His Strength

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Where to begin . . . I guess I’ll just start and see where we go. I have good news! Yes, GOOD news!!! It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that. Thank you Jesus that I can share this with you.

Last week I had a full pulmonary (lung) function test and two doctors’ appointments.  My lung function has greatly improved since my January measurements. The respiratory therapist repeated the tests several times to make sure he was getting an accurate reading.

The most remarkable part of the testing was my DLCO level. “The DLCO measures the ability of the lungs to transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in pulmonary capillaries.” It was 50% (normal is greater than 80%), but for me, this is an incredibly good number. In January it measured at 29%.

I knew subjectively, that I was doing better. At the beginning of the year, I struggled to get dressed. Being a lover of iced tea, I drank water instead because I was too tired to brew tea. It was not looking good. I told my lung doctor last week that I felt I was headed in a downward direction and he said, “You were.” My stem cell doctor also believed my health was headed in the wrong direction. He said, “I was very concerned.”

Then, my stem cell doctor blew my mind last week.  He told me that he believes I will eventually come off of my supplemental oxygen! Something I had resigned myself to, may never happen.

In March, things started turning a corner. On my Fitbit watch I was averaging 725 steps per day. This month I’m averaging . . . drumroll . . . 2,470! That’s a huge difference in strength, endurance and accomplishing the things a stay-at-home mom wants to do!

So, of course the question is, “Why the improvement?” We don’t definitively know. My goodness, we’ve been hammering away at this GVHD of the lungs for nearly 3 years (2 years and 7 months on oxygen).  I came off of the GVHD study drug in February and began a new drug, Imbruvica. We also tweeked my other medications here and there. I began feeling so much better in March – but that’s too early to positively link it to the Imbruvica. But, hey, I’ll take it! I’ve had incredible physicians’ care and most importantly, the Lord has walked with me this whole time. He’s guided my medical team, given endurance and patience to my family and friends, and dealt with me in my own spiritual tug-of-war. So, why now? I’ve begged Him for health for nearly 6 years. God only knows.

21 thoughts on “His Strength”

  1. Dear April – Our Small Group (or should I say Your Mom and Dad’s Small Group) from Good Shepherd rejoices in your wonderful news. We all remember you in our prayers and are so inspired by your faith and perseverence. God Bless and we will continue to pray for positive improvement.

  7. Oh this makes me so happy. I’m crying and Snoopy-dancing. I love your sweet family, you deserve nothing but good news from here on out.

  9. Such an encouraging report, April! Thanks for sharing!🥳 Hugs to you all! Hope Jonathan’s arm is much better !!

  11. Dearest April. When we were together for your birthday, I felt you were better but I didn’t know if it was because you were just so happy over our cousins from Sweden being there or if you were truly better, so this news is so wonderful, something we all have been praying for a long time. You have been so patient and never gave up. You’ve kept the faith for so long. We love you so much, and also Jonathan, Amber, Elizabeth and Harrison. God walks with us daily. Love, Marianna and Gene. ❤️

  12. It is so wonderful to hear very happy, awesome news, April! I am so glad you are getting your endurance back, and seeing positive test results. Amy and I are going to have to plan a visit to Nashville so the three of us can get together. I miss you so much! Sending love and continued prayers!!

  14. Dear April, I and we were so extremely thankful to read your good news. It is truly a miracle and we will be hoping and praying for much more progress so that you will be free from the oxygen tank one day. It is amazing how you have kept high spirits through all of this. With lots and lots of love, William and Len

  15. So many prayers answered! We rejoice with you in this wonderful news! think in particular of your faithful husband, parents and many friends & family who hold you up in prayer (as well as your own strong faith) when I read this verse; “the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective”James 5:16
    Len & William

  16. Dear April,
    This is wonderful news!!!!!! As a pharmacist I definitely have faith in medications but I also believe our God is a God of miracles!!
    This also gives me more hope in you feeling like being at Hallie’s wedding next month!😄😄
    We Love you all and hope and pray you only continue to improve!!

  17. So happy for you, April! Thanks for sharing the update. We are sending lots of love and prayers your way!

  18. So thankful for this great news. Brings me to tears sweet cousin. Thank you Lord Jesus!!!!!

  20. Wonderful news, so happy to hear that you are feeling the improvement AND the tests shown positive changes!!!

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