Day 16 - Still waiting

Cell counts are looking great but we are still waiting for the chemo side effects to subside. Low grade fevers continue and Janna is working hard to get down any kind of food and fluids other than water. Now it is a matter of patience!

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"
Psalm 27:14

Ida May (mom)

Day 14 - Prayers answered

Dear friends,

I know many of you have been praying and frequently checking to see if prayers were answered. Praise the Lord, at 4:30 today Janna's temp. dropped below 100 degrees! Her white blood count is still good so we know that the transplant is taking and Keith's stem cells are doing their good work making new bone marrow. Her hemoglobin was low so she spent 5 hours at the clinic getting two units of red cells...you know how much Janna enjoys that! Actually she isn't enjoying much of anything today... feeling pretty rotten. Her entire digestive tract is sloughing off old cells and is pretty raw. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Ida May (Mom)

Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you hear me always.
John 11:42

Day 13 --- special PRAYER request

Dear friends of Janna,

This is day 13 of the transplant but day 4...96 hours...of high fever, mostly 104 degrees. The doctors can't seem to solve the problem or explain it other than a fairly normal side effect of the transplant. We need Divine intervention. I know you have been keeping Janna in your prayers. I'm asking that we all join together and pray in a special way that the fever goes away, that God lay a cooling hand on her and just free her from the fever. I'm afraid that she is growing weary in spirit and body.

God bless us all.
Gratefully,
Ida May (Mom)

We have liftoff!!!

It's Day +12 and my numbers continue to go up so I guess 3 consecutive days of numbers rising is enough to convince the docs that Keith's cells are out and about! I still dont feel the best, pretty tired and having a real hard time eating but I'm hopeful that tomorrow will be better!

Day 10 - from Mom

Today has been a very rough one for Janna, so she is allowing me to send an update. The nurses and doctors think Janna's fever(104), backache, nausea, and generally not feeling good are to be expected, in fact, very good...signs that those stem cells from Keith are active and producing good, new blood. They predict that she will be much better in a day or two as her WBC improves. We spent the day in the clinic, back on IV fluids and meds.

While setting with Janna last night and today, I kept thinking about something she wrote in November. She was at St. Joesph Med. Center, suffering with unexplained fevers. With her permission I will share it in the hope that it will inspire you as it does me.


"I’ve been in the hospital for 8 days. It’s 1:00am, my fever is over 102 for 5 hours now and I can’t sleep but I have the urge to journal. What’s that about? Maybe my brain has been hot for too long.
I can’t seem to get out of my head thoughts about suffering: does it really have a purpose? Does God make us suffer to teach a lesson? Will I come out a better person?
I don’t think God causes bad things to happen or makes us sick. We live in a corrupt, sinful world where bad things happen and illness is part of the deal and God just allows it. But He promises to be with us through it all and He promises to never give us more than we can handle. And when the dust clears, or even if it never really does, God can see our broken pieces and can use that. It’s the suffering that opens the door for grace. I don’t think we could know the one without experiencing the other.
So, does good always come from suffering? Surprisingly, I don’t believe it does. If we shut down our hearts and refuse to let God work in our life, than I believe He’ll let us do that and we’ll come out of suffering no better than before and probably worse- full of anger, viewing the world through jaded, bitter, resentful, unhappy eyes.
BUT, if we lean on God and listen for his voice and are open to letting the Holy Spirit in, I believe that he’ll work with the mess and through the obstacles to help us grow – help us to heal old wounds, reveal sin in our life, or develop virtues like faith, fortitude or humility.
I don’t expect to know every good thing that comes from every moment of suffering for I’m not God and can not expect to understand his ways. But when I look around, I see God working on me and others, and I when I look back, I can see evidence of where He’s been and that’s all I need. I know that He’s doing his thing and have faith that he’ll take my pieces and make me better prepared to do mine."

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matt 11:28

Day 9, 2 stars

Yesterday was an OK day, nothing much exciting, labs held about the same. But today, I can tell that things are bottoming out. I have a pretty sore throat and not much energy. The doctors had been predicting delayed side effects from the chemo (around day 7-10) so they're right on time - imagine that! My lab counts dropped quite a bit today - WBC's 0.7. Platelets are also dropping but not anything that needs a transfusion (I've lived and played with lower :) So, I need to be extra careful for the next few days while we wait for Keith's stem cells to take off (engraphment). They say that the side effects all get better as soon as the stem cells start growing so I'm praying that those little cells are ready to work and not planning on waiting until day 28!!!
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, s that you will not stride your foot against a stone." ~ Pslam 91: 11-12

Day +7, 4-stars

Lucky number 7! Today was a good day, labs still looked solid with my white count falling slightly but still not at the bottom. Maybe my last few cells will hang around long enough to pass the torch to Keith's stem cells so that I don't sit unprotected! Side effects are still mild (bit of a sore throat today) and energy is doing ok. The excitement of day 7 was that I got my first growth factor shot. The shot part isn't so great, but the fact that it's going to kick the stem cells into action is very exciting!
I ran across a verse today that I never paid attention to before, Nehemiah 4:9, “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” Throughout this journey, I've prayed so often for a miracle: that God would touch me and make the cancer disappear. But once in a while I'd wonder, how would I even know? We got the diagnosis and jumped both feet into aggressive treatment, never checking in between chemo cycles to see if I still had cancer, never looking for the miracle. After the chemo I tested clear, complete remission, and yet we still moved forward with the stem cell transplant. What if that was God's miracle and I was ignoring it? Now, in my heart, I always felt a peace about the treatment decisions we had made and knew that God was with me, but I can't say that these thoughts didn't cross my mind and I couldn't come up with a good answer. Then today I ran across Nehemiah – God wants to hear from us, wants us to trust him, but He also expects us to use the resources and means that He provides. He's always in control and if He wants to pull out the "miracle card," I have to believe that He'll let me know. So all that being said, I will continue to pray and trust in God, while at the same time “posting a guard to meet this threat.” (and today we gave my guard a little extra help).

Happy Father's Day

First and foremost- thanks to everyone that's supporting the vball tournament today!!! Glad to see that the weather is nice in KC as it has rained all day in Omaha.
Day +6 and probably only a 3* day. Not really feeling like blogging so this will be short and to the point. My last remaining infection fighters are trying to hold on but the counts continue to slowly slip down (WBC= 1.3). They've held on longer than expected so I'm not complaining, grateful for every "good" day. Tomorrow is the awaited "day 7" - help arrives for Keith's cells.

"Let us then approach the throne with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." ~Hebrews 4:16

Day + 4, 4-star

Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God I'm Free at Last!!!
(before I explain, keep in mind that I'm locked in a hospital so "freedom" has become a bit skewed) At 3:18pm on June 18th they disconnected my IV! No more dragging along my little friend, no more tripping on my way to the bathroom, no more incessant ticking! (worse than the crocodile in Peter Pan). Typically they leave you on IV anti-rejection meds for another week, but they seemed to feel comfortable switching me to pills today so praise God, no questions asked. Shouldn't have to go back on the IV unless I get sick and start to dehydrate. But, I don't foresee that happening :) Today has been a good day - feel good, good appetite, decent energy, 4* day. My white counts are still in the 2's, expected to hit 0 in the next few days. Yesterday we moved to the COOP unit and so far so good. Mom is figuring out her "nurse" role very well, just don't ask her to count respirations. The room feels much more "homey," carpeting, 2 rooms, couch, mini-fridge, big windows, quiet - don't you all want to vacation in Omaha at UNMC?!!!

Day +2

Another good day under our belts and one more day closer to home! Day 2 was relatively uneventful - and that's a good thing in the post-transplant world. Last night was a little restless as I had a weird knot in my throat - we're praying that it's not an early sign of mouth/throat sores. Today while we were taking a walk, we ran across free ice cream - bonus - and I was able to eat that just fine, so I'm optimistic that the throat is ok. If I'm still feeling pretty good tomorrow, I'll probably change rooms and go to cooperative care which is like a step down unit of sorts. My room would be more like a hotel room and Mom would stay with me. More freedom, more space, fewer wake-ups during the night... Sounds like a good deal, stay tuned. Praying for a good night's sleep.
"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure" ~Psalm 16:9

Day +1

Opening day jitters are out of the way and I'm feeling a little better today! (could actually eat cake today) Yesterday afternoon I didn't feel the best which they blamed on the preservative that comes with the stem cells. I presume that they have to add a set amount of preservative to each bag of cells so yet another reason to be grateful for Keith's stellar donation all at once! I don't really know what to expect over the next few weeks, probably more ups and downs. My WBC's still haven't hit the bottom which I was surprised about but the doctor said it was a good thing - fewer days in the cellar waiting for the new cells to take over. (and hopefully fewer days to run fevers!) I think they expect me to hit bottom on Thursday and then 1-2 weeks beyond that before we will see the beginnings of my new immune system. I'll keep you posted on what God has planned and thinks about that!
"Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord - that you alone are the Most High over all the earth." ~ Psalm 83:18

Opening Day; day 0

Transfusion complete! Everything happened pretty smoothly, my morning started early with labs at 4 and then someone was in or out every 30 min after that. Keith's cells were brought in at 9 with lots of fanfare, well, not quite, it was actually a red cooler full of dry ice, but a very nice cooler. When it was all said and done, the transplant only took 1 hour and at the end, they gave me a little cake. Very nice. I'm a little tired from all the meds, so this is going to be left short, might write more later.

Day -1...

My day of rest has been pretty quiet so far. Docs were in earlier this morning, started my anti-rejection meds, told me a little bit about tomorrow. I guess they'll change my fluids and give me some meds at 5am, then at 9am I'll get Keith's cells. Will run pretty much like a blood transfusion, shouldn't take too long since Keith was able to get them all in 1 bag. I asked what they were going to do with the extra cells that Keith pumped out and they said that I'm getting them all! Maybe they looked them all over and deemed the whole lot to be high enough "quality" for me to receive :) Wouldn't expect anything less! In any case, I'm afraid that my poor little cells don't know what they're in for, but I say: "take the field, it's time for Opening Day!!"

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ~ Phil. 4:13

Day -2, a rough one

Today was a little rough, didn't feel the best. Not sure if that's because they upped my chemo by 50% or side effects from the meds that they're giving me to prevent side effects. Afraid to complain much because they'll give me more meds which will lead to more SE... But, there is good news, I'm feeling a little better this evening, AND tonight at midnight I will start my last dose of prep chemo - YIPPEE!!! Tomorrow is appropriately referred to as a day of "rest" before transplant on Monday.
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

Day - 3

Still hanging tight in Omaha, not much new and exciting. My WBC's are slowly starting to fall but nothing like I've experienced in the past. The doctors have told me that this regimine of chemo tends to have a slower onset when it comes to side effects. It might be the middle of next week before I really feel the worst of it. Oh well, 1 day at a time. No use worrying about what's to come when it might not ever arrive!
Still praying for a successful "opening day" - hope the team is strong and that everyone gets along. No fighting in the clubhouse!
And as always, I'm still praying for all of you! Even when we can't see it, God has a purpose and a plan.

The countdown moves on: Day - 5

I'm almost done with the first day of chemo. It's a little more intense than what I've received in the past. Just 2 drugs this time but one of them I receive every 6 hours and it runs for 2 hours each time. The other one I only get once a day, I think. In any case, not really catching up on sleep since the nurses have to be in and out a lot. I'm still feeling pretty well today - stomach is trying to hold tight. They're giving me a lot of drugs to try and prevent side effects, but I'm nervous that they're going to make me feel loopy. Guess we'll wait and see. Neb Med is pretty relaxed when it comes to letting me take walks. As long as the chemo isn't running and I wear a mask and gloves, they'll let me leave the floor. Today we found a pretty garden and sat outside for a while - so good to feel the sun!
I'll try to write more tomorrow. Praying that I continue to feel well and that the fevers stay away!
PS- my room is the coolest on the floor - decorated with a great signature poster and a prayer chain from St Agnes gradeschool (that I'm using as a countdown chain)!

Back to Omaha Day -6

It's Tuesday morning, and after a great week, I'm on my way back to Omaha. (not really wanting to go). Doesn't seem possible that I won't be coming home until Fall. So much will happen between now and then- lots of growing, lots of learning, lots of trusting and hopefully lots of healing! Many of you have asked if I'm afraid or anxious about what's to come and I really don't know. I guess the unknown always brings with it a degree of uncertainty and fear, but I can't let that be the feeling that rules my thoughts. I must trust that the plan set in motion long before I was born will continue to its perfect completion, and that God will meet my needs (whatever those may be) along the way. I'm optimistic and strangely confident that in time, everything will turn out well. It's all so much bigger than me, but it will turn out well- good will come out of this, beauty for ashes.
The countdown is on, tomorrow I'll start my final round of chemo – day 1 of 4. The goal of this round is to destroy my bone marrow so that Keith's stem cells can come in and rock the house. I hope all those little guys are ready for game day because there are no trial runs or pre-season when it comes to stem cell transplants. And we're headed straight to the championship. Transplant day (maybe I should call it “opening day”) is Monday.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” ~ Phil. 1:6

That's my boy!

More answered prayers! Keith had his first day of apheresis (stem cell donation) today and they were able to collect all the stem cells needed - 3x more than needed in fact! That is a huge blessing for many reasons, but mainly because I didn't want Keith to have to spend another 4 hours sitting in a chair unable to move his arms- not such a fun morning for him. I have a couple doctor's appointments tomorrow morning and then we'll all be headed home for a long weekend. Scheduled to be back in Omaha on Tuesday.
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you hear me always." ~John 11:42