Recovery from Second Transplant

THE PHOTO ON THE LEFT IS OF CHARLIE RECEIVING THE STEM CELLS

It's been a very long time since I last posted on my blog. When I started this blog, my husband was very ill with lymphoma. Since then he had a recovery from lymphoma, but then developed leukemia caused by the chemo in his first transplant. What a discouragement that was!! Charlie's platelet count never returned to normal after his first stem cell transplant, but he did return to work (a very physical occupation). In the fall of 2009 we learned that he needed another stem cell transplant if there was any hope for recovery. My wonderful husband continued to work until February 2010 when he fell on steel cutting himself quite badly. I have to say that I was relieved to see him quit his job. Because of the very low platelet count, Charlie had bruises of all sizes on his body.

In April 2010 Charlie finally was able to have another stem cell transplant. This time it was not his own cells, but that of a 21 year old male that was a perfect 10 of 10 match. The first stem cell transplant was a bit scary since it took 31 days for Charlie's stem cells to engraft. We had no idea of what would happen with the transplant this time. To our amazement the donor's stem cells engrafted in only 8 days. As of today there has been no sign of rejection and Charlie's blood counts are all normal. He was diagnosed with bronchiectasis (lung disease) before the second stem cell transplant. This was due to either the chemo or the low immune system. So far, with daily breathing treatments, the disease still is mild. If it progresses it can cause serious problems and disability.

My wonderful husband is now back at work doing what he loves to do. I have to say that I did enjoy having him at home for about 8 months, but I know that a man is only truly happy when he is able to work. God has truly been very good to us!!

HE Careth for You

The Bible says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you," I Peter 5:6-7. The word "humble" here means to depress; figuratively to humiliate (in condition or heart): - abase, bring low, humble (self). When you or someone you love dearly is going through a serious illness it is sometimes depressing and you are sometimes brought low. I would say that I have been greatly humbled by the mighty hand of God. Cancer and the long term treatment that goes with it can turn your world upside down. My husband and I are learning to do what the Bible says to do....casting all our care upon God. God loves us more than anyone loves us ("he careth for you"). HE knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

God has been so close to us lately. HE has comforted us in so many ways. The Lord knows that I love to see deer in the wild. A few days ago my best friend (hubby) and I went for the last walk before he entered the hospital for his stem cell transplant. As we walked down a railroad track six deer strolled onto the tracks about 50 yards from us.

More importantly than seeing deer, is spending time with our family and friends. The Lord has placed wonderful people in our lives. Truly we see HIM in our friends and family. They are used to comfort us. Jesus said as recorded in Matthew, "...I was sick, and ye visited me". We have had many such visits and they were like the Lord visiting us to comfort us. Matthew 25:40 says "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." How wonderful it is to be comforted by family & friends!!

Daddy Went to Heaven Yesterday

Most of you know that my mom has ovarian cancer. Today I
received a call from my baby sister and knew something was wrong
immediately, but it was not my mom. My dad had suffered a heart
attack and went to Heaven shortly after arriving at the hospital.
We plan to go to Louisiana very soon. Please pray especially for my
mom. They had been married for about 55 years and she is still
having chemo treatments. My dad was her rock.

Everyday is a Blessing from God

It's been a very long time since I have written on this blog. We have been busy having a "normal" life free of cancer. Unfortunately, cancer has returned to my husband's body. This time it is not lymphoma, but MDS/leukemia. He is feeling quite well for having such a diagnosis. For this we are so grateful to our Lord. Another stem cell transplant is in his very near future. Again I will become my husband's caregiver.

Everyday is a blessing from the Lord. Today we got a little taste of spring. There is still snow on the ground and the temperature was probably in the 40's, but after this cold winter it really seems quite warm. Charlie and I went for a 38 minute walk down a country road and railroad track near our home. While walking on the railroad track we were able to watch 4 deer eating left-over corn in a field. What a blessing!!