Our Update

If you've been following along with Ryan and his journey since receiving new marrow, you're aware that this battle has been a roller coaster of highs, lows, and unexpected twists. When we started with the new marrow over a year ago (February 4, 2018), Ryan asked me to help him start this blog as a means of communication and an easy way to reach many caring people without the overwhelming responses and need for feedback. I told him I'd make suggestions and revisions and, if the moment came where he was unable to express an update, I'd post on his behalf. Now is one of those moments. When I visited with Ryan yesterday, he asked me to update. He didn't have the words. We planned to do this together, but as the day progressed, Ryan wasn't up to it. He knows I'm posting on his behalf. Please know I'm writing with the help of my sisters, Lauren and Meghan, trying to keep things as accurate as possible.

So, an update: 

In December, we learned that the doctors had used their best weapons, but Ryan was still losing the battle with Leukemia and he was diagnosed as terminal. Refusing to give up, doctors considered old and new research and wanted to experiment with an antibody treatment. Within 30 days, we learned the news that shocked everyone, including the doctors:

We received a miracle with the antibody therapy. Ryan was able to enjoy life. He enjoyed a "Columbas Baking" reunion with the Heims, celebrated his Goddaughter Kendall's baptism, and at the end of March, Ryan felt well enough to take a plane ride to Phoenix, Arizona. He enjoyed a long weekend with old friends. Ryan even got to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 18th.



Despite our newfound hope, Ryan began to feel worse. shortly after returning from Arizona. With severe stomach pains and constant vomiting, Ryan took several trips to the Cancer Center for treatment, blood transfusions, and pain management. He was admitted once for vomiting and again, a couple weeks later, for pain management. 

Last Wednesday (April 24), he was admitted for pain management. Thursday (April 25) they did a PET scan, which came back 'lit up' with cancer, so on Friday (April 26) did another bone marrow biopsy. The news came on Saturday (April 27) that was again not what we were expecting. 

The cancer was back in his bone marrow and blasting. 

Ryan woke up in the middle of the night this past Wednesday (May 1) to use the restroom and fell, a new numbness in his legs making it difficult to walk. Thursday (May 2) he went in for routine bloodwork. The doctor noted that Ryan's left scapula was already deteriorating. Because Ryan was losing mobility, they wanted to do a spinal tap that Friday to determine if the cancer was in his spinal fluid; however, Friday he was unable to walk without help and opted not to take the test as it wouldn't change anything.   At this time, we believe the cancer is in his spinal fluid. The pain and numbness continue to spread, leaving him immobile, frustrated, and exhausted.

Over the last three days, Ryan's condition has quickly deteriorated. When I spoke with him yesterday, he said he hasn't ever felt quite like this; quite this bad.  Today, he is unable to walk, stand, or feel his legs at all. Hospice care is being set up. Ryan is trying to stay strong, comfortable, and at peace. 

Please know that Ryan hears of your kind comments, reads your encouraging messages, and appreciates the thoughts and prayers. He wants people to know where things are at this point, but that's hard to communicate. There isn't an etiquette lesson for this. He wants everyone to know, but he also wants privacy to spend quiet moments on his terms.

For family and friends, its easy to feel helpless. Right now, the best help is prayers.

Please pray for Ryan-- for his strength, comfort, and peace. 

Please pray for our parents-- as they hold their son and other children through this.

Please pray for our Kansas family-- as they provide care for Ryan, helping with support at home, doctor's appointments, and comedic relief as needed. 

Please pray for our Nebraska family-- as they provide care and support in the unique ways allowed by time and distance.

Please pray for each other--that we all be the light of Christ, witnesses to the Resurrection, and find hope in eternal life.