June 24, 2010: Thank you for the continued outpouring of support. The service tomorrow will be streamed online at 10:30 AM central time for those who cannot attend.
The address is www.ustream.tv/channel/darryl-singer-funeral .
Please pray for Amy and the family through these difficult days. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.
We would like to share the following information regarding Darryl’s Celebration of Life Service:
The service will be Friday, June 25, 2010
Century Baptist Church
205 Colt Ave
Bismarck, ND 58503
The service will start at 10:30 am. Visitation will be at the church starting at 9:00 am.
Lunch will follow at the church.
Burial service will be at the Turtle Lake Cemetery at 2:30 pm
The family requests no flowers and that any memorials or donations be given to Crystal Springs Camp at Darryl’s request. Please direct these to Amy at the following address and she will forward them to camp. Please make all checks payable to Crystal Springs Baptist Camp.
Amy Singer
5608 Junction Rd.
Bismarck, ND 58503
Thank you so much again for your outpouring of support.
Janell, Paul and Lynn
June 22, 2010
At
Last night as we were together around Darryl, we sang and prayed together, and then we read all the website messages together. It was a wonderful time, we cried and laughed together. Thank you so much for all the words of support and prayers, it means so much to us.
One of Darryl’s wishes was that he wanted to be at home when he passed away surrounded by his family…and he was.
The funeral arrangements will be handled by Goetz Funeral Home in
I will post another update when the arrangements have been made.
Janell
Darryl’s Critical Condition
Darryl's condition has weakened dramatically in the past 24 hours. Saturday Darryl was out at camp, but as the evening approached he grew weaker. He had a very difficult night and Amy informed all of us that we needed to come together as a family.
Darryl is too weak to speak, can’t hold his head up by himself, and is on hourly pain medications. He is unable to move from his chair and continues to sleep sitting up. We take turns holding his head so he can breathe. His condition has changed so quickly.
We are all here surrounding him with our love, singing to him and telling him how much we love him.
Please pray for Darryl as he is suffering. Please pray for Amy, Steven, Julia, Bryan, Trevor and Aaron as they spend this time together. Pray that God would give them strength to endure.
Thank you for your prayers for our family.
Janell
Darryl had a roller coaster week. It started out tough, then he felt better and actually went out to camp a couple days. By Thursday he spent most of the day at the hospital where he received fluids. He had a tougher day today due to the fluids building in his chest again. When that happens he has shortness of breath and it is difficult to breathe. The fluid was drained and he has had some relief.
We pray for a restful weekend and that Darryl has a great Father’s Day with Steve and Julia, Bryan, Trevor and Aaron.
Thank you for all your words of comfort and encouragement. We all appreciate it very much.
Janell
Darryl, Amy and Lynn arrived home Saturday evening. There were some flight problems and delays, but they eventually made it home.
Darryl was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital on Tuesday morning in the ICU. He was dehydrated, had fluid around his heart and in his chest cavity, his potassium levels were too high and his kidneys were in renal failure as well as some other problems. He was very sick. On Wednesday he had the surgical procedures to put in the mechanisms for draining fluid from his heart and lungs. Amy was trained to do this at home. (She successfully drained the fluids on Saturday morning in the hotel room.) He did have kidney dialysis on Wednesday, but by Friday they determined he didn’t need dialysis and the device for giving dialysis in his neck was removed. He spent two days in the ICU and on Thursday afternoon was moved out of ICU to a regular room.
By Friday Darryl had convinced the doctors to discharge him and on Saturday they flew home. I was able to drive to Rochester and stay with Darryl, Amy and Lynn on Friday and see them off on Saturday.
Darryl was tested for a new type of lung cancer treatment, but was not a genetic match. We were disappointed, but know that God has a plan. He will not be receiving any more chemo as his body is unable to take the stress of chemo.
The doctors at Mayo assured Darryl that they would have taken the same course of treatment he had in Bismarck, so that was reassuring. He did have a great team of doctors working with him.
The visiting nurses and hospice team from Medcenter One will be helping Amy care for Darryl starting Monday. They will continue to drain the fluids to keep him as comfortable as possible. Darryl is on oxygen, but occasionally can go without. He has a few different medications that seem to be effective for the blood thinning and pain.
Darryl was weak and tired, but was anxious to get home. They did read the guestbook on the website every day they were in the hospital and it was such an encouragement to them. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.
Please continue to pray for a miraculous healing for Darryl. We know that all things are possible with God. Pray for strength for Amy, Steven, Julia, Bryan, Trevor and Aaron.
If you have any questions and would like to email me, please feel free to do so. My email address is janelljohnson1@yahoo.com. I know many of you may have questions and we want to try and answer those questions.
We also want to thank the group from Bismarck who shingled Darryl and Amy’s roof a few weeks ago and thanks to the group from Turtle Lake who came and planted flowers and did yard work for Darryl and Amy last weekend. It is so much appreciated.
Janell
Update from Mayo Clinic, June 9, 2010
(This was written by Lynn Singer)
We arrived in Rochester, MN at 8:00 pm Monday evening. We flew from Bismarck to Minneapolis and on to Rochester. Darryl traveled well as we flew. During the night he had oxygen and slept very little.
Tuesday morning Darryl was not feeling well so instead of going to the Mayo Clinic we headed to the ER.
They admitted him and have taken excellent care of him since. He has had excellent doctors and nurses. We are very thankful. They did a lot of testing and checking his history and charts on Tuesday before deciding what to do.
Today (Wednesday) has been a big day. He had a perma cath placed in his left side this morning which can be hooked up at home to remove the fluid around the lung. Amy will be able to take care of this. He had a temporary drain put in front of his chest to drain the fluid around his heart. They have also put a catheter in his neck so they can do kidney dialysis since his potassium was high and they want the kidneys to be working.
We met with the oncologists and are discussing options.
At this time Darryl’s vitals are all normal and he is resting. He told me that he feels like he has been at football practice for a week! His color looks good.
The past 48 hours have been quite remarkable and we thank the Lord for going before us and giving us strength for every decision that needs to be made.
This morning Amy & I prayed that God would send someone here at the hospital to encourage us. Guess what? He sent Dan and Kendra from Indiana whose mother is hospitalized. We have been able to pray together and share about God’s love, His timing, and the strength that only comes from the Lord.
Darryl and Amy want to continue to thank each one of you that are praying for them and encouraging them at this time. We have found these verses a comfort today.
Isaiah 43:2,3
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not over flow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned nor shall the fire scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
June 8, 2010, 12:00 PM
Darryl, Amy and Lynn traveled to Rochester, Minnesota last night. They arrived safely. Darryl had his appointment changed and was at the clinic at 6:45 this morning to start his appointment with the doctors there.
Prior to leaving Darryl had 3 liters of fluid drained. He was to have surgery in Bismarck on Monday June 7 to fuse the lung to the chest wall to prevent the fluid buildup, but the doctor changed his mind and just drained the fluid and sent Darryl to Mayo.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Janell
June 3, 2010, 7:00 PM
It has been a busy week. Darryl did have two liters of fluid removed last week which temporarily helped his breathing, but in the past two days his breathing has been labored and he has had to go back on oxygen at times. He had his kidneys and blood checked this morning. He is still unable to receive chemo due to his kidneys being in stress. He will be receiving fluids to help his kidney function.
Darryl, Amy and Lynn Singer (sister-in-law) will be traveling to Rochester, Minnesota to the Mayo Clinic next Tuesday, June 8. Darryl has appointments starting Wednesday morning. They have been working on the referral to come through and it finally did, so the appointment has been set.
Please pray for strength for Darryl as he travels. Please pray that his kidneys would respond to the fluids so that he would be able to continue chemo treatments. Please pray for wisdom for the medical team he will see at Mayo Clinic.
Janell
May 26, 2010, 12:00 PM
I was able to go to the doctor with Darryl on Monday May 24, 2010. The lab work that was done in the morning revealed a low white count and his hemoglobin was low. They were unable to do chemo due to the white count and asked him to stay out of crowds due to his high risk for infection. His ankles and legs were also swollen and his blood pressure was elevated.
He received a unit of blood on Monday and then an IV with medication for the fluid. He also has his ultrasound of his kidneys. He received another unit of blood on Tuesday and went to the kidney doctor.
The doctor stated he has acute kidney injury which is common for chemo patients. He said the kidneys can bounce back. The ultrasound showed no obstructions or masses in the kidneys.
He saw the pulmonologist after the kidney specialist and he had another CT scan to check the fluid near the lungs. It revealed fluid in the space surrounding the left lung so Darryl will have another thoracentesis today at 10:30 am to remove the fluid.
Please continue to pray for Darryl’s strength. It is a tough battle.
Janell
May 21, 2010, 10:00 AM
I am here with Darryl and Amy so I am able to give you an eyewitness update.
Darryl has had more energy the last few days, but has had some rough nights. The kidney function is still a problem. The normal Creatinine level is 0.5-1.1. Darryl’s level last week was at 4.0, showing his kidneys were in stress. It came down this week to 3.0 on Monday, then back up on Wednesday to 3.1. He went to the hospital for fluids last week, but Darryl convinced his medical team that Amy could give him the IV drip at home. Being married to a nurse does have its advantages. He has been receiving IV fluids at home to try and bring the Creatinine level back in line. He is hooked up and receiving fluids 4-6 hours a day. He is having a kidney ultrasound next week and meeting with a kidney specialist. The cause for the kidneys stressing is one of the chemo drugs Darryl has been receiving.
Darryl has an oncology appointment on Monday May 24 to determine the next treatment options.
Thank you for all your continued prayers. Darryl and Amy need your prayers for strength to keep fighting this disease. Please pray specifically that Darryl’s kidneys would respond to the fluids and return to normal function as his treatment will have to be altered or suspended if they don’t return to normal function.
Janell
May 13, 2010, 8:30 AM:
It has been a difficult week for Darryl and Amy. Darryl went in for his lab work on Monday and they discovered his kidneys were not functioning properly. He was in need of fluids. He has been going in daily to receive fluids taking between two to three liters daily. He has spent 5-8 hours daily in the hospital to receive the fluids. If his kidneys stop functioning he will be unable to continue receiving the chemo treatments.
Darryl has seen another pulmonary specialist who offered some additional options to the fluid build up in the chest. There are surgical options Darryl needs to consider. He also provided options of other medications to combat the cough Darryl has continued to battle.
The oncologist will be changing his chemo treatment again. He is trying for the combination of chemo drugs that will attack the cancer and make it disappear. The cancer has not spread beyond the lungs, but it hasn’t showed any signs of leaving the lungs yet.
Please pray that Darryl’s kidney function responds to the fluids so that he can continue the chemo treatments. Please pray for wisdom for Darryl and Amy as they continue to have to make decisions regarding treatment options. Please pray for continued strength as the fight continues.
Janell
April 28, 2010, 6:00 AM:
Darryl had a CT scan and his IV antibiotic today. The scan showed fluid in his left lung and the doctor wanted him to come in on Wednesday, April 28 to do the procedure. Darryl asked if there was any reason it couldn't be done right then, so at
Darryl and Amy both feel the Lord really intervened though all the X-rays, scans and procedures he had done today.
He will not have chemo until next Monday. His oncologist is going to take him off the Gemzar and put him on a different chemo drug along with the Cisplatin.
Thank you for your prayers.
Janell
April 26, 2010, 10:00 PM:
Darryl has had a rough few days. He hasn’t felt good since Friday of last week with coughing and shortness of breath. He visited the walk-in clinic over the weekend where they started him on antibiotics, but after a doctor appointment today, his oncologist, Dr. Reynolds said he probably has pneumonia in the lower left lobe of his lung. The chemo treatments have to be suspended for the next few days and Darryl will be receiving I.V. antibiotics for the next 5 days. Darryl will have another CT scan tomorrow morning, and then will get the results of both the CT and PET scan to determine if the cancer is progressing. Dr. Reynolds may consider changing the chemo treatment. We will post an update with the results.
Darryl hasn’t been able to lie down to sleep, so he hasn’t rested well the past few nights.
Please pray the I.V. antibiotic will be effective in treating the pneumonia.
Please pray for wisdom for Dr. Reynolds as he makes decisions regarding Darryl’s chemo regiment.
Please pray for strength for Darryl and pray the CT scan will show the cancer disappearing!
Please pray for Amy and the rest of the family as they continue to deal with this life changing disease.
April 9, 2010, 1:30 PM:
Happy Birthday, Darryl! It was April 9, 1961 at the
In James MacDonald’s book titled “When Life is Hard” he writes the following:
“God sees you on the road you are walking today. He sees the steps you must take today to get through this hard place. Proverbs 5:21 tell us that a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. This means that God not only watches the winding of your road today, He is also thinking about every step and everything you must step over.”
We love you Darryl and are so thankful for you. We hope you feel better than yesterday (Darryl had one of those punk days) and enjoy your birthday. We continue to pray for you and for your complete recovery.
Janell
Darryl is having a busy week this week. At his doctor appointment on Monday the doctor said the CT scan shows no increase in the disease and that it is stable. Darryl's blood work was good and he recieved his Cisplatin and Gemzar chemo treatments on Monday. Tuesday he received Ciplatin and Erbitux and today (Wednesday) he will get extra fluids. He is scheduled for a PET scan in a couple weeks and will start the oral chemo on the 12th-24th of April. He will start his 7 day series of Leukine injections on April 13.
Darryl and Amy and family were without electricity last weekend from Friday 9:00 am until Saturday 4:00pm. They got to experience pioneer life, and cooked a lot on the grill!
Please pray for strength for Darryl this week to get through this round of treatments. Pray that the side effects would be minimal and that the cancer would disappear completely.
Janell
Darryl, Amy and Lynn traveled to Rochester, Minnesota last night. They arrived safely. Darryl had his appointment changed and was at the clinic at 6:45 this morning to start his appointment with the doctors there.
Prior to leaving Darryl had 3 liters of fluid drained. He was to have surgery in Bismarck on Monday June 7 to fuse the lung to the chest wall to prevent the fluid buildup, but the doctor changed his mind and just drained the fluid and sent Darryl to Mayo.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Janell
Darryl is doing well this week. He still has those up and down days, but he is learning to expect them and to cope with them. His white count was a little low on Monday, but his platelet count is very good. He is having his series of immune booster shots this week. He has gone to camp to work this week, so that has been a blessing.
The information is posted on the home page about the benefit being held in
Please pray for Darryl's doctor appointment next week and pray specifically for Amy, Steve and Julia, Bryan, Trevor and Aaron as they continue to adjust to Darryl's illness that they would trust God for the future.
Janell
Thank you for your continued prayers. Darryl is having one of those “tough” days today, but he has felt pretty good the past few days. He is feeling the negative effects of the chemotherapy. I thought I would give everyone a specific medical overview of Darryl’s current treatment.
Darryl is currently on the drug Cisplatin which he gets on day one and day two of his chemotherapy.
He gets the drug Gemzar on day 1 and day 8.
Erbitus is administered weekly day 1, 8 and 15.
He started on the oral chemo drug Tarceva last week then stopped and he will start again on the March 29th.
He has blood drawn each Monday to check levels, and receives a series of Leutine shots to boost his immune system after each round of chemotherapy.
He is still getting Lovanox (blood thinner) shots every 12 hours by his private nurse/wife Amy.
Cisplatin is known to have severe nausea side effects so Darryl is on anti nausea medication every 6 hours and so far has been able to manage the nausea.
Just keeping track of the medications and doctor appointments is a full time job. Amy does a great job staying on top of everything and I know Darryl appreciates that so he doesn’t have to waste valuable energy trying to remember.
Please pray for the chemotherapy to work and kill the cancer. Pray the Tarceva will be effective. This is key in the long term treatment process. Continue to pray for Dr Reynolds, Darryl’s oncologist as he continues to make decision regarding Darryl’s treatment.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers.
Janell
I wanted to give you another update and let you know that this is Darryl’s sister, Janell, who has been writing most of the updates. Based on the information I get from Darryl and Amy or my brother Paul and his wife Lynn, I do the updates and my husband posts them.
Darryl has done well with the new chemo treatments. The side effects have been minimal. He has at times felt a little “punk” as he says, but the nausea and pain medication have made it tolerable. Thanks for your prayers concerning this. He had a treatment yesterday and will now start his five day immune booster shots. His white count has dropped so please continue to pray for his immune system and that he would not catch any viruses.
He did have an oxygen count of 98% yesterday and his heart is doing well.
I wanted to let you know that the wonderful people of
So many of you have helped in so many ways we could never thank you. Please know that your prayers, cards, food, and other acts of service have meant so much to Darryl and Amy and our whole family. Thanks for your continued support and please keep those prayers going.
Janell
Darryl went to the doctor yesterday. The doctor stated the cancer is not worse but it has progressed in some areas of the lungs. The CT scan revealed no cancer anywhere else in his body. The oncologist is changing Darryl's chemo regiment and will be changing and adding additional chemo. He will be receiving treatment more often at different intervals.
It is getting more and more complicated, but they are trying every possible avenue to combat the cancer. The side effects could be more severe, but we are praying that Darryl can handle the new chemo. The blood clots in the lungs are still there but are dissolving. We are thankful Darryl has a good appetite, is sleeping better at night and his blood levels are very good.
We are continually amazed at the love and support you have shown. Thanks so much.
Please pray that Darryl will tolerate the new chemo routine.
Please pray for Darryl and Amy as they continue to make decisions.
Please pray for Dr. Reynolds, Darryl's oncologist, that he would have the wisdom to know how to treat the cancer.
Please continue to boldly pray for Darryl's full healing!
Darryl has had several good days at home. Just to be home and to rest is a great gift. He has been sleeping well and has had more energy and less pain. Amy is giving him shots every 12 hours to keep his blood thinned, and the filter procedure has healed and seems to be working. Darryl is planning to go to Crystal Springs Camp for a few hours today to work. He still has to take things a day at a time which is difficult.
Members of the camp board of Crystal Springs Baptist Camp have set up an account for Darryl to help with medical expenses at Cornerstone Bank in
Cornerstone Bank
Darryl Singer benefit account
Checks can be written out to Cornerstone Bank or to Darryl Singer.
Thanks again for your prayers and continued support in so many ways.
This was certainly a roller coaster day but not without seeing God's Hand
in it all. . . .The lung doctor came in to the room this morning and said
that Darryl could go home from the hospital. We were ready to go home,
but after the oncologist and lung doctor conferred they thought it was best
that Darryl have a filter put in a main vessel to keep the blood clots
from traveling into his lungs.
specifically asking God to know what our options were and that we would
have an answer within 30 minutes. We were reminded that God is in control
and in His perfect time he answers our prayers. Within 5 minutes the
surgeon was in the room to discuss the options. (The nurse said they were
lucky and Amy said it was an answer to prayer.) We asked for the surgeon’s
opinion if he should have the filter put in today or tomorrow and he said that we
should do it today and he could do it right away. Darryl could be at home
by this evening. Darryl is now at home resting and very thankful that God
has blessed him with another day.
Psalm 27:1&2 are verses that have sustained Darryl and Amy and the boys in
the last few days. "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I
fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"
Please continue to pray:
-that the blood clots will dissolve within the lungs
-That he will not get any respiratory infections
-continued working of the chemo
-results of the next CT on February 16
Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers, encouragement, cards,
gifts, etc during this journey we are on.
Lynn Singer
Darryl was admitted to the hospital this afternoon. After experiencing shortness of breath for the past two days and going back on the oxygen, he still was feeling poorly. When he went to the hospital today to get his daily shot his oxygen level was very low. They decided to do a CAT scan and discovered the blood clots in his lungs had not dissolved.
They are trying another treatment and deciding what other steps need to be taken to resolve this problem. Please pray for strength for Darryl. He would rather be at home, but has no choice right now. Please pray for Amy as she stays with him tonight in the hospital and for the decisions they need to make.
Darryl continues to gain strength after his hospital stay. He spent the day at the hospital on Thursday getting one of his chemo treatments. He was back in the infusion room today for another treatment. He will also be receiving the seven day series of shots, so he will be traveling to the hospital every day for those.
He was able to go to camp for a short time on Wednesday and he is relieved the pain in his legs is gone. They are still trying to get the blood thinning issue regulated, his blood got too thin after he was home, so it will take some time to get the medication adjusted accordingly. He has slept better at home but has had to revert back to the chair to sleep to control the coughing.
Thank you for your continued prayer and encouragement.
Darryl was released from the hospital this afternoon. He is so happy to be home. Hopefully he will get some much needed rest. The chemo treatment he was scheduled to have today has been rescheduled for Thursday.
Thanks again for your prayers and words of encouragement.
Darryl is still in the hospital. He slept better last night for the first time since his admission to the hospital. Amy spent the night with him last night,
Darryl’s leg pain is gone and he is able to walk laps around the oncology floor. He is trying to get as much exercise as possible. He will not be able to go home until the thinness of his blood is at a level that can be sustained for at least 24 hours. They check it early each morning.
His appetite is good and he is feeling much better than he did a few days ago. He just has to be patient and wait for the medication to do its job. He is still scheduled for his chemo treatment tomorrow but that could change.
We are thankful for continued answers to prayer. The good night’s rest last night and the relief from the leg pain.
Darryl is still hospitalized at MedCenter One in
He will have his chemo treatment on Monday, January 25. The doctor is very pleased by his progress. They are planning an additional oral chemo treatment that will be added later. His body had responded well to the chemo drugs so they will continue to add treatments as necessary. It certainly helped that Darryl was so healthy prior to getting cancer. He has been able to withstand large doses of chemo and other drugs to fight the cancer.
Please continue to pray the blood clots will dissolve and that he will be able to go home soon. He really needs some rest! Please pray as he takes his third chemo treatment next week. Pray for minimal side effects and that his body in its weakened state can withstand the chemo. We know many of you are praying. Thank you so much. May God bless you.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 3:00 PM:
Darryl’s pain has subsided since receiving the blood thinning treatments. He is still on bed rest and will probably be in the hospital until Saturday. A CAT scan yesterday showed that his cancer is “stable” (the words of the doctor) but also revealed he has blood clots in his lungs. He hasn’t slept well the last two nights in the hospital, but we are thankful the pain in his legs is responding to the treatment.
Darryl and Amy are very thankful for your prayers. We praise God that Darryl’s pain has subsided, and we are thankful Darryl’s doctor was able to quickly diagnose the blood clots so that he could receive the treatment needed in a timely manner.
Thank you for your continued words of encouragement via the website.
Monday, January 18, 2010, 10:00 PM:
Darryl was admitted to the hospital today. He went in for his regular weekly lab work. Though his calcium, magnesium and potassium levels were fine, the leg pain had intensified even more. His oncologist ordered an ultrasound of his legs and blood clots in both legs were found. He is on blood thinner to dissolve the clots and thin the blood. Please pray that the blood clots will dissolve.
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 12:00 PM:
Darryl has had increasing pain in his legs during the past few days. We thought the calcium, magnesium and potassium he received on Monday would be the answer, but the pain has increased each day this week. He now has pain in his legs, feet, and now yesterday his side. He has difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to the pain. He is on a new stronger pain medication. He will be reassessed on Monday to check levels and to see how the new pain meds are working.
Darryl still has a great attitude and is determined to keep going.
Please pray for relief from the pain and for continued wisdom for Darryl and Amy as they have many treatment options and decisions to make.
Thursday, January 14, 2010, 8:00 AM:
Darryl received his second treatment of Erbitux on Monday. A one hour procedure turned into eight, but he is done for another week. Due to low calcium, magnesium and potassium levels, he had to have additional IV drips to try and bring the levels up. The Erbitux is an experimental drug that the oncologist has decided to try since Darryl handled the chemo relatively well. He will have weekly IV infusions of Erbitux along with his regular chemo every three weeks. They are trying to attack the cancer from all angles. He also had a one week series of Leukine injections which is used to accelerate the recovery of the white blood cells. All of his blood counts have dropped, which is to be expected, but he hasn’t had any fever or caught any viruses. He diligently wears his mask and we try to keep everything very clean and as germ free as possible in the house.
On Monday night he was able to sleep in his own bed for the first time since the beginning of December. He usually sleeps in a chair. He was able to lie down and not cough. We do believe God is healing his lungs. He has good nights and tough nights, but is usually able to rest during the day. He continues to cough and that tires him out. If we could get the leg pain managed he would be feeling pretty good. He takes pain medication for his legs and supplements to try and boost the calcium and magnesium.
He was able to go to Crystal Springs Camp yesterday and meet with the staff. It was tiring but good for him to be able to get out and to feel almost “normal” again. It helps to be able to do those things for mental and emotional well being.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Monday, January 11, 2010, 8:00 AM:
Darryl has been taking additional chemo treatments this past week. These treatments are in addition to his regular chemo. He receives a weekly infusion of an additional medication that works with his chemo treatments. He is also receiving a weekly shot to boost his immune system. He continues to experience the side effects of chemo. One side effect has been pain in his calf muscles, his feet and other joints. He will be going to get his white count checked today as well as his additional chemo. The doctor at his last visit was encouraged by his white count. It had gone down but kept at a level to continue treatment. The doctor was also amazed by his increased lung capacity. He said it had improved 10,000% since his hospital stay. Darryl has been able to maintain good oxygen levels in his blood and doesn’t need to be on oxygen all the time. He has been able to get better rest most nights, but he still coughs and has to be very careful of any infection.
On January 22, Darryl will be having another CAT scan to determine the new stage of the cancer. He will see the oncologist on January 25 to determine the course of treatment based on the results.
He was able to go to church yesterday. He did wear his mask. It was good he could get out and see friends.
We praise God for answers to prayer. Please continue to pray. Thank you for all your words of encouragement.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 9:00 AM:
Hi everybody,
I thought I would give you some updates on the Singer household. Amy is back at work today and has some reservations leaving me at home, but I have reassured her that I’m in good hands with Bryan and Trevor at home to help. My brother Paul will come and stay with me Thursday this week and my sister will be coming on Sunday for a few days next week. I have been feeling good the last couple of days, but I started my second round of chemo yesterday and I know what might be ahead the next week or so. I’m so grateful now for good days and I do know that I will never take my health for granted ever again. Each day and breath that God gives me is totally a blessing and a reminder of His sovereignty over life and death.
Right now I’m in the chemo treatment room on the 7th floor of MedCenter One in
By the way, this nurse wife I have been blessed with is truly a woman of nurture and Godly character. I am so blessed to have her by my side. She has been through a lot. Being married to me for 25 years is no easy chore. She has been the most incredible mother to these four boys and has been there for their every physical, emotional and spiritual need. She loves them so much and finds it hard to let them go as they are growing up. They are growing and wanting to be independent. We knew these days were coming but still find it hard to let go.
Amy has now shifted her attention to me. It has been a difficult time in the last couple of months, but she has been an incredible support to me and has been at my side every step of the way. I love her dearly and we reminisce about what our vows said way back in 1984. We both exchanged the famous vow, do you promise to love each other in sickness or health, richer or poorer, etc. We never really thought about that statement until now and our love for each other has definitely grown to a completely new level!
Thanks again for all your prayers and support. We will let you know more details later.
Love you all!!
Darryl
Sunday, January 3, 2010, 8:00 PM:
Darryl will be going for his chemo treatment tomorrow. He will first have his blood drawn, if the white count is alright they will proceed with chemo. His white count has been good in the past couple of weeks so we are hoping they will be able to continue with the treatments. He sees his oncologist tomorrow as well. Please pray that he will be able to have the treatment.
He had a coughing spell a couple days ago and went to the walk in clinic. They took an X-ray of his lungs and discovered some fluid build up, so we are also hoping that will clear up as well. He has pain where the drainage tube was, but he is managing with pain medication.
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Thursday, December 31, 2009, 8:00 PM:
Hi everyone, this is Darryl. I hope everyone had a great Christmas with family and friends. Our Christmas was spent with our boys and it was certainly more subdued than usual. It was good just to have them hang out all day with us. The Lord gave us a good day on Christmas as I felt pretty good all day, but the last few days have been a bit different.
People keep asking me how I feel and I am not quite sure how to describe how I’m feeling. Some days I have zero energy. Some days my stomach growls like I am hungry but I have no appetite to eat. So on the days when I have an appetite, I eat like a pig! No offense to pigs but I was told by the doctor to eat all I can when I am hungry so I have certainly taken that advice.
Amy and I continue to seek God daily on our knees and God continues to show us how blessed we are to have such great friends and family who have supported us through this trial. We have been reading various passages of Scripture and one that we read the other day that I just love and read this morning again is the book of James. This book of James has so much wisdom about real life issues packed into five short chapters it is just incredible. I have read this book many times and have shared many examples from it to my camp staff over the last 11 years. Now I must say it has brought a renewed perspective in terms of trials.
I keep thinking, Lord, have I not experienced enough trials in my life? Like when I was 16, a bit rebellious, and almost lost my life in a Halloween accident. I then had to spend a week of pain and humility in the hospital. Or when we had to move from our farm in 1998 as God was calling me out of farming and leading to the completely unknown position of
Moving my family was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced as a dad and a husband. We left complete security with family, lifelong friendships, a great church, Amy’s work at a great small hospital with her colleagues, a great school, and a great small town community.
So I have reflected on all that God has brought us through. When we sold all our possessions and the debt we still had after selling everything we paid monthly for the next seven years to finally be debt free. I remember one evening when we were getting ready to sell out on the farm and we were not sure where we were going to move, that God took me to my knees by my bed and I cried out to Him in total brokenness, “God, what is it that you want of me? Show me your mercies; I don’t want to leave and I don’t want my family to experience this hardship.” The boys were not sure what was happening as they saw their Dad on his knees weeping but I will never forget the opportunity Amy and I had to share with them. God’s call on our lives is greater than our own selfish desires and He knows what is best for us.
Maybe you feel the same way… God what more do you want of me, have I not experienced enough of James 1:2: ”Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” I can embrace everything else James talks about in the next 4 chapters and really do not have a problem with any of it, but I must be honest and say that I have a hard time with considering it pure joy whenever you face trials. I really feel like I have experienced enough testing, enough development of perseverance, but obviously there are some things that I still need work on in my life. Some maturity perhaps, some faith that needs development, I’m not sure but I will tell you that the book of James has taken on a new meaning for me personally!
Love you all,
Darryl
PS I’m feeling much better today and have taken on a new look with my hair falling out. I buzzed it yesterday, first buzz in about 40 years and I must say it’s less maintenance.
Tuesday, December 29, 8:00 AM:
Darryl and Amy and their family spent a quiet Christmas at home. Between the weather and illness in the family (Darryl’s dad has pneumonia and his mother has a bad cold) they were unable to get together with extended family.
Darryl has good days and bad days. You never know what the day will bring and that is difficult to deal with. Darryl has started losing his hair which is a reminder of the effects of the treatment of this terrible disease. He had a difficult day yesterday (Monday) but went and had blood drawn to test the white cell count. We will know the results today.
Amy has gone back to work, and is working a full schedule this week, which makes things difficult as well. Lynn and Paul will be going down this week to try and help as they can.
Please pray for continued strength for Darryl and Amy. Reality is setting in and they know it is going to be a difficult journey. Please pray boldly that Darryl will be healed.
Thank you for your continuing support. It has meant so much to them.
Friday, December 25, 9:00 AM: Hello everyone! I just want to thank you all so much for the encouragement both Darryl and I are receiving from the postings on the web site. Just knowing so many are praying for us means so much. I cannot find any words to describe my thankfulness for the many who have sent cards; those who have sent money, gift cards, stamps and for all the food. Aaron said to me "Mom you haven't had to cook for awhile." Trevor said, "we've never had so much food in the house." This is a true statement, because with Trevor and Bryan home now you can imagine how much food gets consumed!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 8:00 PM:
We apologize for the web site problems we were experiencing today. The issue has been resolved with the vendor and we will be back on track.
Monday, December 21, 4:40 PM: Here's a note from Darryl:
Dear Friends,
It’s been a couple days since I have shared with you. You will know when I feel better or worse by my response or lack of response.
Yesterday I felt pretty good and told Amy and the boys they need to go to church and not worry about me that I was feeling fine. Last night was not a real good night but I managed through it.
Today
We are so loved and blessed by all of you and your words of encouragement, your phone calls, cards and everything else that has been given to us. It is overwhelming. The heartfelt love we have experienced has changed our lives forever. This has been a great testimony to our boys who have never experienced anything like this before. It has strengthened their faith.
This morning Amy and I prayed again for all of you and that God continues to get the glory for whatever happens. Amy shared some verses with me this morning that I felt were so powerful and encouraging. I hope they are to you. Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:13, “For I am Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and say to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Keep on your knees as we serve a God of incredible love for us!
Love you all,
Darryl Singer
Sunday, December 20, 8:30 PM:
Darryl had a good day today. Thank you for the cards and messages you have been sending. Tomorrow Darryl will be going in to have his white cell count checked.
Saturday, December 19, 11:00 AM:
Friday December 18, 4:30 PM: Here's a word from Darryl:
Friday December 18, 9:00 AM: Thank you for your prayers. Darryl had a better night of sleep last night. He slept in a chair because he is not able to sleep lying down as it impairs his breathing. Sometimes he sleeps in a kneeling position to help him breathe better. Amy was also able to sleep last night and is feeling better today as well.
Many of you have asked if you can help in some way. The greatest need Darryl and Amy have is help with medical expenses. Darryl and Amy have health insurance, but they are responsible to pay 20% of their medical expenses. As you can probably imagine, the costs are astronomical. For example, the immune booster shot alone Darryl receives after chemotherapy costs $6000.00. 20% of the cost of the stay in ICU, the hospital, the doctors, and the chemotherapy treatments will probably run into six figures.
If you are able to help financially, it would be much appreciated, but only do as God leads. Darryl and Amy’s address is:
Thursday December 17, 8:30 AM: Darryl is starting to feel the negative effects of the chemotherapy. He had a very difficult night last night with a lot of coughing and vomiting. This was somewhat expected since he was given the maximum dose of chemo to fight the cancer. He is sitting in a chair with pillows on his lap while the family is keeping it quiet in the house so he can sleep. This seems to be the only comfortable position he can rest in at this time. Because he is so sick right now, it would be best not to call or visit until he feels better. Thank you so much for your outpouring of support. You have no idea how encouraging and what a blessing the messages you leave are. Thank you for continuing to pray.
Wednesday, December 16, 11:30 AM Here's the latest word from Darryl:
Good Morning everyone and hey it’s a great new day in the Singer household!
Last night was my first night in my own bed, for months it seems, but it has only been 7 days. It was my best night for sleeping in weeks. Praise God. There is no place like your own bed, right? I feel great so far since the treatments began, but I know that just might be temporary.
I wanted to share something very dear to my heart that God has been working on in my life since the start of camping season the first of June 2009. I hope this doesn't bore you but encourages you to go deeper and grow closer to Christ. So here it goes.
I was extremely convicted in my own spiritual life to go deeper with Christ, like totally sold out committed, surrendering everything. So I decided as a full time staff and the 20 part time staff at
You see I believe everything starts on our knees. So as we began staff camp the end of May we committed as staff one night at a campfire, that as we submit ourselves before God during each morning devotion time and conclude with prayer on our knees. It was the most incredible summer of righteous blessing poured out upon us. As the summer ended I just didn't want it to stop here at camp so I said to Amy my wife, "Honey, I'm sorry that we haven't done this regularly in our married lives." There's been periodic times that we've gone to our knees, but its been more out of desperation or asking for forgiveness which is all great but I'm talking about continued everyday committed total surrender, complete surrender. So Amy and I committed ourselves to pray on our knees everyday.
We were doing fine until the end of October and all of November when I began to feel punk you know, just yuk. Well I just didn't feel like praying on my knees and I began to be self absorbed with how I felt and God reveled to me this past week in the middle of the night in the hospital as I couldn't sleep... where have you been Darryl. I've been wondering why when you need me the most you're not on your knees. Is it only a commitment when you feel good or where is your endurance. I immediately fell to my knees and wept with Amy at my side and we cried out to God for forgiveness and recommitted ourselves to come before God daily surrendering in prayer on our knees. We made a commitment that night to God that we would spend our prayer life on our knees together. I hope we never forget!!! I have a feeling God will remind us if we do.
We love you all and hope this was an encouragement to you. Maybe its time to go to your knees, believe me it will change your relationship with Christ and your spouse! Love you all.
Darryl
Here's a very familiar verse but extremely powerful.
Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight."
8:00 AM: Darryl was allowed to go home last night at 7:30 pm. He will be coming back to the hospital today for an immune system booster shot. He is coughing a lot, but had a relatively good night last night. He is on oxygen all the time. Darryl has a breathing treatment through a nebulizer every six hours and inhales different medicines. He calls this his “Peace Pipe”. Blood will be drawn every week to check his white cell count. His next chemotherapy treatment will be in three weeks. It is vitally important that he does not catch any infections at this point, so when he is around anyone, he has to wear a mask.
The family is all getting flu shots to minimize the danger of bringing flu into the house, and there are large bottles of hand sanitizer everywhere. Even catching a cold would be dangerous. The road ahead will be extremely difficult, but Darryl being Darryl, wants to glorify God and point people to Christ, even the medical professionals around him. Please continue to pray for miraculous healing, comfort and strength for Darryl.
Pray for the family, for strength, understanding, and an unwavering faith during this difficult time. If you know Darryl, you know that even now he is more concerned about others than himself.
Tuesday, December 15: 5:20 PM:
1:45 PM: -Darryl and Amy's sons Bryan and Trevor drove 26 hours straight through from Virginia to Bismarck, ND to get home. They arrived safely.
9:00 AM: Yesterday's CAT scan revealed no additional spread of cancer at this time so the malignancy appears limited to the lungs. This is good news. Darryl had a collapsed lung earlier from a bronchial biopsy. That lung had filled with fluid and a tube had to be inserted to drain the fluid. The fluid has now stopped so the tube was removed. This will make Darryl more comfortable. The first chemotherapy treatment was yesterday at 6:00 PM. Darryl is not feeling the effects of it yet. He is doing as well as can be expected this morning and had a good night of rest. Darryl, Amy, and the family are so encouraged by the messages being left. Thank you! Darryl will write something later, if possible, that we will post.
Monday, December 14: 3:00 PM: No results yet from this morning's tests. Darryl will have his first chemotherapy treatment this afternoon.
11:00 AM: Darryl has had a chest X-ray this morning and will be having a CAT scan and possibly a bone scan later to determine if the cancer has spread. Chemotherapy may begin today or tomorrow. Darryl may be able to go home this week and come in for chemotherapy treatments. Hopefully there will be a meeting with the oncologist today. More information will be posted when we have it. Darryl shared this morning that he is thinking about Psalm 139: