Keep The Faith

Today is Day 11, since the stem cells were put back in my body.  While they have been maturing, the chemo has continued to effectively wipe out my bone marrow.  My blood numbers seem to show that I have bottomed out.  Our prayers are that any day now we will see those blood numbers begin to bounce back up.  That will be a clear indication that the stem cells are doing their thing by making new bone marrow. My Mom often said to us kids, "patience is a virtue."  We are having some trouble being virtuous!   Up until now, the motto has been "it has to get worse before it gets better."  We can't wait for the "get worse" to be finished and "gets better" to begin.  Please pray with us as we know you have been. 

Nov 13:  Check into Cross Cancer Institute Nov 14:  High dose chemotherapy Nov 15/16:  Stem cell transplant 3 to 4 weeks of hospitalization I recently received an encouraging email saying that I was heading to the home stretch.  Indeed, that home stretch begins in exactly one week when I check into the Cross for 3-4 weeks. This home stretch will involve transplanting stem cells and subsequently growing healthy bone marrow and blood. What I remember from my days of running cross country and track (1500m) is that the home stretch has this strange mixture of relief, hope and struggle.  Relief that it is almost over.  Hope inspired by the sight of the finish line.  Struggle to get through the pain and discomfort of the effort needed for the finishing kick. As that home stretch gets closer I am certainly feeling relief that this part of the journey MAY almost be over and I am hopeful about being in remission by Christmas.  I must adm...