Tuesday, July 31, 2007

a quick note

the bit about the treatment possibly starting again in a few days is inaccurate. dr. gollob's assistant was in to see ellen this morning and mentioned it, only briefly, as a possibility. i'm sure that i read a little too much into it.

dr. gollob himself came in later and was pleased with ellen's mental progress. we are still in a holding pattern, so to speak, because we still need to see progress in her liver and kidney functions. the best case would be that everything improves and she is able to start the second course in 2 weeks.

a couple more notes:

-because of ellen's low white blood cell count, she is not allowed to have flowers in the room. she loves and appreciates what has been sent already but asks that you not send anymore.

-if you are sending another package, the address at the apartment will work fine. someone is always stopping there to pick up cards and packages... she may even be going back there in a day or so.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Ryan-
You are a man of amazing strength. I know today was not easy for you at all but I am praying the Lord will continue to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding and comfort. Ellen is an amazing fighter and I am so proud of her for fighting through this process and not giving up. Please keep us updated and please let me, amber, and angie know how we can be a help this weekend. We are there to love on Ellen but also to serve you in what you need.
May God Bless you the rest of this day.
Natalie Cressy

Anonymous said...

Ryan, I feel very positive for Ellen. I hope for your lives to move in a better direction every day and pray for Ellen to be able to endure the suffering to get back to her life.. How you must cherish every second together. From your comments I remain very optomistic. I'm certain you guy's are staying that way. Sounds like the Doctors really know what they are doing and everything seems to be under control. I admire you two. You are both amazing.
Ami

Jo Ann said...

Hey Ellen & Ryan,
Thanks Ryan for the info, I think the doctors are great and remain very positive. You truly are amazing with all the updates...Thanks. Ellen it was great to hear your voice today even if it was only for a minute. I miss you and love you lots, and it just won't be the same this year with out you, but I promise I will make you proud.
Hope to see you early next week!!!
Hang in there both of you and give each other a big hug.

Love JoAnn

PS...Tom said to say Hi and he has a jet-ski with you name on it waiting for you to get home.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the positive attitude Ellen, and Ryan continue to be strong. We pray for you each and every day.

Love, Brad and Christine

Anonymous said...

Ryan,
I just found out about the blog from Shannon and Aunt Suzy---it's a great idea. Let Ellen know that we're constantly thinking about you guys and praying for her, always hoping for the best.
Love,
Lee Anne

Anonymous said...

Thanks to Christy and Aunt Deb, the Berasi's are now knowledgeable about Ellen's blog............

Ryan ~ I know it is difficult to write when you are experiencing up's and down's with Ellen's treatment, but this blog is a wonderful way to keep everyone informed and also a great tool for yourself as we all know writing is "great therapy" for the soul! Keep up the great work ~ it is much appreciated by everyone who loves you both and keeps the communication lines open for prayers to continue to filter towards you at Duke for quick healing -- keep the writing flowing and Ellen will recover quickly.

Ellen ~ I sat and read all of your daily progresses from start to finish tonight. You are such a trooper and can continue to fight this battle. (Just think of our 1st spinning class and how hard that started out being ~ in the end we love the "pain" that the class puts us through and we go back for more.) You are at the same crossroads here -- You can take this well needed break from treatment, rest, recover and "get back on the bike" for the next session. If the going get's tough have Ryan play the Tina Turner song and pedal harder.

Suzie ~ I am so glad you are beside Ellen and Ryan during these moments. Nothing is greater than a mother's strength and love during these days. You hang tight and "Keep the Faith". You have many friends praying and sending get well vibes towards Ellen ~ miracles will occur.......

Christy, Annie, Don, and everyone else that ventured down to Duke in the last 36 hrs ~ what a great support team to rally Ellen and Ryan. Gear up and attack this cancer and bring Ellen home soon --DR bought fireworks to display in NC on Amber Street and from the sounds of the lawn attack by the dull blades that were described by DR, you can't get back fast enough!!

Our prayers will continue for your recovery. Rest, sleep and get ready for a battle that will be WON!!

Love,
Barb, Mario and "The Land of Dogs" Rocco, Guido, Mason & Duncan

Anonymous said...

Ellen & Ryan,

We're sending positive thoughts and
many prayers. We know that they'll
be answered. Keep the faith!
Keep strong.........Get your rest!
That goes for you too Suzy!
Love, hugs, kisses.

Patty

Anonymous said...

Ellen hails from an "eating" office; we are not surprised by her request for a low fat muffin, while settling for a Krispy Kreme! We are also not surprised by her determination and strength during this battle. We miss her presence here with us every day; which is why we are there with her in thought and prayer. Our wish for you is a healing that touches your body, a peace in the moments when you need it most, and the strength to sustain both you and Ryan day by day.
Our love to you - The GDK Gang

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Ellen,

I work with Mary Lyn Grande and just want you to know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers daily. God be with you and give you both the strength you are going to need as these treatments progess.

Cheryl Joseph

Anonymous said...

Ellen and Ryan,

We think about you both everyday, are so impressed with your incredible strength (both of you) and are continuing to pray and send our positive energy your way. Ellen's perseverance will bring her through this. When she's out of the hospital and healthy enough to eat donuts on a daily basis, we must get together for a visit. Good luck this week and thank you Ryan for keeping us posted.

Love,
Adam and Sara

Anonymous said...

Ryan:

I was a very good friend of your mother's in high school. I had the privilege of sitting with your mom and Ellen at Christine's bridal shower. I was immediately drawn to her. She is so lovely. My sister Fredda, forwarded this to me today to let me know what you are going through. I can tell Ellen is a fighter and she is blessed to have you standing beside her. We are having a prayer meeting at our church tonight, and we are going to take Ellen and you before God tonight. He is amazing. I want Him to show Himself strong in your lives now.

We will keep updated on your site.

Mauri A. O'Brodo (Votaw)

Anonymous said...

Ellen & Ryan,

You both are in our prayers. We pray that the Lord will give you both the strength and hope that you need to get through this. We pray that the Lord will give the Doctors the wisdom and knowledge to find the right treatments for Ellen.

If Ellen wants, I would be happy to hand deliver a blueberry muffin to her any time she wants one. She loved getting them on Fridays when I would take them to work.

After reading all the comments, we know that there are many many prayers being lifted up for you both.

Ryan....you are a strong and good man to go through this with the grace you have.

Ellen.... I can not wait for your healthy return to home. Miss YOU !


Tim & Maria Kidder

Anonymous said...

Ellen and Ryan,
All of us here at the NC YMCA would like to send our support and love. You are in all of our prayers. You have the true Y "spirit" and we are proud to count you as part of our Y family. We are all inspired by your tremendous strength and fortitude. Maybe that running and exercise at the Y has helped to give you some of that exceptional perseverance. We all pray that God's light and grace will shine on you and family. Paul and Staff

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Ellen: Remember that beautiful poem "Footprints" and let God carry you both when the burden gets too hard to bear. Our thoughts, prayers and love are being sent your way. Anna Turner and Bob Hillhouse

Anonymous said...

Well, Ellen, now you have really done it!

For all of us who read every one of Ryan's posts, word for word, pouring over every single phrase for deeper meaning and insight, you have opened a whole new world of CMD (that's carbo-medical diet)! There you are, surrounded by all this great medical science, and you reach for a Krispy Kreme donut!

Ryan told all of us that you were feeling really rotten until an original glazed donut touched your lips! And then!!!!

Most of us who are following you are fighting a far more modest battle at the waistline. We whine about our aches and pains (I think you have given us ample instruction on that score) and avoid carbs.

Now, the good Mr. Gray suggests that Krispy Kreme may have some great and undocumented therapeutic value!

Thanks to Ryan, the word about,CMD is now broadcast ACROSS THE ENTIRE WORLD WIDE WEB! With a little quiet message we might have been able to get into the market before the word got out. Krispy Kreme stock is now trading at $6.75 a share, still a bargain by contrast to Merck.

Let's get better, Ellen, and get on home. I'll have a dozen of those KK babies, fresh and warm, waiting just for you. I'll eat a dozen myself, right on your deck to celebrate! We can laugh about how medical science got turned on its head by... a glazed donut!

DR

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Ellen, I think of you both everyday, throughout the day. Although you are a few states away, you are both very close in my heart. Please keep me posted, as you have been, with everything that is happening. I always read the blogs. Look for a package at your apartment within the next day or two. ~ Not donuts, sorry! I would've packed some if I knew!! Please let me know if I can help with anything at all! Even if it's just random errands in Canton, to coming to Duke, I am happy to be there in a minute.

All my love and prayers, Morgen

Fredda Work said...

Dear Ryan and Ellen,

You are right Ryan, somethimes no change is a positive thing. We continue to keep you in our prayers, and know what a great love story yours is. I know you have an amazing support system of family and friends, and now is the time to rely on every one of them. You have been a great friend to Brad for many years, and we are so proud of the man, husband, and son you are. Hugs to you all.

Love,
Paul and Fredda

Jen Sedlak said...

Ellen and Ryan,

Gatoraid and donuts--the true breakfast of champions!

I also wanted to let everyone from home (NC-OH) know that they are welcome to join us to cycle for Ellen on August 25th at the North Canton Y! It is the Tour DeVaughn, but Kathy Yaros and I are recruiting people to cycle at the 11am time frame for Ellen. Since Ellen is known to be in the cycling classes at the Y, we have decided to cycle for her. It is a fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong foundation so the minimum registration is $30 and you can sign up at the Y or online. Email me if you want more info.

I would love to fill up the time slot with people cycling for Ellen's fight!

We all love you,and are glad to hear that your personality and appetite have come back. Thinking of you always and sending energy your way-
Jen

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