Tuesday, March 9th - Day 233

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil.4:19)

Amen! Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah!

Hello, everyone,

Just wanted to inform you of my trip to St. Louis yesterday. The opthalmologist said my eyes are improving from the three things that were going on with them. That is good. I now have to have my lenses changed again tomorrow but we knew that could happen. Dr. DiPersio is very pleased with how I am doing except for three counts in my blood work. They are low and have been for some time and he wants them higher. He tried to give me a shot yesterday to help boost the counts but the government said"no" (like they know about health care). So, I am going to see Dr. Hoos and have blood work done in April and have the results faxed to St. Louis and then we will see. I don't have to go back to St. Louis until May! Also, I am still at 100% donor cells which is wonderful!!! Plus, I am now MASK FREE!!! except for working outside. So it was a great appointment day. My seven year old granddaughter, Becca, when she heard I didn't have to wear the mask anymore, she said,"Yeh! Now MeMe can play outside with us!" Of course, the energy to do that is still a little limited. Ha

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray because the battle is not over - have turned a corner - but battle is still in progress. I am no longer on the two anti-rejection drugs so Graft Verses Host could really go to work now. Please pray it doesn't.

I remain eternally grateful for your prayers and support,
Becky

Day 222 !

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Prov. 3:5,6

Hello friends,

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I just want you all to know that He is still directing my paths. It has been a very long while since I have written anything on the blog and a few people have told me and one of my daughter's, they want to know what is going on with me now. So here goes...

It doesn't seem possible it has been 222 days since the transplant! I am going to St. Louis once a month for blood work, see Dr. DiPersio and any other tests that need to be done. Right now I am also seeing an opthomalogist up there, too. Have been having some problems with my eyes and they want to treat me from there. Next visit is March 8th. I will insert a praise here, the last bone marrow on Feb. 4th showed NO cancer cells in the bone marrow! Praise God! I am also going once a month to the hospital here for a Pentamadine treatment (helps to prevent pneumonia) and an Immunoglobulin treatment (helps to build immune system). And I have blood work every two weeks either here or in St. Louis. The blood work is still low in some areas but so far not low enough to need platelets or blood transfusions. Oh, FYI, as of last blood type and cross, I still am O+ - haven't changed to his blood type yet. All of this is so interesting and even overwhelming at times.

I have been going to church (with mask on) when the weather is okay - not when it is windy and very cold, etc. I am really anxious to be able to get out without the mask but certainly do understand the need for it. I have been able to go to lunch with some friends from church once in a while - to a place that is quiet and not very crowded. Have to be careful what I eat. That has been refreshing to me. I am gaining strength, don't know if I can say each day, but am gaining strength. Able to cook, do laundry(going to try a little ironing today) but always have to sit down and rest after doing any task - big or small.

Family and friends are still being so supportive. How do people make it through challenges like this without the Lord and family and friends?

Thank you all for your continued prayers on my behalf. Still have a ways to go with this whole process but I am trying to take one day at a time knowing that God will supply what I need for that day. And isn't that what we should all be doing in our lives? I will try to not make it so long before the next blog.

Love,
Becky

Merry Christmas - Day #157

Let us sing with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." (Luke 2:14) What a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate the miraculous and glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And I am so thankful to be able to share this time with my family and friends. I didn't know what this Christmas would bring, but God knew and I am so grateful for my faith in Him instilled in me by my godly parents years ago.

I received a wonderful Christmas gift in the mail on Saturday - a letter from my donor!!! It was short but very sweet and I cried when I read it. What a blessing that man has been to my life. I pray someday I will be able to meet him in person.

Everything is going well. Still having bloodwork every other week-once a month in St. Louis and the other time with Dr. Hoos' office. Still am taking Pantamidene treatment and Immunoglobulin treatments once a month at the hospital here. Some blood counts are still low but it just takes time to build them up again. Strength is improving. I have been to church three out of the last four Sundays. Wear the mask and don't hug...that is hard (not to hug).

Family will be here on Christmas day. We have our big meal at Thanksgiving and on Christmas day we have finger foods, etc. Just munch all day and evening. Sort of fun....

I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support. I would not be celebrating with my family this Christmas if it weren't for your prayers. We serve an amazing God who truly loves us and cares about every detail of our lives. My family and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a God-filled New Year.

Love in Him,
Becky & family

Day +138

"I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. My honor and salvation come from God, He is my mighty rock and my protection. People, trust God all the time. Tell him all your problems, because God is our protection." (Psalm 62:5-8) (NCV)

What beautiful verses and beautiful promises from the Psalmist.
I trust all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. My family was all healthy so they could be here for Thanksgiving dinner - in the evening. Some of them were here for most of the afternoon but we didn't eat until evening. We have a tradition of before we sit down to the table, we stand around it, hold hands, and then each one tells something they are thankful for. It was quite an emotional time this year and one I won't soon forget. I pray that my thanksgiving shows everyday through thanksliving. God is so good to us even in our unworthiness. Praise and thanks be to Him!

This past Sunday I went to church at Glendale for the first time in almost 5 months. Dr. DiPersio said for me to take every precaution I could if I got out. So I went in with the "duck-billed" mask on and only got a couple of chides about it. :) Our minister asked that people not hug me but to say "hi" from a distance. So there were a lot of waves and some kisses blown. I appreciate them being so thoughtful of my needs at this time. But it will be great to be able to give and receive those hugs on Sunday morning. It was GREAT to be back! I am so thankful!

Yesterday I had blood work done at the Lab at Whiteside Medical Building and then went to St. John's for another Pantamidene treatment. The treatment went fine once they got the orders and got the medicine ordered. Someday they will get this all figured out... I am gaining more strength but still have shortness of breath when climbing steps or doing anything. Just have to sit and re-coup.

What a blessing all of you have been to me through this whole process. Some of you comment on the blog and others say you read it but don't comment. That is all good. The real blessing is your continued prayers for me and for my family. I pray God's blessings upon all of you.

In His love,
Becky

Day +130

"Thank the Lord because He is good. His love continues forever." (Psalm 107:1)

It has been a while since I have blogged but I want to write when there is a medical update. A dear friend from church, Norma, drove me to St. Louis yesterday for blood work and to see Dr. Dipersio. Blood work was good - some counts still high and some still low but all in all he was pleased. He took me off of one of the anti-rejection drugs, CellCept, and reduced the other anti-rejection drug. I see him again in a month with blood work every two weeks. I am continuing the Pantamedine treatments for a year (once a month) and also the Immunoglobulin treatments. He told me I could get out in public some but to protect myself as best I could. He said if someone is about to sneeze around me, run. Lord willing, I am going to try to go to church on Sunday.
We have so much to be thanful for everyday of our lives, but this Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for what God has done in my life this past 15 months. I stand in amazement! And I owe a debt of gratitude to all of you who have been so faithful in praying for me and my family. We serve an awesome God who is aware of everything that happens in our lives, and He Cares.
May you all have a wonderful day of giving thanks with your family and friends is my prayer.
Love,
Becky

Thursday - Day 120

Dear Friends and Family,

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisifies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." (Psalm 103:1-5) What a blessing to know the Lord and have Him in our lives every day, but especially when we are going through sickness and other trials in our lives.

As you can tell, I have not been blogging like Barb did but some days are uneventful as far as sharing on the blog. In fact, a friend in Ky. said she wasn't even checking the blog anymore because she thought I wasn't writing on it any more. To those of you who might check once in a while, I had another Immunoglobulin infusion yesterday at St. John's. Everything went well. They also drew blood so I won't have to make another trip to Dr. Hoos' office just for blood work.
A couple from West Plains, MO shared the room with us yesterday. Her name is Marsha and I think her husband's name was Terry. She had a stem cell transplant in St. Louis in May using her own stem cells but it didn't work very well. She is having some problems now. It is amazing how God puts people in our lives when we least expect it. She was encouraged to hear my testimony of what God has done in my life through bouts with cancer. You know, we don't have to preach at people. All we have to do many times is share what God has done in our lives. Share our faith in Him. Please pray for Marsha and her family.

Thanks to everyone for your continued calls, cards, visits, food brought in and especially prayers. Bill Yoes, one of the elders at Glendale, brought by a video Tuesday night that the young people on Wed. nights had made for me. They sang, read scripture, and had sweet comments to me. Needless to say, I cried some tears. Our youth praise band, "Reality", from Glendale was also on the video and they are so good. It is wonderful to see young people using the talents God has given them to glorify Him!!

Please continue to pray for gaining of strength and stamina and for patience. I miss being in church and out with family and friends. But "this, too, shall pass" as my Momma used to say.

Love in Him,
Becky

Day 111

"Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, 'Rejoice'". (Phil. 4:4)

Dear Friends and Family,
I am REJOICING again after hearing from the bone marrow biopsy. There is NO sign of cancer; all cells are normal. Plus, I am still at 100% donor cells which is great! There is a possibility of losing some cells, but so far, so good. We certainly serve an amazing God! How I thank Him and how I thank all of you for your prayers and support!
Yesterday was a beautiful day in the Ozarks and I went outside and walked a little ways down the street and back. Most of the week is supposed to be nice so I am planning to walk some every day, if possible. Of course, I will be wearing the mask, cap, and jacket even if it is warm. By the way, the hair is coming back in but I am not sure what it is doing exactly. Maybe a little more time will tell. At least it is coming back in.
People have been so kind to bring food in. It is all been very good and very helpful.
No doctor's appointments or treatments this week. So just a week of trying to gain strength.
Please rejoice with me over the great news and continue to pray for daily strength and patience. I miss being in church and around friends and family.
Love,
Becky
Phil. 4:4-7

Day 103 Post Transplant

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Phil.4:4

Dear Family and Friends,
That is what I am doing...REJOICING!!! As you know, we went to St. Louis Sunday evening for early appointsments on Monday morning. I had a Pet Scan, blood work, saw Dr. DiPersio and Stephanie (PA) and had a bone marrow biopsy that afternoon. When I saw Dr. DiPersio, he had the results of the Pet Scan and said there was NO evidence of lymphoma!!! And he expected the bone marrow biopsy to show the same; although we won't hear from it for a few days. Blood work was within limits but still low. He wants me to have it checked every two weeks - here and then in St. Louis. It was a very long day and very tiring, but what wonderful news! We serve and awesome God!
BJ and I saw Lynn and Beverly Kelly at the Siteman Cancer center. That was a wonderful surprise. They had brought Lynn's brother-in-law up for an appointment. No hugs, just lots of smiles...
As you can tell, I am not blogging as much now that I am home and mainly trying to gain strength and not catch a cold or any of the viruses going around. But I will let you know when I hear from the biopsy.
I can never thank all of you enough for all of your prayers and support. I wouldn't be where I am today if not for your prayers to our God on my behalf. I love you all...
Becky

Thursday - + 90

Today I want to use the entire Psalm of praise of David - Psalm 145. Please read it and reflect on God's greatness and power. Praise be to Him!

On Wednesday I had to be at St. John's at 9:00 a.m. for the immunoglobulin infusion. BJ took me to the hospital because she had to go into work at noon. At 12:00 noon, they started the infusion. God is really teaching me patience through all of this. Seems the orders were not there and once they got the orders, it took pharmacy some time to mix the drug. Thank the Lord, there were no problems with the infusion this time; just took much longer than we had expected. Julie, a friend of mine, picked me up at the hospital and brought me home. It was a very tiring day.

Then Linda Marquis from Glendale called and brought dinner over. We visited for a while and it was great to see her after several months. Dinner was delicious!

Today, I saw Dr. Hoos for bloodwork and a checkup. Some counts were lower than they were in St. Louis last week but he said they all looked fairly good. Some we will watch...He said I am doing so well, that unless something happens or St. Louis says otherwise, he doesn't need to see me until the middle of December. By the way, my daughter Jessica was able to leave work a little early today to take me to the appointment. She didn't mind that at all...

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Still a ways to go with all of this but Jehovah Jireh.

Love,
Becky

Sunday - Day 87

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:4,5

What a blessing to know that God will keep us safe and shelter us in times of trouble.

Here is my first try at blogging...sister Barb has gone home and left it all up to me. I want to thank her for all of the blogs she wrote and for all of the journaling she did during the three months she was here. Most of all, I want to thank her for her care and devotion to my care while she was here. She truly has a servant's heart and a caregiver's heart. Thank you, Barb, I love you and am thankful you are my sister.

Barb and I left for St. Louis on Friday morning about 6:30. Of course, it rained most of the way, but we made it just in time for my appointment at 10:30. The blood work showed that platelets and hemoglobin were up from the last blood work done at Dr. Hoos'. That is a good sign. Stephanie (physicians asst.) was real pleased with how everything is going and is anxious to see the results of the Pet Scan and bone marrow biopsy which will both be done on the 26th of Oct. in St. Louis. They are concerned about the contact that I have with people right now because of all of the flu and germs floating around. So it seems I may be spending most of the winter at home. I certainly wouldn't want to get the flu and undo everything I have been through.

Tomorrow, one of my brother's and his wife are coming from Glasgow, Ky. to spend some time with me and to visit Branson. I'm anxious to see them; just don't want any Ky. germs. Ha

This week I have an immunoglobulin treatment on Wed. at St. John's. It is about a four hour infusion. Then I see Dr. Hoos on Thurs.

I will be giving updates as needed, but not every day. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. The prayers of God's people have gotten me this far. Please continue to pray for me to gain strength, to not pick up any viruses, and for patience.

Love in Him,
Becky

Oct. 6 Day +82

I John 3:1 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called chilfren of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

There isn't a lot to report from here the last few days. Becky is continuing to do well and is gaining strength. She walked to the mailbox yesterday for the first time since she got home. She is able to do more things around the house too. She is trying to do more for herself since I'm planning on going home on Friday after the doctor's appointment in St. Louis, unless something happens between now and then.

We had a storm this morning and got a lot of good rain. The temperatures have cooled off and it's good weather for soup so that's what we're making today. A big pot of vegetable soup and a pot of chili are on the stove. There should be enough to freeze for meals after Barb leaves.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Josie Herren and her family this evening as they have visitation and services for Norm at Glendale Christian Church. He will be missed here but the family knows that he is with the Lord now and not suffering.

Unless something "happens" around here Becky will post again on Friday or Saturday. No news is good news for now.

Love,
Becky, Barb and BJ

Oct. 4

BJ and Barb went to church at Glendale this morning at the 8:30 service and enjoyed the time of worship and a good message by Jeff Coon from Mark 11:22-26 on prayer that can move mountains with faith if we accept God's promises, know God's character, and ask in God's will, with the right motives, the right source, and the right shield. It really gave us a lot to think about the "mountains" that are in our lives and how we can move those mountains.

Becky stayed at home today and had her own service here. With all the "bugs" that are going around she decided it was best for her to not be out in public. We were also talking to Norma today at church and she mentioned that the FluMist is a "live" vaccine and wondered about Becky being around people who have had it. I did some research when I got home and the "FluMist" (nasal spray vaccine) is a live vaccine and so anyone that has had that type of flu vaccine CANNOT be around Becky for 4 weeks after having it. Please pass this word along and hopefully people will understand and not be around her. She said she may have to just stay in the house all winter because she won't know who's had it or not. Interesting dilemma!!

Not much else from here. Becky does seem to be doing better and gaining a little strength each day. It's going to be a long process but God is gracious and we can only put our trust in Him.

Love,
Becky, Barb and BJ

Oct. 3

Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

Today has been a cooler day here in the MO. The sun is shining but the air is cool. It's even cooler in the house because the furnace won't kick on for some reason. We have a repairman here now trying to get it to work. Becky has been wrapped in a blanket for most of the afternoon watching the Cardinals on TV. Hopefully it will be fixed in a little while.

Becky continues to get stronger but still has a long way to go. I don't think she's going to try and go to church in the morning. It's suppose to be cold and raining so she doesn't need to be out in the weather. She also needs to avoid as much contact with people as possible and there will be a lot of "hugs" when she gets back to church. She went in St. Louis but no one knew us and there wasn't the close contact she'll have here. She will want to hug as well as be hugged so better wait a little while longer. I'm sure everyone will understand.

Not much other news from here. The girls are all walking in a cancer walk tonight in Springfield in honor of their mother. I hope the weather stays nice for them tonight. We pray all will have a good day of worship tomorrow. Remember that worship is not what we get out of church but what we give to God.

Love,
Becky, Barb and BJ

October 2 Day +78

Psalm 75:1 "We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds."

We continue to thank God for all He is doing in Becky's life. She is gaining strength again each day. She has been able to do more today but has to rest after any little activity. The 5 days of fever and diarrhea really took their toll on her but the Lord is good and continues to provide the strength she needs.

She had the Pentamidine treatment yesterday at St. John's and it took longer than we expected. They can't order the medicine to be mixed until she gets there and then when they did call it there was a mix up in the pharmacy and it didn't get to the floor for quite a while. The tech as well as Becky and I were getting a little tired of waiting but it finally got done. The tech said it shouldn't take as long next time but she wouldn't make any promises. We think she only has 2 more of these but that will be up to the doctor's in St. Louis.

BJ was off again yesterday and she worked in the garage and I helped with a few tasks here at the house. Becky sat and rested and "supervised". Today Becky has been on the computer a little answering some emails and reading others that I had saved for her. We have discussed her going to church on Sunday but haven't decided if that's the best thing for her right now. We're just taking one day at a time.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Love,
Becky, Barb and BJ

Sept. 30

"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord." Psalm 148:1-5a

We are praising the Lord tonight that Becky has had a good day with no fever, nausea, or vomiting. She is still weak but is gaining her strength back some. She has been up since about 9 this morning and has eaten well today. Rachel and the children came by this afternoon and spent a little time with her and that made her feel better. Becca had learned to ride her bike and gotten her ears pierced since Becky was gone and it was a thrill for Becky to see her and Becca and Allen to show off on the bikes for MeMe. It was pretty this afternoon so Becky sat out on the porch for a little bit with her mask on.

Becky was saddened to hear of the death of Norm Herren, a good friend from church, and also the mother of Jan Ellison, a friend from Nixa. We send our thoughts and prayers to both families during this time.

Thanks to all of you for your continued thoughts, prayers, cards and calls. You don't know how much they mean to her. She has a Pentamidine treatment tomorrow at St. John's hospital to prevent pneumonia.

Love,
Becky and Barb

Sept. 29 Day +75

Psalm 62:5-8 says, " Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

Becky had a more restful night last night with the fever finally gone. She also had finally gotten the diarrhea under better control with some Imodium. She had a little this morning but is doing a lot better this afternoon. It was evidently caused by the Augmentin which was stopped yesterday. We saw Dr. Hoos this afternoon and he said things seemed to be going well. He said she "looked good" but to me she looks worse than she did last week but he didn't see her then. Hopefully things are turning around and she will begin to get stronger now. Her counts had dropped again from Friday but with 3 days of being sick that's not unusual.

When we got home she ate some "Jigglers" and proceeded to throw them up within 10 minutes, so was given a half a Phenergan and then 15 minutes later ate a baked potato and bacon and has felt fine since. She's still really weak since she hasn't eaten much in the last 3 days. She also ate a grilled cheese sandwich for supper. We'll see how things set this evening now.

We pray that the fever will stay gone and she will be able to gain her strength back in the next few days. She says, "I'm really tired of being sick, but I guess it could be a lot worse!"

Love,
Becky and Barb

Sept. 28

Just another quick update. I called Dr. Hoos' office this afternoon and talked to his nurse and she relayed a message to and from him. Becky has gotten more exercise today than she wanted going back and forth to the bathroom. One of the "benefits" of Augmentin. Dr. Hoos stopped the antibiotic and said to give her Imodium and he will see her tomorrow afternoon. She has not had a fever since 10:00 this morning so that's a good thing. The preliminary blood culture reports are negative so another good thing. She is getting so weak from not eating and things going right through her if she does eat. She is trying to keep drinking liquids so she doesn't dehydrate with all the diarrhea. Hopefully we'll have more news tomorrow evening.

Continue to pray for her strength and patience.

Love,
Barb and Becky