just the last few days.  In the beginning of the week Rand was feeling very well and we were packing things up around here to  send back home, worked on our taxes so we could bring them back home, too.  We had a nice birthday dinner together on his birthday.   That evening things began to change ..he had severe pain in his back and noticeable blood in his urine.  The following day there were significant changes in his counts and they began treating hime for infections and hydrating him daily.  He has 4 different infections plus an obstructed kidney where the Lymphoma is resting.  He had to have a stent put into his kidney and various other things to get the kidney to drain properly.  We came home and he had a very difficult evening with pain and continual trips to the bathroom. In the morning he was miserable and not even himself so Ben and I took him to emergency.  He is again in the hospital and they are treating the infections, and watching the kidney closely.  He wil probably start radiation on Monday to relieve the pressure of the Lymphoma on his kidney.  Our trip to Mexico is on hold until all these things get resolved.  We haven't given up hope in our Great Physician who we know and believe can turn all things around.  Rand is very sick and our prayer is that these infections will heal, the radation will relieve the kidney and we can go to Mexico.  He would not be able to travel in the condition he is in now.  Ben came up all day yesterday and spent the night last night so I could get a good night's sleep. Tami and Kynzie will be here all day today.  Heidi is coming up Sunday to spend the day and night with us and I wll go home that night to get some sleep.  We believe with all our hearts that God has a plan and our faith is strong.  Sometimes things don't go as we plan, but we believe that God always has a better plan for us.  We know that God can heal Rand in an instant because that is what is word tells us, or it may still be in time or as we go, but we are holding fast to God's will and promises. Rand is definitely our hero.  He has never ever once complained, asked why or questioned.  He is tired, worn out and anxious to feel like Randy again and what a blessing that would be.  Prayers are heard and cherished and we love you all for everyone that has been uttered for Rand and the family. Love and Blessings,  Rand and Joanie  Feel free to call me on my cell:  269-760-0431