“We’re praying…don’t give up…we’re not” – 7 powerful words in a recent card. Bob and I are not giving up either!

Grant (now 6) told us “Papa Bob is going to have a breakthrough…when someone is sick, we pray, they get all well…that’s a breakthrough.”

Phone conversation a week later…”Maybe God lost some of His healing power…right Grammy? Maybe He’s looking all this time for His healing power…right Grammy? But Papa is going to have a breakthrough!”

He prays and believes it will happen. I’ve told the Lord what faith building lessons this would be for all our 9 grandchildren (1 on the way) and 3 great grands.

Well we know He hasn’t lost His healing power or keeping power because He has kept us in these darkest of days these past few weeks. Bob has been soooo sick and soooo weak. Since his last hospital stay he has gone downhill. Usually the opposite is true when he’s home. Our Dr.’s conclusion…he’s not going to get better so we have a strange new medical term in our vocabulary.

Mylotarg…a form of chemo…more toxic and greater side effects than the other 2 he’s been on. This was given to him as an infusion…Saturday July 30. The procedure took 3 ½ hours and he was monitored every single minute by a nurse at his bedside. He had none of the reactions that can accompany this. Praise the Lord!!! We won’t know for several weeks if this is working to kill bad cells.

A reaction to the radiation was not what we wanted but it happened. Dr.’s words “this is like a sunburn in your mouth.” Can you imagine? Half of his face is swollen…not able to shave because of the soreness but he’s still handsome to me!

He says this is the worst pain he has ever had…must have forgotten about the gallbladder attack! But now he is receiving 3 treatments a day on his mouth from the pulmonary department. This condition can be serious so they’re doing some preventive things.

I read this recently…if God doesn’t remove an obstacle, He’ll help you find a way around it.

It’s always darkest before the dawn…pray that Bob will receive a little bit of light.

Thank you for being such caring friends and family.

We Need You,

Barbara

July 22-

For the sixth time this year, Bob is home from the hospital. There will be another time when he goes in for another type of chemo. However, he continues to be a daily (7 days a week) out-patient receiving that good blood and platelets that so many of you have given.

He gets a daily infusion for the pneumonia. Bob has 2 more radiation treatments… 15 in all on his gums that have been so swollen. Suffering has been severe during this time.

Weight loss continues to be a problem… he accidentally put on a pair of my pants and they fit him… he was lying down so he didn’t realize the difference in length. We’ve always been a foot difference in height (6’6” & 5’6”) and usually a hundred pounds different. That’s changing.

Pray that high fevers will disappear… the first one 8 hours after arriving home. We were ready to go in at 2 a.m., but for the first time they let me give him Tylenol. But they have continued for the 2 days.

The wonderful thing is we’re in His care on a daily basis.

Lovingly,

Barbara

July 18 –

There are two ways to view a parade… you can be in it or watch from the sideline.

While visiting with the nurses during Bob’s transfusions on Thursday we were discussing the City Of Hope Parade on Friday… all patients , from children to intensive care, were transferred from the old hospital (built in the ‘30’s) to the new six story Taj Mahal… cost 200 million dollars.

Our plan was to watch the parade from the infusion room. But for 7 months now our plans have been subject to change. At 2 a.m. Friday, Bob was admitted as an inpatient with a high fever. At 10 a.m. we were being transferred to the new hospital on the 5th floor. We were in the parade… this is not where we wanted to be!!

All rooms are private… a real blue-ribbon hospital… Example – each bed cost $10,000, and the patient can be weighed just laying there.

Our view of the San Gabriel Mountains is gorgeous, but we much prefer our home bed and view… and the hospital food remains the same… no blue-ribbon prizes in this area.

Hopefully soon we’ll be home… no fever and no change in chest x-ray… good signs.

Bob would like to throw away our thermometer… I remind him of his mother when he sees it in my hand and he’s certain the readings are wrong. Getting him here is no easy task, but I can understand that.

The healing power of Jesus is working in Bob’s body.. This is my continual prayer. Join me as I know you are.

Lovingly,

Barbara

July 12 –

There are many kinds of diets… perhaps more diets than people! Bob is on a low bacteria diet (see previous notes), and since his gall bladder problem, he was put on a low fat diet.

Help… so many of you have asked how you could help… I have a real need now. Send me good low fat, tasty recipes or suggestions for snacks. He’s not allowed to have Ensure or Boost… only 50 grams of fat a day and the pounds are dropping off him. This is not good.

Speaking of food… I am not on a diet, although I’m smaller now than before Bob’s diagnosis… eating is not high on my list of things to do.

So I’m grateful for Bob and Joanne Bowman… he’s the manager of Mimi’s in Rancho Cucamonga. Early on they have given me 2 meals a week to enjoy, neither of which are low fat or low bacteria… just delicious food. These have helped keep me strong so I can do all the food balancing Bob needs.

Bob and Joanne are contagious glowing Christians. When I thank him, he wants God to get the praise and thanks. And we’re remembering this… every follower of Christ will one day sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb, where nothing “low” will ever be seen! Bob is in a holding pattern with the leukemia and half-way through the radiation in his mouth. Thanks for Praying.

Barbara

June 28 -

From Bob: Barbara and I have been singing at night … old, long-forgotten hymns and gospel songs. One chorus offers these words, "Each victory will help you some other to win."

We have a possible victory at the end of this week… our last antibiotic infusion for staph infection may take place. That will add 2 hours to each day and we can hopefully get back to the leukemia enemy and the chemo treatment.

Our daily visits will continue but that's not all bad. We have developed, by God's Grace, two ministries. Barbara has a patient ministry… sick people she meets in the halls and waiting rooms… and she continues to follow-up on them… visiting them if they are admitted… getting addresses and phone numbers to let them know we care. (A 38 year old friend who had been in intensive care died last week.) I try to befriend nurses, clerical people, and those who give aid to nurses.

This is a God thing. We are grateful to be learning again about being engaged with people wherever He puts us. I am still a slow learner, and sometimes all I can give is a "sick stare." How much better to cut through "the poor me" fog and find out how someone else is feeling. Thank you for your prayers that enable us to keep doing this.

From Barbara: Urgent prayer request

Bob's gums are swelling over his teeth, making it hard to eat and very sore… he may have to have radiation on them. Pray for healing because effects are serious and long term. This is a symptom of leukemia, but most people just have mouth sores. God is able… We're trusting!

June 20 –

What is it like to have two homes? Now we know… number one is our long term home… a second is City of Hope. We are there so much. Last week Bob’s portacath got infected with a staph infection… just went for our doctor’s visit, and was admitted … a real shock.

We came back to our real home yesterday afternoon remembering that our perfect and permanent home is in the Father’s House.

We were first told we could go home, but would have to come in twice daily for staph infusions… 12 hours apart!! Today we have a double infusion and also antifungal infusion (still 7 days a week). They will monitor the amount in his blood and hopefully this can be given double once a day.

Good news… he didn’t run any temperature, so the infection may not have gone into the blood. Pray about this!!

Another request… he’s losing too much weight since he’s on a low fat diet.

We really need your love and support at this time. He gives strength for the day.

Lovingly,

Barbara

June 14 -

Our blood is our life. When you give Bob blood you give him new life. That happened “big time” at our church last Sunday… when 60 people came to give blood and 50 units were collected. The screening is rough, as it should be.

What a gift of life… he needs a minimum of 3 transfusions a week until the leukemia goes into remission. We are grateful to so many who did so much, especially Jason and Kelly Smith who gave leadership to the drive. After our daily trip to the city of Hope for the anti-fungal transfusion, Bob and I made a quick stop by the church to thank the people for this precious gift. I couldn’t help but cry as I saw four portable beds set up… 5 City of Hope nurses, who usually do not work Sunday, and so many of our friends… 2 nurses from the hospital donated.

One nurse told me, “I wish I would have had a tape recorder to tape everything the people said about Bob… such accolades… he must be a very wonderful lperson… then tears really flowed as I told her, “Everyone loves Bob.” The nurses said this wan an unusual response. They were excited too. They need 2100 units a month!! Another nurse: “We’re very familiar with the name Robert Hempy in our blood bank." Thanks to all of you have given at City of Hope.

About Bob’s condition… his white count is up, but the doctor is more concerned now about how he is feeling… not very good… before he goes back on chemo.

Mental hugs to all of you.

Barbara

June 6 -

"Grammy, you're the oldest living American I know." That was Grant's (5 1/2 yr. old grandson) opening remark to me on the phone. We were reminded we are getting old... celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary June 2. How? Left home 10 a.m. and returned 6:30 p.m. Where? City of Hope. Our greatest celebration ever because Bob is alive, and we're grateful for every day!!!

Grant found out about my scare with Bob passing out... so on the phone he wanted me to scream "help" as loud as I could. As I did, then so he could "hear." He prays for his Papa Bob 1000 times a day so he says.

Bob remains very weak and tired and winded. He's using a four-footed cane, because his knee keeps going out on him. We don't need a fall. He feels like an old car... one thing gets repaired and something else goes wrong.

I'm not happy about a physical therapist who worked with Bob while he was an inpatient. She pushed him too hard (as he was telling her that it hurt), and his neck hasn't been the same since. He's really suffered with this.

F.B. Meyer said "the main end of life is not to do but to become." And for this we are being prepared every day. Psalm 66 speaks of going through fire and being refined.

We're trying not to be afraid and not fret. Our present trial, as painful as it may be, has been screened through God's wisdom and love. We know this and are trying to accept this. God is doing what matters... We are being refined. But this kind of life is a challenge.

White count today 500... cannot start chemo until this improves.

We feel your love and suport, and know that you aren't forgetting us. Words can't express our gratitude. You are an oasis of comfort in our desert experience. You're a gift from God.

Lovingly,

Barbara

May 23 - We feel we're watching a drama that can't be true… then we realize we're participants in this drama and this is for real!

After 7 days of chemo, we had 3 days at home… a dream come true, but it was too good to be true. Bob's liver was elevated (swollen), a side effect of the very expensive oral medicine… back to the hospital for our daily infusions.

Intense pain came Wednesday at midnight… waited until early morning hours to go to the emergency room. An EKG was taken to rule out a heart attack. A morphine drip was administered, and we were sent home with oral morphine.

During the night we were in phone contact with the hospital. The pain was abdominal and lower chest. The pain of Bob's two back surgeries palled to this. He was suffering.

Friday early… back to the hospital… he got out to sit on a bench while I got a wheel chair. As I approached him he was wide-eyed… a glazed look… no expression… no response… arms like Raggedy Ann. I thought he was dying… started screaming and waving my arms. A doctor ½ block away came running, and Bob revived, but he doesn't remember this and couldn't understand why so many people were around him.

At first they said he could have had a mini stroke, but his blood pressure was really low also… so we don't really know. Later in the day he was sent for x rays and ultra sound. The same thing happened in the x ray room except this time the technician tried to catch him and the technician himself ended up on the floor. I held Bob's upper body and exercised my lungs again by yelling, "Help! Help!" at the top of my voice. Three people appeared instantly. When procedures are done, I usually wait in a waiting roof… thankfully when I was told I could go in with him, I did, and I left the door open. This was a "God thing" and Bob remembers this.

Bob's problem is his gall bladder… doing everything to avoid surgery. The surgeon (we have another doctor) said it would do more harm than good, and would hurt more than help. Bob's white count is low (infection) and platelets are low (bleeding).

Morphine is still a part of his life, but he was able to take a few steps in his room yesterday. A drug is not a drug unless it has side effects in my opinion. So, with everything that is being pumped into him, the side effects are many. Insomnia is a constant cloud over us.

How am I? Underneath are the everlasting Arms that are holding us and caring for us. We'll go into more detail about this another time.

God is good. I know you are praying and thank you so much. He's had 3 units of blood in 24 hours. That is still a need.

Barbara

May 14 - Speaking of hospitals, I have been visiting our local hospital often, awaiting the arrival of our grandson, Todd and his wife Holly's baby... after 46 hours the baby arrived... a boy... Rhett Walker Ryan... named in part for his great grandfather... Robert Walker Hempy! Baby is fine... parents are happy and tired!

Bob has completed the first series of chemo... the side effects, however, have been more severe since the treatment ended. He has needed blood and platelets twice a week. Now he has a few weeks of recovery.

Pray for strength and above all, spiritual strength, during this time of phycical need. Pray for an end to insomnia also.

How about this passage: "We believe God will deliver us, you joining in helping us through your prayers. - 2 Corinthians 1:11

May 6 -

Bob has begun a new treatment for his leukemia with a chemo called Valdaza. So far, side effects, while at times have been unpleasant have not been severe. But his white count and the blood, as expected, are dropping. Pray against infection. After one week of daily treatments at the hospital he will have three weeks to rebuild.

April 26 -

Change is a part of our lives. The doctors feel Bob no longer needs the daily infusion for traces of pneumonia, but will depend on the oral medicine. These have been costing $1900 a month. I started making phone calls and found we qualified financially with the pharmaceutical company, and we will receive 2 months free… Praise the Lord!!

Big decisions must now be made between 2 leukemia treatments. They both have positive and negative sides. The full success rate on either is 25%.

Pray that we will have His wisdom (we have to make the choice) and that Bob is a part of the 25%.

Words don’t go deep enough to thank you for your love and support.

Barbara and Bob

April 15 -

You’ve heard of a low calorie diet, but what about a low bacteria diet? Because of Bob’s low immune system… we have a challenge!

No fresh vegetables… only cooked… he misses salads… any kind of canned fruit but only fresh oranges and bananas. A banana cannot be eaten if it has one dark area.

I wash my hands often while preparing his meals, I’[ve wondered at times if I’m washing away my finger prints.

My children nicknamed me Mr. Clean when they were young because of a much used statement… “Wash your hands!” That advice could be life-saving for Bob. We’re also helping the 99% germ free waterless soap companies.

All cans and openers have to be washed with hot soapy water or alcohol before opening.

Food preparation surfaces have to be cleansed with 10% bleach solution. Nothing he eats can ever be put in a microwave.

All left over foods have to be eaten within 24 hours… or one week in the freezer… so date labeling is important.

Our church was so gracious in wanting to provide meals, but that is not recommended. Take out or restaurant food is not allowed.

It would be nice to stop and have some lunch on our daily outings to the hospital… we carry snack bags instead.

Small packets of mayo, mustard, catsup, and relish are a must. I learned a new meaning of double dipping. If I spread something on bread and the knife touches the bread, a new knife has to be used!

After 21 years my dishwasher decided not to work… I have a new one with a special sanitizer… nothing but the best for Bob!

Since eating is an important part of life, thought you might find this part of our world a bit interesting.

I wasn’t going to mention any blood count numbers… they’re all low… and he’s had 2 blood transfusions this week… but just today found out he is out of designated blood.

Thank you for caring during our crisis times.

Barbara

April 8

No matter what may come against us … God is bigger!! There are valleys and mountains… We have hit a valley! Our long awaited result of the bone marrow test was not what we would have liked… 60% leukemia cells… 6% blast in the blood. White count is also down.

But Bob feels great… gaining weight… and sleeping good. He needs to be on another program for the leukemia… he’s been off for 52 days. He will have a CT Scan on Thursday to check the pneumonia… it has to be totally clear before treatment starts on leukemia.

Join us in prayer that this bay happen soon… it is a time to trust and not worry.

April 5

This life is not an easy one, and we continue to be on an emotional roller coaster. Bob got a scare last week with a terrible chest pain, and thought the pneumonia had returned with a vengeance…shortness of breath. At 4 p.m. a call to urgent care was made, and he saw the doctor later that day. After a chest X-ray, she concluded that it was probably a pulled muscle or torn ligament, but it could also be the start of shingles. We have had to watch for blisters in that area… none have appeared… praise the Lord!!!

But we are still in a holding pattern… the daily treatment for pneumonia conti8nues. It must be totally gone before leukemia can be addressed.

The white count is up, but the leukemia blast count is rising also… not good news. The doctor did not have the results of the bone marrow test taken last week.

In all of this we rejoice in each good day as a gift from God… leaving the tomorrows and yesterdays in His care. Please keep praying!

Barbara

April 1

The pneumonia is going... but leukemia is in a limited way returning. Will know results of bone marrow test ... taken yesterday... this Monday. Pray that Bob can get back on original plan or a new one... or a better one from the Great Physician above.

Lovingly, Barbara

March 30, 2005

We continue to be good patients at City Of Hope and do as we are told. The bone marrow test is Thursday, March 31, which will tell the full story on the leukemia. We pray for a low count. The pneumonia is still in retreat, but needs to be fully gone.

Our continued trust is what Peter calls "the living hope of the Resurrection."

March 22 – God is at work! How do we know? Our most encouraging visit to City of Hope was yesterday. The CAT scan reports indicate the pneumonia is checked… other than scar tissue and some traces, it is disappearing. Bob feels like a new man inside and out.

Beyond this… and here is our miracle… the leukemia has been held in check during this entire time without medical treatment. There are no blasts (leukemia cells) in the blood! The white count is up, and he is now a candidate to get back on a program to deal with the disease.

This has to be for God’s glory and an answer to your many prayers. In that he took a 5 week detour with infection, he may not get back on the original program… but others are available, and the Great Physician is in charge.

Our renewed purpose in all of this… to be raised up to life and ministry for God’s glory, so that all who seek may know Jesus Christ is life’s only answer.

We are so grateful to all who have become our company of support… cards, calls, letters, and more. We have never felt such encouraging love.

We’re not through it all yet, but we are on our way. The 7 day a week trips to City of Hope are manageable… a 4 hour trip, and 2 hours added to our Monday and Thursday doctor trips.

Pray that we can return, or find a leukemia treatment… or better yet… find an absence of it in the bone marrow which the doctor feels is still present. More tests later for this.

Lovingly, Barbara

Mar. 18 - Yesterday was a good day for which we thank God. The white count is still in the critical column, but the highest ever since Bob has been at City of Hope. At times it has almost been non-existent. There is a small (1%) count of blast immature (leukemia) cells, so he is holding his own… even though he’s not on leukemia medication. I am not surprised!!

He had a CT scan yesterday of his lungs. We will know results Monday. Our doctor suspects that it will be better. She believes the bone marrow test may not be better but a little worse… would be surprised if it were better. But our heavenly physician is full of surprises.

The red count was down so he’s scheduled for a transfusion Saturday. His favorite days are Saturday and Sunday… very few patients in transfusion department. Last Sunday he was the only patient. He had 2 RN nurses. Our doctor said, “You like being a pampered prince.” Let me tell you though… he gets plenty of pampering from me… he’s been my prince for 49 years this June.

He is far from being well, and suffers nausea feelings, dizziness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, but is so much better.

Memories of the 21 days in the hospital are vague. The doctor says it’s not unusual to have amnesia about bad times. This has to be a gift from God.

But O, my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God! - Psalm 42:11

Lovingly, Barbara

Mar. 15 - Encouraging news!! Bob is feeling better. The past two nights have been good sleeping nights… the best since mid-December. He is walking some without aid… no fever… better appetite… gained 5 pounds in 5 days (same scale). That is a miracle because he is not eating that much.

Yesterday we saw the doctor. She was encouraged. He has not needed any transfusions since leaving the hospital. Platelets are up… red count up slightly… but both are still low. White count remains critical.

His strength is holding up for the daily trip for his anti-fungal infusions for pneumonia. He loved Sunday because he was the only patient. Yesterday the wait was 1 ½ hours… no bed or chair available. This made a 7 hour day.

The leukemia is on hold as far as treatment, but I believe another physician is taking care of that. His name is Dr. Jesus… The Great Physician. I have prayed that Bob would be healed in a way that doctors would know it was from a higher power.

Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? - John 11:40

We depend on your prayers and love for support.

Lovingly, Barbara

March 9, 2005

Bob spent a week in the isolation wing in January. After 12 hours in urgent care on Feb. 16, a room was finally available in the surgical wing. Bob was in isolation however. But surgical patients have surgery and go home in a few days…but we just kept staying and staying and staying, 21 days. Finally it was our turn. We got home at 7 p.m. last night!!

Our world was reduced to a small room and a bed that was not long enough…but a gorgeous view with a fountain, squirrels playing…and many wonderful care givers. A family member was with him around the clock…he was never alone. “As your day is so shall your strength be.” We’re putting this verse to the test and finding it to be absolutely true. During these three weeks, Bob had three surgical procedures…two with general anesthetic but all with high risks for him. He is so weak and has lost over 40 pounds…still very ill.

Devastating News: They have concluded that it probably is fungal pneumonia, not bacterial. Fungal is more resistant to treatment…will take long time therapy…a long recovery and complications are higher.

They feel they have found two antibiotics to help…one oral and one through his catheter. Discharge nurse came and said our insurance would cover a nurse coming in seven days a week but would not cover infusion medicine. We would have to return to City of Hope daily for the infusion.

A later phone call from her had good news and bad…our insurance would cover the nurse and medicine at home. Bad news our insurance would not cover oral pill… $1900 a month. But Bob is worth it!!

Yesterday I had reached my limit of hospital cuisine…told Bob I needed a McDonalds fish sandwich. His reply, “hurry and go get it while we can still afford it.”

A recent CT Scan showed the pneumonia was a little worse than when he was admitted. But he is feeling better because the fever is under control. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage. Psalm 27:12-14

The temptation has been great at times to despair and become disheartened during this time of severe trial and testing. We think we cannot bear this any longer. We feel your prayers.

We have to lean on others for support…He knows our strength and courage have run away, at times. But he tells us all we have to do is “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. That’s where we are right now…believing and knowing God reserves His best medicine for our times of deepest despair.

P.S. Just before being dismissed the discharge nurse appeared at our door reluctant to come in. Our insurance made a mistake…it would not cover the medicine but only the nurse. Bob very innocently asked what would be cost be…hesitating to tell us, she finally said $350-$400 a day, seven days a week!!! Needless to say we will be making the daily trip – 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, one way, depending on traffic.

SOS Prayer…All blood counts are down…strength for Bob to make the daily trip! He is short of breath and very unsteady with his balance.

Thank you for caring, Barbara

Mar. 1 - Special visitors last Friday...
Older brother Harry, from Bay area, and joining him were his 2 sons, Fred and Rick and one of his twin daughters, Sandy. They had not been able to see each other for some time, so the visit was heartwarming and family building. They flew down at great sacrifice because Harry finds it hard to travel. Now big brother is waiting on a return visit from Bob.

Feb. 23 -
How wonderful to have all our children close for support. In this valley we have cried a lot and laughted a lot… knowing laughter is good medicine for the soul. Even at times Bob makes us laugh… he hasn’t lost his sense of humor

We’ve been doing one of our favorite things… playing “Remember When,” recalling some of our families’ memories. Our often-repeated phrases… “If we’re trusting we’re not worrying. If we’re worrying we’re not trusting.”

The goal is to have him walk today, the first time in a week. The count has been too low for any activity.

He continues to have fever; either sleeps a lot or has insomnia. And at other times he is our Bob that we all adore. We know God is in control and good is going to come out of this. Our hearth’ desire is to have a miracle. We know you are praying. Thank you.

Lovingly,
Barbara

Feb. 15 -

Our lives seem to center on the subject of blood transfusions. So many of you have responded to Bob’s need of blood… In fact, a hematologist nurse said she had never had a patient who had received so much designated blood. A small world… she recognized Bob and asked if he was a pastor. He conducted her Mother’s funeral 20 years ago when we first moved to Alta Loma. She plans to give blood in his name. Some have asked if he still needs blood… The answer is yes.

We just have to repeat our thanks for this lifesaving gift. Please let us know if you give. Also, for your information, City of Hope only accepts blood donated at their hospital.

Thank you for all your believing prayers and our very special prayer verse to day.. “By His stripes we are healed.”