Several people have been asking how I am progressing post stem cell transplant. God has been so good to us. I passed my first follow up appointment with flying colors. So well, that instead of 2-3 appointments per week, they are satisfied with seeing me weekly at this point and will back off to every two weeks, then monthly.
My white blood count, including the infection fighting neutrophils are at the low end of the NORMAL range and the other blood cells are slowly increasing. This demonstrates that my donor cells are working! Of course, these cells are not fully mature, and don’t offer full immunity protection. But I expect them to progressively mature and multiply as they have already started.
My difficulty with swallowing is nearly healed, though I need to be careful with rougher foods. The GI tract may take some time to heal as will the painful chemo ‘burns’ on my hands and other areas. But overall, it seems I am well ahead of the curve, even with tiring days like yesterday and today.
As we’ve written earlier, pain demands attending to. But often it is our choice how we perceive it and how much we let it control us. A lesson I learned thirty years ago is that ministering and reaching out to others in need diminishes the focus on our own painful situation, be it physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. (I am constantly reminded of how much I still need to improve in this.) Cultivating a real relationship with the Spirit Jesus gave us is of infinitely greater value in coping with limitations, frustrations, anxiety, and pain. Author Sarah Young writes:
“Keep your eyes on (Jesus), not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it’s important to seek My will in everything you do.”
If my pain and struggle were exactly the same, yet I didn’t have this eternal truth, I can assure you my experience would not be nearly so optimistic. Yet with this truth, a measure of joy is revealed on the same path of the struggle. It is available to you too.
Thanks to everyone who is praying for us and encouraging us.
“You have made known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
So very happy for your progress!!!! Thanks be to God!!
Bryan and Marcia,
All I can say is Praise the Lord, amen! and we will keep praying. I have learned the last few years the importance of prayer. Sometimes, we can not come close to understanding what someone is going through or the battles they are facing. We don’t have the words to say to them or know what to do to fix things but, we can pray. We can lift them up to the Lord for as long as it takes for Him to answer. We must never give up praying no matter the circumstances. Be strong and courageous my friends.
Kathi
Thanks for the good news! We thank God for your continued recovery.
Naomi
Thanks for the update and praise God! Hope you can enjoy some of the warmer weather we are suppose to get this weekend. Spring is a time for regeneration and new life. We pray for your continued recovery and your ‘new life’ after stem cell transplant. Have a great day in the Lord! 🙂
Thanks to everyone for their prayers of support. This has been and continues to be a challenging journey…but one also filled with numerous blessings. God IS good ALL the time!