My Hope Is You Alone

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 lik...

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 r...

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 jus...

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...

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 wa...

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.