Well, things are wrapping up here. This last week I had several appointments. Many were lab draws and then a meeting with the nurse practitioner to interpret the results. My blood counts are looking strong, and thankfully we didn’t need to replete any electrolytes, blood products, etc. I’m also very happy to report that the loathed IV in my chest was finally removed! That was one of my happiest experiences while being here. I’ll see my stem cell transplant doctor on Monday, and if my labs look great and I’m eating/drinking okay, then I’ll be discharged from outpatient care for 2 months.
My family and I have been incredibly cared for and supported through this journey and I’m so thankful. I can’t mention everything that has been done over the last several months, but I can tell you some of the blessings of the last week. While still in the hospital, a friend from our church came for a visit and prayed with us. After returning to our apartment, our senior minister and an elder from our church came to visit with us and pray for me. A woman from the church we are renting our apartment from, came to visit and gave me two beautiful rings (of my choosing – she’s downsizing on her jewelry, and using it to brighten others’ day). My friend drove my child to and from school every day (which she’s done since school started). Our next door neighbor helped my dad install a new microwave at our house. Jonathan’s cousin’s wife came to the apartment and helped me with my makeup. I mentioned a while back that the radiation took away the majority of both eyebrows and all eyelashes on my right eye. She brought me makeup and taught me how to draw eyebrows on and how to apply fake eyelashes. She is talented and she does it effortlessly. It’s going to take me lots of practice. If you see me, don’t laugh if my eyebrows look “angry” or my fake eyelashes are halfway falling off. I’m really quite clumsy with it all right now. And last but not least, our family tirelessly continues to team-up on childcare without a hiccup. Just so many people giving their time and support to our family. . .
I feel very blessed. I think for my circumstances, I have the best scenario possible, and it is still very hard. I feel for those with more dire prognoses and less support. There is a great need out there. Thank you for supporting us in an amazing way. I ask for your continued prayers. It is a moment to moment battle. Throughout the day I’m learning to repeat a short prayer before I become completely overwhelmed. “Jesus, I trust you. I surrender to you. Fight this battle for me.” I have definitely learned that I can’t do this on my own.
Praising God with you, and praying for His continued presence with you.
Love you!
Jim and Gina
What a pleasure to read this post….the one we’ve all been waiting for! Your heart of gratitude is so obvious, and there is a gentle peace coming from your words. Praising The Lord for what He has done, and will continue to do. I, for one, can’t wait to see those mismatched eyebrows and dangling eyelashes!!!
Just want you to know we think about you constantly here in Colorado and send the very best vibes we can muster your way. Jeremiah 29:11
Love Penne and family
God is so faithful. Your team of Drs. And healthcare are awesome. We continue to pray and are thankful for you and your testimony. Your light truly is so bright and such a witness to the Power from above and within.
Praying,
Christian Women’s Job Corp
We’re pulling for all of you and lifting you all up up up. Can’t wait to meet in Chatanooga!!! XOXOXOXOXO!
Dear cousin,
We are so thankful to hear how faithful our loving Father has been this week.
When we say “we can’t” our faithful Savior says “I can”.
Praying without ceasing,
Angie, Bryan, Nathan, Isaac, and Will
You continue to be in my daily prayers. I’m so glad to hear that you may be going home soon. Your support group around you is amazing, only wish I was closer to help in some other way besides prayer.
What a wonderful message from you today, one we all have been waiting for ,for so long.Our hearts are lighter than they have been for many months, but we realize that it will be awhile before you and Jonathan will back to your normal routine and us as family and friends will have to be patient and not rush you and give you all plenty of space, you have been through things that most of us can’t even imagine. So April we know not to expect you to be back to our little April for quite some time. Take your time keeps your eyes on Him and know that our prayers are still with you. Oh,yes when you are ready for them we will buy you eyebrows, I know someone that does a beautiful job which I can attest to. God Bless You both.
So glad to know you will be returning home to Nashville soon. What a Happy Day that will be . I am sure your children will have a big Welcome Home planned.
Love To All , Becky & Jay
So many prayers have been answered!! We continue to pray for you as you return home and resume your life with your family. I know the children will be so happy to have you and Jon home again.