What a gracious gift you all are to us. We are so blessed to wake up and read your comments each morning. Erin is so overwhelmed by the people who are praying for her. Isn't it amazing what God can do through cancer!!
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." So in this list of things that will not defeat us, we include Leukemia, fatigue, chemotherapy, mouth sores, hives, hair loss, and hospital confinement!!! Praise God for our freedom in Him!!
Yesterday was a better day. Erin walked 10 laps, ate well and slept well. She was physically stronger but mentally exhausted. She was very sad most of the day, 25 days in the hospital will get to a girl! At bedtime they gave her some benadryl to help her sleep and she immediately went into hyperdrive and made me get out a paper and pen. We then proceeded to make lists of things to do today and tomorrow. It was so funny, she just started rattling off all these things on her mind. Then she slept well. Also they stopped all the antibiotics she had been getting so her IV intake was significantly reduced. This is great because she only had to get up twice in the night, instead of every 2 hours. Hey, that's important!!
The nurse just came in and said her WBCs went up to 0.9, WooHoo!! That is the upward swing we have been watching for! Thanks again to all our prayer warriors!!! We can't say it enough, you all are part of the team and we depend on you to help us petition God on Erin's behalf. Oh the power of prayer!! love your guts, janet
29 comments:
Erin,
I am so glad to hear you had a better day! I have been reading and praying and thinking about you constantly. I love that you made a to-do list, you are a girl after my own heart! And such good news about the WBC count! (Working for a medical journal helps me know what that means!) I just wanted to let you know you are on my heart...and I will continue to pray for many more good days. I love and miss you, friend! :)
Love, Rachel
Erin and family--
My name is Liz and I am from SAO Rho Chapter(Valdosta, GA)!!! All of us have been parying for you, girl! We are praying for you here in Valdosta, and I personally have sent your name to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil! Hope that you have a great day today and get everything on your list done!
In Him,
Liz
Good Morning Miss Erin and Janet,
Sounds like great news this morning. However, I'm not sure what to make of the closing sentence, "love your guts, janet". At least two Ken's (Dr. Ken and the Ken with less hair) resemble that remark, or appreciate that remark. I'm not sure which, maybe both. Probably best to consider it a compliment.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
All our Love and Prayers!
Dr. Ken, Angela, Nic & Nat.
Good morning Erin!
I am so glad to hear that you had a better day yesterday! I pray that you keep having awesome days and that you are able to leave that jail soon enough!
Jason and I will visit soon and he plans on bringing his guitar for guitar hero... so be ready! He wants to challenge you to a duel!
Have a wonderful day!! Love you girl! We are gonna have a huge VENGA BUS party when you beat this!! See you soon man.
Love,
Jennifer
Good morning Erin! I'm so glad to hear that you are physically feeling better and that your WBC count is better. I don't know what that means, but I praise God that it's good news! From one list maker to another: you go girl! Lists rock! They can be so comforting, organizing the random thoughts bouncing around in our heads! I pray that today is a good day for you and that you can start to cross some of the things off your list.
Mrs. Blonshine, I look forward to your posts every day. Thank you for starting and continuing this blog. You are an awesome Mom and a good writer:)
I love you both! Brittany
Genesis 9:12-17
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me
and you, and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations
to come I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the
covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the
earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant
between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will
the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow
appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant
between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God
said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between
me and all life on the earth."
I just love these verses…..when I have a cloudy, and rainy day in my life…these verses lighten my heart….they lighten the load that I feel I am carrying at the moment……I love how God tells Noah…look there are going to be rainy days…..but I will still be there with you…..I will show you that I am there, by giving you something to look at…..I will give you something to remember MY presence by……I will give you rainbows…..and still…even though I have seen them a million times…..it still takes my breath away everytime I see a rainbow…the colors are sometimes vibrant…and sometimes…they are just barely there…where ..if you turn your head just the slightest bit, you wouldn’t have noticed it……and it’s in those times….when they are not as conspicuous as other times..that they seem to be the “most needed” times for me…..they are the most valuable rainbows….the ones that are the least noticeable…..Father, today…today could YOU give to our sister Rainbow Moments….Father, could YOU splash a little Rainbow Color to her day…..Father, could YOU let her head turn just the right way…so that she may see the Reminder Rainbows that YOU have left for her to find…to discover…..Lord, continue to heal her body….continue to guard her heart , her spirit and her mind….guard them against sadness…against pain….against hurts….Lord, just bless her little socks off today……Father, we pray especially today for her white blood count…Lord, please pay extra special attention to it today……Father, continue to surround this wonderfully precocious family…..continue to bless them with love and laughter….Father, let their smiles be unending….let their laughter be often…..and let their rainbows be many…..IN JESUS’ POWERFUL NAME…………..AMEN………………….
Everything I Need To Know About Life, I Learned From Noah's Ark...
1: Don't miss the boat.
2: We are all in the same boat.
3: Stay fit. Someone may ask you to do something really big.
4: Listen to your inner calls, no matter how strange... It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark!
5: Don't listen to critics, just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6: Build your future carefully in the present, preferably on good foundation (high ground)
7: Follow divine plan; on long journeys travel in pairs and enjoy the company of others.
8: All creatures, regardless of size, are important in the big scheme of things.
9: In the midst of a storm, trust, be patient and float a while.
10: Speed isn't as important as the ability to ride the waves.
11: The Ark was built and manned by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.
12: No matter the storm, when you are with God there's always a rainbow waiting.
Googdmorning Blonshines! I am so glad that you had a better day yesterday! Thank goodness for Benedryl and To Do Lists...can't live without em! I walked this morning and you were my motivation Erin! I'm going to attempt to get my walking in everyday too! Thank you for inspiring so many to do better! You're definitely being used! Have a wonderful day and know that you are being lifted up in prayer and greatly loved!
Kristie Chamlee
Erin & Family,
Can't say I honestly know what a WBC count is (maybe I need a new job with a medical journal, like Rachel), but we're all learning about this terrible disease because of you, your strength and your amazing prayer warriors. I have even Goggled "ASL" to learn more about it.
Though you're the one having to do all the work, feel the pain, assume residency at the hospital and try to keep smiling through it all, we are all with you every minute of every day, because someone has been praying for you constantly. It is amazing to see how many people are with you through this journey. We wouldn't be if it wasn't for this blog and keeping everyone updated (thanks, Janet!). It means so much to be able to be up-to-date on your progress.
So, I was thinking, maybe you should let out a random big scream and freak out the nurses if you just need to let some of the frustration of still being there. Well, maybe not, because they WILL write it down in your file. They write everything down (I remember that from when Josh was in the hospital -"Mom refused to leave the room when nurse asked" - stuff like that. Talk about ticking off the mother!). So, you might want to reconsider screaming because I know you've been the perfect patient and we wouldn't want to ruin your record and send you to the other hospital wing!
Keep up the good work, girl. I know I will see you soon, like the dream I had last night. Yes, you were in my dream (I think it was at the campground) and you were working with the youth, etc. I do remember that you had lots of hair in my dream. Good things to come!! Have a great day and we'll keep praying for a quick recovery.
Love and blessings to all the Blonshines,
~Kathy Peterson
Erin,
I keep up with your blog everyday and pray for you constantly. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear your good news. I know how frustrating it can be to be cooped up in the hospital, but keep your chin up. What your mom said about God working through your cancer reminded me of a little poem that I think is very empowering.
"What Cancer Cannot Do"
Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the spirit.
I hope this gives you some inspiration about how small cancer is and how BIG God is!!! I love you!
-Courtney Stillwagon
Hello there Erin!
I missed leaving you a comment yesterday, but it was Princess Kara's birthday and I waited until the last minute to do EVERYTHING! While we were at dinner last night Kara said the only thing that would make it a better b-day was to see you! She did have a good day...being sung to 4 times by various groups (thankfully not by me) and she received a homemade cookie cake from Kristen at Essentials. Boy,the lengths you guys will go to get Kara to come on Wednesday nights! I do believe my little darling told Andrew she would be back next Wednesday!
I'm so happy you had a better day yesterday, and I pray today is even better. We love you and we cannot wait until your out of the hospital!
Love you all!
Margaret, Pete, Kate and Kara
One more thing....are there any Dr. McDreamy's around or is that only on tv??????
Verse for today:
"Do not withhold your mercy from me/Erin, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me/Erin."
-Psalm 40:11
Obviously your name is not in my bible for that verse but I inserted it anyway! I hope you can get your mile done today...I'm going to the gym to attempt my mile as well. Yesterday I couldn't do all of it either because my back was hurting real bad. So today is the day! We are BOTH completing our mile!
Love you bunches!
Monica
erin
Erin -- Your presence is still very much missed around here, but your spirit stays strong in this place--even as I am amazed at how strong it clearly is there at the hospital. Life continues to surprise each of us, and your ability to face one of life's great challenges continues to amaze me. I am moved by the many supporters you have surrounding you -- and touched by the witness you and your life are!
Know that I miss you Erin, Jr. --- do that mile -- if you can do it, then, I have no excuse. You are an inspiration.
Hang in there -- I hope to see you in person soon!
Miss you.
Sending my love, Sarah S.
Erin,
Only got up twice last night? FABULOUS (something us "older" ladies can truly appreciate!) I love the list making - one of my favorite things is to "check it off". Makes you feel like you actually got to finish something for a change. WOOHOO is right for your count going up - Praise God for every blessing..We love and miss seeing you and your family, be sure to know that you are loved and missed and prayed for every single day. Karen and Steve
HELLOOO beautiful girl,
So yesterday was Wednesday (duh :) ) and what does that bring?? My night at Wesley. God has been revealing himself to me by using your situation. Let me explain. I have asked the Lord to reveal something to me at least 3 times a week that is specifically meant to you. He has heard my prayer and is doing so. You are strengthening my walk and my relationship. you are ballin :) yes, i really really wanted to use that word. did i pull it off?
so last night he used songs to speak to me to tell you. awesome right? here they are:
I put my HOPE in you
I put my TRUST in you.
Your LOVE reigns down FOREVER
You comfort those in need.
Our strong deliever.
The DEFENDER of the weak.
And lastly and most importantly...
And even when I'm caught in the storms of this life...
I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on.
There will be an END to these troubles, but until that day comes..
still I will praise you, still I will praise you.
AND OH NO YOU NEVER EVER LET GO.
and if I missed all that.. God printed these words on the handout. He was determined to capture my attention for you:
Jesus is REAL. He loves you and is here. He will save, help, and HEAL all those who call out to Him.
I hope you are doing well. Can't wait to see you when you are up for it! I LOVE YOU E!
Hi Erin and Blonstein family! I was so glad to read the good news that your WBC is up and that you got a good night's sleep too! I just know you are going to get better and better! And, 25 days and nights in the hospital is no small task. Who wouldn't get down. But, everyday spent in the hospital is one more day closer to going home and sleeping in your own bed!
Now, I have to say I admire you list makers. I want to be a list maker. I try...My only problem is that I make the list and then lose it!! But, more power to you.
I know I say it everytime, but Erin, you and your family remain in our prayers. I am always thinking of what to say that will be uplifting to you, and then I read your blog and end up being the one who is uplifted.... through your mom's words and the words of all the people who love you. It truly is amazing to see God at work!!
We love you and all the Blonsteins!
Pam and Ken
PS... I ran across this quote from Charles Stanley.."I have the omnipitent Son of God at my right side. In whom shall I fear?"
erin!
the county swim meet is tomorrow. it's what i've been working for since november, and it's finally here! i'm swimming the 200m freestyle and the 100m butterfly.
thought youd be interested. enough about me, however.
i miss you terribly. youre in my thoughts quite often, and i have your prayer pager on speed dial so i can help you feel god's love as i lift you up. i love you [:
well, im off to go carb up.
i'll let you know how county goes.
-Peter Schnaak
Hi Erin and all the Blonshine Family.
Just wanted to let you know that you are still continually in our thoughts and prayers. We think of you daily and then some. Wanted to let you know that we are keeping up closely with your daily progress; thanks to the wonders of blogging. You have already come such a long way and we know that good things worth waiting for are never easy or quick.
Good girl, a things to do list : )
Get all those things off your mind and onto paper. You have to keep your mind clear for the most important things; YOU.
We love you!
Rosanne, Alan, Denise, Natalie & Christopher
Hey Erin,
I am so glad to hear that you had a better day yesterday and that your WBC's went up that is just amazing. I am constantly praying and thinking of you. Hope to see you soon. Continue to get better.
Courtney
Hey Erin,
We still miss you at church but we are all praying and know you will be back soon.I also told a bunch of people at school about you too! I'm glad you are getting better and I know god is with you on this journey in your life. You are going to make it through this! I can say that with no doubt in me at all. I miss you and hope to see you soon!
-Parker
Erin Jr.,
Glad to hear you are doing your laps! Every day when it is FREEZING out and I don't really feel like walking the dogs, I think, If Erin can do it, there is no excuse for me not to get my butt out there! I know you are feeling cooped up, but just think of all the fun future trips your Aunt Debbie is probably planning online right now! Miss you every day!
Erin Sr. :)
John 16:33
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Coach Bloneshine,
Keep on getting better and we hope to hear that you will be going home soon. May God keep helping you to heal and allow us this day to celebrate your victory of beating this. Keep on walking those miles. Coach Edgar has had us running and I can make a mile now without breathing hard. Hope to see you soon.
Eric Techo
Hey Erin, it's Rebecca (redmond) Hagues from the English cohort. My husband Roger just got sent off to Milton Keynes, England for ten weeks with his work, so I wanted to let you know that you can add another international spot to your map :) I'm so glad your family is so dedicated to keeping up with this blog site so that your testimony can spread so far. When I was in 6th grade, one of my cousins had cancer, and it was AMAZING to see how God used his trials and the miraculous way He dealt with them to spread His name and His glory. During that time, my cousin got to reach out to people and influence them to come to God in a way he never had before. I love hearing how your story is spreading b/c it reminds me of the good that came out of my cousin's troubles as God proved Himself faithful.
As a runner,(and a volleyball and track coach!) I love to hear about the days when you get to walk your laps; I'm cheering for you here in Columbus, GA...can you here me? I'll leave you with every Christian runner's favorite passage: Hebrews 12: 1-3. Well, really all of Hebrews is a pep rally for walking in faith with Jesus, it's just that those three verses actually mention a race.
I'm rootin for ya girl!
love, Rebecca
Erin-
Hope tomorrow is a wonderful day for you, and that you sleep well tonight. Praying for you!
-Rory :D
erin blonshine! i miss you! i love you!
Erin,
Praying for you, love you. You can overcome this. He has already overcome the world. Take heart! And write that book, girl. I cannot WAIT to read it. You can send a signed copy to Dr. Doyle. :)
Love,
Kendra Hanson
Hi Erin...David and I are in Greenville tonight for Carter's senior vocal performance...it's so amazing to be able to check on you and write to you even from a hotel room...I think this internet thing is going to catch on!!!! :)
Much love and heartfelt prayers,
Vicki
Erin,
Auntie Sue and Uncle Rick here. Keeping our hands heavenward. Have asked our sister church in Cameroon South Africa to keep you in prayer. Hope that will add another pin to the map! Uncle Rick went diggin in the picture boxes and found his favorite pix of you. You were about two years old. He said your still the cutest, but dont tell Amanda and Erin, he wouldent want to hurt their feelin's. I was reading in Deuteronomy chapter 31 when verse eight poped out at me for you "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged!"
Is your mom smuggling in Oreo's?
Love, Love Love
Good morning girls & Uncle Bill;
It is so amazing how God is working, talking and revealing so much to us!
Yesterday and today all the verses I've been reading are about endurance & finishing the race God has set before us. I think He is revealing to us the verses that will help you, the whole family,the most! This is a race that the whole family is running. At the end of your race you will be rewarded, what's a race without a prize!! I know Erin likes to be re rewarded, whether it's an "A" or a trophy :) Well this time it's a prize of hugmongous proportions!!
Acts 20:24, .."so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." !!
When you are walking your laps today, remember.....toes straight, knees bent, arms straight, YOU CAN DO IT!! Yea Erin!! That's me cheering you on, just like we'll be doing when we go to the lake this summer!! You've got to get your legs ready to ski!!
Alrighty, I'm going to go do my laps now. I've decided to join the bloggers who are "walking with Erin" every day! I have to get my ski legs in shape, and my arms, back, behind, and lose a hundred pounds, then for sure this year I'll be able to ski!!!
Love to you all! Aunt Debbie
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