Hey everybody!
We are still here. Sorry we haven't updated. We have been busy keeping Daddy busy :) I promise I have a great picture coming for you in the next few days. Daddy continues to do well. He is very tired but seems to be getting stronger each day. He and Daniel were able to go in the boat for a little while and caught a few fish to eat. He still can't be around a crowd so we try to find things to keep him busy here at home. He and Moma, along with Joey and Daniel, are starting to work on the garden. Well...he is supervising. He can't mess in the dirt for a year so he gets out of all the fun this year!
Daddy goes back to the doctor Monday and we are expecting great news! Meanwhile...I have something to share with all of you. Daddy was very fortunate that for his type of cancer, he could use his own stem cells. Many, many people aren't that fortunate and are waiting on a donor. So, I encourage you to
Right now, the foundation has enough donations that they are able to add new donors to the registry for free. There is usually a $52 fee but it is waived for now. Please, please if you are healthy and able go and register. I have registered but haven't gotten my kit yet. It is just four cotton swabs in your mouth from what I've read. Lots of bone marrow is collected now through pheresis, just like Daddy's was and you don't have to endure a bone marrow draw. In some cases, that would be necessary and I know bone marrow draws are painful, but imagine you could save someone's life. It pales in comparison to what Jesus did for us! The link for the site is http://www.bethematch.org/ Please pray about supporting this wonderful registry.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support for Daddy. Much love to you all!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
They're Back!!
We are thrilled that Moma and Daddy are home! Believe me, they are too! The boys were so excited they could hardly stand it. Moma and Daddy surprised Peyton and picked him up early from school (don't worry we washed his hands up to his shoulders).
Daddy's head still has lots of little stubbles that come out easily. They are kind of itchy so the boys decided they would give Poppie some help with a lint brush :)
They thought it was amazing that the lint brush was covered in Poppie's hair. Daddy is doing pretty well considering all he has been through. He is very tired and doesn't feel like talking much but he is enjoying being in his own house. He is still having a little trouble with a low-grade fever. Don't worry, nurse Sue keeps that temperature in check (like every five minutes)! Please pray that the fever subsides and he doesn't get sick. They go back to the doctor in about two weeks. I believe that they will check his cancer markers then but we should know for sure about remission after 100 days. That is when the chemo will have had time do its thing. Please, please, pray, believe, and thank God for complete remission. We know God has worked a miracle!
Daddy is very emotional and I think all of this is catching up with him. I know he is very grateful that this treatment is available and I am sure that is overwhelming at times, on top of feeling very weak still. Lots of people have asked and yes, please feel free to call...no doubt they will be home :)
We will all be so glad when life is back to normal and he can go and do and have company, but for now we are just so very thankful that Moma and Daddy are back home with us! Much love to you all!
We will all be so glad when life is back to normal and he can go and do and have company, but for now we are just so very thankful that Moma and Daddy are back home with us! Much love to you all!
Monday, April 19, 2010
GUESS WHO'S COMING HOME???
Yep, Daddy and Moma are Andrews bound tomorrow! Daddy got the news this morning at the clinic that his counts are good enough to come home. He has to be put to sleep in the morning to have his PICC line removed and then he is headed to God's country as he says!
I was telling someone today how we had to be careful and not touch and hug on Daddy when he comes home and Peyton piped right in to inform me that he was hugging Poppie when he comes home. Too sweet! He is also very worried that people are going to laugh at Poppie because he doesn't have hair. Bless his simple minded little self :)
Wilson gives us trouble sometimes at night (well other times too...but anyway) and doesn't always cooperate during prayer time. Last night he and I were in the middle of saying Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and he busted out with his normal prayers for Poppie. Ever since Daddy had his first bone marrow biopsy Wilson says, "and pray for Poppie's "bootocks"and he chest and he arm to feel better." Well last night he got a little Pentecostal and stuck his hand straight up in the air and said, "and make it all go away." Now, you have to imagine that not sounding quite so clear for the full effect! Needless to say, I was in tears. Praise God for a child's faith. I hate that they have to experience hurt but I pray that their faith will be strengthened and they will get to witness a mighty miracle that God is working right before our eyes!
The doctors had told us to plan on 4-6 weeks out of town and tomorrow is only 3! God is good!! The doctors have also warned that there will likely be several trips back in the hospital due to infection but we are praying against that and praying for a hedge of protection around Daddy.
He does not have to be in isolation but he can't go out to church and such as that yet. He can have visitors just as long as they aren't sick or been around anyone who is sick. That means even a common cold because that can be very serious for Daddy. Daddy doesn't always take the precautions he needs to so Moma and I are the germ police and remind him often to be very careful.
Like I told our church family Sunday, we have to love Daddy from a distance for a while. The doctor said touching, hugging, etc is the easiest way to spread germs. Please don't think he doesn't love you if you see him and he doesn't hug you or shake your hand. It is only because Moma and I have threatened him...just kidding. I told him today to fold his arms and put his hands under his armpits because he can't keep them off of stuff. Old habits die hard!
Anyway, we are very excited and so thankful for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. We don't want any infections and can't wait until his 100 days are up and we get those results declaring complete remission! We are praying for it, claiming it, believing it, and PRAISING God for it everyday! Much love to you all!
I was telling someone today how we had to be careful and not touch and hug on Daddy when he comes home and Peyton piped right in to inform me that he was hugging Poppie when he comes home. Too sweet! He is also very worried that people are going to laugh at Poppie because he doesn't have hair. Bless his simple minded little self :)
Wilson gives us trouble sometimes at night (well other times too...but anyway) and doesn't always cooperate during prayer time. Last night he and I were in the middle of saying Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and he busted out with his normal prayers for Poppie. Ever since Daddy had his first bone marrow biopsy Wilson says, "and pray for Poppie's "bootocks"and he chest and he arm to feel better." Well last night he got a little Pentecostal and stuck his hand straight up in the air and said, "and make it all go away." Now, you have to imagine that not sounding quite so clear for the full effect! Needless to say, I was in tears. Praise God for a child's faith. I hate that they have to experience hurt but I pray that their faith will be strengthened and they will get to witness a mighty miracle that God is working right before our eyes!
The doctors had told us to plan on 4-6 weeks out of town and tomorrow is only 3! God is good!! The doctors have also warned that there will likely be several trips back in the hospital due to infection but we are praying against that and praying for a hedge of protection around Daddy.
He does not have to be in isolation but he can't go out to church and such as that yet. He can have visitors just as long as they aren't sick or been around anyone who is sick. That means even a common cold because that can be very serious for Daddy. Daddy doesn't always take the precautions he needs to so Moma and I are the germ police and remind him often to be very careful.
Like I told our church family Sunday, we have to love Daddy from a distance for a while. The doctor said touching, hugging, etc is the easiest way to spread germs. Please don't think he doesn't love you if you see him and he doesn't hug you or shake your hand. It is only because Moma and I have threatened him...just kidding. I told him today to fold his arms and put his hands under his armpits because he can't keep them off of stuff. Old habits die hard!
Anyway, we are very excited and so thankful for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. We don't want any infections and can't wait until his 100 days are up and we get those results declaring complete remission! We are praying for it, claiming it, believing it, and PRAISING God for it everyday! Much love to you all!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
And He's OUT!
Thank goodness Daddy is out of that "cage!" The doctors were amazed at how much his white counts have jumped and let him go to the hotel about 4:00 this afternoon. He is still having a little fever but we trust God's got that under control. Though I do feel a bit sorry for Daddy because I know Moma, and she will drive him CRAZY with the thermometer :) Moma and Daddy were so excited about leaving that Moma had the car packed and waiting all day. I don't think they have been as excited over anything in a long time!
Daddy's immune system is still very weak and will be for a long time. They said to think of it like a newborn baby. He has to be careful not to be around anyone who is sick or anyone who has been around someone who is sick. Well...that pretty much rules us school teachers out :) No way! Seriously, we are erring on the side of caution and trying to get him to do the same. Hopefully, with the warm weather ahead the sickness issue won't be much of a factor.
We are thrilled that he is out and gets a change of scenery. God has truly worked miracles and we believe he is completely healed. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he has a long road ahead, but God is good and will see him through. Much love to you all!
Daddy's immune system is still very weak and will be for a long time. They said to think of it like a newborn baby. He has to be careful not to be around anyone who is sick or anyone who has been around someone who is sick. Well...that pretty much rules us school teachers out :) No way! Seriously, we are erring on the side of caution and trying to get him to do the same. Hopefully, with the warm weather ahead the sickness issue won't be much of a factor.
We are thrilled that he is out and gets a change of scenery. God has truly worked miracles and we believe he is completely healed. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he has a long road ahead, but God is good and will see him through. Much love to you all!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mr.Clean, Mr. Clean
When I saw Daddy tonight with his new do (or without you might say), I thought of a great new side job since he is retired. He can take over as the man on the Mr. Clean ad. This new slick head he is sporting is looking good. Don't you think?
The boys couldn't wait to get on Skype and see Poppie's bald head. The picture quality isn't great but it was a snap shot from our call on the computer with Nonnie and Poppie. Daddy asked me if I wanted to get a sympathy cut. I love you Daddy, but no thanks :) Peyton needs a hair cut so maybe he will go for the sympathy cut. Poppie would love that!
Daddy's counts continue to rise which is great! However, he is still battling the fever. They can't seem to find where it is coming from and they did more cultures this afternoon. Daddy still doesn't have a lot of energy and feels pretty crummy but brighter days are just ahead!
Please say a prayer for his fever to go away. He REALLY would like to get out of that "cage" and to the motel by the end of the week. Thanks again for your prayers. Much love to you all!
Monday, April 12, 2010
We are Registering!
Although they are ever so slightly registering, Daddy's counts are registering today. Thank the Lord! They are off to a VERY slow start but hey...it's a start. He is running a fever still so he is on antibiotics. They have run lots of cultures and haven't found anything but they said it is hard to grow a culture with no white blood cells so he will remain on antibiotics to be on the safe side.
Yesterday when I saw him his hair was beginning to fall out but it was not noticeable. Moma said much more is falling out today and the nurse asked if he wanted to go ahead and cut it and I think they are going to do it tonight or in the morning. Guess we are on the road to that black, curly hair Daddy says he is getting :)
The GREAT news is that if they can get rid of the fever, Daddy may get to go outpatient toward the end of the week. They are really hoping that will work out. It kind of worries me because he has to be SO careful about who and what he is around. But...it will do them both good to get out of that hospital. Thanks for lifting them up...your prayers are being answered!
Speaking of prayers...I was walking tonight and something the preacher said a few weeks ago really came back to me. He said if you are not trying to save the lost, you might as well be telling them to go to hell. Now, we all know we wouldn't tell our loved ones that. I was thinking about how hard we have all prayed for Daddy and how thankful I am that God hears those prayers. But, at the same time I feel so guilty that I don't pray just that hard for my loved ones that don't know Jesus. It just made me feel so selfish. So, as you are remembering Daddy this week, please say a prayer for your loved ones that are lost. I tell you, lots of good is going to come from this. I believe it!
Much love to you all!
Yesterday when I saw him his hair was beginning to fall out but it was not noticeable. Moma said much more is falling out today and the nurse asked if he wanted to go ahead and cut it and I think they are going to do it tonight or in the morning. Guess we are on the road to that black, curly hair Daddy says he is getting :)
The GREAT news is that if they can get rid of the fever, Daddy may get to go outpatient toward the end of the week. They are really hoping that will work out. It kind of worries me because he has to be SO careful about who and what he is around. But...it will do them both good to get out of that hospital. Thanks for lifting them up...your prayers are being answered!
Speaking of prayers...I was walking tonight and something the preacher said a few weeks ago really came back to me. He said if you are not trying to save the lost, you might as well be telling them to go to hell. Now, we all know we wouldn't tell our loved ones that. I was thinking about how hard we have all prayed for Daddy and how thankful I am that God hears those prayers. But, at the same time I feel so guilty that I don't pray just that hard for my loved ones that don't know Jesus. It just made me feel so selfish. So, as you are remembering Daddy this week, please say a prayer for your loved ones that are lost. I tell you, lots of good is going to come from this. I believe it!
Much love to you all!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Day Nine
Sorry, I didn't get back with another update yesterday. I just got back a little while ago from the hospital. I wasn't going to visit because Daddy's counts are still not even registering and we are so afraid of infection. Vickie rode with me and we had planned to meet Moma in the waiting room to get her clothes and guess who snuck down there? The old man himself :) I fussed a little but it was good to see him. Of course, we kept our distance but I think it did them both good to see familiar faces. They are SO ready to be out of there!
Daddy's counts still have not begun to rise. They are continuing to give him the Neupogen shots to hurry them along. He says Moma was a much better shot giver by the way :) When we left, Moma called to say his fever was 100.5 so they have begun him on very agressive antibiotics. They have also done several cultures and a chest x-ray to see if they can figure out where it is coming from. The nurse reiterated that this is very normal and there is no cause for alarm yet. The fever police (aka Moma)...they should have never given her a thermometer...called to tell me a minute ago that it was back down to 99.5. Praise the Lord!!
Sometimes during engraftment (when Daddy's cells find their way back home so to speak) you will run a fever. We are praying this is the case and Daddy's counts will be on the way up tomorrow. They were supposed to test his counts again at 11:00 this morning and the nurse misread the orders and didn't do it until Moma asked about it around 5:00. This morning in church Pastor Billy and the church family had a special prayer for Daddy, particularly that the counts would begin to rise. I have complete faith that God touched him today and we will see that in his numbers tomorrow. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family who believes in the power of prayer and who lifts our family up everyday.
Moma and I were talking tonight about we have learned so much from this experience and I am sure Daddy feels the same way. It is funny how so much good can come from something so bad. We know and believe that is all part of God's perfect plan and He continues to use this for the up building of His kingdom.
Please say a special prayer for Daddy's and Moma's emotional state tonight. It is very depressing for him to feel so bad and be stuck in that room for so long. I could tell tonight that Daddy especially is very down and that is understandable. I know it is hard for Moma too because she has to be strong and be a cheerleader 24/7. Just please pray that God would give them peace and hope that only He can give. Thanks for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. Much love to you all!
Daddy's counts still have not begun to rise. They are continuing to give him the Neupogen shots to hurry them along. He says Moma was a much better shot giver by the way :) When we left, Moma called to say his fever was 100.5 so they have begun him on very agressive antibiotics. They have also done several cultures and a chest x-ray to see if they can figure out where it is coming from. The nurse reiterated that this is very normal and there is no cause for alarm yet. The fever police (aka Moma)...they should have never given her a thermometer...called to tell me a minute ago that it was back down to 99.5. Praise the Lord!!
Sometimes during engraftment (when Daddy's cells find their way back home so to speak) you will run a fever. We are praying this is the case and Daddy's counts will be on the way up tomorrow. They were supposed to test his counts again at 11:00 this morning and the nurse misread the orders and didn't do it until Moma asked about it around 5:00. This morning in church Pastor Billy and the church family had a special prayer for Daddy, particularly that the counts would begin to rise. I have complete faith that God touched him today and we will see that in his numbers tomorrow. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family who believes in the power of prayer and who lifts our family up everyday.
Moma and I were talking tonight about we have learned so much from this experience and I am sure Daddy feels the same way. It is funny how so much good can come from something so bad. We know and believe that is all part of God's perfect plan and He continues to use this for the up building of His kingdom.
Please say a special prayer for Daddy's and Moma's emotional state tonight. It is very depressing for him to feel so bad and be stuck in that room for so long. I could tell tonight that Daddy especially is very down and that is understandable. I know it is hard for Moma too because she has to be strong and be a cheerleader 24/7. Just please pray that God would give them peace and hope that only He can give. Thanks for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. Much love to you all!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Quick Praise
Just had to let you all know before I head out to the jamboree that Daddy is FEVER FREE this morning! Thank you God!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Another Day at Ground Zero
Let me start by saying that I have fixed the comments where you can go on under anonymous. I didn't realize anonymous wasn't an option so I made it one and now you can just choose anonymous and write your comment. Thanks to those of you who let me know :)
Daddy's counts are still at zero so they began the shots tonight to get them moving upward. He really has cabin fever and is SO ready to get out of that hospital. Moma has figured out that he drinks those little can drinks well so he has been drinking more and that is good. He says the water tastes funny there and when the ice melts it makes him nauseous so those can drinks take care of that. That is a true country boy who likes his well water :)
Daddy began to run a fever today and it was 100 when I talked to Moma tonight. If it gets to 100.4 they will begin aggressive IV antibiotics. The doctor says 80% of patients run a fever. We were hoping to be in the minority here...but doesn't look that way. The risk of infection is really high right now. I haven't been down there in a few days because the doctor advised them to limit visitors. I really miss them but I would hate to carry germs to their way. We have about 4 more days of these really low counts and things should start looking up.
Please say a prayer that counts will rise and fever will go away. We know God is good and He's got this!! Much love to you all!
Daddy's counts are still at zero so they began the shots tonight to get them moving upward. He really has cabin fever and is SO ready to get out of that hospital. Moma has figured out that he drinks those little can drinks well so he has been drinking more and that is good. He says the water tastes funny there and when the ice melts it makes him nauseous so those can drinks take care of that. That is a true country boy who likes his well water :)
Daddy began to run a fever today and it was 100 when I talked to Moma tonight. If it gets to 100.4 they will begin aggressive IV antibiotics. The doctor says 80% of patients run a fever. We were hoping to be in the minority here...but doesn't look that way. The risk of infection is really high right now. I haven't been down there in a few days because the doctor advised them to limit visitors. I really miss them but I would hate to carry germs to their way. We have about 4 more days of these really low counts and things should start looking up.
Please say a prayer that counts will rise and fever will go away. We know God is good and He's got this!! Much love to you all!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
No Where To Go But Up
According to the doctors, Daddy's counts bottomed out last night. This was to be expected and now we have no where to go but up! This means Daddy has absolutely no immune system and his system has to start rebuilding which is where those stem cells he got come in very handy. Hopefully, they will engraft very soon and his counts will begin rising. If they haven't begun rising by in the morning, he will be getting Neupogen shots like he got before the stem cell collection to kick them into gear.
He is still not feeling too good but the doctor says he is still doing above average. He did say Daddy had lost more weight than he would like so we really have to work on him eating more. The good news is he did well enough to get back off of the iv tonight. Moma went and got him some food from Oriental Cuisine and he was able to eat a little of it. Please pray his appetite picks up and he will be able to get past the smell and eat something so he can keep his strength up.
Because Daddy's counts are so low, we are having to be really, really careful about infection now. They are monitoring him very closely for fever and if he gets a slight fever he has to go on very aggressive iv antibiotics. They said he could even get infection from the bacteria that lives on his own skin! CrAzY! The doctor said today that we have about five days of this and then things should look up. We are having to be careful about visitors and making sure everything and everyone is very healthy and well-sanitized :) We hope everyone understands.
It is funny how God uses the smallest things to remind us He is in control. We signed Wilson up for Wee Ball and really knew he was too little to play but nevertheless, we gave it a shot. He has not done well at practice at all and we told him tonight was his last chance. We got out there and he was clinging to me and crying and I know this is a trivial thing to pray for but I asked the Lord to please help him to be comfortable and have a good time. In just minutes, Wilson was running after balls and batting. I know I shouldn't even bother God with such minor stuff, but He quickly reminded me how in control He is and how fast He can change a situation. If He is in the small stuff, how much more is He in the big stuff?
On another note...I am writing these posts in between unpacking and moving so my grammar and spelling may not be up to par...please forgive :) Also, if you want to leave a comment, I know Moma and Daddy would love to read them. You don't have to have a blog, just click comment and you can comment as an anonymous user and then sign your name in your comment. I hope that makes sense.
Good night...much love to all of you!
He is still not feeling too good but the doctor says he is still doing above average. He did say Daddy had lost more weight than he would like so we really have to work on him eating more. The good news is he did well enough to get back off of the iv tonight. Moma went and got him some food from Oriental Cuisine and he was able to eat a little of it. Please pray his appetite picks up and he will be able to get past the smell and eat something so he can keep his strength up.
Because Daddy's counts are so low, we are having to be really, really careful about infection now. They are monitoring him very closely for fever and if he gets a slight fever he has to go on very aggressive iv antibiotics. They said he could even get infection from the bacteria that lives on his own skin! CrAzY! The doctor said today that we have about five days of this and then things should look up. We are having to be careful about visitors and making sure everything and everyone is very healthy and well-sanitized :) We hope everyone understands.
It is funny how God uses the smallest things to remind us He is in control. We signed Wilson up for Wee Ball and really knew he was too little to play but nevertheless, we gave it a shot. He has not done well at practice at all and we told him tonight was his last chance. We got out there and he was clinging to me and crying and I know this is a trivial thing to pray for but I asked the Lord to please help him to be comfortable and have a good time. In just minutes, Wilson was running after balls and batting. I know I shouldn't even bother God with such minor stuff, but He quickly reminded me how in control He is and how fast He can change a situation. If He is in the small stuff, how much more is He in the big stuff?
On another note...I am writing these posts in between unpacking and moving so my grammar and spelling may not be up to par...please forgive :) Also, if you want to leave a comment, I know Moma and Daddy would love to read them. You don't have to have a blog, just click comment and you can comment as an anonymous user and then sign your name in your comment. I hope that makes sense.
Good night...much love to all of you!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Update
The boys had a dentist appointment in Mt Pleasant yesterday so we took Daddy and Moma some spaghetti by the hospital afterwards. Daddy wasn't having such a good day. He just doesn't feel well and can't eat or drink much which isn't good. As you can tell from the pictures, the boys were happy to see him. They wanted to know where he got those bracelets:) This will probably be the last time they get to go because Daddy's counts are getting really low and he is more susceptible to infection now.
Daddy didn't have a good night. His potassium dropped really low so they had to hook him back up to the iv and give him potassium. This morning he got up to walk and the nurse practitioner stopped outside of his room to talk and Daddy almost passed out. They got him back to the room and checked his vitals and he is dehydrated. So, they have started him back on a fluid iv. Hopefully, this will make him feel better. The doctor came in also this morning and said all of this was to be expected but Daddy has lost more weight than they would like. He is giving him some medicine to help with nausea, and hopefully taking care of that and the dehydration will make him have more of an appetite.
We knew this was all to be expected but it is still very hard. We just have to remind ourselves what good will come from this...a long, healthy remission! We are claiming it and thanking God for it everyday.
Please lift Moma and Daddy both up today. The doctor says the next three days will be the worst and then his counts should begin going up which will make him feel better. And...if things go well...maybe he could get out of the hospital by the end of next week.
Thanks for your prayers~much love to you all!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter in the "Condo"
We just got back from taking the boys to see Moma and Daddy. We had said we weren't taking them, then Moma informed them on the phone that they would be coming to see her Sunday so we gave in. We had Easter dinner at Kristen and William's house and then carried a plate to the hospital which Daddy calls his "condo."
Daddy had to come down to the terrace area because the boys can't go up to the transplant unit. They were a little weary at first because he has to wear a mask when he is out of the unit. I was going to take some pictures for the blog but Daddy has not had such a good day today. The effects of the chemo are setting in and he is very nauseous and has been sick a couple of times. He didn't say much tonight, you can just tell his is worn down. Although it is heartbreaking to see him like that, we still have so much to be thankful for. He has done really well so far and we know this too shall pass.
The doctors take turns being on call for a week at a time. Tomorrow the more personable doctor comes back on call so hopefully Moma can get some information about Daddy's counts and what we can expect. Please say a special prayer for them both tonight. Being the caretaker isn't easy and Moma is so faithful to stay with Daddy. We can't talk her into leaving for even a little while.
As Easter Sunday is coming to an end, I can't help but think about the price Jesus paid for the healing of my Daddy's body. What a sacrifice that was and He did it for all of us! No matter what is going on, we always have that to be thankful for and that is more than enough!
PS...I was finishing up this post and Moma called to say that Daddy ate more tonight than he has eaten in two days. Must have been the home cooking :) He sounded so much better and requested potato soup and either fried pork chops or fried hog jawls. Guess I better get to cooking...anything if he will eat! He said tomorrow he was going to feel good :) Praise God for a positive attitude.
Daddy had to come down to the terrace area because the boys can't go up to the transplant unit. They were a little weary at first because he has to wear a mask when he is out of the unit. I was going to take some pictures for the blog but Daddy has not had such a good day today. The effects of the chemo are setting in and he is very nauseous and has been sick a couple of times. He didn't say much tonight, you can just tell his is worn down. Although it is heartbreaking to see him like that, we still have so much to be thankful for. He has done really well so far and we know this too shall pass.
The doctors take turns being on call for a week at a time. Tomorrow the more personable doctor comes back on call so hopefully Moma can get some information about Daddy's counts and what we can expect. Please say a special prayer for them both tonight. Being the caretaker isn't easy and Moma is so faithful to stay with Daddy. We can't talk her into leaving for even a little while.
As Easter Sunday is coming to an end, I can't help but think about the price Jesus paid for the healing of my Daddy's body. What a sacrifice that was and He did it for all of us! No matter what is going on, we always have that to be thankful for and that is more than enough!
PS...I was finishing up this post and Moma called to say that Daddy ate more tonight than he has eaten in two days. Must have been the home cooking :) He sounded so much better and requested potato soup and either fried pork chops or fried hog jawls. Guess I better get to cooking...anything if he will eat! He said tomorrow he was going to feel good :) Praise God for a positive attitude.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Day After
The doctor says there is not much to report today. Daddy's numbers haven't changed much. They have to fall before they begin to rise is what they tell us. This means his immune system isn't completely gone yet...it will be a couple more days. Daddy still feels pretty good. Moma said he has been sleeping more today and not too interested in eating. His mouth is very dry which is a side effect of the chemo. The nurse told Moma this is all very common and to expect a couple weeks like this.
Being away from home is hard for Daddy so this hospital stay in itself is trying...not to mention the whole bone marrow transplant thing! Please say a special prayer that his spirits will be lifted. We know we have been very blessed thus far and we have faith that God will continue to bless Daddy and hold him in the palm of His hand.
Tomorrow is Easter and I am more thankful than ever that I serve a risen Savior who is with me every day. My Moma's sister and her daughter went to a dramatization of the Last Supper at their church this week. My cousin told me that when they left they both were in awe at how the Lord had spoken to them about Daddy through the drama. I won't try to quote her word for word, maybe I can get her to write about it one day. She said as they heard the story of how God's plan was carried out and the part Judas played in it, she couldn't help but think of Daddy and how His perfect plan is always working in our lives. I will get her to share exactly what she told me later but I think it is wonderful that God gives our family reminders all the time that He is in control and everything will be alright.
I hope you all have a blessed Easter. Moma has told the boys that they are coming to see them tomorrow so I guess they will be going with us to take Easter dinner to Moma and Daddy. I believe they are more excited about seeing them than the Easter bunny coming and that says a lot!! Much love to you all!!
Being away from home is hard for Daddy so this hospital stay in itself is trying...not to mention the whole bone marrow transplant thing! Please say a special prayer that his spirits will be lifted. We know we have been very blessed thus far and we have faith that God will continue to bless Daddy and hold him in the palm of His hand.
Tomorrow is Easter and I am more thankful than ever that I serve a risen Savior who is with me every day. My Moma's sister and her daughter went to a dramatization of the Last Supper at their church this week. My cousin told me that when they left they both were in awe at how the Lord had spoken to them about Daddy through the drama. I won't try to quote her word for word, maybe I can get her to write about it one day. She said as they heard the story of how God's plan was carried out and the part Judas played in it, she couldn't help but think of Daddy and how His perfect plan is always working in our lives. I will get her to share exactly what she told me later but I think it is wonderful that God gives our family reminders all the time that He is in control and everything will be alright.
I hope you all have a blessed Easter. Moma has told the boys that they are coming to see them tomorrow so I guess they will be going with us to take Easter dinner to Moma and Daddy. I believe they are more excited about seeing them than the Easter bunny coming and that says a lot!! Much love to you all!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
What a GrEaT Good Friday!
Sorry I didn't get to update yesterday. I went to see Daddy and it was really late when I got home and it was our first night in the new house and we don't have internet yet. Thank goodness for drop cords and range extenders...we are back in business tonight thanks to Moma and Daddy's internet :)
Daddy had another day of chemo yesterday and did really well. I was on my way down there last night and he called and wanted a rack of ribs from Texas Roadhouse. You know he is feeling good!
Today, they say, is his new birthday. It was transplant day. In fact, the hospital brought him a cake today :) The nurse told us last night the transplant would last about 4 hours and they would begin around 10 or 11. At 11:30 they were done. It went much more quickly than expected and Daddy tolerated it really well. The doctor said to expect today to be a "down" day. They said Daddy would sleep a lot and be really tired because your blood pressure usually drops. However, Daddy has been awake and walking around all day. He has done great and we couldn't be more thankful. More evidence of God's amazing work on Daddy's behalf.
Good Friday is such a wonderful day. It gives us time to reflect on the awesome sacrifice Jesus made for us so many years ago. However, Good Friday now gives us another reason to thank Him...for taking care of Daddy and giving him a new beginning so to speak. Happy "Birthday" Daddy and thank you Jesus for continuing to show us your grace and your mercy!
Daddy had another day of chemo yesterday and did really well. I was on my way down there last night and he called and wanted a rack of ribs from Texas Roadhouse. You know he is feeling good!
Today, they say, is his new birthday. It was transplant day. In fact, the hospital brought him a cake today :) The nurse told us last night the transplant would last about 4 hours and they would begin around 10 or 11. At 11:30 they were done. It went much more quickly than expected and Daddy tolerated it really well. The doctor said to expect today to be a "down" day. They said Daddy would sleep a lot and be really tired because your blood pressure usually drops. However, Daddy has been awake and walking around all day. He has done great and we couldn't be more thankful. More evidence of God's amazing work on Daddy's behalf.
Good Friday is such a wonderful day. It gives us time to reflect on the awesome sacrifice Jesus made for us so many years ago. However, Good Friday now gives us another reason to thank Him...for taking care of Daddy and giving him a new beginning so to speak. Happy "Birthday" Daddy and thank you Jesus for continuing to show us your grace and your mercy!
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