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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 complications or infections while we look for a "graft" to have taken place and see blood counts climb up again.   This should happen by "Day 21".  These first few weeks are likely to be a difficult time for all of us, I am really looking up against this, but know it needs to be done.

Visitors are allowed during this time, as long as you are healthy, just check with Jeff first.  I am not allowed to receive flowers, just so you are aware.

We know nothing about this new donor, whether they are male or female, local or international, we just thank God for this person and pray that their marrow makes it safely to the hospital on April 5.

Thinking of the suffering ahead for me, especially now at Easter,  brings new and deeper appreciation again for the suffering that Jesus experienced on our behalf, and He suffered alone.  Our thoughts on this can be summed up in the hymn,
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross".

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 4:34 AM

    Every day we pray for you. We love you and are thankful for your testimony of faith in our Saviour. -Sam and Cara Overduin

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 6:50 AM

    May God go with you, Sandy. Our love and prayers are with you each day.- Roger & Julie

    ReplyDelete
  3. JoanneMarch 29, 2018 at 7:13 AM

    Our thoughts and prayers are never from you Sandy! May God continue to give you that strength and peace now and as you need it! Much love from all us deVries'.

    ReplyDelete
  4. SarineMarch 29, 2018 at 9:09 AM

    Thinking of you, dear Sandy in this difficult road ahead. Praying for you daily that you may receive much strength and peace and complete healing. ♥ the Maljaars'

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 12:30 PM

    We will continue to remember you in our prayers, especially in the difficult weeks ahead for both you and your family. May God give you strength day by day - Phil & Sue

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 1:39 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Ria Dekker

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 2:40 PM

    I just love you, sweet Sister. And I am with you in Spirit. God's Got This, and He's Got YOU too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 3:00 PM

    We continue to daily pray for you Sandy and Jeff, on this difficult road ahead.
    Isaiah 43 : 1 - 3a.
    With much love, Dave and Christine

    ReplyDelete
  9. MargaretMarch 29, 2018 at 4:08 PM

    Praying for you Sandy. Margaret & Albert Harper

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 4:19 PM

    May God give you strength and surround you and your family with His precious love and care. I will pray for you, that the treatment will have the desired effect, and that you will have the peace that passes all understanding. Geraldine VanRaalte

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 5:07 PM

    Praying for you and your family Sandy.....Jean Antuma

    ReplyDelete
  12. GraceMarch 29, 2018 at 5:23 PM

    Praying for you sandy and jeff.I know a little about how you are feeling. This brings back so many memories. God gave ray almost ten more years then had been expected through the transplant. He experienced only moderate side affects from the high dose chemo. Call upon me, and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.Jeremiah 33.3.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMarch 30, 2018 at 2:37 PM

    May God's grace keep and sustain you in this difficult journey.May His love fill you, surround you, uphold you and your family and may He bless the means to restore your body to health.God bless you according to his riches in glory.Praying for you and your family....Arlene

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousApril 3, 2018 at 11:12 PM

    Thinking and praying for you. He will guide you and be a light on your way.
    Love Henk & Laura Wijnia-de Vries (Holland)

    ReplyDelete

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