Thank you to all of you who have prayed for Di and Rich.  Once again, prayers have been answered!  The latest news I have is that the biopsy came back as NOT cancer.

The initial diagnosis was made based on a CT scan with contrast.  A biopsy of some of the lumps was taken.  The results were negative for cancer.

I don't have any further details as to what the diagnosis is now.  A friend told me he had swollen lymph nodes throughout his entire body when he was 16, they thought he had lymphoma but didn't.  While the doctors were trying to figure out what was wrong with him, his lymph nodes returned to normal and he's been fine ever since - almost 14 years now.  I hope something like this happens with Rich.

Thanks again for the generous outpouring of prayers.

I'm adding my love, light, and intent for good health in my prayers for them. 

Hi Lilly,

That is wonderful news.  We will keep praying that the good news continues.

Vicki 

Oh Lilly,

What unbelievable news.  Di and Rich must be so relieved to find out that it is not cancer.  God works in very mysterious ways.  Ahhhh, the Power of Prayer.  Hopefully, they will find out the cause of the lumps.  I will keep praying for them.  Thank you for letting us know how Di and Rich are doing.

Mimi

Thanks for the update, Lilly!!!  We've committed to seeing this one thru with faith . . . with you in our prayers also!

The latest on Di and Rich...

They came to my home on Sunday for a cake tasting for the wedding and groom's cakes which I will bake for them as a wedding gift.  The REAL wedding is back on now that Rich does NOT have lymphoma.

This was the first time I met Rich in person.  He is a really great person as is Di and you can just tell by looking at them they are crazy about each other.  We had a blast during the tasting!  They made their choices for the cakes.  Then we went to a friend's home, she has a great pool and deck, and we had a BBQ.  We all had a truly wonderful time.

Rich says the illness he has used to be pretty rare but it has been seen more and more in recent years.  It's like the body's immune system is on overdrive and causes the lymph nodes to swell.  Treatment is pretty easy, he is taking prescription medication for it and feels okay, just a bit tired.  This is SOOO much better than a diagnosis of lymphoma, I can hardly believe it, but they have gotten a 2nd opinion from a civilian doc so they are satisfied he is cancer free.

While I was out on the deck talking to Di, Rich told my friend who is also a soldier supporter 'What you and Lilly do - you have no idea how much it means to the soldiers.  It isn't even about what's in the care packages, it's just that another American would spend their money on us and take the time to pack and mail us stuff to show their support..you have no idea what that means to us.'  Good thing he did not say that to me or I would have cried all over him!!!  But I am good for another thousand or so care packages after hearing that.

Hi Lilly,

That is such wonderful news!  When is the big wedding?  Where will it be?  What flavor cake did they choose?

Blessings,

Vicki

Lilly,

Wow, this is such happy news for Di and Rich, and you too! Thanks for keeping us updated on them.

*

*in lieu of a Wedding cake... LOL!

Oh Lilly... I'm fighting back tears!!!  It's just SO wonderful that things have turned from night into day and this special couple gets to celebrate their lives and bright future!  And thanks for sharing Rich's comments-you're right, feedback like that is like 1000 coins in the junkie jukebox. (some day MiniMedic is going to read this and ask, "what's a jukebox?" LOL)

Don't forget to post a picture of your marvelous wedding cake creation after their big day!!!!

Vicki,

You asked about Di's and Rich's wedding - it will be the end of October here in the Dallas area.  The groom's cake will be lemon with lemon filling and buttercream frosting.   Not traditional, but Rich knows his mind!

The wedding cake is going to be 3 tiers and they chose to have each tier a different flavor, all with the same strawberry cream filling between the layers - largest tier on bottom will be champagne flavored, middle tier will be amaretto (almond) flavored, and the top tier will be strawberry flavored. The icing on each layer will be white, flavored to match the cake.   The wedding cake topper will be their initials entwined.

When Di & Rich were leaving after the BBQ, I whispered to Di 'I really like Rich!' and she whispered back 'So do I!'  Rich asked 'What are you saying about me over there?'  I told him I had given Di my two thumbs up seal of approval and now she didn't have to dump him!  He just laughed and said 'That's good!'  He is VERY worthy of my little medic buddy, they are a wonderful couple, and I feel really lucky to know them.

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers for Di and Rich.  I really believe they made all the difference!

Hi Lilly,

Everything sounds so yummy!!!  What an undertaking to make such a stupendous cake!!  When do you start making it?  

It has to be so enriching to meet them and take part in such a special event.  I am very happy for you because I know how much this must mean to you.

Vicki