whether we could get Rick off the warfarin (blood thinner). He will be keeping the filter more than likely the rest of his life and they are adding another couple months with the warfarin. We had a bit of a scare this past weekend, he got a ruptured vein in his eye, with the warfarin, I was worried that he would bleed to death. Of coarse, when we got to the emergency doctor, they took a blood test to see what the level of warfarin was - that helps them determine if he is bleeding internally or something. It was at a good level - so we are just watching that and it seems to have cleared up some - not so blood red anyway. Rick has lost more than 60 pounds in all of this - he is down to a low weight for him, too bad it isn't me losing the weight, huh? I hope he doesn't get any slimmer - as he doesn't have much more to lose. Last week he went to the stroke doctor and he did some botox injections in his arm and leg - to help with the spasticity in his muscles - it allows the muscle to relax were it is over toned and will not allow movement. So far, that has been a very good treatment - the therapist have seen a great inprovement in his muscle tone. He will have to have that again in a couple months - if all goes well. So his range of movement is improving, as long as we can keep the therapy going - he should imrpove. My nerves have been on end, but that is one of my troubles at this time. There will be no surgery for that, just medication. My wrists are not really improving, but with the braces, I seem to not getting worse. There is another situation that I would rather not discuss at this time - that is a major factor in my health - but no sense in going down that road - until we can see that something can be down. I want to thank you each for your love, care, support, and kindness for Rick and I and especially your on-going prayers. Unconditional Love, Shirlene

Thanks for the update hope each day get better & better
Hugs Karma

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Karma, thank you so much.

Thank you for the update. I hope both of you continue to get better day by day!

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Martine, thank you so much.

Shirlene, thank you for the update on Rick and yourself. So thankful Rick is doing better and will continue to pray for him. On the other side of the coin, we need to pray for you and your illness. I had the carpal tunnel surgery years ago and it worked great. Sorry you are having other problems, but we have a great God and He knows our every need, so I trust He will hold you tight and get you all through these hard times. He has carried you all through some pretty trying and scary times, and will continue to do so as long as we trust Him with our lives. Love the picture. Love in Christ, Judy *4U all.

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Judy, thank you ever so much - that was what I was thinking - He had done so very much for us - so far - didn't really want to bother Him with more at this time. I know we will get through it - one day at a time. *4U

Thoughts and prayers continue for you and Rick.

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Carolyn, thank you every so much.

Hang in there Shirlene, better days are on the way.
hugs n love, Meg

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Meg, thank you so very much - we are hoping for just that, too.

Hang in there Shirlene, better days are on the way.
hugs n love, Meg

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Thanks! *4U

Shirlene, I love your picture!! Sweet Katie is beaming!!! The picture shows so much love and that means so much! You are in my prayers, friend!!! Hugs, Laura*

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Laura, you are sure right about Katie - she was beaming and we had a great day celebrating her birthday - always great to be with the grands and the rest of the family, too. Thanks! *

Thank you for sharing with us, God bless you and your family.

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Mary, thank you so much.

Shirlene it is so good to hear from you on the update & see the picture, it too is great. Think of you & Rick daily & know what you are going through. Prayers for you to be able to keep up believe I know how difficult it is. God is seeing you both through so totally lean on him. Much love & always in prayers/Lillian *

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Lillian dear, I have thought about emailing you and discussing some of these issues - but didn't want to bother you - we do lean on God and love the support & prayers from each of you. We appreciate all the love that comes our way. THANKS! *4U2

Sounds like things are going well for Rick's health; sorry about the scare involving his eye. Hope you can get a handle on your own health concerns, as I can imagine you are stressed from the constant worry.
Will continue to pray for you both and know that you will trust in the Lord to handle all of these things for you.
Love,
Jacqueline

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Jacqueline, thank you my dear - we sure appreciat you on-going prayers and concerns.

Shirlene - your photo is a precious one. Thank you for posting it for us to see you all. I send you and Rick my best and sincere wishes for safe and sure recovery from your ailments and my hopes that the talents and skills of the medical people will continue to lead you both back to good health.
Katie is a cutie - what a wonderfully wide beaming smile she has and what a bright spark she would be your worrying time.
Thinking about you all and sending Aussie Hugs...
Hang in there, Rick and Shirlene....
AlmaG.

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Alma, thank you so very much - I love you sincerity and best wishes. *4U

I am so glad to hear that your husband seems to be doing a little better. It all takes time & when I say time I mean quite a bit of time when it involves a stroke. With medication, therapy & loves he should recover to a certain point. Our prayers are with you. Keep up the good work. Arlene

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Arlene, thank you dear - I will keep your comments in the back of my mind - knowing that it takes time to heal. Thanks for the prayers - *4U

Hello darling,

So glad to read that Rick is coming along so well. A lot of commitment is needed for physical therapy and I pray that Rick will benefit greatly from it.

On the subject of your health do you have carpal tunnel problems with your wrists? I've had surgery on both of my hands and the relief is instantaneous! I pray for you and Rick daily as do many others on this site, I am sure.

I am glad you have your family close by to help out.
Where would we be without that help?

Like Yoriko says, you are so kind to worry about everyone else - you are an angel - love and blessings Chris

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Chris, thank you my dear - yes, it is carpul tunnel - but I can't get that operation while trying to care for Rick - the other operation is out of the quesiton, as my insurance will not cover it. I am grateful for the family close by, too. Thanks so much for your support and prayers. *4U

Dearest Shirlene,
I think about you all the time. How wonderful friend you are, sending me emails with the messages from my Cute Family, even when you are also going through a difficult time. I will never forget that. You both are in my prayers and thoughts. I love you, Yoriko

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Yoriko, you are a dear one - who wouldn't want to help you during a tough time. We all adore you. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. *4U

Shirlene, Lovely picture! You and your husband are in my prayer and thoughts! Big Hug!

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

haydebub, thank you so very much - we do appreciate your pryaers and thoughts so very much - *4u

Shirlene - keep your smile - it will sink from outside to inside by knowing that there is a loving God caring you - at least at the right time

God bless you with strenght and a deep peace about the situation in your hearts.
I will also pray for the natural things you need to cover your daily needs.
It's a couple depends on to the other - the spiritual and natural providing.

Baerbel

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Baerbel, thank you my dear - we do appreciate it.

What a beautiful child! I imagine she lights up each room she enters. This is a wonderful picture of all of you. I am glad Rick's situation is improving somewhat and I hope whatever health issue you are facing will take a turn for the better. God loves you and is watching over you all. I know you know that. You are both in our prayers. God bless you! Anne

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Anne, thank you dear - Katie is a joy to have around. Yes, we also appreciate your comments and prayers, too. *4U

That's the problem with medication, they fix one side and the rest goes wrong ! When they will have found the right amount to the right time, it will go better.
All my love.
Cathie

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Cathie, thank you dear.

Shirlene thanks for the update, it is so good to hear that there is an improvement in Rick. Hopefully your health will sort itself out very soon. Take care

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Caroline, thank you so very much - not sure it will sort itself out - but we can hope for that - love!

Shirlene thank you for the photo. Now I know how Rick looks like. Happy little girl. Strongs for the both of you and espesially for you. LOVIES

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Marthie, thank you so very much.

Love and prayers for you continue without ceasing! Belated Happy Birthday to Katie! I love the picture of the three of you -- smiles are such good things. Please keep reminding yourself and Rick that prayer DOES change things, and that God is ALWAYS on our side!
Blessings,
Diane
PS -- on a lighter note: I have a sister at church that had a similar situation to Rick's, and she had the Botox injections for her arm, too. She laughed and said, what a shame -- the WRINKLES are on my FACE, not my ARM!

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by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Diane, thank you so very much - we sure appreciate the ongoing prayers - Hehehe! I know - I was thinking - wonder why they don't just slip me an injection or so. Thanks!

What a lovely pic of everyone! Just remember Shirlene to take it one minute at a time. God takes care of the rest. Can I suggest a book (devotional)? It is called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is a daily very short devotional and WOW! what a way to wake up and read such encouraging word this lady writes. The book is in 1st person as if Christ is writing the book. If you send me your address, I will send you the book for you and Rick to enjoy. Still praying for you all. Stay true to Jesus. He knows our battles we face. But it will be worth it when we see Him. Terre

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Terre, thank you very much - I would love that. I have faith and do believe, just as you say. *4U

Shirlene, thank you for the update. You all look great & will be continuing to pray for your whole family! For all known & unknown needs. Hang in there!! Love to ya! Gerry B

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Gerry, thank you dear one - we both appreciate it and so does the rest of the family. We are hanging!

What a lovely picture Shirlener.
I will pray that all will go well for you
Hugs
Edith

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Edith, thank you - that is a good prayer and we appreciate it.

Each piece of good news adds up. I was once told to look at what I had weeded not how much was left to do. Good advice for me at the time and it remains good advice for me now. Prayers continue for you and for Rick.

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Karen, thank you - very good advice for us, too. Thanks so very much for the prayers.

Just remember one step a it time. God is always with you and your family and we are here too to pray for you. Thank you for all you do for us here in Cute. Hugs and LOve

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Melita, thank you so very much - we sure apprecaite all the prayers. *4U

Hello Shirlene, I think of you a lot, and it is so nice to see you all three looking so good on your lovely photo. I pray things goes from strength to strength for you.
Lots of love.

Hugs and God bless
Marietta

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Marietta, thank you - with your move - I don't know how you think of anything else - we sure appreciate the prayers - we know we have been blessed by many. *4U

L*VELY pic of you all. I see that you have put a cute embroidery on your shirt. Your GD is such a CUTIE! Your DH has on a NIKE shirt, remember the commercial "JUST DO IT"! RICK can JUST DO IT! with strenth and victory!

Continue to fight the good fight of FAITH! Behind every cloud is the SUN! Behind the rain is a RAINBOW! Be BLESSED! *2U

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Monica, thank you so much - for your ongoing kindness and faith - we will continue to fight - that is for sure. We have been blessed through the last couple months. *4u2

Great picture of you, Rick and Katie. So nice to smiles on your faces. Praying and thinking of you both daily. Thanks for the update. Take care. Hugs Lynn

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Lynn, we sure appreciate your on-going prayers - they are helping. You are very welcome. *4U

We always realize how blessed we are when we hear of others having so much troubles. Bless you and your husband and I pray that each day brings new beginnings of things being better for you both.

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Ruthie, thank you very much - we appreciate you words of thought so very much. *4U

Nice to see you both and Katie too. At least you are still smiling. Still thinking about you lots. Hugs Lisa

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Lisa, we apprecaite your thoughtfulness and support. *4u

thank you for the update. I will be
praying for you, that betters days will come. But It's great to see this lovely picture and you still can enjoy the days together, what a blessing.And though Rick lost weight he's looking good!(you all do,love these smiling faces)and Katie looks so happy to have you both, we can all see that. prayers,love and hugs for you!

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Gerry, thank you - I did need to hear this - as my eyes are leaking - *4U

Shirlene, hang in there. Put your trust in the Lord. Prayer really does work! Recovery does take time. Thank you for sharing that wonderful picture of your family...now I get a sense of who you and Rick are. I'll pray for you and Rick today in my prayers. God Bless You! Reva

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Reva, thank you so much - we do believe in the power of prayer - I wouldn't have Rick - if it were not for all the prayers said on his behalf - thank you for yours, too. Progress not perfection, I say. *4U

Dear Shirlene, That is is a great picture of u and Rick.I am not too good with words but u are always in my heart and prayers,all the best too u,Love,Tanuja

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Tanuja, thank you very much - seems to me - that you are very good with words - you tugged on my heart & we appreciate the prayers.

Thinking of you and Rick and keeping you in my prayers. Love your picture.

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Angie, thank you my dear - we sure appreciate the prayers.

Shirlene
life is a hard road for many and you are sure travelling one at the moment.
I pray you will stay strong and, that recovery, although slow and hard for you and your family, will one day show its ray of sunshine for you.
love and warm fuzzies
Helen

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Helen, thank you - I know you are correct in this, too. HUGS

Continuing prayers for you and your husband. May each day be better than the one before.

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Mary Ann, thank you.

SHIRLENE THANKS FOR THE PIC.NOW I SEE YOU.IS NICE TO PUT A PIC WITH A FACE,I HOPE YOUR PROBLEMS WILL GET FIXED SOON .TAKE VITEM B FOR STRESS,I HAVE A LOT OF IT WITH WALTER,HE ALSO HAS LOST ALOT OF WEIGHT,I WISH IT WAS ME LOSING THE WEIGHT LOL.I AM VERY GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT RICK,GOD IS GOOD AND HELPS WHEN WE NEED HIM, RICK MAY STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO YET IN RECOVERY BUT HE IS STILL WITH YOU.PRASE GOD AND RICKS DETERMANATION.IT IS WITH GOD GRACE YOU THE CARE GIVER WILL GET THROUGH THIS,I T IS THE ONLY WAY I AM HANINGING IN THERE,,,GOD BLESS YOU AND RICK..I AM SORRY I CANNOT HELP FINANCIALEY,WE ARE IN A SHINKING SHIP HERE FINANCIALEY ALSO, I AM SORRY,, GOD BLESS LUCY,,,,I WISH I COULD WIN THE LOTTO 649 DRAW 50 MILLION WE ALL WOULD BE WINNERS,,,,

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Lucy, I appreciate your prayers - they are what we need. Thank you very much - I will continue to pray for you and Walter, too.

OH! My good friend, i'm sorry for you . Trusts god is going to give everything your certo.Coloquei name in the prayers book of my church .THINKS with FAITH. Everything can, in that that strengthens me".
Taste a lot of you and your smile is charming. Its family is much Linda!
A fraternal hug.

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Dilceia, thank you my dear. We appreciate the prayers.

Shirlene what a gorgeous photo all smiles! thanks for the update too on rick's progress. Hugs and love Sally

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by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Sally, thank you dear heart.

Dear Shirlener thanks for the news about you and Rick. Glad he is progressing.Thinking of you and praying for you each day.Big Hugs April

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by shirlener88 08 Jun 2010

April, thank you so very much - we appreciate it.

Nothing but best wishes coming your way! Since I have started coming to this site I am seeing that it is more like a close knit family. You have many many shoulders to lean on in this community!

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by shirlener88 08 Jun 2010

Debra, thank you so much - we sure do appreciate them, too.

Shirlene, it is so lovely to hear about you all there.
My thoughts are often with you and Rick.
Keep going and I will try to take my own advice hehehe... My grandchildren/girls keep me going. My daughter has given me some greif recently. Enough about me...
Thanks for the update. Hugs Kerry.

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by shirlener88 08 Jun 2010

Kerry dear - we appreciate your thoughts and we will keep going. Now - perhaps you need to update us on your going ons?? Thanks dear.

Here is a picture of the two of us with Katie who turned twelve on June 3rd. See how thin Rick has gotten? Doesn't Katie just beam in this picture?

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14 comments

by kezza2sew 08 Jun 2010

Shirlene I love this photo and it's nice to see you all smiling...love and hugs to your all, Kerry

by shirlener88 08 Jun 2010

Thanks Kerry!

by sewmom 09 Jun 2010

Katie is adorable. Thank you for sharing with us.

by beatie58 09 Jun 2010

Terrific photo of you all! Sally

by nualaa 09 Jun 2010

What a great photo Shirlene, you all look great. Rick has lost weight but he looks good. My husband was ill and lost a lot too and it is scary. Just love each other and the rest will take care of itself. Love and Hugs

by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

Thank you each - we sure do appreciate your love. Yes, nualaa Rick is really dropping the weight, but I know we are in God's graces right now. Thanks all.

by shirlener88 09 Jun 2010

thanks so much!

by cathiejones 09 Jun 2010

What a beautiful "sun" you have between the two of you, she's beautiful !

by manami 09 Jun 2010

Shirlene, what a precious picture! Love your smiles, made me smile too. Love,Yoriko

by jacquipaul 09 Jun 2010

Lovely photo of the three of you Shirlene. I know it is wonderful to spend time with little Katie.

by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

I am at a loss for words - thanks!

by meganne 10 Jun 2010

What a lovely photo, it is great to finally put a face to the name, (Rick).
Hugs n love, Meganne

by jrob 10 Jun 2010

What a great picture.....still praying.;)

by shirlener88 10 Jun 2010

Thank you Meg - I thought you had seen a picture of him before.

Jerrilyn, thank you dear - we really appreciate.