We’ve finally bought our photos from our February photo shoot – thank you Melanie G! – so, I’ll throw them in now and then to share with you.
Today is Day Four. Day Zero marks the day the cells were infused and then we count each day forward as we move into different phases of the process. Right now I’m in the weary, wanna-be-home, miss my bed, would love to be outdoors phase . . . Actually, this phase right now is focused on treating side effects from the chemotherapy that I had for the several days before Day Zero. So, we are treating fevers & nausea, managing fluid needs, proactively using antibiotics/virals/fungals to avoid infection, repleting Magnesium and Potassium, taking anti-rejection medications, treating anemia with blood products, etc. I’m at a vulnerable point where my immunity has almost completely bottomed-out, so keeping me healthy is number one.
Engraftment of the stem cells may not happen for another week, give-or-take, and that’s when we hope to see the new stem cells start to do their job by producing red blood cells, white blood cells, & platelets. After those get going and I’m stable, then I can be released to the apartment for outpatient monitoring. The beginning of April is not an unreasonable goal. Please pray for endurance and strength for me, and for all of us. Sometimes it feels like I’m holding on to a shred of sanity – just unbelief this happening again, sleep deprivation from busy hospital nights / and needed treatments, and the open ended question of what’s ahead.
The kids are doing really well. They love school and return to class tomorrow from spring break. Amber is planning on blogging some about that, so I’ll let her tell you more. We are so thankful for the friends they’ve made, the supportive teachers and staff, and my parents who cart them all around town in Houston traffic. Thank you for reaching out to the kids and us in so many different ways. We value all of the love you have shown us.
God is always teaching us something and showing us His character. One of my weaknesses has always been lack of patience – I also like to control things. Every day I have to focus on just today, trust God that He’s who He says He is and believe that His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me. We can all take comfort in these promises:
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Sending love your way from Franklin and praying that as April begins, you are seeing stem cells kick in and do their jobs and relief from all of the complications resulting from treatment. Hang in there! Your strength and your faith is an inspiration to so many.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”. – John 16:33
Love you and your family so much. Sorry that you are going through this again. Praying that you feel God holding you throughout.
You are truly amazing.
We are praying for the donor stem cells to be working in your body
REAL soon… Such a miracle!
Miracles do happen in our times also just as they happened back in Biblical times.
I enjoy looking at the pictures of you and your family,
such beautiful children.
Thinking of you always,
Sam and Liz McGahey
April, your weakness may be impatience but your strength sure is your faith. And your need to be a person in control makes you a strong person. These amazing qualities about you can’t be overlooked when reading your posts. Stay strong and faithful and know that your family is being prayed over continually.
Dear Little April, It was so good to read this latest blog , it was uplifting, I too hope what you’ve been through will be the worst, and now only the best is coming. Know that the prayers are still out there from all directions, we love you so much. Aunt Marianna and Uncle Gene XO
April,
We continue to pray daily for you and your family in love here in Crossville. We claim the same verses daily knowing a strengthening cord ties us~
Always,
June and CWJC and Memorial Baptist Church
I’ve been thinking of you all since Day Zero (and even before that), and am continuing to send hugs and prayers your way. XO
May those new stem cells get busy right away and make the perfect red & white cells and platelets, to get you past these weary days (and my prayer is that this is the very worst, and everything will be easier from here on out) and into the out-patient phase! May the beginning of April be a new beginning for OUR April with showers of blessings and a revved-up and fighting immune system that will tackle any little critter that dares to come near you! Love & prayers to all the Scheeles.