Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Transplant + 14

By now I expect, that many who have been following my progress are waiting to see each day if we have positive news on the stem cells progression.  But not yet today.  No positive movement on WBC and platelets, still the lowest possible reading  The pattern of platelet transfusion remains unbroken. The unit head came in today and we talked about it.  She said we can't make it happen, that's not our decision to make, keep praying, your faith will carry you through.  That was pretty neat!  Her view of the progression has not changed, but an acknowledgement that God is in control, His timing is paramount. So we wait on, and in Him.

 Next door is a man who received stem cells today from a family donor.  I have never seen him, the nature of an isolation unit, we barely leave our rooms and certainly not at the same time.  The room next to that a lady is receiving her stem cells tomorrow.

So a relatively quiet day.  Barb and Sarah were here for a bit this afternoon.  It was sure good to see one of my daughters again.  I have been dog tired lately, and have broken my own rules and had a nap three days running now.  Today I could have used two naps.

Sarah took a different game along and I finished second.  Taught her backgammon and beat her.  Taught her too well and she beat me the second game.  Oh well, had fun.

Prayer Requests
1.  That the Lord bless and guide the stem cell engraftment process.
2.  For an increase in energy.
3.  That some of the drugs going to pill form will work well and side effects not break through.
4.  That as a family we continue to live day by day, thanking God for his compassions.

Psalm 94:17-19,22  ESV
If the LORD had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in
the land of silence.
When I thought "My foot slips,"
your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul.
But the LORD has become my stronghold,
and my God the rock of my refuge.

6 comments:

Annette Westra, Surrey BC said...

Yes, Richard, I do look for your news every day. I want to see results for you and yours -- but am also finding it very interesting as a medical person. Praying God's best for all of you. You are an awesome witness to the power of God in the life of a person who believes in Him. Thanks for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Richard and Barb.
Yes , we also look eagerly for news every day and yes the waiting must be one of the most difficult things. Waiting on the Lord. Our prayer for you is for peace as you wait for that healing to take place and to continue in faith and labour on in His name. You must be a tremendous witness in that hospital bed to all those who take care of you. We pray for a blessing on them as well. Henry and Arlene

Quilting with Jannette said...

Waiting is often hard, but knowing that God is in control of this process makes it somewhat easier. Our prayers continue each day for you and Barb, and your family, as well as the medical team. Knowing what to pray for specifically helps us a lot, so we're thankful that you always include requests. When we faced tough times, Mom used to "wish" us sterkte (strength)- and we want to encourage you with that as well. What a blessing to be able to witness in and through all of this!

Danielle said...

Good to hear that the game skills are definitely not getting rusty - have you ever tried Boggle? That's a favorite of mine to be sure
It's encouraging to hear about the witness you have/are in your place - the Lord places us each in different spots and times and places for various reasons, we don't always know why at the time - but he may use your experience to reach out to a fellow patient, nurse or friend.
And the Lord gives us his words that if we wait upon Him, he will renew our strength and we shall rise up like the eagle!
From the night staff in Hamilton

Anonymous said...


Another hopefilled update for us to read. Hopefully soon we will be reading some good news about the three S's!
Stablized Platelets, Stem cells Grafting and Scrabble winning!
Wishing you a good day!
The vanB's

Anonymous said...

Hope you get better and win all the games... will you win against your son, Mr. M.Vanderdeen,my teacher, is the question? =) Sincerely Esther S.