December 2010

It's been almost two years since Dad's transplant! Time sure flies! Two years ago at this time Dad and Mom were getting prepared for a long stint at the hospital. That Christmas was a good family time but also a time of anxiousness. We all weren't really sure what to expect or what the future would hold. How great it is to have our Heavenly Father watch over us and know our every concern. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139: 23

Dad is still taking a lot of medication. The doctor is now very slowly lowering the dose for GVHD, this is a good thing but also has side affects, making Dad's body having to work harder. There are good days and days of not feeling good, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.
We still have a long road ahead of us and yet we are very thankful that Dad can enjoy the company of his children and granchildren. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Th 5:16-18

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

New Medication

Well it's been a long time since an update. Dad continues with his medication regimen and the side effects that come with those don't allow him to do a whole lot. There are days he feels good and then Mom & Dad hop in the truck and head out to see what they see. Other days Dad is very tired and just not feeling well.

In the last month Dad has had a cold and fever. It takes him longer to recover but we're happy to report that he's feeling better.

At his routine check-up last week the doctor reported that Dad's liver enzyme levels were 'off the charts' so he's added a new medication to help with that. The side effects of that drug so far have been extreme fatigue.

It is our prayer that soon Dad will be well enough to start taking less medication. We're thankful to our Heavenly Father for his provision over our lives and pray for continued improvement for Dad if that is His Will.

One Year Already!

One year has passed since Dad's bone marrow transplant! We won't forget that day since it's also the day before his birthday. We're so thankful that God heard our prayers and has given Dad another year of life. We take so many things for granted but we are truly thankful that we will be able to celebrate Dad's birthday with him on Friday!

The past year has definitely had its ups and downs. Dad was in the hospital for almost 3 months and Mom stayed by his side everyday. He had times when he was doing really well and a time we almost lost him. It was not easy for any of us.

Dad is still recuperating nicely. His recent doctor visits have been positive, the doctor has said that the swelling and other side effects are completely normal. He is still on quite a bit of medication and probably will be for quite some time. He is still taking medication to help with the GVHD and that should get less and less as time goes on. As far as the cancer is concerned the doctors say it is under control.

Dad and Mom paid a visit to the 15th floor at the hospital where he spent all those weeks. They brought the doctors and nurses a cake and they were thrilled to see Dad. He looks so different than he did leaving them a year ago.

We thank you so much to those who continue to send best wishes and prayers for Dad. Please also pray for Dad's sister Helen who is still undergoing chemo for breast cancer. She was there so much for Dad when he was in the hospital and we pray for her and her family as they go through this difficult time.