Transplant + 13

So this morning I was not as anxious as I waited for my blood numbers.  That great Lamentations inscription on the picture at the end of my bed reminds me that because of the Lord's great love I am not consumed, His mercies are new every morning!  Thank you for your prayers that we not become anxious but remain steadfast, trusting in our Lord's care.

The numbers did not change, still the lowest possible reading for platelets and 0 for WBC, and my hemoglobin count went up but not as much as last time.  Had my 11th straight day of platelets.  My nurse today told me that it takes 5 donors per unit of platelets.  I am not sure of the RBC to boost my hemoglobin, but a lot of people have taken time to keep me and others with leukemia alive!

Had a meeting with my doctor, unit head and resident hematologist this afternoon.  They are confident that I am producing some cells but they are getting used up faster than they can accumulate to be counted.  I am doing so well in all other areas that once my numbers get to an acceptable range and stabilize I will be ready to go home.  Obviously no date on that, but it is fun to think of, but it goes back to living day by day here.  In  line with their thinking they are taking me off anti rejection by IV and going to pills.  They have to do blood tests to make sure levels are correct since we all metabolize these pills differently. They have also cut down the hours of additional fluid they give because I am drinking well, so I get a few hours free of my dancing partner.

I was able to listen to a service from last week Sunday based on James 1:2-12.  What good promises and encouragement to found there.  Was also able to listen to another sermon on Psalm 71.  Did some skyping with my children - a good day!

A comment I heard today and have heard many times is that God allows these things to happen to us (Not from my pastor :).  Barb and I have talked about this from the beginning and we have talked about that with our children as well.  I firmly believe that God has appointed this leukemia for me!  I don't know why exactly and I certainly did not want it, but there it is, I have it.  To me a God that allows these things is like a god of the nations, watching to see what will happen, and we pray that He will send a rescue squad.  A God that appoints trials for us has a plan for us and will see it through.  God promises that.  He promises growth in faith and relationship with Him when we approach our trials in faith.  I pray that for me and my family, but also for all who share in this suffering, that God will use all of our joys and sorrows for growth in faith and faithfulness.  I would like to share Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 10 on the Biblical teaching (doctrine) of Providence, especially for those who may not be familiar with it.
Q 27 What do you understand by the Providence of God?
A   Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God (1)
by which he upholds, as with his hand,
heaven and earth and all creatures (2),
and so rules them that
leaf and blade,
rain and drought,
fruitful and lean years,
health and sickness,
prosperity and poverty (3)
all things, in fact, come to us
not by chance(4) but from his Fatherly hand(5)
1.  Jer. 23:23,24  Acts 17:24-28
2.  Heb 1:3
3.  Jer. 5:24  Acts 14:15-17  John 9:3  Prov. 22:2
4.  Prov 16:33
5.  Matt 10:29

Q 28  How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
A  We can be patient when things go against us (1),
thankful when things go well (2),
and for the future we can have good confidence
in our faithful God and Father
that nothing will separate us from his love (3),
All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved (4).
1.  Job 1:21,22  James 1:3
2.  Deut 8:10  I Thess 5:18
3.  Ps 55:22  Rom 3:3-5  8:38.39
4.  Job 1:12  2:6  Prov 21:1  Acts 17:24-28

Psalm 57:1-3  ESV
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

Prayer Requests:
1.  Give thanks for the good report of the doctors that I am doing well.
2.  That we not grow anxious waiting for rising blood counts, but rest in Him day by day.
3.  That God's purposes are not hindered by us.
4.  That we may see real signs of engraftment.
5.  Pray for Barb, my children, my grandchildren and our parents through this.