Looking forward!!!

Hi everyone!  Of all of the blog posts I have written since the beginning of this journey, this one is probably the most exciting.  It feels so good to sit here writing about how wonderful Louie is doing.  God has been so faithful and I am grateful that Louie has been healed by our Mighty God!  Louie had a Petscan recently to look for any activity and Marianne was feeling nervous.  One of her friends told her that she needs to remember that Louie IS HEALED.  This was such a great reminder to stand on God's Word and Promises as they go forward. The results from the Petscan were great, the doctor didn't find any cancer and all active areas on the scan are shrinking.  Louie is feeling good, working out, has no side effects and is looking forward to getting back to "normal life."  Louie will have another scan in 3 months and is looking forward to another great report.

A photo of Louie after he got the news, cancer free!

For those that have not heard, Louie and Marianne sold their music store in December and are moving on to other things.  Louie is back to work doing pools for a season while they get back on their feet.  He also continues to work in audio and video, working in music and recording from their home.  Louie's desire is to continue working in this area of talent that God has blessed him with.  Louie recently shared his story at a Relay For Life dinner and will continue to share what God has done in and through him anytime God opens the door.  

Louie and Marianne would like to thank each and every one of you for the love, support, meals, prayers....the list goes on and on.  There is a reception planned for the March 29th from 1-3 p.m. at Valley Life Community Church in the Fellowship Hall.  This is a time for anyone and everyone that was a part of Louie's journey to come together and celebrate and share.  It is a time to praise God for the Body of Christ and the role each person played in the journey.  Louie and Marianne look forward to getting everyone into one room to fellowship, laugh and enjoy being together.  All are welcome, Louie and Marianne look forward to seeing you there! 

Again, thank you for your prayers for Louie and Marianne!  They are so thankful for their family that is tied together in Christ, one body many parts.  God is good!

Standing in Faith

Happy December!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the cool weather!  

There is a lot going in in the lives of Louie and Marianne these days so here is a quick update.  Louie had his pet scan yesterday and we would love it if you would all join us in prayer and standing in faith that he is cancer free!  We know that we serve a mighty God who hears our prayers and knows our hearts and we believe that His will is going to be done in and through Louie.  Louie and Marianne will get the results from the scan on December 12th and then will head to Stanford to head and neck oncology for a second opinion.

In other big news, Louie and Marianne have sold their music store. It is very bittersweet for them! They have loved the people they have had the privilege to meet and work with! With all they have been dealt this past year they haven't been able to give it the time or attention it needs and it became a financial burden.  They know that God has His hand on their lives and look forward to what God has in store for them!  

Louie and Marianne also celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary this week! They are so thankful for the past 7 years and look forward to their future together!  As always, thank you all for your continued prayers! Louie and Marianne look forward to reporting back with a good report! God Bless!

Dare to believe!

Since the last update Louie and Marianne have been quite busy!  They have participated in 2 cancer walks and raised over $2300.00 for Selma's Cancer Support.  They also went to Relay for Life in Lake Elsinore and spent time with Marianne's sister, Karen and her team called faith and hope for a cure.  They had an amazing time.  Marianne and Louie have really begun to understand what a great need there is for fundraising.  The cost for cancer care and treatments are extremely expensive, even if you have medical insurance. They would like to encourage everyone to donate regularly even if it's just to save your pocket change every month.

Louie saw Dr. Flam almost a week ago on October 15th. He is gaining weight and his blood pressure was good! His surgical sight is continuing to heal and the side effects from the radiation are beginning to dissipate.  Dr. Flam said Louie no longer needs the Herceptin, he justified its use during chemo and radiation when it would be most effective. He said that they weren't able to use the Herceptin as early as they should have because they couldn't get approval from the insurance so he used it as a precaution.  

Although the doctor told Louie he would need to be on the Herceptin for 1-2 years that has changed because Herceptin use in Head and Neck cancer is different then in Esophageal or Breast cancer.  There is a greater risk for spread in those cancers and the recurrence in Head and Neck is 90% in Louie's neck and 10% in his lungs.

They also asked about a pet scan and the doctor would like for Louie to rest for 12 weeks so that they don't receive any false positives. The doctor says he believes that Louie is cancer free. Marianne asked for evidence to support that and he said "Believe me, I know what I'm doing..."  Let's join together and pray that this would be true in Jesus' name!

Louie has an appointment for a second opinion at Stanford University so Marianne and Louie are currently working with a patient coordinator.  They are getting all of Louie's records from the diagnosis to date for a Head and Neck specialist to review. They will wait for Louie's petscan results before heading up there for his appointment.

In the mean time Louie is gaining his strength back, his taste buds are beginning to wake up, and he is feeling better and better with each day.... he is looking forward to this time to reflect and recover.  His testimony continues to grow with each passing day and he doesn't want to become complacent and forget what God has done. 

He wants to remind everyone of the important things in life; love each other, forgive, pray, fellowship, say you're sorry, be kind, reach out, pay it forward, be the hands and feet of Jesus, say thank you, don't let the enemy steal what is yours, declare God's Word and dare to believe!

As always, a big thank you to everyone for helping Louie and Marianne on this journey... they are so blessed and then some!

Never the same!

It has been awhile!  I am happy to report that Louie is staying strong and excited to almost be done with treatments, only two more weeks!  He is currently undergoing radiation Monday through Friday and chemo on Tuesdays.  He is doing surprisingly well and is only suffering from a few side effects including some redness and slight burning on the radiation side, inability to taste much of anything and a scratchy throat.  The Oncologists continue to be amazed at how well Louie has tolerated the treatment.  After treatments are over Louie will be given some time to rest before he has another Petscan.  We continue to thank God for working through Louie and for the strength He provides!  What a great and loving God we serve!

Marianne and Louie are keeping busy preparing for Selma's Cancer Support Circle the City Walk.  The theme is going to be giraffes, "Stand tall in the fight against head and neck cancer."  They will be participating in this 24 hour event along with family and friends.  They are going to camp out at Pioneer Village in Selma and will be hosting a free oral cancer screening at the two campsites.  If you would like to join their team please contact Louie or Marianne and they will get you registered.  If you would like to support them in this event feel free to send a donation to Selma Cancer Support with a note for team Louie Rodriguez.  You can mail the check to one of two places:

Selma's Cancer Support

2128 North Street

Selma, Ca 93662

Selma's Cancer Support 

c/o Louie and Marianne Rodriguez

1711 Tucker Street 

Selma, Ca 93662

Louie and Marianne recently had a family reunion and it was quite a fiesta!  They both enjoyed seeing their loved ones and had a wonderful time!  Louie is looking forward to the next season of what God has planned for him!  Specifically, he is looking forward to not having to go to the cancer center everyday, seeing his son Dan get married in November, seeing his family from near and far at the wedding, a complete cancer free diagnosis and regaining his physical strength and gaining some weight back!  

Louie is excited for a sense of normalcy in his life yet he knows that he will never be the same!  God has changed him and revealed so much to him through this journey.  Louie and Marianne continue to see God at work in their own lives as well as the lives of others.  They have learned that you definitely can not out-give God!  

Thank you again for your continued love, support and encouragement, it means the world to Louie and Marianne!  John 3:16

Until next time, keep on praying!

The Hands and Feet...

I would like to start by saying thank you for all of your prayers for Louie!  Yesterday Louie and Marianne found out that they have been granted a year-long approval for the medication needed for the mutation.  This approval is for a replacement medication as a specialty therapeutic.  This is wonderful news even though it means Louie has to have more chemo.   This is going to be a great relief because out-of-pocket medical bills have been hitting them pretty hard.  Again, thank you for your prayers, God is good!

Yesterday Louie also had his 2nd day of radiation consultation and simulation.  They met with a social worker, nurse and the radiation oncologist.  The simulation was extremely confining and restrictive which proved to be rough on Louie and made him feel claustrophobic.  Louie had a face mask made for him which added to his anxiousness.  The good news is his treatments will only last 10-15 minutes.  He will undergo 37 treatments beginning August 8th.  We ask that you join us in praying for Louie as he begins the next leg of his journey. 

Louie and Marianne also spoke with the Chemo Oncologist yesterday and he will let them know Tuesday (Louie's 48th birthday!!!) whether or not any chemo will accompany the radiation.  Louie's infection is continuing to clear up and he is slowly beginning to eat normally again.  They will meet with a dietician on August 12th who will help them plan his meals during radiation.  Lets continue to pray for God's guidance for the doctor's as they care for Louie.

Louie and Marianne were extremely excited to return to church this past Sunday, it was great for them to be there.  Louie was still sick from the infection so the deacons anointed him with oil, laid hands on him and prayed.  They also spoke declarations over him, it was very comforting to have them come and pray.  Louie and Marianne continue to be blessed by the hands of Christ.  Last Tuesday Louie was so sick and weak that he had to be taken to his appointment in a wheelchair.  When they returned home their pastor along with Nancy and Steve were there to lay hands on him and pray.  God's timing continues to be spot on, always just when Louie needs it most. 

Louie and Marianne said that a highlight of their week was receiving a scrapbook of photos from my family.  We sent them a book filled with pictures of their (adorable) grandkids.  They love our kids so much and our kids adore them.  Liam prays for his Papa every night before dinner.  He asks God to make him not sick any more and for the tiny ugly germs (how he would describe an infection) to get out!  We were happy to send a little ray of sunshine into Papa and Grammie's week!

Please keep on praying and be the hands and feet of Jesus like so many have been (Bobby, Nancy, Steve, David, Sam, Keith, Pastor Jared, Fanny, Una, Rosalie, Michael, Magali, Penny, Rita and everyone else that have been just that to Louie and Marianne).  You can be the hands and feet by simply praying for others, delivering a meal, mowing a lawn or just stopping by to deliver a hug.  Marianne and Louie love you guys and appreciate all you have done and continue to do for them. 

Remember to wish Louie a very happy birthday Tuesday!  He will be celebrating on Saturday by having THE BEST BBQ all the way from Texas, Rudy's!  He is so excited and said it almost brings a tear to his eye, lol! 

Lots of love!

God's perfect plan

Last week Louie and Marianne saw a different Oncologist (theirs was out of town) and Louie's blood pressure was good but he lost 6 lbs and his sodium was a little low.  He wasn't dehydrated but was still having stomach complications so he was given a long-lasting shot to help with this.  He had been having a rough time sleeping and struggling with the side effects of the chemo but he is happy to be disconnected from the port so he can sleep on his stomach again!  

Louie and Marianne heard back from the insurance company and the Her2 mutation medication was denied but Louie was given his 3rd dose last week.  They will begin the process of appealing the state insurance board as they are already almost $7,000 into the treatment.  Please pray that God will sort out the details in this matter, they are not worried though because whatever the outcome God is in control!  Louie and Marianne feel extremely blessed that they have a doctor who is on their side and doing everything he can to give Louie the best possible care.  They are trusting that God will make a way!  They continue to trust God is everything and know that He will never leave them or forsake them, He is always there!  

This week the chemo has continued to be really rough on Louie's body and he lost another 5 lbs but they are trusting that God will not give them any more than they can handle.  Their Oncologist was still out of town this week so they met with the same doctor as last week.  This doctor has been more sensitive to Louie's symptom management which has been a real blessing.  They are running some tests to be sure Louie doesn't have an infection and put him on some new medication to ease the discomfort.  At this point they have stopped all treatment until they can get this resolved so in the mean time Louie will get some much needed rest and some time for his body to strengthen.  He is starting to have a bit of cabin fever and is having to eat a pretty bland diet (he is missing his cookies and milk!!) so we are praying he will begin to feel better, get the rest he needs and that there is no infection.

Louie and Marianne continue to trust God in this journey and Louie speaks His name and His Word out loud and often.  Louie shared today that he went to God first with his healing, for many years he has gone to God in prayer.  He remembers asking God to heal him and let the tumors dissolve.  He has been prayed over by pastors, evangelists, family and friends but God has other plans.  God has a journey for Louie and it is all in HIS perfect timing!  We can already see how many people have been changed by hearing Louie's story and trust that God will use this for His glory.

Louie and Marianne continue to be beyond blessed by all of their wonderful family members and friends.  They feel your prayers and their love for the body of Christ continues to grow each and every day.  They love the pictures, texts, cards, emails and support you all continue to pour out.  They read each and every message they receive so keep them coming!  A big thank you to all of those that showed up at their home to pray and offer encouragement, Louie and Marianne cherish your love and friendship.

Louie and Marianne are also happy and excited to see God's healing hand in the lives of others, He deserves all of the glory and honor and praise.  Please join with us in praying for God to work in and through Marianne and Louie on this journey.  

Latest Appointment

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the delay in getting this up but it has been pretty busy around my house with family visiting and the 4th of July fun!  Hope you all had a great day yesterday!

So as for an update, Louie saw the Oncologist again this past Tuesday.  He has lost 3 lbs but his blood pressure and blood counts continue to be good!  Louie and Marianne thought they would be going in so that Louie could get his chemo pump refilled but it turned out that he needed to get his second dose of Herceptin (HER2 medication-Louie and Marianne should hear back on the appeal to the insurance company in a few days, keep praying!).  Louie also had to stay for treatment, additional testing and because he was dehydrated he also had to stay and be hydrated.  What should have been a short day turned into 6 hours at the cancer center but Louie and Marianne made the best of it.

Louie will have a consult with the radiation oncologist very soon!  They will be giving him the HER2 medication weekly and will be adding another chemo drug to help the radiation be more effective beginning with a 7 day infusion.  Louie is still fighting the side effects of the chemo so keep praying! Louie and Marianne are still working together to figure out the best diet for Louie and the best way to manage his side effects.  Marianne is working hard to meet all of Louie's needs and asks that you would pray for her as she learns and grows through this time.

Louie and Marianne are feeling especially blessed that her Uncle flew all the way from Troy, Ohio!  He is taking time to support them, spend quality time with them and help them through this trying time.  He also accompanied them to the appointment and because he was there the doctor checked Louie for dehydration!  God is continuing to place people in the lives of Louie and Marianne to bless them, God is so good!

Please continue to pray for Louie!  We are extremely thankful for all the works God has already done and a big thank you for all of your constant prayers.