February 15 2012 (Scott)

Thanks so much for supporting us since Scott was diagnosed with B-Cell Follicular Lymphoma in November. He has since had 3 of 6 chemotherapy treatments with the next one scheduled for February 24/12. He has a catscan on February 16, which the doctors will use to confirm whether the lymph nodes have shrunk as desired. He will get the results on Feb 23.
We are very grateful to God that the chemo side affects have been minimal to date. We continue to value your prayers and pray that by God's grace we would be good stewards of what is ahead of us.

We pray for healing according to God's will and purpose

Just an update Feb 3 2012 (Scott)

Scott completed his 3rd of 6 treatments on Feb 3 and goes for his 4rth on Feb 24. His recent treatment went well and we are very thankful to God that Scott is feeling so well. In between Scott's 2nd and 3rd treatment he was able to work and even do some workouts at the gym. We can easily see how God has made our path easier through things like this and by, keeping Elizabeth and Scott flu free this winter even when it has passed through our house and by the peace he has provided us.
We have really appreciated the support we have received from family, church family, friends, and Scott's awesome team mates at work. It means so much!!!. We don't know what the future holds, but we know He holds it.
Items of praise and prayer;
- praise for how God's people have supported us and for the sense of peace he has given our family
- prayer for Elizabeth as she goes for a catscan Feb 8 to rule out a bowel obstruction (doc doesn`t want to do surgery at this point) and results on Feb 29
- the kids; you can see big questions on their faces when ever we experience a bump in the road or when someone in the community does. For what ever reason, of late, it seems like there has been a lot of sickness and sorrow in the community. Most recently a father who has a girl in Kamryn's grade and a boy in Colson's class passed away. He was only 46 and died of a sudden heart attack
- for God's hand at work through the treatments, that they would be effective according to his will and purpose (Scott has a catscan Feb 16 to confirm if the lymph nodes are returning to normal size, followed by results Feb 23 and the next chemo on Feb 24)
- during the treatments Scott is more susceptible to viruses, and fatigue (we are so grateful that he has been spared from this).
- that by God's grace, we would be able to be a witness throughout this trial.

God has richly blessed us with many lessons from trying experiences. We pray that we will be good stewards of both the good and the challenging experiences.

A recent timely reading;
What Jesus did on the cross was to break the power of death. By rising from the dead, He determined that death would no longer be the final word. He was reversing the cruel fate to which all of human creation had been subjected, beginning when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden and were sentenced to death. From Adam onward, humans have known what it means to be haunted by death, and to know that at any moment, breath can be extinguished, and life evaporate.
Apart from Christ, the fear of death is a form of slavery. Those who have no eternal hope are powerless in the face of death. They cannot control or determine when or how it should come. In a universe without a Sovereign God, death is the ultimate victor. Every day is pregnant with fear, whether conscious or subconscious.
But Jesus Christ has conquered the grave. He has reversed the curse, and He has set the captives free. What is there to fear if death itself, seemingly so ultimate and terrifying, has been rendered powerless?
APPLY THE WORD
Maybe you’ve recently received a terminal diagnosis—or someone you love has. Death is cruel, and aging and disease were not part of God’s original plan for the world He created. And yet, even in death, there can be freedom and hope. Look to the merciful and faithful High Priest, Jesus Christ, who suffered a very cruel death on your behalf. Cry out to Him, knowing that He understands and sympathizes. Because of Him, death is not the end of the story.
From;
http://www.moodyministries.net/

Less of us and more of him we pray

Jan 15 2012 update (Scott)

Just an update, we appreciate all of you who have encouraged us in some way during our journey,

Scott finished his first chemo treatment on Dec 23. We are grateful for God's provision in that we were able to enjoy Christmas. Thankfully Scott did not experience any major side effects and he has not missed a beat at work either (to date). The only side effects he says he had are dopiness (normal for him :o)), some stomach uneasiness that food always seems to address, difficulty concentrating (chemo brain), infrequent mild headaches, infrequent numbness in fingers and he tires a little easier. These have all been quite mild.
Other changes have included;
- Scott is trying to eat healthier. Those that know him well, will know that chocolates, jubejubes, cookies, steak, sausage, coffee, etc. were some of Scott's favorites. These have been exchanged for white meat, sardines, lots of salad and fruits, green tea etc.
- general precaution to avoid viruses and colds
- gargling 3 times a day with salt water in order to avoid mouth sores that are inherit with chemo.........to the kids amusement he has perfected gargling to the tune of "we wish you a merry Christmas"
Our kids have responded well, all things being considered. Understandably, Kamryn (6) does not comprehend it as well as Colson (8) who is very open and detailed with his questions. He prays with Scott often, asking "God to take daddy's cancer away". We have been able to be very open with him, which is a huge answer to prayer. In the past he has been extremely anxious concerning Elizabeth's health and his own well being. He has been exposed to a lot at a young age. He is also very perceptive and beyond his years in many ways in comprehending things. Kamryn shows her sensitivity by giving hugs, but seldom mentions the cancer. We periodically ask her if she has any questions about it, to ensure that we give her the opportunity to talk too. Recently Colson asked Scott if this cancer could kill a person. This gave Scott the opportunity to explain why these bad things happen; per the bible it is because sin entered the world (Genesis 3), but Gods desire is that we would all enjoy eternity in heaven (John 3:16), which is a choice he gives us. We talked about Colson asking Jesus to forgive his sins and come into his heart, a decision that he made previously and it comforted him in knowing that whatever happens here, we will meet again in heaven because of that choice.
Scott completed his 2nd of 6 treatments on Jan 13 and goes for his 3rd on Feb 3. His recent treatment went well and we are very thankful that he is feeling well. The specialist said that he shouldn't experience anything different than after the 1st treatment. And for now Scott is still able to boast that he has more hair than any of his brothers.

Readings that have meant a lot to Scott are as follows;
"When we are ruled by fear, we demand safety and security. We’re unwilling to take risks. But the life of following Jesus is a life full of risk. Which character in the Bible wasn’t asked by God to do something extraordinarily risky? Our Lord Himself faced the ultimate danger, that of losing His life. He did it willingly because He knew of God’s greater plan. Faith means trusting God in the face of risk, and it requires we see God’s protection over us even in the midst of danger."
"Our culture often tells us that everything is meaningless—so you might as well as have all the fun you can! Ecclesiastes reminds us that neither fun nor work can protect us from fear. Only when we are willing to release our priorities and illusion of control to the will of the Lord can we discover freedom from fear. Pray today that the Lord will examine your heart and strengthen you to remember your Creator and all He’s done for you."
Taken from:
http://www.todayintheword.com

God has given us a real sense of peace during this time. We don't know what the future holds, but we trust in him. Thank you so very much for your many acts of kindness, such as praying, calling, emailing, texting, generous offers, cards, etc. We continue to value it and need the support.
Please continue to pray for;
- praise for how God's people have supported us, for the sense of peace we have had
- the kids as they try to comprehend what is going on
- for continued peace for our family
- praise and prayer for continued stability in Elizabeth's health (she did have a cold/sinus infection in early January that had us very worried (her heart rate was spiking), but God returned her to health and strength
- peace as Elizabeth is undergoing tests for a possible bowel obstruction
- for God's hand at work through the treatments, that they would be effective (the next one is Feb 3, but will be preceded by blood work on Feb 1 to ensure that the counts are stable for the chemo treatment). Scott will likely have a catscan in March to determine the effectiveness of the treatments.
- during the treatments Scott will be more susceptible to viruses, and fatigue; pray that he might be spared from any additional colds, flu's etc. (thankful that he is just getting over a cold)
- for healing according to God's will and purpose
- that by God's grace, we would be able to be a witness throughout this trial.

God has given us this platform and we pray that by his grace and power, that his name would be honored and glorified.

Considering the recent tragedies in our community, we are blessed

Collapse this post

Dec 18 2011 prayer chain update (Scott)

Dear teammates,
Another week has gone by. Just thought I would give a brief update on my (Scott's) health.
Thanks for all your prayers and acts of kindness.
We did end up telling our kids that I (Scott) have cancer. This is just one way where we have experienced God's hand at work. They handled it well and it has allowed us to talk more freely and pray openly as a family about it.

Also God has given us peace in our decision to proceed with chemotherapy treatments, which will begin Dec 23/11. The specialist has assured us that with the nausea medication taken for 5 days after the treatment, that I shouldn't feel more than a little tired for a few days after the treatment. The first treatment will be a 7 hr experience at the "chemo lounge" at GRH. After that there will be 5 more every 3 weeks, 4hrs per session. An appointment with the specialist will precede each treatment to determine if any treatment changes are required. At some point during the treatment timeline an ultrasound will be completed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. After the chemo sessions are complete I will be on a chemo pill for 2 years.

Thanks again for your prayers, please continue to pray for;
- praise for how God's people have supported us, on how quickly the medical staff has acted, for the sense of peace we have had
- the kids as they try to comprehend what is going on

- for continued peace for our family
- praise and prayer for continued stability in Elizabeth's health
- for God's hand at work through the treatments, that they would be effective
- during the treatments Scott will be more susceptible to viruses, pray that he might be spared from any additional colds, flu's etc

- for healing according to God's will and purpose
- that by God's grace, we would be able to be a witness through out this trial

Dec 10, 2011 (Scott)

Many of you are probably on the prayer chain and recieved this email, but for those of you who aren't below is the prayer chain email from the Rupperts

Thanks so much for your prayers
Scott had a catscan this week and met with the cancer specialist today. The diagnosis of "b cell follicular non hodgkin's lymphoma" has not changed, but the catscan confirmed that it is in stage 3 of 4, 4 being the most advanced stage. This is a slow growing cancer that Scott has likely had for years. The doctors remain hopeful that it can be managed over a long period of time. There is no medical remedy as far as the doctors know, only God's healing powers. The doctor is leaving it up to Scott whether to start chemo now or keep monitoring the lymph nodes before making a decision. Please pray for;
- praise that Scott's organs and blood look normal, and that overall he has been feeling well
- the spirits leading in determining whether to start chemo now or wait
- how to communicate to the kids who up until now have only been told that Scott has a blood disorder
- for Scott and Elizabeth to be good stewards and faithful witnesses during this very difficult time
- for healing according to God's purpose
- for continued stability in Elizabeth 's health
Thanks so much for being such a loving church family and community of friends,
Scott and Elizabeth

To my team mates at MSCU Nov 2011 (Scott)

It's almost a year and half ago now that I came to MSCU to face new
challenges and opportunities. I have very much enjoyed working with each
of you.

I am personally embarking on a new challenge, a very significant one. I
have been diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, which is a type of lymph
node cancer. I am awaiting blood test results and a catscan to determine
if the cancer has spread. Provided it has not, I will simply be
monitored frequently to ensure the cancer is managed.

Health challenges are something that until now have happened around me,
be it my father's passing from colon cancer or my wife's battles with
bacterial infections (including flesh eating disease).

I know the God I serve and I know that he is much bigger then my new
challenge. I also know that his plan is bigger than mine and that
ultimately it is his desire that everyone would have a relationship with
him.

I look forward to seeing His plan unfold. Please uplift my family in
prayer.

Nov 23 2011 Church prayer request (Scott)

I, Scott Ruppert, have been diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, which is a type of lymph node cancer. I am awaiting blood test results and a cat scan to determine if the cancer has spread. Provided it has not, I will simply be monitored frequently to ensure the cancer is managed.
Health challenges are something that until now have happened around me, be it my father’s passing from colon cancer or my wife's battles with bacterial infections (including flesh eating disease).
I know the God I serve and I know that he is much bigger then my new challenge. I also know that his plan is bigger then mine and that ultimately it is his desire that everyone would have a relationship with him.
I look forward to seeing His plan unfold. Please uplift my family in prayer. Some prayer requests are:

Pray that the children's hearts and minds will be protected
Pray that the blood work and cat scan come back negative
Pray that we will be at peace with this knowledge and able to proceed with life

Please respect that our children have a limited knowledge of this diagnosis (something the doctor encouraged).