150 days and we are thankful to say that things are going well. Since I have last posted, I was able to have the Hickman port removed from my chest as I no longer need IV treatments. This is considered a big step in the process.That procedure went well and the wound has healed. The doctor has reduced the amount of medication that I need to take, which has helped me to have a better appetite again and we are not struggling with dehydration anymore. Some of the remaining medications I will need to take for quite some time yet. I am able to attend church and go out again, but I do still need to be careful about germs. We just enjoyed a few days at our friends, the Neven's, cottage. It was wonderful to be there and to sit out by a lake again, even if I had to stay in the shade all the time. I will need to be really careful about sun exposure for the next couple of years, my risk of skin cancer is very high. Today I went swimming for the first time all summer, while the shade was
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Day 100! This is a day for thankfulness and praise for sure. It is such a milestone to pass in this bone marrow transplant process. We can be most thankful for what did not happen, such as infections or rejection. The worst cases usually present in the first 100 days, so we are so glad that is behind us. There is a road to go yet, I am still struggling with eating and drinking enough, and have had a bit of trouble with the creatinine level in my blood being too high, which would result in kidney issues. We are getting it under control with IV fluids. The goal now is to start weaning me from all of the meds that I am taking and remove the Hickman port from my chest. I am able to go out in public a little more now. This last stretch has felt long, and sometimes discouraging, but the same promises that we held on to during the critical transplant time are now encouraging us to keep moving forward day by day. So many of you are still encouraging with texts, cards, visits, meals, a
Day 71, still going well! We are encouraged to see the rising blood counts even though its very slow, ups and downs. We go weekly to the cancer clinic and VON nurses come to the house a few times a week to do meds by IV. I have been struggling with nausea more than we expected, some days it is difficult to get enough food and drink in, then there will be several good days in a row. It can be discouraging at times, but this is just all part of it. The doctor reminded us this is a marathon, not a sprint, so we just need to press on. We are so thankful that God has answered prayer and there have been no serious setbacks so far and pray that this will continue. I am able to do things around the house and have Alana to keep me company. She still visits Auntie Brenda's 2 days a week while we have appointments and catch up on rest. I need to stay indoors most of the day, which is hard for her, but I have been strictly warned about any sun exposure as I am very vulnerable to skin
Best Mothers Day ever. I am so thankful to be home with my family again. The kids prepared a lovely dinner for me, it was so good to be together. It's been two weeks since being discharged from the hospital and things are going well. We need to go back to the hospital weekly and the VON nurses come to the house three times a week for IV medications. My blood counts were down today, we were disappointed, but the doctors assured us this was normal for them to fluctuate. Today, we've made it to Day 40! Day 100 is our next goal to make it to without fever or complications. Almost half way, stepping forward, by God's grace, one day at a time. God has really been our rock throughout this, taking away fear and giving hope. While I do still tire quickly I am able to do a few things around the house, normal things, like dishes and laundry and it feels like a privilege to do them especially when I reflect on how differently things
Going home! Well, this morning we received the news that my blood counts are up to the level that we could finally say that “engraftment” of the new bone marrow has taken place! So, unless an issue like spiking a fever or such comes up, I will be able to go home tomorrow. God has answered our prayers beyond what we expected and we are so happy. The next big goal will be to get through to the 100 day mark without complications. I’ll still need to be very careful due to low immunity and will be visiting the cancer clinic 2 or 3 times a week. We are so thankful for our wonderful family and Christian community that we are blessed to be part of and for all that you have done for our whole family. Through you we experienced the hands and feet of Jesus caring for us. Please keep us in your prayers . Following is a passage that has become very real to us, especially these last few months and we commend it to you now. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your reasona
Blood counts are rising! We are happy to share that for the past couple of days Moms blood counts are coming up. They can’t quite call it an “engraftment” yet, but we are on the way. Also, the side effects of the chemo have not been quite as bad as expected. The challenge still remains to stay ahead of infection. We are so thankful for all of yours prayers and praise God for answering them in such a good way so far. “I love the Lord for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy, because he turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2
No more hair! Today, the trimmers came out, just too much hair was falling out so it had to go. Moms brother Dan (who has been through a transplant himself) was by her side, getting his head shaved too as a show of support. Mom is so thankful for her dear friend Brenda who sewed and crocheted some lovely hats to wear while her grows back. This past week has gone better than expected as far as mom’s symptoms and we trust this is in answer to all the prayers that are faithfully being said on our behalf by so many people, near and far. She is getting more tired and developing some mouth sores too, had a fever that thankfully responded to antibiotics quickly. Next week will likely be harder, but the nurses are great and know just how to help with the symptoms. Remember them in your prayers too, they work very hard. It is too early to tell yet if the transplant is a success, we are truly living one day at a time but have great hope and trust that God will work it out just as
Day Zero. Last night Mom received her new marrow. It was done by way of injection through her Hickman port. The transplant process went smoothly, however we won't know if her body has accepted the new marrow for approximately three weeks. Mom has completed the bulk of her chemotherapy, and is also receiving other treatments and medications to prepare her body for the new marrow as well as to help fight infection. She has been quite sick from these treatments, but thankfully does still have some good days. Visitors are still welcome to come, but please check with Dad before coming. Just a note that if you do visit, please leave your coats and purses in the hallway just outside her room and remember to put a mask on and wash your hands before entering. We sincerely thank you all for your ongoing love, support and prayers. It is truly humbling to know that so many are praying for Mom and our family. We thank God above all for being with her and for blessing her with p
Prepared to go- Yesterday we were in hospital having a Hickman port inserted in my chest to administer the upcoming medications. My blood counts have dropped again, good thing treatment is coming soon. It feels quite surreal as a mom to pack a bag for one and to be leaving the family for an extended time, uncertain of my return. God continues to fill us with peace and hope and enables us to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We trust Him completely to supply all of our needs. This afternoon I will be admitted, with chemo starting the next morning, Good Friday. Intense chemo will continue for 5 days. The full effects are not expected to be felt until the following week , when I will become quite sick, likely develop painful mouth and throat sores which will make it difficult to eat, and start to lose my hair. April 5 is "Day 0" . The transplant day, when I will have the donor cells injected. Then we will watch and wait and pray that I stay ahead of compli
New transplant date! The transplant team has been very busy making new arrangements and we got the call this week that the date is now March 29. This is sooner than we thought they could get everything arranged with the new donor. We are grateful for this but it brings feelings of both relief and fear. Each day again we cast our cares on the Lord, and each day again He gives strength, comfort and new hope.
Transplant postponed: Today the doctor informed us that Mom's transplant has been postponed for 3 weeks, maybe 4. A minor medical issue has arisen with the donor. The doctor said it is not enough of a concern that this donor cannot be used, but we need to wait. However, there is a second potential donor that is now being reconsidered, possibly even a third. We knew of the second , were surprised to hear about the third. Some people wait a very long time to find one. Again none of these are a perfect match, but possibly all evenly suited for mom. The team is working as quickly as possible to secure one and the sooner the better, mom's platelets were down lower again this week, she will need more transfusions until the transplant. Platelets only last a few days, so it will be a challenge to keep them up without becoming immune to the treatment. Please pray as that mom's health will be sustained during the extra waiting, this setback is quite a concern to us.
We wanted to update you all about the appointments that mom had this week. Yesterday was a long day for mom and dad with a lot of tests; heart scan, xrays ; blood work and several consultations. All the appointments were on time and the nurses were very good and helpful. Unfortunately , Mom's blood counts have dropped even lower and on Friday she will have to have blood transfusions(for the first time) as well as platelet transfusions to help keep her levels up until the transplant, also to prevent bleeding. Were thankful that the transplant is not too far away. We continue to look to our loving Father for help and healing. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6
We would like to use this blog, rather than the emails, as an opportunity to keep you up to date on what is happening with our mom's cancer story, so that you can pray for us and be encouraged that God is our rock. About a year and a half ago, the first unusual blood count was noticed. The doctor was only mildly concerned, but decided to send mom to a hematologist to keep an eye on it. Things hovered for a time, during which we were able to carry on and enjoy many things, including Vanessa and Tyler's wedding, but then the blood counts started to drop and a diagnosis of MDS, cancer of the bone marrow, or bone marrow failure, was given in October 2017. Shortly after this we were delighted to enjoy another wedding in the family, of Melanie and Billy. While gradually getting more tired and having to reduce extra activities outside of the home, mom has generally felt ok. Recently the counts have dropped to a point where mom has had to stay home, away from all