A little under..

Christmas day was again wonderful..but Becky did attract a nasty cold. Took her down a bit.put her in bed..we, of course, have to keep out antennae up when colds and congestion make their presence known. Fortunately, Becky has not had too many cold viruses. Her immune system has been able to play defense.
The GVH (Graft vs. Host disease) is still playing offense..still a heavy player in the game. And as mentioned countless times before, will be around for quite some time.
Less than 2 days and 2010 will be rung out, toasted out, scorned out, loved out, cried out, praised out, *&*&%%&! out and more salutations. Upon reflection, we have many emotions, many like those I just stated. We simply want to do our best to enjoy each day, talk about each day..talk about the good, along the with the not-so-good..

May you and yours enjoy and talk about each day...

God Bless you all..
Much Love, Celebrate Life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

A Christmas Day poem..

T'was the day of Christmas and all through our home
All the family was stirring and embracing a feel good tone
For here Becky was, health improved from this day of last year
We were happy, for even with the battles we still face, there was much to cheer!
We bowed our heads giving thanks for the story of stories..
And yes, the presents were all wonderful, Santa's way cool, but to God be the glory.
Becky would repeat more times than we can recall..
Just being home, no site of a hospital, was one of the greatest gifts of all..
Oh and the Christmas Eve service was a delight to her mind and soul
It was so nice she could go and sing songs, see friends and feel somewhat 'whole'..
Yes, this illness arose with such a monumental and life altering clatter..
We couldn't dash away from it's grip, every minute seemed to matter..
We are still on a path that has uncertainty and strife..
But we ask each of you as our motto has been, to please celebrate life!
Much Love to you..We know you all have your own uncertainties..
Stay faithful..Prayer works..reach out if you need others to help you in the journey..And if and when time permits..have some fun..no really, have some fun!


Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Regular visit.

Had a good regular hospital visit...lab tests were mostly good, the platelet count dropped, but no need for alarm.. Doctor Snyder liked what he saw.
It felt so good have a this report before Christmas. So in the wheelchair Becky goes..dash away, dash away..to home we go! She still needs the wheelchair for any walking that may last more than ten or so minutes..but hey, she's gettin around town, that's what matters.

Hope you all are getting around and embracing what matters.....Be safe while you are doing it. Be cool..

Much Love..CELEBRATE LIFE! Enjoy the miracle of Christmas..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Gettin into the spirit..

Yes, Becky feeling that Christmas spirit. Baking some goodies, wrapping a few presents and watching the Hallmark specials. The tree is glowing with lights and shimmering ornaments of all colors and styles, and the ones that don't shimmer are those very special ones from those wonderful grade school projects..So real, so warm and fuzzy when reflected upon.
A few days ago, Becky needed a complex IV, which usually requires a hospital trip, BUT believe it or not there was NO room at the 'inn' this week for this 5 hour IV.. so a nurse was arranged to for an in-home administration of the medicine! We have done this with others meds, but with this med we weren't sure this could be realized...It took some doing, but it was worked out! Seriously, the hospital was having some trouble finding an opening for at least five or so days, so thank you very much, Becky got a most delightful nurse to oversee the IV. This is some kinda IV..gotta have benadryl and tylenol administered with it, making sure there are no reactions. All went splendidly. It was nice not going back to the hospital, again. We are still going once a week for the regular consultation..lab tests and more. Yes, Becky is still feeling the effects of the Graft vs. Host disease, though not as bothersome as was experienced a week or so ago.
We do give great thanks she is home! And again, feeling some pep..and loving she can be so involved with the decorating and other Christmas activities. Last Christmas, was one that well, even though we were so glad to see her discharged Christmas Eve after approx. 3 months in the hospital, there is no denying it was a very difficult 8 or so days. Yes, she was home for what seemed only like a few days.. Becky was readmitted just after the New Year..and the again 4 months later!
BUT here we are! Home Christmas 2010..Seeing some good days! Seeing some wonderful moments! She's eating well and shuffling around like an Elf the week before Christmas. Well OK, maybe not 'elfspeed' but she does have some good 'giddy-up' moments.

WE do wish you all a Merry Christmas. We are in awe that such a plan was put forth.
JOY TO THE WORLD! The Lord has come to earth. Adore Him..Gloria!

May you have great joy this Christmas. We know there can be some moments of tension, loneliness and more. We encourage you to let the little stuff go..
Instead of making sure all the gifts are properly wrapped, make sure you wrap around family and friends your arms of love..and put a little tape of kindness with it.
May your nog be tasty too..ha-ha..

Much Love to you all.. Celebrate life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Improvement..

Hospital visit on Friday revealed some really good lab results...platelets etc..
Becky still has signs of GVH, but some improvement in this area, though believe it or not, the GVH was 'attacking' her mouth, tongue. Some very sensitive areas. But now, these areas are less painful..plus a new med has helped! Yes, another med, but this one easy to administer, and will only be around as long as the mouth has issues. So, overall not bad. She feels pretty good, though she does tire easily. Her leg strength will increase upon the reduction of the darn steriod. But for now, the steriod must be our 'friend'. A spoonful of sugar helps this one go down.
Becky being home to celebrate Abbey's birthday was also a good way to help the medicince go down. Last year Becky was in the hospital during Abbey's Bday..So it was joyous to shop a bit, have a joyous meal at home, and watch Abbey blow out the candles! We embrace these small life triumphs! We give thanks for these postcard moments.
Hope you are seeing life triumphs and postcard moments...Don't let the Grinch rob you of joy and peace.
Take a breath, say a prayer, Thank God, and go forth.

Much Love, celebrate life.

Bill, Becky and Abbey

PS. Watched "It's A Wonderful Life" for the 100th time..man, still gets us.
What would life really be like if you weren't born? Wow...yes, 'Hark the Herald angels sing'..

We will deal with it..

Had the weekly hospital visit. Looks like GVH (Graft versus Host) may want make it's presence known again, again. The issues/symptoms seem to point toward this diagnosis. But this time the GVH seems to be a kinder-gentler version, though we never really know. But again, the Doctor seems to think this is the cause of her latest issues. But here's some good stuff..Becky baked some goodies this weekend. They were delicious. She felt pretty good, though again, some of the GVH issues do make for some down moments. We went out shopping Friday night..she had great stamina for a few hours. She, of course, enjoyed being out. We also went to a small gathering this afternoon..She did great..Thanks to our friends for the wonderful hospitality.
So all in all not too bad, but yes, disappointed the GVH (see mayoclinic.com for more info on Graft versus Host disease) may be our friend for awhile. But it's Ok if it stays in the 'lite-chronic' mode according to the Doctor. If I understood his medical speak correctly, the body can fight a good fight at this level, it can hold course and maintain some normalcy, versus the big time onslaught of GVH which isn't pleasant. And yes, eventually GVH will make it's exit..
Becky is indeed a fighter, she's holding course and having some great days.
We do thank you all for your prayers. We honestly know there are many who do bow heads and bend knees for Becky, Abbey and me. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Hope, yes HOPE in the Lord..Stay focused. Stay positive and prayerful.

Much Love, Celebrate life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

OK..

Doing OK...Becky was a bit tired after the wonderful Thanksgiving we had..the few days afterward she sorta laid low. But was still glowing with a thankful glow. Just glad to be home. Just glad to eat good food and watch a few Hallmark specials..
weep-weep..love those heart-tuggers.

Hope your heart has some good tugs over the next few weeks..

Much Love..Celebrate Life..count your blessings..

And please don't forget how to have some fun..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Thanksgiving.. a good day indeed,,

We had a great day..the three of us. Quietly celebrating being home together. Becky and Abbey like to watch the Macy's day parade, and we all love to watch the dog show. Woof-woof.. We offered our prayers then had a delicious meal (a big shout out to my brother for sending a complete Honeybaked dinner.) we ate at the dining room table using our good china..with candles glowing. Pity we don't break out our good stuff more than we do...
We enjoyed talking to family near and far. Becky felt good, she dressed-up so wonderfully..even wore her pretty blonde wig. Just like she did last year Thanksgiving when the three of us gathered in the hospital lobby and still gave thanks for what we had, even though the journey at that time was uncertain and perilous..

We give great thanks today, Thanksgiving 2010 for what we have..our many blessings...and we hope you had a great day of giving thanks..

God Bless you and keep you. Sail on..Sail on..Celebrate Life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Happy Thanksgiving..pretty smooth...

Though long, a good schedule smooth day at the hospital. Becky had her regular Physician consultation, then had the 4 hour IV...But all went nice and smooth. We were just so thankful she was in the car with Abbey and I as we drove away from the hospital. Honestly, we thought the virus and/or the GVH may cause some Physician consternation and though it was a huge outside chance, we thought he may want an overnight observation. BUT not happenin! The virus seems to be just that, a virus, and it is running it course. So, there we were driving away on Thanksgiving Eve, so thankful, so thankful to be together and able to celebrate at home. I looked at that hospital from the freeway as we drove away and remembered last year when Abbey and I were there on Thanksgiving having a meal provided by the hospital. We drove away last year waving to Mom from that freeway, but this year Mom was with us. AS we drove away seeing that hospital from a distance and seeing the beautiful golden sunset and it's majestical rays, I think we all absorbed a few seconds of pure stillness..giving a silent 'thank you' for where we were. And even though the journey has been and still is quite laborious and sometimes very painful and very dark, there is a large crevice where thank you's can and will emerge. Thank you God..To HIM we give thanks with a grateful heart. We enter His courts with praise..
May your Thanksgiving be filled with the blessings of family, friends, good food, some fun and maybe some after dinner dancing..versus the football throwing I previously mentioned.

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

So it goes..

Well..kinda stayin on course, but still with the some rash-irritation issues..but at least no major progression seen. Holding pattern. Will evaluate when we see Doctor.
He still may call it GVH, but compared to last time this GVH (Graft vs. Host) is like a little bump, not a mountainous onset. Becky even made a most delicious Pecan and Pumpkin Pie today. UMMMMM GOOD! She loved the smells and just being able to do it was fantastic for her.. She also did quite a bit of laundry! I tell ya...when the motor is able to run, she goes with it...We know the predisone (steroid) increase can cause some amped motorization, but hey, she felt good doing it, so let's motor on.
She is AND we are, SO THANKFUL she's home! Home for Thanksgiving..NOW that's a hands held high "thank you"..When we bow our heads at the table this Thursday, we will indeed have prayers of great thanks..Hope you do too..even when there may be overwhelming hurt or pain..we encourage you to embrace what is good.

Enjoy the family time..the cooking, conversation and after dinner contented collapse.
When ready, get up and throw the football, nothing like it...

Much Love..Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Mixed..

Had the regular visit..sorta mixed results. Becky has been seeing a rash develop on arms and back and some mouth sores are very irritating ...WE think GVH may be looking to play ball again. Hard to even think about it right now..We pray it is not GVH and only a rash that developed from the recent virus. We go back and see the Doctor in a few days..we will see what happens until then. We watch the rash..we make sure Becky gets plenty of fluids, which she is at the moment. Eating well etc.. She's doing pretty good around the house. Her levels are good..white count, platelets, hemoglobin..that is always a plus. Always nice to see and hear. But we do know there is an immune level (IGG)that was on the low side, thus she will need an IV boost when we go the next visit in a few days. Bummer. But again we are so thankful the other lab levels were good. And to repeat, we pray GVH is not making itself known again.

AS Thanksgiving approaches. We DO give thanks for where we are. We truly do. One sorta funny, but not so funny note. Becky fell on her knees yesterday. She hit them hard on our hardwood floors. Yes, it hurt, but the great news is, If this would have been a year ago, she would have had swelling from here to Oklahoma and bruising from here to Nova Scotia..but praise God. Her knees are sore..but NO big bruising or swelling. That means those platelets that have seen a wonderful increase over the past year, did their job..or rather there were enough to go around and not have to rush to the knees and have a mosh pit party..They were all spread out and able to handle the fall. Believe me, this is fantastic...

Hope you are fantastic and thankful.

God Bless you and keep you..

Celebrate life!

Bill and Becky..

Steady...

Days have been fairly steady. A little, sometimes alot tired from the virus that's hanging around. Appetite comes in spurts..but it's enough to provide decent nourishment. Even went out shopping for a few hours. Got supplies for the Operation Shoebox ministry. Becky had to be in the wheelchair of course, but she was quite alert and excited to be out and about. And she wrapped the boxes, got most of the gifts arranged in them, with a little help form Abbey and I. Yes, some days we wish the progress were further along, more apparent in seeing her spring up from the chair and able to do a few more small chores, but really, it's OK. We are so thankful Becky is home and able to do what she can around the house. WE truly are! In some ways, she's doing amazingly well Yes, it's tougher some days than others, but again, we just want to do our best to embrace the good, even when the bad or negative wants to blanket our thoughts.
Hope your day or night is good. Stay positive and prayerful. Sing a new song!

Many Blessings and abundant peace to you..

Celebrate Life.

Bill and Becky

And so it goes..

Holding fairly stable..but did have a few issues these past few days. Nausea to be specific. But seems to be steady.
Becky may still have the virus she contracted about two weeks ago...Doctor ran all sorts of tests and seems to think she just picked up a 'regular' virus and of course became sickened by this boogeyman. But it appears the BIG boogeyman, Graft vs. Host, didn't rear it's head..and that's good! We will take the 'run-of-the-mill' virus...even though it is not pleasant to endure..Becky would still rather have this than GVH. Sunday afternoon and today..good days. Eaten well, and feeling pretty good.
We just want this virus to be gone..and it appears it indeed may be in the latter stages of effect.

Stay tuned! Hope all is well with you. We reflect back to think this time last year and Becky was of course in the hospital and it was becoming apparent she would not be home for Thanksgiving. We just thank God she is home now..and yes, even though there have been some knarly, unseen setbacks, it appears the entire 'package' is showing improvement..

Hope you are seeing improvement in the areas you need it...

Much Love. God Bless..

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

One year results..and more..

Had a regularly scheduled visit today..but we knew this might turn into an extended or more than normal visit and sure enough it did. Becky needed fluids/meds, which meant a long day at the hospital, (but NO overnight stay!) but again, we knew this might be the case due to the current hydration issues Becky has been experiencing. So, now she is 'tanked up' and we hope and pray this tank will be an enduring, long lasting tank. BUT, BUT! Good news. The Bone marrow test done last week revealed very good results. The 'factory' appears to be producing quite well, producing healthy platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells and more!
Yes, a big hallelujah! Big praise! Big Thank You to our physician Dr. Snyder and the staff at City Of Hope. We know we still have issues, struggles and uncertainties at this time and still have some turbulent skies to endure, but we loved hearing this marrow news today. Good news is always good! Ain't it so..
Thank you all for your heartfelt prayers.
So, onward forward. Becky continues to fight the fight, run the race, and just keep the hand on the 'lifeplow'.

Hope all is well with you and yours. "Don't let your prayin' knees get lazy"..

And don't forget to have some major fun in this life! :o

Much Love,

Bill & Becky

It is...

Not a bad week, not a great one either..still some issues with fluids. Not 'holding' them as well as desired. But not digressing either. Liking the Pedialyte. Good nutrients etc..
Hope all is well with you...Press on. We give thanks..

Love,

Bill and Becky

We never know..

Never know..had to go to hospital today..Becky needed fluids. Had a bumpy Saturday and Sunday...not able to hold anything. So off we go for medical attention. She is home now. Feeling much better. We do give great thanks for being able to have City Of Hope within a reasonable driving distance. AND, we never take for granted the hour or so drive. We are always thankful for safe travel. We pray she will regain her appetite..drink plenty of fluids and hold them...thus strength will return.
Again, she is much better now since she's had the fluid intake..thank you for your prayers..

Much love,

Bill & Becky

Testing day..

Becky's big test day had good flowness..appointments were precise... The bone marrow procedure went well. Sore the next day and will be a few days therefter, but otherwise, the marrow cooperated. We will have the results in a few days. As mentioned, we think the marrow factory is producing quite well, since the platelets are remaining at a desirable level. A few other levels were of some concern, and will be addressed in the next week or so, but overall the lab sheet looked good. We, of course, hope the bone marrow sample will reveal a productive and healthy body marrow. Becky is having a few issues this Sunday..but we pray they are just temporary..We've been on a nice playing field or level field for quite sometime, and hope to to continue this level walk.
Driving and 'normal' day to day exertion seem distant for now, but we know the 'steering wheel in her hand' and other normalcies will come...Honestly, we don't think about full-on normal. We just want the day to be medically uneventful coupled with slight signs of improvement. Yes, uneventful in Becky's world can be OK...
We pray you also have uneventful days..but also days of joyous events..Child birth, warm and fuzzy family gatherings, good career moves, no career moves, sports teams winning, car running good, and much more.
God's peace and comfort blanket you all..

Love,

Bill & Becky and Abbey who is doing good in school..had a great first quarter..she STILL likes school! Yahooo Mtn. Dew. :0+=

One year testing..

Still hard to believe one year ago Becky had the stem cell transplant..and now she has to have this mucky-muck test..a procedure to check the bone marrow progress, gotta be knocked out for awhile..then get draw out a little marrow and see if it's being nice..Plus she has to have lung scan, breathing tests and more..A long day but necessary. Life has been somewhat drama-less lately and we are so grateful. She did have to have this huge IV drip last Sunday, an immune booster concoction, but we know this is way it is..When a certain immune system marker drops below a certain level, then this big bad-boy IV has to enter the room and make it's presence. Seems to happen every month or so. But again, it's OK..we know it's just part of the journey..But as mentioned, the last week or so has been calm..
WE hope you have had some calmness as well. May you have perseverance to withstand the blitzkrieg of trials this life can sometimes throw at you. I think of it like the tennis ball machine, those balls just keep coming hard and you gotta hit'em back, or dodge'em with precision, or slow the machine down, or just cut that dang thing off.. ain't that life..hit back, dodge it, slow it down, or just stop what your doin..and perhaps reload..but whatever you do..celebrate it...celebrate life!
Keep us in your prayers..Pray this ONE year exam will be stellar..the bone marrow will be a platelet producing factory..and pray all other levels will be normal or at least in the normal arena..

Being at peace can take some effort, but try and try again...and love thy neighbor along the way...

Much love..God Bless you..

Bill and Becky

ONE year 'old'..Wow! Hard to believe..

We celebrated Becky being one year old today...So hard to grasp that one year ago, the stem cell transplant was done...Of course, we will never forget the transplant day, and the days leading up to it. We are so thankful for a donor somewhere in this world who gave their blood stem cells..She (yes, we do know she is female and 43 yrs old) is indeed an 'earth angel'..We did receive a generic letter from her saying she was praying for us..and then she quoted Joshua 1: 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

We were absolutely blown away by this...we will never forget receiving this letter..
It was a huge boost on a tough day for Becky..

So, now one year later, we look back at a journey of extremes...extreme canyons of depair and uncertainity to extreme highs of disease cure and other mountaintop moments..We thank God, we Praise God for being in all of these moments...We know there are more highs and lows to come..But we just want to stop at this time and just breathe say 'thank you'..
We thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes..and food and other support.
We feel your love..we really do. Many of you have your own extreme trials and for you to take the time to pray for us, to call, text or email us, actually feed us, or blog comment..we send a BIG boatload of gratitude..as they say today..a BIG shout-out to you!
Tomorrow is another day..but Becky will wake up with a forward motion attitude..but as mentioned, she will look back too..she will look back at just how amazing this has all been...amazingly wonderful and amazingly dark, but knowing the Lord Jesus was with her every step, every procedure, every wearisome day and nite...He was faithful, when we were faithless.

So press on good friends and family..press on..Seize the day. Skip your rocks on the pond of love, kindness, determination, forgiveness and more..watch what these ripples can do.

Much Love to you all...Celebrate and we mean it..celebrate life..

Bill and Becky

PS. AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to Barbara and David K. for bringing a Happy Birthday cake and the quilt made by "Loving Stitches" a JOF church ministry..It was all a surprise to Becky..She loved it! Thanks again B & D!..

Mixed bag, but heavy with the good..

Had the checkup..Becky's levels were good except for the IGG level..which means some immune system tweaking neccesary. We have to go back in a few days and get a big time IV infused. A 5 to 6 hour procedure. Sorta dissappointed we have to do this, but we won't hang our hat on it..because most other lab levels looked really good. Really good. Becky also has to have the 'one year later' bone marrow draw procedure and other tests. We are two days away from the ONE year anniversary of the stem cell transplant! Wow, hard to believe. We think back about where we were one year ago this week and the road we have traveled...and still continue to traverse. What a journey. We give thanks for the many wonderful medical advances..we give thanks for the nurses who administered meds and some TLC along the way..We, of course, are grateful for the physician overseeing this entire process..And ultimately, we thank the Lord for orchestrating the path toward restoration and healing. He is a great conductor. We trust in His conducting every note..
Learning to trust..hard to do sometimes, but it can be done..
We hope and pray all is well with you..keep trusting in Him..

Stay tuned..We will have a 'birthday' party this Saturday..will let you know if the cake was good! Becky will blow out that ONE candle with great exuberance!

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

OK Days..

Yes, OK days and nights. Sure embracing not have to adminster IV. The tower, on which the bag used to hang, makes a great clothes rack. We still go to City Of Hope for regular visits but we are just glad she is NOT in the hospital and home gaining strength. Please pray the Graft vs. Host disease will not return..we hope we are 'one and done' with this boogeyman. If you want to read more about this..and Myelofibrosis..Becky's 'orignal' disease., you can go to mayoclinic.com
So, we press on..we give thanks for the somewhat level days. We are very aware that complications can arise at any moment. But we will not and cannot dwell on this..
Just seize the day...May you seize your day..
God Bless..

Much Love..Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Ahhh....yes! Celebrate NO IV..

Tonight was NO IV night! We will take it! This one particular IV has been our friend for months...and tonight, Becky rolled the pole out of the way! She thrust her hands into the air and said.. "Yes! NO IV" and she did a little dance...We hope and pray this is the case for adinfinitum..or whatever that fancy word is...
But of course, she is still engulfed by her 30 or so pills daily!...
Abbey doing good in school...and has really coped well in this journey. BUT, as mentioned in early blogs, there were some extremely tough days during the first 6 weeks or so..hard to get through days..but since, Abbey has done remarkable..WE know our daily prayers were heard. Just holding hands and asking God to get us through the night, through the day, that is what we did..that is what He did.

Hope all is well with you and yours..

Smile..Celebrate life..
Much Love..

Checkup...

Had a pretty good checkup a few days ago. Most 'chemistry'/labs good. A little low some areas..but white count, platelets, hemoglobin good. Had CT scan to see if the the lung 'spots' were decreasing or simply remaining a steady nuisance. These fungal spots are the reason we have been doing the nightly IV for months! Well, hallelujah! Praise! The 'spots' have decreased enough for our Doctor to say,,'just finish up the last few IV's (6)' and then auvoire! That's right goodbye to IV...thank you for doing what you did, no really, we thank you, but the show has been cancelled. We don't want to see you on another channel either..no reruns..just go retire..or of course, you wonderful med, you can go assist another wonderful person.
We are grateful for ALL we have ..we truly are. We know there are others who are experiencing a 'health poverty' that has altered their lives forever. May you find 'richness' in knowing others are praying for you. Richness abounds when you know there are angels guarding you..God's angels..

All the best..Celebrate life..I mowed the lawn..I celebrated..

Bill, Becky and Abbey...(who is liking high school!) =:>

The week...

Had a pretty good week...her stomach a little queasy today, her 'giddy up' took a hit..but otherwise, Becky has had a steady last few days. Yes, still doing the nightly IV, still a rocket-science pharmacy of pills to navigate..The meds alone can put stress on the body, but we gotta have'em..that's that...They have a life sustaining job to do. We just pray her lab levels are good when we go to the hospital this week.

Thank you all for your prayers..It is hard to believe we will soon see the 'anniversary' of her hospital admittance and subsequent adult stem cell transplant..

May you and your loved ones have good health and abundance..'BE still and know'..
and don't forget how to have a little fun..

Much Love..Celebrate Life..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Moving right along and a big step...

We had asked the Dr. about maybe, just maybe going away for a few days. Were we medically sound enough in any way to attempt this? Just something close, but enough to get us out the visual and mental 'routine' we have been envelope in. Wow, some 'routine' we have been in, no real travels for the past two years..Countless blood transfusions, a hospital stay totaling approx. 150 days, traveling to City Of Hope in Duarte, CA.. racking up more miles than the Space Shuttle..Ok, not so routine, how about a new word? 'Alter-tine'..A routine that is life altering. Ok, silly, but I'll go with it.
To the point. The Dr. said he thought it would OK for small getaway. We were concerned about hotels etc...But he still said OK. We first wanted to make sure Becky felt physically sufficient for travel after the heavy-duty IV she had on Friday..which, she did! We never know sometimes with these meds of complexity and potency. So, by gosh, by golly, the three of us packed up and went for a little two nighter in tourist town Solvang, CA... but we love it there. Still close enough to LA..if we have to make a sudden trip back for any medical attention, but far enough away from the 'bubble world' we have been experiencing. And Oh, how we enjoyed the change of scenery..I think that's what did it most of all. Just a different room other than the hospital Becky spent months in..and different from our home, which we love and are so appreciative of, but we just needed the 4 wall change. Becky did just fine. We did her 'normal' IV in the hotel room..She ate the tasty hotel breakfast food.. I pushed her around town in the wheelchair. This got a little tough at times..pushing her on some of those 'not ready for prime-wheelchair-time' streets and the small stores were navigationally challenged..But we managed, and let me tell ya, mentally is was as if we had all been in the best group therapy session possible. Just so positive for the mental aspect. You could see it in Becky's eyes..she had some 'pop' and a childlike exuberance was noticable. We will keep our travels local and close to sea level for now..We have to ask about altitude and it's effect on Becky's immune system, if we do any mountain treks. WE praise GOD for this life affirming milestone. It contributes to the road of normalcy. We still have a so-called continent to travel, but we will stay postive and prayerful and press on... In Becky's world, this small trip was as good as a week in New York..or a long-weekend getaway to Paris..well, you get the point...

Thank you all your love and support..We go back to the hospital in a few days..We just pray her levels are good. She has been showing some good strength...

May your strength be abundant and longlasting..Be at peace...Be on bended knee..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Pickin' it up..

Boosted the immune system today with a potent elixir designed just to do this..tune up and elevate the immune system.
An IV that lasts about 4 hours...All went well. Becky sorta crashes during the IV time and I hang for a bit then tool about. And today was 'tool about on my birthday day'! That's right, spent the day going to the hospital and then doing a few things around the town. Becky and I sorta chuckled at this. No worries, all good. We knew this IV was necessary and would happen on my Bday. So be it, just thankful to celebrate another year.. the 'pahhty' this year was just a chill day at the hospital. Becky felt good afterward, had good energy. That, is indeed a welcomed gift!
Yahoo...Do your best to make to each day a gift...

God Bless. good health and abundance to you....We send big love back to you..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Whistling..

Went out Sunday PM for a little shopping...Becky did great again. When we got home I heard her whistling in the kitchen...and she can whistle with precision. She can exert some good melody..It was so pleasing to hear.. so comforting. Haven't heard her whistle for quite some time..
Had a pretty good past few days also. Still doing the nightly IV..lasts about 45 minutes. Pill intake still a small pharmacy, but she manages quite well with daily routine. Of course, overall weakness still an issue, but she gets around the house with relative ease. A boost lately has been Abbey enjoying her first high school year, so far. Hope it continues...

Much Love to you all..Celebrate Life..Keep whistling.. :0

Steady...

Pretty good hospital checkup this week...all labs looked good, except for one related to immune system..gotta have a four hour 'boost' IV next week.. but really otherwise quite a positive visit. Now working on getting the legs stronger..
Thank you all so much for your consistent prayer and support..thank you, thank you..

Much Love..Celebrate life!

Look out...

Did some shopping on Saturday...look out! Becky was lovin it..feelin good as she rolled in her chair...It was a great boost for her. Just getting out amongst the masses...picking out a variety of goodies, got some new eyeglasses etc.....She had great stamina. It was a really super Saturday...
Hope and pray all is super with you...God's peace and comfort to you..

Much Love...

OK...

An OK day..able to shuffle around the house, but legs still weak, causing some balance issues...just got to watch each step. But had good mental day..able to do quite a few mental chores..
Tomorrow is a new day...smile..

Much Love..

Chores..

A so-so day today...a few issues kept her down in the morning, but tonight feeling much, much better! Becky focused on helping Abbey with school clothes..did some computer work...and felt generally very good. Her chores (OK,Susan here ya go:) have been to load and empty dishwasher and fold the clothes. That's about it for now..She was going to paint the den and living room, then do a complete landscape makeoever, but we decided she should wait awhile before conquering this..I told her, 'alright, I'll give you a week or so, but then get to it'..Ok, ha-ha..just humoring you..
For Becky to simply complete dishwasher duty, fold clothes, and throw in a little computer work, a minor 'victory' is declared..these chores that were once..so small and mundane to complete, now take on the barometer or measurement of health restoration. Listen, we'll take it..and give it an upward arm thrust to the air..and a big vocal 'yahoo'..So there you have the definiton of Becky's chores...stay tuned for more!

WE press on...and as said before.. we pray, we laugh, we cry out and we cry..we pray again..

Much Love..May God Bless you with good health, a good attitude on this day or night..and the will to carry on despite the 'blow back' winds that may be engulfing your life...

Celebrate life...

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Chores...huh?

Status quo..

Well it's going pretty good. Still weak in the legs..but still able to shuffle around the house and even do a few more chores than the past days and weeks have seen. It is indeed a boost to Becky's confidence. The soreness from the fall has subsided. Her home IV is still prescribed, but as said before, this IV is very manageable. Her pill intake still rivals a small pharmacy, but Becky can organize it like no other..and as mentioned, some meds have been reduced! And thankfully one of them is the predisone!
So, we press on..We will take the mundane and uneventful days! We will take status quo for now. Contentment will not be our banner.. but we thank God for days of evenness....We continue to pray for Becky to gain strength..We really do give thanks in ALL things. We may scream and shout, but we are thankful for the small things..the small victories..God knows our needs...

Abbey will start school soon! So hard to believe..

Hope all is well with you and yours...sounds corny, but keep a song in your heart..

Celebrate life,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Mixed...but we'll take it..

Hospital checkup today...her 'numbers' were mostly very good...low in one area..but we will take it! We are just concerned about her leg strength..the meds have robbed her muscles of strength..She fell today, but we both used our fortitude and got her upright. Lest you panic, she fell actually quite beautifully, almost actress-like...slow graceful..accordion-like..just sorta sat down after she took a step out of the house,her leg gave way.. No face-planting occurred, again, just a soft sit down. Becky is still mostly in the wheelchair when venturing out, but inside house, has good vertical straight-ahead shuffle action. We know there is a long road back to muscle strength, but it will happen! She was quite pleased at all her lab levels. We thought maybe, a few would be whack, but alas, not so..except for one, which dictates an increased med, but not a debilitating med..very manageable..but the Dr. DID reduce a few other meds including predisone (whoopee!), thus allowing muscular strength to become more of a reality. We still have this dang home IV for awhile, so be it.

Our Dr. is speaking on Myelofibrosis at a three day conference this week in Santa Monica, CA. Physicians and Rn's come from the far corners of the earth come to hear him speak. We thank God he is so knowledgeable..I think he went to all of his high school and college chemistry labs..

Much Love to you all...yes, indeed celebrate life...

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Increments of increments..

Yes, slow improvement, but improvement nonetheless...Just glad Becky is home...Will look for the positives in each day..
May you look for the daily positives..Life's circumstances can sure promote the 'ball and chain' effect..But gotta press on.
We give thanks for all that is good. We pray for tomorrow to come and be threaded with good health and blessings..

Be at peace..and remember, elbows off the table and sit up straight..

Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Just doing what she can..

Had a pretty good checkup the other day...also had the last IV of a med that will banish some unwanted anti-bodies. It is actually a chemo drug..kinda powerful, but Becky did very well with it. This was the fourth week of it..once a week for 4 weeks was prescribed. We still have the routine IV at home, but this one isn't so time consuming or cumbersome. Just a nuisance in recall! Like, "hey, it's late, we almost forgot the IV!"..
She had a good day today..strength was pretty good. Appetite good. And had a lengthy mental 'task time' on the computer..this is always good to see, a good barometer for measuring her mental state. I know, sounds wierd, but some days, she doesn't even feel like reading a cereal box.
We do hope and pray all is well with you. Don't Stop Believin..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Yesterday, Anniversary and Thank U neighbor..

Had a great anniversary dinner yesterday...and of course, we ate "in" at home, but with a delicious Cheesecake Factory extravaganza before us. Ummmm good...We were just glad to be together at home celebrating 19 years..simple but oh so satisfiying..
Becky still weak, but mobility seems to be improving..Her mental attitude holding steady...not too high, not too low..well, some days it is low..but she does her best to look ahead and anticipate those 'normal', strength-filled days. Her endurance has been and is amazing.
Hey, I want to give a big 'shout out' recognition and thank you to a neighbor who will be leaving the state in a day or so with his lovely wife.. moving on to a chapter in his life that he has yearned for..and has worked very hard for..He deserves the wide open space he is going too.I pray he and his wife have great health for many years to come. I just wanted to publicly state what a great friend, mentor, 'fix anything' guy he has been to be me...And his listening ears have been therapeutic and consoling to me. I will miss him, but I am truly very excited for him. I know this is just going to be a great adventure and great move for him...I am thankful for the time we really got to know each other over the past year or so..it was truly God-ordained.

Hope you all have good neighbors...give thanks for them...

Celebrate life..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Onward..

Becky had a good day Sunday..was more alert and awake than in previous days..
Today, Monday, the morning was a little issue-filled, but had a good afternoon...
She is taking approx. 40 pills a day. What a pharmacy.
We celebrate 19 years of marriage tomorrow! 19 years ago we got married on a hot July day in Chatsworth, CA, under a big, bold, beautful, yellow and white tent. We are so grateful to celebrate 19 years together under any roof...Thank you Lord.

Hope you day was/is celebratory.

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Keep on...

Hospital today..long day..Labs, Doctor consultation and then an IV that alone lasted 4 hours..As mentioned, this special IV is getting rid of the some of Becky's 'old' anti-bodies (not the donor's)..allowing the new to do a more hostile takeover and change the blood type more rapidly...which is and has been desired. Becky is weak from just being in the hospital for over a month, weak from the meds, and a bit weighed-down from the undesired fluid in her legs & feet. But, we know in time this will disappear. It will. Dr. Snyder said he hoped this bout with Graft vs. Host would be a 'one and done' encounter. We pray this will not reoccur within a few months. We ask you to pray this...
Becky is in a decent frame of mind..just tired..simply tired. But, she is absolutely amazing in her pill-intake organization. (takes approx. 40 per day!) Incredible. We continue to infuse an IV nightly for the next three weeks...but it is not as time consuming as first onset. It has been tapered down..yip-pee..

Hope you are having a yip-pee day or night. Good health and blessings to you..

Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Slow..but slow-K

Yes, doin OK, takin it one hour at a time....Becky getting good rest. Had some great naps today. Eating actually quite well. The IV is going smoothly also.
Had a decent checkup yesterday at the hospital. Becky has indeed been an eventful case for them. We pray for the anti-bodies she is harboring from her 'old' blood to show themselves out the door and the let new take the stage and perform with vigor.
We hope your day or night is a good one.. Perform with vigor!

Onward forward..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

More Home..and @#%@%&$^*%*!!!

Home going OK...The IV is a time consumer, but still so glad to have sweet Becky home.. OK, a little truth serum. Ready? Part of this journey has indeed sucked...sorry to be so like teenage blunt...But it has, and I know many of you are perhaps chuckling at the 'duhness factor' of this revelation.. And as many of you know, we have always tried to express the positive in the blogosphere..but there's just no gettin' around saying that some days have just plain ol' sucked, and just sucked the life out of ya.. But if one reads only two or three blog postings, you can see our Christian faith threaded throughout. And yes, this indeed does keep us looking toward the positive. But God knows our heart, soul and mind, and He knows some days or moments we are just gonna say, 'this sucks'. Again, forgive the street language but some days, chronic illness can just indeed be a 'ball and chain' walk. Not necessarily today, for today was a good day..and again, just having Becky home has been good. And YES!, We still remain hopeful and positive for the future..But I was talking with a long time woman of faith, and she said, 'some days, ya just have to say this sucks'..and so, I said it now in the blog..But, I can't help but end on the note of how this illness has surfaced some of the absolute best moments in our lives..and I mean it. To name a few: Strength beyond capability, compassion deeper that imagined, focus, clarity, LOVE and respect more than otherwise may not have been felt or seen. So yes, there have been the truly 'sucky' days and nights,along with the truly wonderful days.. and we still cling to hope, we still pray when we have the strength, and we still love each other, and we love God. Yeah, just good simple statements that resonate within the maze of our world..

Much Love to you all..and we mean it..

Bill, Becky & Abbey..

HOME! (again)

Yes, HOME again-the sequel, the second stay....after almost five weeks at City Of Hope..This morning, the Dr. hinted at keeping her a few more days, but Becky said NO! I need to go home! A few issues were not health perfect to the Doctor. Yet, he saw Becky's resolve and yes, he medically assesed she could and should go. Of course, we have to go back two times a week for the next few weeks, but we know that's just the way it is..
We have been home a few hours. A nurse has already been here tutoring us on the administration of an IV..which she is receiving now. Becky and/or I will administer the IV..just not sure of the duration as far days or weeks..BUT hey! Again, it's home..It's where the heart medicine is administered/injected..No machines to infuse a myriad of fluids, versus the two fluids which are infused in parallel over a two or three hour period here at home. But, I repeat, she is home.. with the family and the loyal canine..that is also a source of good heart and soul medicine..
More later...we are all a little weary..well, more than a little weary...just mentally worn for now..But it is painted/draped with the relief and thankfulness of my sweet wife, my daughter's incredulous mother being home..
Lord, thank you..Help us in our unbelief...The unbelief that you are not in control at all times..though we know in the deep canals of our heart..you are! We are in praise of His sovereignty..even where the dark is all we see..We just know and love the Father of Lights, who can and will overcome..
Love to you all..A Big shout out love to you for your prayers..Put on some music and dance to your favorite song..get out there and celebrate life...

Home..ahhhh..

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Still closer..

Yes..it appears Friday will be discharge day..but as said countless times..will really know it when Becky is wheeled out the front door and in the car, and even then we look in the rear view mirror..making sure no one is chasing us down with an IV med..Ok, they really wouldn't do that..just a little venting. Becky is, of course, SO mentally ready. Physically, she will have the Dr,'s discharge approval, but we also know the road to restored health will take much 'homework'...Yet, we are ever so thankful for her release from the 4 white walls she has seen for the last 5 weeks and countless pokes and prods, to the comforts of home, that will still have a few pokes, but hey, it's home!
But we are so very grateful for City Of Hope and Dr. Snyder. We see him as a physician of great integrity, care and of course, immense knowledge of this disease and others related to Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
Thank you, Thank you all for your love and prayers, so many prayers. Thus onward-forward..we press on...
Just as the sun has finally decided to shine brightly in the morning here in LA, after what has seemed like countless weeks of the gray May, June gloom, so do our lives..they too can shine after a season of clouds....

Peace out..Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey...

Closer..

Yes, perhaps closer to discharge. Maybe, maybe in about 4 or 5 days. Just gotta make sure the new med is doing and will do it's thing, and we believe it is. Becky ate good today, she had a good appetite,more than the norm...this is good. The Dr. has her changed over to almost all oral meds, which of course is absolutely necessary before any discharge can be realized. Most all the old friends/meds are back...boo..The predisone, the tacrolimus and more..But it is what it is..She will do what it takes to cross the next 'line in the sand' toward a stronger, healthier Becky. This is not easy, no one said it would be..but we know living as we were living/existing before the stem cell transplant was also not easy. We did what probably 100% of all humans suffering from this disease (myelofibrosis) would do...listen to what curative path was available and then agree to walk it...We trusted and still trust the Lord has His hand in every minute detail. We do. And even when our trust was/is weak, our faith was/is faltering..countless others, including the Lord Jesus Himself, intereceded and still intercede for us.
Others, and the Lord knew what we needed in the valley...and still know what we need in the sometimes deep abyss of uncertainty..
OK, lighter note: We had a nice time the three of us on Saturday..this is always needed! We watched the classic movie, "The Music Man"..a classic indeed. I tell ya when little Ronny Howard sings "shapoopy, shapoopy" (sp?)...ya can't help but feel good about life in that small moment...and when that band goes marchin' down the main street of River City Iowa and everyone is getting along, well that is indeed a warm and fuzzalicious moment...the three of us absorbed it in that hospital room, the warm moment of just getting along, just being together..
Hope you have some warm and fuzzalicious moments..

Celebrate life! Becky thanks you all for your love, care, prayer and support!

A new med...and Bingopalooza

Abbey and I had a nice visit with Mom yesterday...Becky and I even worked in a game or two of Bingo out in the lobby of her floor. A nice family-patient activity the hospital offers once a month...it got intense I tell ya. Becky won a game..She enjoyed it very much. A Bingopalooza it was.
We still think she will be home within a few days, but a new med was introduced due to some foreign anti-bodies present and needing some squelching. My explaination for introducing this new med will not be exact by any means..for I am not in full understanding of it's purpose, only that it will further the changeover of blood type, which hasn't been solidified. As I have mentioned in previous entries, Becky's blood type will actually change to the donor's, but in the past few days there has been a presence of some anti-bodies that are perhaps negating the complete transformation to the donor blood type. Again, I may not be properly relaying the correct medical information, so the above is subject to revision.
The new med takes about 4 hours to 'drip' into her sweetness of self..We can do this outpatient, once a week, for 3 more weeks..that's good, we can do it outpatient! So, again, she may be home soon. She was tired tonight..but still resolved to do all that needs to be done. Amazing, she is...

Well, that's our story for today and again, I don't know if I will stick to all of it..so stay tuned for any tweaks..

Hope your story is a good one today..

Much love..Celebrate life. God Bless.

Bill, Becky and Abbey =:)+= arms open for a hug..

Getting there..

Well, feels like we are close to discharge..Dr. Snyder is putting Becky on oral meds. That's definitely a stamp of 'going home' approval. But still don't have specific day. We think during the weekend. She is feeling like she is ready. Though a few small issues still exist, she is stronger and her walking is quite good. This will be a month long 'tune up' as they call it at the hospital. A month, who knew. Yet, as I have said, we are not shocked at this detour. I reluctantly say it could happen again within the next year.. Please pray not so. Please.
We know of others in this illness 'arena' who have experienced far less complications and we know of others who have endured catastrophic and seemingly endless complications. So, we just give thanks for the medical treatment we receive..for the advancement in medicine that has allowed Becky to be healed of the 'original' disease-Myelofibrosis...and even though the Graft vs. Host is powerful and debilitating in it's own right, we still know there is a City of Hope and an awesome God of Hope that is even more powerful..

Carry on..with faith, hope and love..and yes the greatest of these is love. A medicine one cannnot purchase with even the best of medical plans..

Celebrate life..wash the car with your own hands..

Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Another day..

Becky was in good spirits today..Abbey and I had a great visit with her....watched two old movies,the 'Wizard of Oz', which we've all seen ad infinitum, and "Meet me in ST. Louis"..never really seen that one from begin to end. Cute, Becky said it felt nice to watch together..no drama, just talk a little bit and then watch TV. She is eating some solid food, but still getting a lion's share of nutriton from the 'bag'...We took a walk around the entire floor, she did good..Her strength is gaining, and she doesn't need the leg brace she once had to have..The skin rash is indeed diminshing, but there is still quite a noticeable 'tattoo'...
So, onward forward we go..we just go..we just know she is where she should be..
We pray you are where you should be...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AMERICA! Fly your flag...

Much love..celebate life..celebrate freedom..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

OK...

Becky sounded good today. Yet, the Dr. did say in the AM, the lung fungus was rearing it's head a bit, thus a CT scan necessary, which she had in the afternoon. Will hopefully receive results tomorrow..just how prevalent it is..
She has needed some red blood..hemoglobin low. But again, Becky generally feeling OK. Had a rough night of rest on Tuesday. The IGG med was not administered until 11pm, and constant monitoring is needed with this particular pharmaceutical offering. But she did catch up a bit the next day. We still do not have any specifics on her discharge..yet, as mentioned in earlier blog, the Dr. has expressed his willingness to talk about her discharge, as I have sometimes called it, from the 'hotel', but just don't know when that will be..
Good health and May the Lord bless you and keep you..We trust in Him, still.
"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."

Much Love..celebrate life..sweep the kitchen floor with happiness..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Another day

Here in the hospital room. Abbey and me with Becky, having a nice visit. Also had a nice visit with her brother and wife. Soon she will receive an IGG infusion(immuno-gammoglobulin) in layman's terms..it's an elevated/potent medicine, designed to boost her immune system. Her white count a little high, but OK..her platelets are good.
Onward forward...God Bless..

Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Stable..and improving..

For a few days, Becky was in a sorta 'holding pattern'/ stable with not much improvement, but the last 3 or 4 days have seen some elevated performance. Stronger physically and mentally. Yes, she is still getting nutrition from the 'bag', yet, more and more solid food being consumed. So much so, the Dr. has reduced the liquid food intake level. Also slightly reducing the prednisone/steriod. That's good! But again, back to sustaining/taking the meds that were prescribed months ago, then reduced, then ceased. Oh well, so be it, will do what it takes to beat this Graft vs. Host disease. It is what it is for now. Just keep looking for tomorrow's Sun to rise and look for 'rays of sunshine' to penetrate the downtrodden and the sometimes gray or even dark blanket of emotion..But, make no mistake, Becky/We are NOT defeated. We embrace our faith, our hope, our deep love for each other..We do ask the Lord to sustain our dented spirit. We may experience moments of heart and soul paralyzation, but we also experience moments of the deepest love for each other and for God,that, as I have said before, may or may not otherwise have been realized in this life on earth.
We still don't have any time frame for Becky's release, other than Dr. Snyder did say he would discuss her going home in a few days. Did ya get that one? In a few days, he will discuss Becky coming home. Until then, Becky thanks you all for your love and prayers. She is so encouraged by your words and actions...

We know everybody has a story. Everybody..

Much Love, Celebrate Life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Just keep at it..

Slight improvement today...some pep in her voice. My sweet wife's attitude or psyche did take a hit with this admittance, but she is truly amazing in her day to day 'let's just do it' stance. That's what she does..she just does it. All the meds are back, the ones that were halted a few weeks ago. A labryinth of medicinal administration, Becky's day. Still getting her nutrition from the 'bag', but she is eating a very, very small amount of solid food. We honestly do not know how long she will be hospitalized this time. As indicated, we just put one foot in front of another and work through each day. And so it goes...Abbey is doing fine. Enjoying a little chillin' after a hectic last few weeks of middle school.
Hope and pray all is well with you. Watch out for the labryinths of life. May you find some time to 'chillax'..that's chill and relax. :)+=

Celebrate Life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

And so it goes..

Becky showing slight signs of improvement..She is weak, but engaging, though she does tire easily. Saturday, Abbey was able to visit Becky in the room! As mentioned, this was not allowed during her other stays. They talked of Abbey's middle school graduation and more. Good 'medicine' to Becky, need I say. And some family came to visit which was a nice surprise. She is getting nutrition from the 'bags' as I call it. She's trying solid foods, but they just aren't taking hold yet. She is back to many of the meds she was tapered off of a few weeks ago...Her skin rash was showing signs of disappearance, but still 'maps' her body quite well.
We are still a little numb, but again not shocked, not at all. Just put one foot in front of another, and pray for 'home worthy' restoration for Becky, soon. We know she is where she should be, the re-admittance was absolutely necessary.

Thank you all so much for your care, support and of course prayers..
We trust in the Lord, we do. This is not easy, no it isn't..the frustration, uncertainty and disruption, envelope us at times, to the point of despair. But we still believe in God's goodness, mercy and omniscience.

Much, Much Love..Happy Father's Day to you dudes!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Hospital...

Had some tests today...not feeling so hot. Very nauseous..weak.
Again, we know Becky is where she should be, Lord just help us all adjust mentally. We know this is what has to be..we know the hospitalization is best.
Onward forward..even if it seems 'forward then reverse', we still know there are 'turning cartwheel' days ahead..

Much Love..celebrate life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Becky-hospital..

Yes, Becky is back in the hospital. The Graft Vs. Host disease (you can Google to get a little info on this disease) really showed itself the last 24 to 48 hours...She and I both agreed the re-admittance would probably come to fruition and indeed it did. Homecare was just not an option with the symptoms/manifestations Becky was displaying. She has lost almost ten pounds in the last 8 or so days..The skin rash was spreading. She is of course, disappointed, discouraged & dejected, but again, we saw within the last few days a hospital stay was inevitable. Becky was most of all disappointed she would not be able to attend Abbey's middle school graduation. Since Becky's last discharge back in late January, attending Abbey's graduation was one of her goals. Yet, we know, this will pass, and that most importantly, Becky must experience good health. Abbey is OK, she knows Mom needs hospitalization. She knows this is our life right now, and we were all told, the Graft vs. Host disease can surface within the first two years of the stem cell transplant. OH! Good news, Abbey can actually visit Becky's room now. The '18 and under' patient visitation restriction (due to swine flu fears) has been lifted. This was a big boost to Becky.
Need I say, we covet your prayers directed toward the rid of this disease, for it to succumb to the medical regimen Becky will endure. She has already improved due to the meds administered thus far, especially the hydrating fluids.
I've said it with some frequency, but ya know, we ALL have a story. Life gives us stories of triumph and tragedy. We just ask the Lord to walk-guide us through them all..He does.

Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

More conclusive...still hard to believe..

Ok, you know that Measles thing just mentioned in the last blog? Well, even in the best of medicinal environs, the results can be a bit misleading or non-conclusive. It appears Becky does not have the Measles..the test actually came back 'false positive'. yeah, kinda of an oxymoron. We just got back from the hospital..long day. Now, we are 99% sure it is that Graft vs. Host disease mentioned in quite a blog entries....They did a skin biopsy to get further results. We know there is always a possibility this dimension of her illness can rear it's ugly head and indeed it appears it has...it is treatable, very treatable..but the rash/irritation was so severe, she was almost re-admitted to the hospital today! But, she was given proper fluids and meds and feels better tonight. She was, very,very dehydrated, and told what meds to take at home, and yes, we hope and pray we can treat this from home! No sugar coating, Becky has had a few rough days, no appetite, weight loss, nausea and more.....WE know we will jump thru this current 'ring of fire', just like we have the others...we will see victory in this battle, but no denying the discouragment and bewilderment. Good thing is, she does feel much better after the meds and fluids today and was able to shall I say "hold them all down"..That has been the problem..keeping fluids, meds and food down. We think this will run it's course, but the skin rash/irriation may take awhile to disappear.
We just pray she will not have to be readmitted, and that she will be able to make Abbey's graduation next week. We do continue to rely on the mercy and goodness of our Lord. Mysteries abound, and we know there may not answers to this chapter of life while on this flawed earth..We just have to carry on in faith..yes childlike faith, it's just what it is..simple, firm, uninteruppted faith.
We hope and pray all is well with you..We know everybody has a story..everybody.
We also know there are wonderful moments in our stories/trials that seem almost supernatural in depth and love..hang on to those..

Celebrate life...

Love to you all.

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Hard to believe...

Hello friends and family..hope all is well with you..

As mentioned, Becky has a discomforting rash..thought perhaps to be the result of the CT scan over 9 days ago..a reaction to the chemical they inject into the body, making one glow a bit more. Of course, with sweet Becky nothing is routine. Well the rash is not due to the CT SCAN. She has the MEASLES! That's right, the measles! She has not been feeling well..lots of deep, resonant coughing..very lethargic. Some nausea, appetite loss. We were concerned that the rash was not diminishing at all, since it appeared approx. 7 to 8 days ago. Of course, a rash can hang around for quite awhile, but if it was a reaction to the CT scan, we thought perhaps it would make an earlier exit. We got the call yesterday, stating MEASLES was the diagnosis. Her blood test from the last visit revealed this. It takes a few days to get the results..the IGG test. (Immunoglobulins, An immunoglobulins test is done to measure the level of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood.) Becky was actually relieved to know what caused the rash...though still kinda shocked from the diagnosis. AND this is how we think she got it! Someone with the measles about 3 or so weeks ago was in the same area at the hospital as Becky. We were told on our last appointment, the chances of getting the measles were slim, BUT they had to inform us of this person being in and around the area Becky frequents. Becky has had a few really rough days..Please pray this will not be a lengthy contraction. Pray she will be able to attend Abbey's middle school graduation in a week or so..Please! Yes, hard to believe another dimension or dynamic to this process. But we still thank the Lord for the good days she has had, and we know she will have!..

Much love..celebrate life..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

A little above par..

The golf analogy again if I may. We are now a bit 'above par', meaning the level or even course we have seen lately is seeing a few hazzards and causing a not-so-desired score. Becky has a rash that could be related to the Graft vs. Host disease OR it simply could be something else, could be minor. We, of course, were told to come in immediately to see the Docter. And Well, believe it or not, it may be a reaction to the CT scan she had a few days ago. The iodine..the fluid they inject to promote what I call, 'xray visibility', may suddenly be causing this rash..which covers most of her upper body. But, the oddness is, she has had multiple CT scans with this 'glow' fluid injected, but for some reason, this may be the one time her body, (and her donor's stem cells) said, "I think I'll let you know I do not like this". The rash caused itching and some major sleep deprivation. Of course, we have some meds to take care of the rash and we are thankful this rash is probably not related to the Graft vs. Host disease..We will know more in a few days. But again, upon Dr. Synder's exam he did not see this rash related to GVH. We also have a new med to squash the 'lung spots' formerly mentioned in other blog entries...The spots are looking much better, but there is one that needs a little more help toward the exit door.
So, the visit to City Of Hope was unexpected, but absolutely necessary. They gave her some meds while she was there..which took about 4 to 5 hours. We are so grateful to have this care...SO thankful! We saw a nurse who was so caring and loving while Becky was hospitalized..It was good to see her. She loves to sing in her church...She is so smart and so compassionate.

May God keep His ever watchful eye upon you..


Much Love...Celebrate life...Keep a song in your heart.

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Even par..and little below...

Greetings friends..loved ones..

'Even par'..the term used in Golf when the shot count is level with what is pre-stated/inked on the scorecard..An even round is good (a dream for me)...many strokes above par, not so good..many strokes below par...very good.  Some days have been below par..some very good days lately! But mostly just a nice even par 'round' in last few weeks.  Still doing the anti-blood clot needle shot to the abdomen..We think this should end in the next week or so..We find out soon.  Also taking quite a regimen of meds, but reduction has been seen!  She is still fatigued, but getting around better than a few weeks ago.  She was able to attend a fun church event the other night.  (nights are much better for her)  Mornings can be a little tough..due to some sleep deprivation.  She throughly enjoyed some very talented church goers let loose on popular-secular songs through the decades.  "Way ta go" she said..her fist pumpin.  She enjoyed seeing some wonderful folks she hadn't seen in over 9 months.  It was so warming to her, and for those who got to see her.  Indeed it was medicinal!  She was very, very tired the next day, but still riding 'high' for being able to go to the event.

So, we press on.  Thanking the Lord for past few weeks of 'even par' life.  We know each day is  a gift.  We know there can obstacles interjected at any moment..But we ain't lettin' the thought of the bad overtake the good we are experiencing at this time..

Much, much love to you all..Celebrate life..Keep a song in your heart..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Check up and Mother's Day!

Greetings...Had a great checkup this week...her 'numbers' looked good. Dr. Snyder pleased..even reducing another med or two...But, still gotta do the "blood clot-shot" for another month...The abdomen is getting it's share of needling...Becky takes it like a pro. She has been walking quite a bit around the house..up and down the steps with some supervision. Getting stronger..but still needs wheelchair for mall trips or other engagements and outings...such as Abbey's 'high school to be' had a welcoming party for those who will attend in the fall..Becky of course needed the chair for this, but what a delight it was for her to see some parents and kids she knew from Abbey's 'old' school who will be going to the 'new' school. She had not seen some of these wonderful folks in over 8 months. There was some trepidation on whether to attend the event, but the final outcome was an acclamation of success...So good for her to engage all the senses, and so good for others to finally see Becky and offer encouragement.
Mother's Day..Happy Mom's Day to you all...You mother's who do so much...We had a wonderful day. We ate out again! Abbey and I went to church, then dashed home and took Mommy out for a juicy hamburger..she was simply wanting a good burger...and she got it...it was so yummy to her..she couldn't eat it all, but she savored every bite, and you would have thought she was eating french fries for the first time. She was lovin' the fries. We had a great time just being out together. Didn't need a five star restaurant, though this restaurant has really nice booths, good service and the ice tea is her favorite...what else could ya want!
We thank God, We thank God, for these what were once considered 'little' moments, that now seem like BIG moments. I know that once life offers more normalcy, these BIG moments..will perhaps become only big moments..But, for now, we will run with the BIGS...
WE pray for Becky to keep getting stronger and stronger..for the blood clot to be totally dissolved within a month. For the Graft versus Host disease to never return..NEVER!
Driving is probably quite a few months away, but we pray that when this happens, the ol' 'it's just like riding a bike' is applied to vehicular maneuvering...
WE hope and pray all is well with you. Give thanks in ALL things..God can work out things for good to those who love and trust Him...It's so hard to see and ingest..so very difficult to see this when life seems like you are inside a rodeo barrel and the bull is relentless, and maybe sometimes the bull will puncture the barrel and be the 'victor'..but we have faith..yes, simple childlike faith, that the bull will cease it's repeated charge and we can get of the barrel for a period of time and lift our arms high in celebration, then perhaps get ready for another bull..

Much, much love to you..

Celebrate life...

Bill, Becky and Abbey...

Status quo...

Still having some relatively 'normal' days..YES!  We ate out as a FAMILY a few days ago..

The three of us at a restaurant.  We had a wonderful dinner.  Felt almost surreal to be together at a restaurant in almost 7 months!  And this was after we had been shopping for two hours in the mall!  Wow, start your engines!  Becky had to be in the wheelchair of course, and this will be the case for quite some time..but still it was great to enjoy this time together, that once seemed just 'normal' and at times mundane, but this night was a 'rebirth', a celebration of something as normal as eating out together..

Much Love to you all...May you also celebrate your 'normal' steps..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Liking it...

The past two weeks have seen some nice comfortable and 'happy' days...Becky has had a little spring in her step-shuffle.  Our regular visit showed some good numbers and that certainly helps.  We are still having to administer a shot nightly for the blood clot reduction...and this appears to be the case for the next two months.  Dr. Snyder said it was a large clot. OUCH.. so we gotta make sure this 'big kahuna' gets reduced and eventually banished!  Becky's platelets have decreased over the past two weeks, but we think mainly due to this new med..The Dr. was not too worried about the platelet decrease...

But again, Becky has been feeling relatively good.  She's doing a few more chores around the house.  She cooked a wonderful stew with other day, and she even ate out for the first time!  A few tacos..it was liberating!  BUT, BUT,  this new liberation will proceed with caution.  Foods can sometimes wreak a little havoc on her system.  She does not have the strength to negotiate over two or three steps or walk 20 or so yards without some fatigue, but we know this will come, especially as the meds are reduced, namely the prednisone.  So it's still the wheelchair, but we are still rejoicing at seeing the progress recently made!

Thank you so much for your prayers.  We truly know many of you have been praying for us.

We thank the Lord for all of you...He of course is the great intercessor..and knows what we need before we even think or pray it, and though we have been very discouraged and downtrodden to the point of not knowing what to pray, we know He has been there.  We just know it.   We know many of you have hurts and difficult circumstances...we encourage you to know there is hope in Him..there really is.

Much Love to you all..and we encourage you all to have a little fun or at least break the routine, even when life keeps shooting the arrows of deep and hurtful issues...just chew about 6 pieces of bubble gum, or sing a song at the top of your lungs and let the whole world hear it, well maybe just let your car steering wheel hear it...!  :)+=

Celebrate Life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Stability...

Had a good checkup...levels were good, (platelets, white count etc..) and the lung infection is showing some retreat..The spots are 'cavitizing' or hollowing out, which is good!  Potassium needs a little help...and will get it, with proper med intake..Becky has been feeling pretty good last few days..coughing, sinus infection also retreating.  We pray for her to sleep more hours in continuum.  

Still administering nightly shots for blood clot relief.  Gotta dissolve those bad boys.  We pray this routine will be only ONE month..the Dr. said this could be a three month regimen, but he will check with a more knowledgeable colleague in the blood clot arena on the exact science of applying this medication...

Said it before..We are so thankful for the care we are receiving at City Of Hope..ain't no hospital perfect, yet we know, just how blessed we are to be at this specific structure of research, care and healing...We thank the Lord for 'houses of medicine' like this..

Hope and pray all is well in your house..

Celebrate today..celebrate life!  

Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey (who baked some awesome chocolate chip cookies last night)

Just when you think...

Had the weekly checkup at City Of Hope..and well..just when ya think some sort of normalcy is setting in..Ya get reminded of the complexities this journey has presented and reminded of the complexities that perhaps will be..

Getting right to it: Becky has quite a few blood clots in her 'PICCline' arm. The arm where we draw blood, infuse blood, meds, platelets etc..There was swelling around the line area on Friday..and then sure enough after the 'doppler' view, which was ordered by the Dr. during the regular visit (there is no such thing as regular or normal visit, we never know what's in store) he saw quite a few clots..as many as 12 possibly.. :0

Good news is! The two lines were taken out of her arm..the lines went to a major artery, they were just easily pulled out by a nurse. Yes, now all infusions will be done by needle. AND NOW, due to the blood clots, we have to do a shot each night for a month in the abdomen area. Yes, a month of shots..to dissolve these clots! Yikes! Becky and I will administer the shots! We were trained on how to do this..Yes, just call us.. Mr. & Mrs. Nurse..Of course, we pray this NEW med will rid these clots..They are nothing to take lightly. Not at all. We are thankful they 'stayed in place'.. So there you have it loved ones...discouraged again? Emotional? Yes. And always concerned about tomorrow..BUT, we just have to have the faith beyond faith, that we will get through this..or at least see some 'level life' come soon...We were told..this post transplant journey would be long..TWO years before we have some sort of 'clearance' pattern..if that makes any sense..Clear of that Graft Vs. Host disease and more..

Yes, it's tough to see all these meds..to see Becky discouraged..Abbey has been so strong and encouraging..She does not like to see Mommy endure such physical and emotional stress, but she knows better days are ahead. She could council young teens on how to cope with a life altering chapters such as these in your life...

OH! By the way..Becky is 6 months 'old'...Today marks 6 months from the stem cell transplant on October 9th...Happy Bday honey.. :) WE will continue to celebrate this 'bday'...

Hope and pray all is well with you..We do not give up despite our heavy, weighted hearts....We hope..we pray..We do know the Lord oversees all things..We trust...We trust...we carry on...We love Him no matter...

Celebrate life! Much Much love..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Easter...

Had a great Easter weekend..Becky felt good, other than a lingering sinus infection..The back pain took a weekend off!  Yes!  She has a little pain today, but there is a level of comfort being felt that has escaped Becky for the last two or three weeks.  She looked so pretty Easter Sunday.  Abbey and I returned from a wonderful Easter service to see Becky dressed up..and even wearing her wig! That pretty blonde hair coiffed so beautifully...She had a radiance on this Easter Sunday, Abbey and I will never forget.  This Sunday signified the resurrection of the Lord and it radiates forever!  Becky, I guess you could say in humanistic form, resurrected herself on this day..It was marvelous to sit at the table and eat an awesome Easter meal, provided surprisingly by the "Home-Based" ministry at our church.  We were so grateful for our brothers and sisters providing this yummy delight.  

Today  sees the sinus infection causing abundant coughing..and interrupted rest.  

But we have seen improvement in the overall condition.  Again, we will have many months actually another year or two before we see true, true distance from some of the recent complications and the big complication of Graft vs. Host disease.  Yes, it can rear it's head months even a year or so away from the transplant.  We always pray this 'boogeyman' stays away..

Hope all is well with you and yours.  Hope your Easter was a fulfilling one..Summer's a comin..

Much Love, Celebrate Life!  

Bill, Becky and Abbey

two steps..one step..

Greetings..

Had a pretty good weekend...back pain still a 'pain'..but some relief is being seen and felt.

Mobility better..which translates to emotional and psychological improvement.  Today a little stiff, but again, the hyper-extreme pain appears to have subsided.  Yet, it does take some work to sleep, get in the right position etc.....but hey..ya do what ya gotta do..

On the great news front:  Becky's platelet were 193K!  Now that's what I'm talking about!  This in the normal range!  We got this news last Thursday, but Becky was in so much back pain, she couldn't jump up and do a cartwheel, or at least thrust a fist in the air..Nonetheless, we did rejoice at this news..Haven't seen this level in about two years!  let's keep goin!  Becky does still get very tired, fatigued, but we know in time and with the reduction of certain meds, her energy and physicality will improve..We still measure success one hour at a time.

Thank you as always for your prayers.  WE know many of you have your own valleys to navigate.  We encourage you to stay the course, while going slowly, plodding through the caverns of this life.  There can be wonderful indescribable moments of "light".. There is hope in the Lord..WE have seen the body of Christ reach out to us..and it has been medicinal.  We have seen and felt the kindness of neighbors, friends...this illness has caused the door to be opened to others that otherwise may not have found our porch.

Not to say, there hasn't been quite a few moments of raw, unedited frustration..Exhaustion, fear, anxiety...overwhelming emotion..I could go on..

But we press on, we just do what we can and we give thanks in all things..ALL things

Have a great day or evening..Yes, please do celebrate life..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

More good news..

Briefly, just got a call from Physician's Assistant..

SAID NO infection/fungus had NOT moved to the spine...The fluid was CLEAR!

Yes, Praise God..So, the Brain and the Spine are clear of any infection..

Becky's sinus infection getting better, but coughing still fairly constant..but is subsiding..

And believe it or not, that back muscle pain she had before, still haunts her..It causes

 'dagger-like' pain in her midback area..WE pray it will work it's way out..She will see her trusted Chiropractor in a few days..

But again, we do give thanks for the good news..and we hope and pray the Platelets, the White count and Hemoglobin are as good as last week, or even better, when we go for her check-up this week...

Enjoy your day..or night.  Take a nice deep breath and just give thanks...

Much, much Love,

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Good news day....

Dear Friends,

Just got back from hospital...some good, actually great news..the infection had NOT moved or spread to the brain.. We will know in a few days if any went to the spinal cord...the procedure for testing this went very well..though Becky is exhausted.

Her levels were very good! ..Platelets, white count, hemoglobin..etc..This is ALWAYS good!

Thanks for the prayers..we WILL overcome! We will...we rejoice at the mostly positive news today!

Much much Love, Indeed celebrate life...We thank the Lord for many blessings we have..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Recent news...Prayer..

Becky wrote the following:


Hello My Friends!

I would appreciate your specific prayers for me and Bill tomorrow. Mr doctor just called to inform me that the results of my lung biopsy yesterday shows I have another new type of infection in my lung, but it's an aggressive type that can spread to the brain and spine. It's all from my low immune system. Therefore, I need to go back to City of Hope tomorrow (Wednesday) 8:30 - 3 or 4 p.m. for a CT scan of my brain, have lab tests and then have a lumbar/spinal tap.....through my tears I know that God knows all about this, but it's difficult too.
Pray please for my endurance and strength and Bill's stress level. Good news is, we can stop the nightly IV and the additional very strong medicine we were recently taking for the 'other' infectious nodules/spots. We now have, yet another new medicine that requires only twice a day intake...

Thank you so much for your faithfulness in praying for all 3 of us....God bless each of you.

Love,

Becky


We add:
Thank you all for praying..We know this is just another bump that can be overcome. We reveal our transparency, in that, we are frustrated, yet still determined. Upset, yet still knowing our care is in the best hands possible. And YES! We know The Lord can and will see us through this.



Love,
Bill, Becky and Abbey

Dear Lord,

Comfort Becky as she endures this barrage of tests..give her the peace and strength she needs to cope with the latest news.
_____________________________________

Onward forward..

Hope all is well with you and yours..

Abbey was sick last weekend and out of school Mon & Tues.  Doing better, but still a little weak..Had fever and sore throat..we have been so blessed at her not having any sickness for quite some time..

Rescheduled Becky's lung biopsy til next Monday the 15th..again, please pray the procedure goes well...morever, the new spots will dissipate..or at least show signs of cavitizing  - 'hollowing out' so to speak.. The new med is designated to destruct these lung spots.  

We 'visit' City Of Hope tomorrow for her regular check-up...

Again, we hope and pray all is well with you..

Stay positive and prayerful..

Celebrate life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Remaining positive...

To the point...got a call that the CTscan done a week or so ago, revealed a new infectious spot on the lungs..actually these 'spots' or aspergillus (a fungus) as they are called, are inside the lungs.. With Becky's immune system being so low, they surface. Believe it or not, we ALL have some sort of fungus in us! When our immune systems are in full 'fighting' mode, the fungus strains don't have achance.. Yet, Becky is susceptible to these infectious 'soldiers', who love to play when the muscle man immune system is away. She was introduced to another medication that is quite powerful. We take this in conjunction with the IV administered nightly. These TWO heavy hitting meds ought to smother, weaken or rid the fungus. During our visit to City Of Hope yesterday, Dr. Snyder showed us the xray of the lungs..you can seen this new fungus or 'spot' at the base of the right lung. The other fungus being treated looks like a ring..it is hollow or cavetized, which is good, that means there is less substance inside the ring of aspergillus.. A biopsy is scheduled for this Monday..gotta go in there and confirm this is a fungus related to the 'original' one, or if this a totally different 'strain'..Meantime, Becky will take this very strong med to keep it staying in it's corner. Becky also had to have red blood yesterday..hemoglobin low. Her platelets dropped a bit..but nothing at all to be concerned with..White count also dropped a bit but still OK..holding steady. S0 a little disappointed in this latest news? Yes. But still holdin' on to the good? You bet.. We still give thanks, that she is able to roam about the house with some relative ease.. Cook herself a meal or two..this is great! She folds the laundry after it is done. Appetite is consistent, though some days not as hearty as others.. And she even went out to a grocery store for the first time in 5 months! The Dr. thought it would be OK, even with the low immunity. She loved it. She had to go in the wheelchair and she made the comment, "how things looked so differently in the store at that lower level". But, she was glad to get out and grab some paper towels off the shelf, some eggs, bread and to put them in the basket..she enjoyed helping Abbey shop for shampoo and more. We had a nice time doing this together.
So, please pray that her biopsy will be uneventful, that she will not need more red blood or platelets before the procedure. That the physicians overseeing this new development will recognize just exactly what type of fungus or fungi it is, And pray this new 'spot' will succumb to the new treatment. Which will mostly likely take up to 21 days of this powerful med. We will, of course know more after the biopsy.
She is, for the most part in a positive frame of mind. She engineers her small pharmacy with such precision and great methodology. Her 'get through this' attitude is indeed inspiring. Though, let's be real, there have been, and still continue to be 'valley' moments, some last longer than others..some valley moments and days are overwhelming, but she perseveres. We all persevere. We cry, we laugh, we sit 'still and know', we wonder what's next, and of course we pray. We do hope and pray all is well with you..who are reading this..

Lastly, "Come to me ALL who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28..

We encourage you to accept the rest HE offers.

Much Love, Celebrate Life..

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Sunday night

Hope you all had a good weekend..

Still some back pain for Becky..the kind that takes your breath away if you move in the wrong direction. But we know in time, this will (hopefully) subside. Nice day today..After church Abbey and I got some plants..(tomato and flowers) and planted them..and Becky was able to sit outside with a mask and watch-supervise us. It was a cool family moment.
Briefly, my Dad had a 90th Bday party today back in NC...kinda cool My sister sorta surprised him with some folks gathered in the church fellowship hall..she read him a poem and then of course it was time to eat! Another good family moment.

We hope and pray you are having good family or people moments as well..
Stay positive..Have Faith in what is unseen, not seen...

Much Love to you all..

Bill, Becky & Abbey

Up..Up..Up :)

We are seeing a wonderful rise in the platelets..it's hard to believe they are now 145K! Yes, 145,000. The normal range is 150 to 350k! Wow, let's celebrate! Can't recall the last time we ever saw these numbers. The white count is 5.5 which is good. Just to temper this, we had to have a 4 to 5 hour IV today, beginning at 7am..Becky's overall immune system is low..and needed this 'liquid booster", a gammaglobin somethin, somethin booster. We may have to do this once a month for the next few months, but hey, bring it on... She also had a CT scan,,this will show if these infectious lung spots are leavin' town..We certainly hope so. This means we can curtail the home IV..until then, we still have to administer it for the next two weeks or so. Becky and I taek this chore on. Not too much rocket science..Just have to plan for it and make sure all procedural points are met.. Get the med out of the frigertator so it won't be so cold..wear gloves, clean the lines, make sure the IV is dripping correctly and more. This entire process take about an hour.
Becky seem stronger in the legs. Even though she still has to wear a right leg brace, and there is fluid buildup in both legs, we can see her pace of walk has improved. She can shuffle with confidence. She can do her exercises with more ease. WE do hope and pray her right leg will return to full use within months...but this could take a year. Which means driving is still a distant goal. We are not going to push this one. It will come grasshopper, it will come. She did go see her favorite Chiropractor, Dr. Joga in Santa Monica. Becky was having some major back muscle issue. Dr. Joga knew just what to do on this first visit, and sure enough, Becky is feeling improved. Not at the 'much improved' state yet, but again, this will come grasshopper.

So, we do feel the 'health scale' is tipping toward the positive. Yet, we also know the other 'stuff' will be 'hanging around in the room' for quite some time. We know the Graft vs. Host disease can still have a party. We know with her immune system generally low, other viruses can take the driver's seat for awhile. But for now, we Praise GOD for this incredibly rapid rise in the platelets and white count stabiltiy. Dr. Snyder even reduced her City Of Hope visits from two a week to once a week! That's so cool! So cool!

Thank you all for your prayers...Again, we know many of you have your own trials and hardships. You are enduring some difficult moments. We thank you for taking the time to read Becky's blog. We encourage you to stay in prayer, do not neglect the privelege we have to kneel in prayer to a loving God. He wants to meet your needs. Let Him know them. In Christ we do have strength.

The journey continues..it's sure one wild ride..

Celebrate life...Much love to you all,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

PS. Saw this line in a publication I read at the hospital - writer "unknown"

"There are two kinds of people in this world: those who finish what they start, and..."

Homegirl..

Still going well at home..yes, still some of the usual complications, but manageable..Currently, she has a back pain, muscle discomfort that is excruciating. One of those pains we all have experienced, whereby you move a certain way, and your breath is interuppted, or almost taken away. Wow, of all the complications she has had this one had to come on...But there is some relief at times. She can sit or lie down a certain way and feel a dullness, and sometimes even a total dismissal of the pain. HEY! GREAT news, the platelets were 80K Thursday! That's just awesome, awesome. Haven't seen this number in over TWO years! The white count dropped to 2.4, but no need sound alarm button. This is still OK. We don't have to wear a mask in the home. That's cool. Becky has to have a bone marrow 'draw' next Friday. Just part of the process. Just want to make sure the marrow is lookin good, and with the steady increase of platelets, we think it ishould look OK.. looks there is a good "production team" assembled! But, of course, must wait to hear from Dr. Snyder...
It is so nice to get family orientated again. Sounds strange, but when your loved one is out of house for so long, you get into other patterns, or just simply 'change lanes' in your day to day living. Nothing negative neccesarily, just the way it is. We are now we are starting see some slight sense of the normalcy, or I should say, normal adjustment to this new life we have now. By no means, are we the same as before. I don't think mentally we will ever be as before, but let the record show, this statement is to be construed as positive. Really positive. I'll be able to define it more as the weeks and months pass, but for now, it rests as is.. It will take a year or two before we really see what definition 'normal' will present itself as...
So, even with the small pharmacy we have here in the home, the rearrangement of daily living and the complications that arise. We will press on..press on with the faith that really does NOT look at what is seen, but what is unseen..And yes, it takes a tremendous, tremendous effort to press on at times, but we do..

OH Lord, 'We know you cause all things to work together for good to those who love you'
WE know there is no promise of wonderfully sustained health, no promise of material riches in this life..But we do hold on to your goodness and mercy in all things, and your promise of eternal life.

To whomever may be reading this entry..We hope all is well with you and yours.

Really do celebrate this life we have been given...!!

Have some fun..along with all the serious stuff..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky & Abbey (who is doing great, and she is such a good helper with the cooking and laundry chores)