Another visit to the doctor!

Louie had an appointment with the surgeon today and we got good news once again!  The doctor removed the rest of Louie's stitches and said Louie looks great! He said Louie can slowly resume activities like driving, yard work, exercising, etc.  He was very impressed with how quickly Louie continues to heal, it has only been 2 weeks since the surgery.

The doctor's staff are always excited when they see Louie, in fact two of them said he is a miracle and they will always remember him.  God continues to use Louie and these trials to transform lives!  Louie is quite popular amongst the staff, I think it has something to do with the love and joy he shares with those he meets :)))

The surgeon thanked Marianne and Louie again for the gift they gave him which was a small plaque for his desk with Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The doctor said when future patients ask him what they can do for him he will ask them for something with a verse that is meaningful to them.  That way he can remember each patient by their scripture they chose!  How awesome is that? 

Now on to the medical stuff.  The cancer the doctor found was in a low neck node and he will be meeting with the tumor board this Thursday. The board is from Stanford University and they will be meeting to determine the best course for a cure, the doctor said he will refer Louie to the best radiology oncologists for the diagnosis.  Louie and Marianne feel so appreciative that the surgeon is so thorough and taking such great care of them!  God knew what He was doing when he chose the surgeon to care of Louie!

Louie and Marianne meet with the doctor again next Wednesday to find out more.  In the past, the doctor has always been quick to let them know what to expect or what he suspected Louie had.  Today however the doctor said he thought he knew, but decided not to say anything.  Louie and Marianne wonder if the doctor is hesitant to say anything because of all the miracles that have already taken place.  Maybe he is getting ready for another miracle!  

Even though they do not have a diagnosis Louie and Marianne are still encouraged!

They are standing upon God's continued healing. He's going to finish what He started!

Louie and Marianne continue to be so thankful for your prayers and support and would like to share some of the love with the awesome surgeon who has been taking care of Louie.  If you would like to help out send a card or letter thanking Doctor Brien Tonkinson. His address is Central California Ear, Nose & Throat 1351 E. Spruce Fresno, Ca 93720.  Let's shower Doctor Tonkinson with God's love and tell him how much we appreciate the time he has put into helping Louie beat cancer!  

Until next time!  -Sara

Ways to support!

There have been lots of people asking how they can help support Louie and Marianne so below you will find two ways you can! 

First, if you live in or around the Selma area you are invited to benefit dinner on Saturday June 8th at 5:00 p.m. at Lincoln Park in Selma, Ca.  If you would like more information please let us know and we will send you the rest of the details.

Another way you can help is by sporting a bracelet supporting Louie's battle against cancer.  The bracelets have Louie's name on one side and Psalm 118:17 on the other.  You can get a bracelet by making a donation of any amount.  They are available at Kratos Music Center, Valley Life Community Church and Selma Chamber of Commerce.  If you do not live in the area and you would like to donate and receive a bracelet either leave a comment below or email Marianne at mariannerodriguez12@gmail.com. 

90% of the proceeds will go directly to Louie's medical expenses and radiation treatments and the remaining 10% will go towards neck cancer research.  Please make checks payable to Valley Life Community Church.

Doctors visit today

Louie went in to see the doctor today as a follow up to his surgery.  The doctor says Louie looks great and he continues to heal extremely fast, the doctor even removed half of the stitches today (much sooner than expected).  The doctor also removed the Jackson Pratt drain that Louie had in place.

Marianne and Louie return to see the doctor again next Tuesday to have the rest of the stitches removed and to get the results from the cancer panel.  The surgeon says it looks like Louie will probably have to have some radiation, he continues to be very positive and encouraged!  Louie needs to continue to rest and take it easy.

Marianne and Louie have been so blessed by the doctor and the work he has done.  They brought him a gift today as a little thank you.  The doctor asked if he could open it and said he hoped it was something with scripture on it (and it was).  It is so awesome to see God working not only in the Rodriguez family but in the doctor and many others as well.  The doctor hugged Louie twice today at the appointment and Louie was glad to hear all of the good news.  God is good!  You will all be happy to hear that Louie finally got his In-n-Out burger today after his appointment :))))  I sit here in Kansas wishing I was there to enjoy one with him!

Louie continues to be thankful for all of you and feels like God is really speaking to him.  He is trying to be still and listen to the direction God is giving him.  He wants to share the amazing things that God has done and wants to use his experience to change the lives of others.  He would like for God's children to know that God can and will do miracles for anyone.  God loves all of His children and would do anything for them!

Louie continues to seek the Lord and serve Him.  If you live in or around Selma, Louie will be giving his testimony this Sunday.  He will be speaking at 10 a.m. at Valley Life Communtiy Church in Selma. God is going to do great things through Louie, come out and hear his miraculous story!

Thanks again for your love and support!

-Sara

Happy to be home!

Happy Monday everyone!  Louie and Marianne had a great weekend at home.  They were surrounded by lots of family and friends and spent a lot of their time in the Word and in prayer.  Louie is feeling wonderful physically and his heart if overflowing with thankfulness!

Marianne has found her calling as nurse to Louie :)  She is enjoying taking care of him and watching him heal at a supernatural speed.  Louie continues to be proof that God can and will do miraculous things for His children. 

Louie and Marianne would like to say a special thank you to all of you for continuing to pray for Louie and to all of the people who have stopped by, called and texted them.

Louie's question today is "Is there someone you can show God's love to today?  How will you do it?"

-Sara

Heading home!

Louie and Marianne are happy to say they get to go home!  They were able to meet with the doctor and were given tons of information.  Here are some of the highlights of the report:

-Louie's diagnosis is called Pleomorphic Adenoma (the most common tumor of the salivary glands) gone bad.
-The doctor removed 30 lymph nodes and only one of those was positive for cancer.  The cancerous node was found in level 5.  The location of lymph nodes are referred to by levels, see photo below.
-The doctor was going to stop the surgery after level 3 but felt like something wasn't right (can you say Holy Spirit???) so he continued on through level 5.  The cancerous node would not have been found if he had stopped!
-The doctor is not pleased that the cancer was found in level 5, we are unsure of why but will find out more as time goes on.

-Doctor seems positive that radiation will be part of Louie's treatment plan but it will still go to a cancer panel to determine the plan of action.
-Louie's weight gain is no longer a concern for the doctor, but you can still bake him something yummy :))))
-The next medical steps won't take place for about another month.
-Louie and Marianne should be heading home any time now and Louie is instructed to take it easy and lay low.

Louie with the doctor

Louie and Marianne continue to be blown away by the way God is working.  As they were talking to the doctor he told them that there was no way he could have done the surgery alone.  He pointed up and said "He was with me."  The doctor is giving the glory to God and says that prayer and faith works.  How awesome is that?  We are all feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and God deserves all of the praise for what He has done.  I am sure Louie and Marianne can't wait to get home, thank you all again for your steadfast prayers and support! 

Prayer Request

It looks like the doctor won't be in until 4:00 or 4:30 and the nurse says they may have to stay one more night.  Louie and Marianne would love to head out today and enjoy the comfort of being home, please pray that this would be possible.  Thanks everyone!

The Lord at work.

Today has been a wonderful day for Louie and Marianne so far.  Louie is feeling great and continues to heal faster than anyone thought imaginable.  Louie slept well last night and is even rocking his blue jeans today, haha!  They are hoping that the doctor will be in to discharge them after lunch today.  They are still accepting visitors today if you would like to stop by, room 677 at Saint Agnes in Fresno.

Healing quickly!

Both Louie and Marianne continue to be blessed by the way the Lord is working through their family and friends, literally God's hand extended.  His body and His word are both alive and powerful and they are very thankful!  Tuesday the pathology report will be in so please keep on praying!

 Reading the Word.

If you live in the area there will be a dinner for Louie on Saturday June 8th at the Selma Senior Center and Russ Noble Band Stand.  Dinner will begin at 5 o'clock and Joey V's Bringing it Back Band will be performing.  I know that Louie and Marianne would love to see you all there! 

Question of the day from Louie is "How can you be His hands and feet today?"  Post a comment below for Louie to read :)

-Sara

A day of praise!

Marianne and Louie are praising God and happy as can be this evening.  As the day has progressed it has continued to get better and better.

They were able to meet with the doctor today and he let them know that a second surgery will not be needed!  He also let them know that pathology would have called if the results weren't good, so praise God for no news.  The doctor also commented on how wonderfully the incision on Louie's neck has healed, he couldn't believe how great it looked. 

There was a special moment today when the doctor looked at Louie and said he would never forget him for the rest of his life.  He then pointed up to the heavens and said "it was God."  Wow.  God is good all the time!

Marianne was able to talk to a family friend today who is a police officer and he let her know that there will be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in Louie's honor.  How cool is that?  He also said he would get them a police escort home from the hospital :)))

It looks like Louie will get to head home tomorrow and the doctor is optimistic that the cancer will be treatable with some radiation.  We thank you again for all of your prayers and couldn't be happier with they way God is working! 

Leave a comment letting us know what you are thankful for in your life, Louie is enjoying reading your comments!

A walking miracle!

Much to my surprise I received a phone call this morning from Louie himself!  He sounds absolutely wonderful and it was awesome to hear his voice!  Louie says he is feeling great and even walking around.  He isn't in any pain (praise the Lord) and hasn't had to take any pain medication.  He is on antibiotics and has a temporary drainage tube in place, they are hoping to meet with the doctor again today.  This morning the nurse couldn't believe how well Louie was doing and said he may even be able to go home today or tomorrow!  If you would like to visit today you are absolutely welcome to, just try to keep your visit short so Louie can get some rest.

God is continuing to use Louie and these trials to speak to and through the entire family and is revealing Himself.  Louie proclaimed in the name of Christ that God is still in the miracle business and he was right!  We are all in awe of how well Louie is doing and how seamlessly the surgery went.  To God be the glory for all He has done!

Time for some rest!

Sara here again with the final update of the night!  The family was able to go in and see Louie and he is doing great!  He wanted to know how his hair looked and even said he is ready for some In-n-out!

Yummm!

He is absolutely overflowing with joy and was blown away that upon waking up he could blink and move his mouth (what an answer to prayer).  His pain level is very low and he has been talking up a storm.  His mom had to help remind him to be quiet and rest!  The family couldn't be more happy with the outcome today.  Lots of rest is in order for Louie,  he is still in recovery waiting for a room.  Thank you again for all of your prayers and support, God is good!

Prayer works!

I am extremely pleased to report that Louie is out of surgery and doing wonderful!  Thank you Father!  Marianne reports that Louie is wide awake and even smiling :)  The doctor even came out proclaiming that prayer works and that this is a good day!  Surgery could not have gone any better.  The whole family praised in the hallway!!!

Marianne got a full report from the doctor, here are some of the highlights:
-All of the tumors were successfully removed and Louie is in recovery
-All of the cancer was under the nerves and it was all removed
-The way the tumors were laid out and how the cancer grew was ideal for removal, doc said it was the absolute best case scenario
- A skin graft wasn't needed, the doctor was able to use the skin on the neck
-Louie should be home in 3 days, no intensive care was needed
-The only damage done was slight nerve damage to the right corner of his mouth and it is only temporary

Can you say WOW?  How great is our God?

God is continuing to use Louie and this trial to bring others closer to the Lord.  God is working to bring restoration to those around Louie and continues to build the family stronger.  The whole family is overjoyed and thankful for your unified faith and prayers.

Please pray that the type of cancer Louie has will be responsive to treatment and pray for a quick recovery and lots of healing rest. 

No visitors today, check back tomorrow to see if Louie is feeling up to having guests. 

-Sara

Ahead of schedule....

Just heard that the tumors are out 2 hours earlier than we anticipated!  God is in control and His timing is perfect!  The surgeon is closing up Louie's neck now and Marianne will receive a full update from the doctor in an hour!  Thank you all for your steadfast prayers! 

-Sara

Nice to finally meet you....

This morning as the doctor came in to talk with Louie about the surgery he stood at the foot of the bed and said "Nice to finally meet you Louie."  This seems a bit odd because they had met before.  The doctor was referring to the peace and sense of calm that Louie was filled with since they last met, the initial shock had worn off.  Before going in for surgery Louie continued to speak of the peace and love he feels.

Before the surgery this morning the family gathered together and prayed.  They are proclaiming the "healing scriptures," check them out here:  Healing Scriptures.

The family at the hospital

This morning Louie had miracles on his mind.  Louie knows that through the grace of God he is going to be a living miracle.  He wants to be a witness to those around him and prove that miracles still happen today and he will be the evidence.  God is at work!

Medically, the cancer in the tumors is fast growing with an unknown origin.  After the tumors are removed they will be sent off to pathology and in 1-2 weeks they will have a more clear diagnosis.  Once they know what it is specifically a cancer panel will give Louie a treatment plan.  The next surgery will be in 4-6 weeks.

Louie will likely be in surgery for another couple of hours and the doctor is optimistic about his recovery.  He says that Louie may be able to go home in as little as 3 days!  One thing of medical importance is Louie's ability to move his neck after surgery, please pray that Louie will be able to do this as soon as possible to aid in healing.  The doctor is hoping to have Louie moving his neck and maybe even eating tonight, let's pray that this will be possible!

 Before surgery

The doctor's number one concern while Louie is recovering is his weight gain.  If you would like to help Louie feel free to send him some sweets, I hear he loves cookies :)))))

This is where the healing begins....

Hi all,

Just got an update from Marianne.  Louie went in for surgery around 8 a.m. this morning and the doctor was very encouraging!  He said he will be operating for about 3-6 hours so Louie and Marianne told each other "see you in a few hours." 

Praise God for the confidence we have in Him and for the peace only He can provide. Continue to pray for the surgeon to be guided and directed by the Lord and for the cancer to be contained in the tumors.  Pray for peace and strength for Marianne as she waits.  Our God is bigger than cancer!

Keep your eye out for the next update and keep on praying!
-Sara

This is the day....

Louie and Marianne arrived at the hospital this morning to begin preparing for surgery at 5:30 a.m..  Surgery is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m..

Louie is proclaiming this morning that "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Check in throughout the day for updates, we will do our best to let everyone know how Louie is doing.

Feel free to leave a comment to encourage Marianne and Louie today, they really do cherish all of the love and support that you all have been pouring over them.

We serve a mighty God!  Keep praying!

-Sara

The journey begins....

Louie and Marianne

On April 3, 2013 Louie and Marianne found out that Louie has cancer.  That is one word you don't ever want to hear.  From the moment they found out they have been caught up in a whirlwind of emotion and LOTS of prayer.  Louie and Marianne have spent a lot of time reflecting on how very blessed they are and say they are definitely "feeling the love."  They are surrounded by wonderful family, friends and church family.  They are grateful for all of the prayers, love and words of encouragement that you have all been showering them with.

 

Before surgery (neck tumors)

Along with a diagnosis like cancer comes clarity on what is truly important and it offers us a new perspective.  Louie would like to challenge all of you to take a step back and ask yourselves if there are things you are holding on to that God can help you let go of.  Are there blessings in your life that you may be overlooking or taking for granted that can restore your joy today?  Louie is choosing joy and peace in the midst of his circumstances and is proclaiming that GOD IS BIGGER THAN CANCER!  Isn't is amazing how God can use Louie to encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ at a time like this?  

This morning Louie and Marianne woke up and studied Psalm 118-119.  They took time to seek God and ask for peace and strength during this time of trial.  They have spent the majority of the day on the phone and knee deep in paperwork preparing for surgery.

Louie will check in to Saint Agnes Hospital tomorrow morning April 10th at 5:30 a.m.  Surgery will begin at 7:30 a.m. and we will do our best to keep everyone updated on how it goes.  Check back in tomorrow to get updates and find out when they will be taking visitors. 

Louie and Marianne would ask that you pray for them and pray specifically for the following:
-Pray that the cancer would be contained in the tumors
-Pray for the surgeons hands to be used and guided by God
-Pray for strength and peace for Louie

Louie and Marianne will be updating the blog periodically with updates as well as questions that Louie comes up with for you to ponder (and comment if you would like, he will be checking comments!)

The first two questions are:
Do you believe in miracles?
Whose name is above all names?

 

Tomorrow Louie's road to recovery begins and he is putting his spiritual boxing gloves on, he is ready to FIGHT!

Lot of love, 
Sara Mardock (daughter of Louie and Marianne)