It’s taken me longer than expected to get on here with an update. It has been super busy. That’s a blessing for keeping the mind distracted and all of the scurrying is good for my physical fitness. Here’s what’s been going on:
My brain MRI was completely clear! No evidence of my original disease and my brain itself is “unremarkable” – I take no offense to that. My full-body Lymphoma CT came back completely clear, except for the current area of treatment which was unable to be properly evaluated by CT. All of my heart, lung and lab work has looked good. A final pre-admission PET ct will be done to screen my body for any unusually high activity, such as a tumor – that’s probably on next Monday.
We are so thankful for the great results which pave the way to my allogeneic stem cell transplant. My lymphoma doctor has decided not to treat my central nervous system based on the clear MRI and the fast pace we are moving toward the SCT – we don’t want to get any of the timing off – “we are running to catch the train.”
We’ve moved out of the church house and as of Saturday, we are living in a three-bedroom apartment. It was completely unfurnished, so we’ve relied on Jonathan’s cousins, the church house ministry AND lots of IKEA shopping! You should’ve seen the huge order that was delivered AND the engineering (cousin, kids, us, grandparents – it’s a small factory) that’s been going on at our place. It’s turned out really well, and we will have some fun pieces to return home with. We are living on air mattresses – they make them much better than they used to, so no complaints so far.
I forgot to say – the kids arrived! I’m happy to report my parents survived the two-day trip, and the children arrived with bounding energy. My parents had more of a far away look in their eyes – just kidding, but for some reason their energy was not as exuberant. There were lots of hugs and excitement for all 7 of us to be back together.
School will start soon. Still finalizing some things like uniforms, but the girls are excited for their Texas adventure! I like their attitude on making it something fun.
Next steps include two last radiation treatments, insertion of the CVC (IV in my chest), a light outpatient chemo day on Wednesday, then next week, a PET scan, check-up with SCT MD and then admission into the hospital on 3/10 for 3-4 weeks, with stem cell transplant day on 3/17.
All I know about my donor is that she’s a 43 year old female. I can write her anonymously (on both sides) for one year, then she chooses after one-year whether she reveals herself. Like I’ve said before, I’m so curious about who this is. I’ve even asked my mom if I have another sister out there. She didn’t laugh…
This SCT will be different from before. They will be giving me lighter chemo this time (there’s even a chance I’ll keep my hair!) – we’ve already abused my body enough, so we are dependent on my donor’s cells to step-in and take over my immunity and lead the way to fight of the remnants of this disease. Please pray fervently for this.
In addition to the donor’s cells being my cure, please pray for a smooth path to on-time admission to the hospital, a complication-free hospitalization, God’s guidance for my medical team, and faith & endurance for our entire family.
Thank you for your love, support and prayers I couldn’t possibly feel any more loved.
April, having been in your shoes, I have such peace about the next chapter of your journey. I knew that God is faithful, but He has shown it to me in such dramatic fashion over the last few years, and I know you are experiencing the same. My transplant was also what they call reduced intensity chemotherapy, because of my age. It wasn’t anything like I was expecting…much easier! I pray yours is as well. I was blessed to have my brother for a donor, but it is wonderful that a stranger cares enough to literally save your life. What a gift! Just continue to follow the steps of the Good Shepherd one day , one step, at a time!
Sending love, healing thoughts, and prayers to you and your beautiful family, April.
Dear April,
We pray for you and your family. There seems to be so many things go well for you right now that we just KNOW God will Bless you and make the rest of this difficult journey, a good one, in the end anyway.
We are thinking of you so much. Would you please tell your Mother that we tried to call her cell phone and a number which we think is a house phone.
One more thing, April, we think you are so beautiful, hair or no hair!
With Love from Clinton Mississippi
Love you and all of you, April. So glad you’re all together. Sending up so many prayers from the Januzellis.
Wonderful! You truly amaze me, and I continue to think of you and hold you up to the Lord, our great physician, in my prayers. Love.
So glad to read so much good news and so glad you are all together!!! Our family continues to pray for you daily! Especially praying for the girls as they transition to their new school and for all the details of your SCT. We love you!
Wow! The adventure goes on! And so glad to hear it’s all off to a good start. We will be praying continually for your family and the treatments to come over the next several months.
You are AMAZING, April. I know it means everything to have the whole gang with you. Your description of your parent’s arrival was so cute! If your donor only knew the precious soul she was supplying, she would be so overjoyed!! Please know that you are so well-loved by SO many people, and we are storming the gates of heaven on your behalf. Thank you for the specifics to pray for and we will be faithful to follow through! Here’s a virtual gigantic hug, my sweet: ((((*0*))))
April, so glad to hear that you have a donor and your team of medical pros sound amazing. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I’m so happy that all of the family is back together and all the details are coming into place. God works in mysterious ways! Xoxo
April, you do not know us but you are in my wife and my prayers. It is a privilege to pray for you and your family.
Dear April, so glad that all of you are back together again, and in your own space now! Sending prayers and best wishes for all of the upcoming appointments and treatments, and for the kids as they settle in to their new routines. Hugs for everyone!
To your list of prayer request I’m adding one more. I’m also praying for the children and they go to a new school and make new friends. So glad you are all back together again.
So glad to hear the kids are there. I know they must be such a great source of joy! Glad your days are busy and filled with progress. And thankful for the wonderful donor. Praying for peace. Love – The Beattys