Monday, September 17, 2012

Transplant Day - 1

Today was a big day, collection day.  We would find out if the finding of a donor and the medical tests, and then the shots to promote stem cell growth would actually result in the cells that we need.  Clarence and Irene spent a long day tied up to the aspheresis machine. The results being enough cells collected today and of excellent quality.  Ready to go.

I was able to spend some time visiting. Later in the day I began the anti rejection drugs, important to get levels right before we begin.

Prayer Requests:

1. Give thanks to God for a bountiful collection of stem cells
2. That my body is ready to receive the cells
3. That this procedure will give me healthy bone marrow for living.
4. That as a family we may rest in the care of our loving Saviour.

20 comments:

margriet said...

You have blessed us so much by sharing this part of your life with us. May God put His healing hand upon you and wrap His loving arms around you and your family while you undergo the next step.

Brian & Aileen said...

We love you. Hope you have a restful night in preparation of tomorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Big hugs from all of us here.

Aileen, Brian and family

Annette Westra, Surrey BC said...

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Prayers will continue for you, Richard and for your family. Thanks for sharing your story. Great to see the picture of both of you!!

Diana and Ivan said...

I thank God for your strong faith. Through this blog we all can find comfort in Him. May God be with you tomorrow and in the coming days. You, Barb, and your family are in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers.

- George - said...

It is a joy to see you two brothers together. May God grant success in all the medical efforts, and may you, Barb and family be lifted up, and strengthened by Him through His people, near and far. I also am thankful that His name is praised through all your efforts in this Blog.
With love, - George & Terry -

Anonymous said...

I've been praying all day for you. May God continue to give you strength, and everything else that He knows you will need.
--Rebekah F.

gigigal said...

Richard, Barb and all the family,
Our prayers are with all of you. Your faith is an encouragement and a blessing to all who follow you on this journey. ThanQ for sharing. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Frank and Gail

Anonymous said...

We continue to remember you all in our prayers. May God grant you strength, peace, comfort, and joy in the days ahead.
Will and Chris Dokter.

Marj said...

Richard, we are praying that you and your family will experience the "peace that passes all understanding' for Day 0 and beyond. Your blog has been a testimony of truth and encouragement to your readers! May God continue to work His blessing and healing in you!
Rick and Marj Bergsma

Anonymous said...

My heart was overjoyed to see the picture of you and Clarence together....what a great love. I also gave thanks and praise to God for answering prayers as all of us have desired!! Prayers continue to go up.

Tom S

Mona said...

Dearest Barb and Richard you are in GOD'S Hands!
This will not always make it easy but it sure is a comfort :-)
All Praise and Glory to His Name.
You look great Richard!!
Barb I am sure you are taking all these pictures..thank you so much. Sometimes it feels like we are with you in the room cause of the many entries.
Clarence what a wonderful gift you are able to give your brother! We are grateful to God that you are a match for Richard. GOD'S strength to you and your family also.
With Much Love From Henry and Mona

Anonymous said...

Blessings for tomorrow - keeping you in our prayers!
Trish

Eko said...

Giving thanks to Him for a bountiful harvest and praying for a fruitful transplant. (It seems we can never get away from that farming jargon, hey?) What an encouragement for us to read and see your testimony of faith as you surrender to Him. Thank you!
Love Eko & Karen.

Anonymous said...

Hi Barb and Richard
You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Bob and Helen

Anonymous said...

Dear Richard and Barb,
We are thankful that God has been with you this far and has made all things well. It is our prayer that He continues to be with you and provides you with all you need. Praying for you.
Peter and Ebelien

janine said...

Dear VanderDeen family,
We rejoice with you in God's almighty care and providence! May He continue to bless your treatments to renewed health, for His glory! We continue to remember you all in prayer.
Bob and Janine Janssens

Jannette said...

Praising God with you for ALL of His blessings! Praying for everything to go as planned today.
Rick and Jannette

Roger & Linda said...

Dear Richard, Barb and family,
Thank you for the daily updates. They are an inspirational read for each day.(We found your Blog last week so we have some catching up to do) Experiencing your daily trust in God is a living testimony of His faithfulness. We pray that He will bless the medical procedures and give you complete healing. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Clarence, you are in our prayers as well. God has allowed you to be the giver of life for Richard.
God's blessings and Shalom to you all
With love, Roger and Linda

Danielle said...

You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers on this day - a day where there is rain to bring refreshment to this world and where new life and hope are being infused.

Roger said...

Thanks for the blog to keep us up to date Richard. Gets harder with distance so the connection via computer does nicely. We continue to uphold you and the family in prayer. Our opening assembly this year dealt with Ezekiel 34:26. Take sime time to consider the shower of blessings that you have received. Sorry I missed you on Profession of Faith Sunday.

Roger and Jenny