Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Last Post
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin over these past 2 1/2 years. We have been so blessed! Today Erin got her results from her bone marrow biopsy and everything was great! Praise God for that. Her CD4 was up and her Dr said she can now get into a pool! Yeah, especially in this hot weather! Her IGg was low though so they are going to set her up for 4 treatments of IVIG over the next few months. That will boost her immune system so she will be ready for the kids when school starts in a few weeks. Her only symptom right now is wrist and hand pain which is a form of GVH. They are going to watch it closely and probably increase her immunosuppressants. I say probably because they were waiting on a few more numbers from her labs to come back. They will e-mail us later today and let us know.
So today was a day of "P"s. Erin got Perfect results, Pool permission, Phantom tickets for tonight (thanks Martins!), and she Painted her appt. So we have lots of Praises!!
Erin has settled nicely into her new appt and we painted an accent wall today in her bedroom so she is looking very "Southern Living" now. Laura just found an appt yesterday so we will be getting her moved and decorated in a week or two.
God has been so gracious to our family through this time of trouble and we are slowly getting back to normal in many areas. I am attaching a photo of Erin at the lake. Since she wasn't allowed to get in the lake, we put up a kiddie pool for her to float in. She loved it!
Like my sister said, Erin has the gift of resilience and has shown us all again and again how to persevere and lean on God! Wow, what a testimony she has been to all of us! I for one, am humbled to have been able to share this journey with her. We have learned so much together. As a matter of fact, we are still learning. As the lessons of the past couple of years sink in, we sit in awe of a Mighty God who carried us through every detail along the rocky road. I just know He has great things in store for her in the future and I can't wait to watch His hand at work.
Thanks again for your love and prayers! With God's blessing, may this be our last blog. Can I get an AMEN??? love you all, janet
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers. Erin had her one year bone marrow biopsy yesterday (a bit early) and the procedure went fine. The results won't be in for a week or so. Please pray for clear results. Her labs yesterday looked great. Three of her four liver enzymes are down to normal and we are so excited about that. However her eosinophils are up from 10 to 16 and that is an indication of GVH. She has also been experiencing some joint pain which is a symptom of GVH. So we are waiting to hear if they will adjust her meds again.
Sorry we didn't blog last week but we were at the lake having fun. Erin wasn't able to get in the water because of the immunosuppressants she is still on, so we got her a baby pool. She put it on the dock and filled it with water from the hose and put a float in it. The water was icy but she floated anyway. She also got on the "island" ( a giant float) and took the hose with her so she could float in the lake and have fresh water to spray on herself to keep cool. Creativity will always win out. You can keep the lake out of the girl but you can't keep the girl out of the lake!
Erin is moving out this weekend to her new apartment. She is so excited. So, as you can see, we have many praises and fewer prayer requests as time goes on. We are so thankful to Almighty God for bringing us through this fire! We will blog again when the results come in from the one year biopsy and then we will retire this blog. Again, we want to express our gratitude to all of you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin. We have been truly blessed by the body of Christ these past two years. We love you all! janet
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O king." Daniel 3:17
We certainly feel like we have been walking around in the fiery furnace. But with God all things are possible and we give Him the glory for Erin's Victory over Leukemia! Hallelujah!
Thanks for the prayers. Erin had her one year bone marrow biopsy yesterday (a bit early) and the procedure went fine. The results won't be in for a week or so. Please pray for clear results. Her labs yesterday looked great. Three of her four liver enzymes are down to normal and we are so excited about that. However her eosinophils are up from 10 to 16 and that is an indication of GVH. She has also been experiencing some joint pain which is a symptom of GVH. So we are waiting to hear if they will adjust her meds again.
Sorry we didn't blog last week but we were at the lake having fun. Erin wasn't able to get in the water because of the immunosuppressants she is still on, so we got her a baby pool. She put it on the dock and filled it with water from the hose and put a float in it. The water was icy but she floated anyway. She also got on the "island" ( a giant float) and took the hose with her so she could float in the lake and have fresh water to spray on herself to keep cool. Creativity will always win out. You can keep the lake out of the girl but you can't keep the girl out of the lake!
Erin is moving out this weekend to her new apartment. She is so excited. So, as you can see, we have many praises and fewer prayer requests as time goes on. We are so thankful to Almighty God for bringing us through this fire! We will blog again when the results come in from the one year biopsy and then we will retire this blog. Again, we want to express our gratitude to all of you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin. We have been truly blessed by the body of Christ these past two years. We love you all! janet
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O king." Daniel 3:17
We certainly feel like we have been walking around in the fiery furnace. But with God all things are possible and we give Him the glory for Erin's Victory over Leukemia! Hallelujah!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hot Summer!
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for checking in. Erin is doing great and we are so thankful. She has been gearing up to move and having fun with her friends. I don't have much to report, it's too hot to think. I just wanted to touch base and tell you that not a day goes by when we don't thank God for all of you and the tremendous support you have showered on us. We are blessed by your love and God's mercy. We pray you and your families are enjoying the Hot Summer. Just remember when it was so cold and we said we couldn't wait for summer? Well, now we can wish for cooler weather! Think cool thoughts! We love you, janet
"What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. " Ecclesiates 3:9-14
Thanks for checking in. Erin is doing great and we are so thankful. She has been gearing up to move and having fun with her friends. I don't have much to report, it's too hot to think. I just wanted to touch base and tell you that not a day goes by when we don't thank God for all of you and the tremendous support you have showered on us. We are blessed by your love and God's mercy. We pray you and your families are enjoying the Hot Summer. Just remember when it was so cold and we said we couldn't wait for summer? Well, now we can wish for cooler weather! Think cool thoughts! We love you, janet
"What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. " Ecclesiates 3:9-14
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Clinic Day
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for checking in on Erin. We are at the clinic now. Erin got great results on her labs, Praise God! Two of her liver enzymes are back down to normal again and her eosinphils went from 20 to 10 which is great. The normal value should be less than 6. She has not been having any GVH symptons and now the labs look better as well. I guess that means they have it under good control. She had to have phlebotomy again today (a.k.a. leaches), one vaccine, plus her respiratory treatment, so it has been a long day. She is now in her Patient Advocacy Board meeting. It's nice only having to come here once a month but it is a very long day.
At her next visit, they are going to do her Bone Marrow biopsy and her one year staging labs. Since she got her job back, they are going to do all this a month early so it won't interfere with work.
Hopefully next visit they will be ready to stop her steroids. She is on a very minimal amount but they decided to have pity on her students and get her off the "juice" before school starts. We were hoping they would reduce her meds today but since her labs are responding so well, they want to let them continue to settle all the way down before they make any changes.
In the meantime, Erin is getting ready to move into her own place. She and Laura have been shopping like crazy and enjoying putting together their own decor.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Erin. She is ready to put this all behind her and get back to a "normal" life. God has graciously provided for all the details involved! Blessings on your summer. Enjoy! love, janet
Thanks for checking in on Erin. We are at the clinic now. Erin got great results on her labs, Praise God! Two of her liver enzymes are back down to normal again and her eosinphils went from 20 to 10 which is great. The normal value should be less than 6. She has not been having any GVH symptons and now the labs look better as well. I guess that means they have it under good control. She had to have phlebotomy again today (a.k.a. leaches), one vaccine, plus her respiratory treatment, so it has been a long day. She is now in her Patient Advocacy Board meeting. It's nice only having to come here once a month but it is a very long day.
At her next visit, they are going to do her Bone Marrow biopsy and her one year staging labs. Since she got her job back, they are going to do all this a month early so it won't interfere with work.
Hopefully next visit they will be ready to stop her steroids. She is on a very minimal amount but they decided to have pity on her students and get her off the "juice" before school starts. We were hoping they would reduce her meds today but since her labs are responding so well, they want to let them continue to settle all the way down before they make any changes.
In the meantime, Erin is getting ready to move into her own place. She and Laura have been shopping like crazy and enjoying putting together their own decor.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Erin. She is ready to put this all behind her and get back to a "normal" life. God has graciously provided for all the details involved! Blessings on your summer. Enjoy! love, janet
Isaiah 30:17-19 (New International Version)
17 A thousand will flee
at the threat of one;
at the threat of five
you will all flee away,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
like a banner on a hill."
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Happy June
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
We are so thankful for all of you and your prayers. God has done amazing things through all the prayers! I hope you have been as blessed as we have by spending more time with the Lord.
Erin is doing well. She is still walking on air over the job coming through. God has been faithful to put the pieces of her life back together better than ever. Erin is feeling so good, she has decided to get her own place this summer. Now, you know I am having a hard time with that decision, but she has agreed to let me spend the night whenever I want to. I told her I am available M-F but I would spend the weekends with Bill. You probably think I am kidding.... She found a nice place close by and it is brand new (no germs), and she has friends for neighbors, so I think I will be o.k....eventually. Laura is also moving out. I have been stalling on the whole empty nest thing but it looks like it is going to hit hard this summer.
Erin goes to the clinic next Wed, so we should have more medical details then. In the meantime, she has been feeling great, so we are praying that they decrease the steroids some. Steroids do keep her from sleeping well and that adds up over time. I guess that is our prayer request, that they can decrease some of the meds. Blessings on all of you. You are the best team ever!! love, janet
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10
We are so thankful for all of you and your prayers. God has done amazing things through all the prayers! I hope you have been as blessed as we have by spending more time with the Lord.
Erin is doing well. She is still walking on air over the job coming through. God has been faithful to put the pieces of her life back together better than ever. Erin is feeling so good, she has decided to get her own place this summer. Now, you know I am having a hard time with that decision, but she has agreed to let me spend the night whenever I want to. I told her I am available M-F but I would spend the weekends with Bill. You probably think I am kidding.... She found a nice place close by and it is brand new (no germs), and she has friends for neighbors, so I think I will be o.k....eventually. Laura is also moving out. I have been stalling on the whole empty nest thing but it looks like it is going to hit hard this summer.
Erin goes to the clinic next Wed, so we should have more medical details then. In the meantime, she has been feeling great, so we are praying that they decrease the steroids some. Steroids do keep her from sleeping well and that adds up over time. I guess that is our prayer request, that they can decrease some of the meds. Blessings on all of you. You are the best team ever!! love, janet
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last Day of School/ updated
Happy Last Day of School!
Thanks for the prayers. We are sorry to say we lost Bill's Mom 2 weeks ago and we had the Memorial last week. She lived to 91 and was a testament to God's grace throughout her life. We are blessed by her legacy of faith! As hard as that was to say goodbye, we know she is now saying hello to the Lord in person and all her family before her. So, we celebrate her home-going with Joy in the Lord!
Erin is doing well. We praise God daily for her health. She is still walking and going to the gym. I am encouraged to say she is feeling like she might be beginning to sweat a little on her head after a vigorous class. We can only pray that is a sign that her body is returning to more normal endocrine function.
As for her job situation, Gwinnett County Schools has told her they will let her know this Friday if they have a place for her in the system. Please pray she gets a good position for the coming year. She has really been stressed about it. I know God has a plan for her, but it's hard to wait it out.
The next appt for Erin is in two weeks, so we are enjoying our first month-long break from the trek to Emory. Thank you so much for the prayers that have sustained us these last 2 1/2 years. We couldn't have done it without all of you on your knees for Erin. We are blessed by your faithfulness! love, janet
A favorite verse around graduation time:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Update: This just in...Gwinnett County is sending Erin back to Peachtree Ridge as a Inter-related teacher!! She will be collaborating with other teachers, so it will hopefully be less stressful than having her own classes. It is the perfect fit. God is good!! Erin is on cloud nine. Thank you Lord!!
Thanks again for the prayers! janet
Thanks for the prayers. We are sorry to say we lost Bill's Mom 2 weeks ago and we had the Memorial last week. She lived to 91 and was a testament to God's grace throughout her life. We are blessed by her legacy of faith! As hard as that was to say goodbye, we know she is now saying hello to the Lord in person and all her family before her. So, we celebrate her home-going with Joy in the Lord!
Erin is doing well. We praise God daily for her health. She is still walking and going to the gym. I am encouraged to say she is feeling like she might be beginning to sweat a little on her head after a vigorous class. We can only pray that is a sign that her body is returning to more normal endocrine function.
As for her job situation, Gwinnett County Schools has told her they will let her know this Friday if they have a place for her in the system. Please pray she gets a good position for the coming year. She has really been stressed about it. I know God has a plan for her, but it's hard to wait it out.
The next appt for Erin is in two weeks, so we are enjoying our first month-long break from the trek to Emory. Thank you so much for the prayers that have sustained us these last 2 1/2 years. We couldn't have done it without all of you on your knees for Erin. We are blessed by your faithfulness! love, janet
A favorite verse around graduation time:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Update: This just in...Gwinnett County is sending Erin back to Peachtree Ridge as a Inter-related teacher!! She will be collaborating with other teachers, so it will hopefully be less stressful than having her own classes. It is the perfect fit. God is good!! Erin is on cloud nine. Thank you Lord!!
Thanks again for the prayers! janet
Monday, May 24, 2010
HAPPY END OF SCHOOL WEEK
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers. We missed blogging last week because
Thanks for the prayers. We missed blogging last week because
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Clinic Day
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
Thank you for your continued prayers. Erin and I are at the clinic and she is getting her resp. treatment as I blog. Her labs came back pretty much the same as they have been. Liver enzymes are slightly elevated but not much. Her iron is crazy high so they are going to get out the leeches again next visit. She asked them about not sweating and they didn't know what to think. They want her to just wait and see. The chemo she had sent all of her systems into chaos, so they just wait for things to normalize on their own. Actually, I think they just let God handle it. There is so much we can't understand. We are grateful God is in control! He is, after all, the ultimate healer! Amen!
Erin has had a good week. She is taking Zumba class at the gym and learning to shake her booty in Spanish. It's so funny - the teacher is Hispanic and gives all the instructions in Spanish. Erin just follows along like she is fluent. Ha! She might become fluent after a few months of Zumba! Erin is continuing the job hunt and would really appreciate any hints you might have on jobs in the area. She still hasn't heard from the Gwinnett County School System. Maybe they will come through at the last minute.
We have to give a shout out to Laura who just graduated from UGA! Good job, Sis! We are so proud of you!
Thanks again for the prayers! blessings, janet
"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.... For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ..." Psalm 103:1-5, 11-13
Thank you for your continued prayers. Erin and I are at the clinic and she is getting her resp. treatment as I blog. Her labs came back pretty much the same as they have been. Liver enzymes are slightly elevated but not much. Her iron is crazy high so they are going to get out the leeches again next visit. She asked them about not sweating and they didn't know what to think. They want her to just wait and see. The chemo she had sent all of her systems into chaos, so they just wait for things to normalize on their own. Actually, I think they just let God handle it. There is so much we can't understand. We are grateful God is in control! He is, after all, the ultimate healer! Amen!
Erin has had a good week. She is taking Zumba class at the gym and learning to shake her booty in Spanish. It's so funny - the teacher is Hispanic and gives all the instructions in Spanish. Erin just follows along like she is fluent. Ha! She might become fluent after a few months of Zumba! Erin is continuing the job hunt and would really appreciate any hints you might have on jobs in the area. She still hasn't heard from the Gwinnett County School System. Maybe they will come through at the last minute.
We have to give a shout out to Laura who just graduated from UGA! Good job, Sis! We are so proud of you!
Thanks again for the prayers! blessings, janet
"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.... For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ..." Psalm 103:1-5, 11-13
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Cinco de Mayo!
Oops! We missed a week! This is Erin, playing blog catch up. I think we are losing our minds (forgetting to blog . . . what next?). Last we wrote, I had just received some shots, given some blood, and packed my sunscreen for the beach with the girls. We had an awesome time - sand, shopping, and seafood - what more could you ask for?! It was a great trip! :)
Last week went smoothly - headed back to the gym to try and get a little strength back . . . whew. A little sore doesn't begin to cover it. :) Funny, though, I realized that I haven't been sweating (gross, sorry), which has me wondering . . . I head back next Wednesday to the clinic, so I'll ask them then, but isn't that weird? Who knows - they probably have "crazy" written all over my charts because I always have some sort of something going on. Oh, well - I do try to keep things interesting for everyone involved. :)
We had a nice trip to the lake last weekend with the Solanes and Woodward clan. The weather was nice, and it was good for Mom and Dad to get a break and have some fun! Five dogs + ten people = lots of fun! Now we are looking forward to Laura's graduation from UGA - she has worked so hard and is ready for summer before hitting the books again in the fall for grad school. We are so proud of her! :)
Hope you had a wonderful Cinco de Mayo! I promise to update next week after our clinic visit . . .
Te amo, Erin
"I come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) I praise God for the wonderful life He has given me!
Last week went smoothly - headed back to the gym to try and get a little strength back . . . whew. A little sore doesn't begin to cover it. :) Funny, though, I realized that I haven't been sweating (gross, sorry), which has me wondering . . . I head back next Wednesday to the clinic, so I'll ask them then, but isn't that weird? Who knows - they probably have "crazy" written all over my charts because I always have some sort of something going on. Oh, well - I do try to keep things interesting for everyone involved. :)
We had a nice trip to the lake last weekend with the Solanes and Woodward clan. The weather was nice, and it was good for Mom and Dad to get a break and have some fun! Five dogs + ten people = lots of fun! Now we are looking forward to Laura's graduation from UGA - she has worked so hard and is ready for summer before hitting the books again in the fall for grad school. We are so proud of her! :)
Hope you had a wonderful Cinco de Mayo! I promise to update next week after our clinic visit . . .
Te amo, Erin
"I come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) I praise God for the wonderful life He has given me!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Lots of bandaids
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers!! We are so grateful for your continued love and encouragement. We just got back from the clinic. Erin had to give 50 tubes of blood again to reduce her iron. Then they gave her 5 vaccines. Hence, lots of bandaids. Her labs came back a little elevated this week. They had to increase her immunosuppressants again. Her liver enzymes are also a bit up, so please pray for all that to get back to normal again.
The good news is that Erin is going to the beach tomorrow with her girl's group. She is so excited to spend some time on the beach. Of course she will have to be covered head to toe in sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, but still, any day at the beach is a good day!
We saw an old friend of ours at the clinic today, which was fun, but at the same time, unfortunate, because that means someone is ill. Like I have said before, Cancer is not a club you want to be in, but the people are so nice. Our prayers go out to Bobby and family.
We hope you all are having a great spring. Thanks for reflecting God's glory to us!! Blessings, janet
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor 3:17-18
Thanks for the prayers!! We are so grateful for your continued love and encouragement. We just got back from the clinic. Erin had to give 50 tubes of blood again to reduce her iron. Then they gave her 5 vaccines. Hence, lots of bandaids. Her labs came back a little elevated this week. They had to increase her immunosuppressants again. Her liver enzymes are also a bit up, so please pray for all that to get back to normal again.
The good news is that Erin is going to the beach tomorrow with her girl's group. She is so excited to spend some time on the beach. Of course she will have to be covered head to toe in sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, but still, any day at the beach is a good day!
We saw an old friend of ours at the clinic today, which was fun, but at the same time, unfortunate, because that means someone is ill. Like I have said before, Cancer is not a club you want to be in, but the people are so nice. Our prayers go out to Bobby and family.
We hope you all are having a great spring. Thanks for reflecting God's glory to us!! Blessings, janet
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor 3:17-18
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Almost Tax Day
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers! Erin is doing well. She had a respiratory appt today but no Dr visit or labs. Each month she gets Pentamidine to protect her from pneumonia. She uses an inhaler gadget for about 15 minutes. Anyway, she drove herself to Emory because she was supposed to have a patient advocacy board meeting as well. Apparently, they changed it up and forgot to call her. Oh well, maybe next month.
Overall, Erin is feeling great. She is still walking daily and having fun with friends. She is still on the job hunt, so if you hear of anything, let her know. Gwinnett still hasn't let her know where they are displacing her to. They are supposed to put her somewhere... In the meantime, she is enjoying herself. She is going to the beach next weekend with some friends. I am sure she will love the getaway.
She hasn't experienced any GVH symptoms, praise God! Last week they told her the labs showed she was getting ready to spike, but I guess they stopped it in time. Isn't it cool how God provides like that? Blessings on you, thanks for checking in, janet
"The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert, and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. " Isaiah 43:20-21
Thanks for the prayers! Erin is doing well. She had a respiratory appt today but no Dr visit or labs. Each month she gets Pentamidine to protect her from pneumonia. She uses an inhaler gadget for about 15 minutes. Anyway, she drove herself to Emory because she was supposed to have a patient advocacy board meeting as well. Apparently, they changed it up and forgot to call her. Oh well, maybe next month.
Overall, Erin is feeling great. She is still walking daily and having fun with friends. She is still on the job hunt, so if you hear of anything, let her know. Gwinnett still hasn't let her know where they are displacing her to. They are supposed to put her somewhere... In the meantime, she is enjoying herself. She is going to the beach next weekend with some friends. I am sure she will love the getaway.
She hasn't experienced any GVH symptoms, praise God! Last week they told her the labs showed she was getting ready to spike, but I guess they stopped it in time. Isn't it cool how God provides like that? Blessings on you, thanks for checking in, janet
"The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert, and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. " Isaiah 43:20-21
Almost Tax Day
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers! Erin is doing well. She had a respiratory appt today but no Dr visit or labs. Each month she gets Pentamidine to protect her from
Thanks for the prayers! Erin is doing well. She had a respiratory appt today but no Dr visit or labs. Each month she gets Pentamidine to protect her from
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
guns and pearls
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers. They sustain us every day. Erin and I just got back from the clinic. She got another good report. Her liver enzymes are down again and on the border of normal. Her only complaints were fatigue and itchiness. They said the fatigue is from coming off the steroids and is normal, and they said the itchiness is a little Graft vs. Host. They kept her steroids and prograf the same for the next few weeks to see if everything calms down. So, status quo is good. Praise God for blessing the details. They will give her the next round of vaccines in two weeks and another phlebotomy treatment. In the meantime, Erin has been asked to be on a Patient Advocacy Board at Emory. Her first meeting is next week. Notice, they did not ask me. I guess they know Erin is sweeter by far. However, I am helping her make a list of things to address. Heehee. Another piece of good news is that they are letting Erin go more places now. She got permission to go to the gym and the dentist. Yeah, guns and pearls!! She is excited. Hope you are staying out of the pollen clouds. The levels are so high it's crazy! Everything is yellow, even our black dog! Funny, I just found this verse in Isaiah about the trees clapping their hands... hence the pollen! Enjoy, janet
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55: 12-13
Thanks for the prayers. They sustain us every day. Erin and I just got back from the clinic. She got another good report. Her liver enzymes are down again and on the border of normal. Her only complaints were fatigue and itchiness. They said the fatigue is from coming off the steroids and is normal, and they said the itchiness is a little Graft vs. Host. They kept her steroids and prograf the same for the next few weeks to see if everything calms down. So, status quo is good. Praise God for blessing the details. They will give her the next round of vaccines in two weeks and another phlebotomy treatment. In the meantime, Erin has been asked to be on a Patient Advocacy Board at Emory. Her first meeting is next week. Notice, they did not ask me. I guess they know Erin is sweeter by far. However, I am helping her make a list of things to address. Heehee. Another piece of good news is that they are letting Erin go more places now. She got permission to go to the gym and the dentist. Yeah, guns and pearls!! She is excited. Hope you are staying out of the pollen clouds. The levels are so high it's crazy! Everything is yellow, even our black dog! Funny, I just found this verse in Isaiah about the trees clapping their hands... hence the pollen! Enjoy, janet
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55: 12-13
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Happy April!!
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
Erin told me this morning that I forgot to blog yesterday. What an awesome discovery! That just shows how good she is doing, that I forgot to update everyone. Yeah! We are looking forward to a Happy Easter because Erin will get to go to church after a 10 month absence! We are excited to be in worship with our loving church family. It has been SO hard to stay away. The Dr has kept a tight leash, as you know, on Erin's activities. With the new upsweep in Swine Flu, we won't be hugging everyone, but it sure will be nice to see everyone's faces and be in God's house. We have a lot to celebrate!
Erin is feeling well but has been very tired the last few days. I think it is the antibiotics she has been on for the phantom fever. You know how that can wipe out your energy. Her next appt is Wednesday and we are looking forward to more good news and maybe more vaccines. I didn't get to tell you last time about what happened when she got her vaccines. This was the day she had her phlebotomy. She did fine with that part but then... she was supposed to get 4 shots. The first 2 went o.k., but the third shot hit a nerve or something because she passed out and then threw up. She has a way of causing a stir at the clinic, but they love her anyway! Needless to say, she didn't get her 4th shot. So, she still has that one to look forward to, plus any others they may have on the list. Yikes.
Erin continues to walk the mall almost every day. And she took us all on a bike ride around the park last week. So you can see, her energy is great. Praise God!
Hope you all have a wonder-filled Easter! He is Risen! blessings, janet
Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:26-29
Erin told me this morning that I forgot to blog yesterday. What an awesome discovery! That just shows how good she is doing, that I forgot to update everyone. Yeah! We are looking forward to a Happy Easter because Erin will get to go to church after a 10 month absence! We are excited to be in worship with our loving church family. It has been SO hard to stay away. The Dr has kept a tight leash, as you know, on Erin's activities. With the new upsweep in Swine Flu, we won't be hugging everyone, but it sure will be nice to see everyone's faces and be in God's house. We have a lot to celebrate!
Erin is feeling well but has been very tired the last few days. I think it is the antibiotics she has been on for the phantom fever. You know how that can wipe out your energy. Her next appt is Wednesday and we are looking forward to more good news and maybe more vaccines. I didn't get to tell you last time about what happened when she got her vaccines. This was the day she had her phlebotomy. She did fine with that part but then... she was supposed to get 4 shots. The first 2 went o.k., but the third shot hit a nerve or something because she passed out and then threw up. She has a way of causing a stir at the clinic, but they love her anyway! Needless to say, she didn't get her 4th shot. So, she still has that one to look forward to, plus any others they may have on the list. Yikes.
Erin continues to walk the mall almost every day. And she took us all on a bike ride around the park last week. So you can see, her energy is great. Praise God!
Hope you all have a wonder-filled Easter! He is Risen! blessings, janet
Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:26-29
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tues with a fever/ Fri update
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers. We had an unscheduled trip to the clinic today for a fever. It was 101.2 and they asked us to come in for blood cultures. By the time we got there, her fever was down to 99.3. She doesn't have any other symptoms except a little nausea. Please pray the cultures come back negative. In the meantime they gave her an antibiotic to see how she does. The praise is we got another set of great labs. Her liver enzymes went down again and her AST is now normal and the others are getting there. When they say it takes 6 months for a liver to recover, they were right. It has been 6 months since her liver episode and we are so glad that is behind us. Please continue to pray for Erin's job situation. We are enjoying the spring weather and the promise of summer. Hope you are too! Blessings on you and yours, janet
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:7-8
The update is that the clinic called and said the cultures were negative. Thank you Lord! Her fever is gone and we don't know what caused it but we are thankful to put another speed bump behind us! We appreciate your prayers. Obviously God is listening and acting before we even know our needs. Trusting Him is the only way through all the speed bumps we encounter! blessings, janet
Thanks for the prayers. We had an unscheduled trip to the clinic today for a fever. It was 101.2 and they asked us to come in for blood cultures. By the time we got there, her fever was down to 99.3. She doesn't have any other symptoms except a little nausea. Please pray the cultures come back negative. In the meantime they gave her an antibiotic to see how she does. The praise is we got another set of great labs. Her liver enzymes went down again and her AST is now normal and the others are getting there. When they say it takes 6 months for a liver to recover, they were right. It has been 6 months since her liver episode and we are so glad that is behind us. Please continue to pray for Erin's job situation. We are enjoying the spring weather and the promise of summer. Hope you are too! Blessings on you and yours, janet
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:7-8
The update is that the clinic called and said the cultures were negative. Thank you Lord! Her fever is gone and we don't know what caused it but we are thankful to put another speed bump behind us! We appreciate your prayers. Obviously God is listening and acting before we even know our needs. Trusting Him is the only way through all the speed bumps we encounter! blessings, janet
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St Patrick's Day
Happy St Patrick's Day Prayer Warriors,
Erin and I are still at the clinic. She just gave 50 tubes of blood instead of the leech therapy. ha! This was to reduce the amount of iron in her blood. She tolerated it well. She is now waiting on 3 more immunizations. Her labs came back great. They are cutting her steroids down to every other day and cut her magnesium down by half as well. WooHoo! Her liver enzymes came down again and one of them is only 2 points away from normal. God is Great!! Erin's NP brought her a t-shirt from the Olympics, so that made Erin's day!! Plus this is one of her favorite days of the year. "Erin" is the Irish name for Ireland, so even if we aren't exactly Irish, she considers this her day and happens to love green! All in all a great day!
Please continue to pray for Erin's job situation. Thanks as always for all your prayers support.
An Old Irish Blessing
Erin and I are still at the clinic. She just gave 50 tubes of blood instead of the leech therapy. ha! This was to reduce the amount of iron in her blood. She tolerated it well. She is now waiting on 3 more immunizations. Her labs came back great. They are cutting her steroids down to every other day and cut her magnesium down by half as well. WooHoo! Her liver enzymes came down again and one of them is only 2 points away from normal. God is Great!! Erin's NP brought her a t-shirt from the Olympics, so that made Erin's day!! Plus this is one of her favorite days of the year. "Erin" is the Irish name for Ireland, so even if we aren't exactly Irish, she considers this her day and happens to love green! All in all a great day!
Please continue to pray for Erin's job situation. Thanks as always for all your prayers support.
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
blessings, janet
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
blessings, janet
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day off
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
We are happy to say we have this week off from the clinic, so I don't have any medical news to impart. However, I can report that Erin is loving being off "Posi," her least favorite med and is feeling well. She is continuing to walk 2 miles every day with Grandmommy and her headaches have decreased. She is also experiencing less prickly sensations when she gets overheated. Her hair is getting thicker and she is ready for spring. She has already broken out the flip flops and is shopping for bathing suits. Yeah Spring! Praise God for signs of new life in the garden and in us! The Daffodils are blooming and Erin has a spring in her step! She has been talking to the school about getting her job back in the fall. So that is a prayer request. The schools are all making cuts related to the decreased economy and we understand that, but Erin needs her insurance coverage! She has asked to go back part time, but she will take whatever she can get these days. I would also covet prayers for my job. I am ready to get back to work also. Thank you all for your loving prayer support over the past 2+ years. God is and always has been, right there beside us every step of the way. We are blessed! Enjoy the rain. It will bring blossoms! love, janet
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25
We are happy to say we have this week off from the clinic, so I don't have any medical news to impart. However, I can report that Erin is loving being off "Posi," her least favorite med and is feeling well. She is continuing to walk 2 miles every day with Grandmommy and her headaches have decreased. She is also experiencing less prickly sensations when she gets overheated. Her hair is getting thicker and she is ready for spring. She has already broken out the flip flops and is shopping for bathing suits. Yeah Spring! Praise God for signs of new life in the garden and in us! The Daffodils are blooming and Erin has a spring in her step! She has been talking to the school about getting her job back in the fall. So that is a prayer request. The schools are all making cuts related to the decreased economy and we understand that, but Erin needs her insurance coverage! She has asked to go back part time, but she will take whatever she can get these days. I would also covet prayers for my job. I am ready to get back to work also. Thank you all for your loving prayer support over the past 2+ years. God is and always has been, right there beside us every step of the way. We are blessed! Enjoy the rain. It will bring blossoms! love, janet
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
It's March!!
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for all the prayers. We just got back from the clinic and Erin got another good report. First, her labs were wonderful again. Her liver enzymes went down again by 21, 54, and 12. All great numbers for this week. Praise the Lord! We are hoping for totally normal very soon. Her iron is very high and they told her they were going to have to bring out the leaches next time. Actually, they just drain a pint or two, like giving blood. They said that it is common to have high iron after receiving so many transfusions. Apparently this is not a high tech procedure, but an ancient treatment which started in Egypt 3000 years ago. Of course I trust Emory a little more than an ancient witch doctor! ;)
Erin got 3 vaccines today; tetanus, meningitis, and pneumonia. Yeah for shots! The big surprise gift she got today was that the Dr said she doesn't have to take Posi anymore!! WooHoo! That is the med she hates the most, so she is ecstatic. Please pray that this medicine change won't cause any increase in her GVH. Now that her liver is getting better, we don't want any problems. But as we all know, God is in the details, so we are not worried. We are just praising Him that things are looking so good! Thanks for the prayers.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22
That's the kind of medicine we can all administer. Go forth and use your cheerful heart to bring healing to everyone you meet!! hugs, janet
Thanks for all the prayers. We just got back from the clinic and Erin got another good report. First, her labs were wonderful again. Her liver enzymes went down again by 21, 54, and 12. All great numbers for this week. Praise the Lord! We are hoping for totally normal very soon. Her iron is very high and they told her they were going to have to bring out the leaches next time. Actually, they just drain a pint or two, like giving blood. They said that it is common to have high iron after receiving so many transfusions. Apparently this is not a high tech procedure, but an ancient treatment which started in Egypt 3000 years ago. Of course I trust Emory a little more than an ancient witch doctor! ;)
Erin got 3 vaccines today; tetanus, meningitis, and pneumonia. Yeah for shots! The big surprise gift she got today was that the Dr said she doesn't have to take Posi anymore!! WooHoo! That is the med she hates the most, so she is ecstatic. Please pray that this medicine change won't cause any increase in her GVH. Now that her liver is getting better, we don't want any problems. But as we all know, God is in the details, so we are not worried. We are just praising Him that things are looking so good! Thanks for the prayers.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22
That's the kind of medicine we can all administer. Go forth and use your cheerful heart to bring healing to everyone you meet!! hugs, janet
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Good Report
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for your prayers. Erin got a good report today at the clinic. In addition to the big news that her biopsy was clean, she also got great labs back. Her liver enzymes came down nicely this week. For those of you in the know: Alk Phos was 241, now it's 191 (normal is 32-91), ALT was 273, now it's 233 (normal is <34), AST was 131, now it's 82 (normal is 15-41). Those are huge changes for this week and we are praising God big time. Of course they still have a ways to go to get to normal but we have been praying for something to move in the right direction and it finally is!! Woo Hoo. They did a nasal swab again today and we should find out tomorrow if she is still contagious with RSV. We have been enjoying the Olympics on TV and hope to be able to go to the 8E Olympics next week. They plan on starting her immunizations next week, so all signs point to freedom!! We are so appreciative of your love and support as we inch our way toward normal. You may ask how a Blonshine could ever be normal...you are right, we just want Erin to be healthy. Blessings on you and yours. love, janet
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Thanks for your prayers. Erin got a good report today at the clinic. In addition to the big news that her biopsy was clean, she also got great labs back. Her liver enzymes came down nicely this week. For those of you in the know: Alk Phos was 241, now it's 191 (normal is 32-91), ALT was 273, now it's 233 (normal is <34), AST was 131, now it's 82 (normal is 15-41). Those are huge changes for this week and we are praising God big time. Of course they still have a ways to go to get to normal but we have been praying for something to move in the right direction and it finally is!! Woo Hoo. They did a nasal swab again today and we should find out tomorrow if she is still contagious with RSV. We have been enjoying the Olympics on TV and hope to be able to go to the 8E Olympics next week. They plan on starting her immunizations next week, so all signs point to freedom!! We are so appreciative of your love and support as we inch our way toward normal. You may ask how a Blonshine could ever be normal...you are right, we just want Erin to be healthy. Blessings on you and yours. love, janet
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:17-18