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
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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
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, November 12, 2009
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
"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
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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
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, October 15, 2009
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
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
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